Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/

Vivian Siu was born in Hong Kong. At age 6 she and her mother moved to New York in the hope of a better life.

At age 16 she lost her mother, and dropped out of high-school in the USA, moving back to HK to avoid being put in foster care …She then dragged herself up by the bootstraps, hitting the books, and somehow getting into and graduating from Columbia University

She went from bartending around HK and sleeping on friend’s couches with a small suitcase just to survive… to a successful career in investment banking.

As an escape from her harsh reality, she found joy in the underground video arcades of gritty Kowloon. She found community there and found that she was actually really good at the car racing games.

Many years later, she used that muscle memory from the arcade…to unbelievably making history as the first female and first LGBTQ Formula 4 driver ever to finish the Macau Grand Prix. All with just 6 months of experience and 4 real races in an actual racing car, and whilst holding down a job in Investment Banking.

Seriously incredible and the movie about her life so far will be shown on all Cathay Pacific flights starting in December

Vivian’s story is a reminder to all of us that when education and sport, meets a young person with drive… anything is possible.

She was not born into money. There has been no silver spoon to feed her opportunities. And when you don’t have opportunity fed to you on a silver spoon, you learn to lick it off knives.

She’s taken every sliver of an opportunity shown to her and really made her own luck. The odds were completely stacked against her achieving any of these things. And yet, here she is. Record breaker.

Ultimately, I’ve often said that “It’s hard to beat the person that refuses to give up.”

This woman has not, and will not give up. We all have something to learn from her.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.


Guest - Vivian Siu (https://www.instagram.com/viviansiu28/?hl=en)
Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/
Instagram: @michaelxcampion

Watch the movie Zero to Macao (https://www.zerotomacao.com/) on all Cathay Pacific flights


(00:00) Preview
(00:41) Intro
(04:41) Moving to New York as a kid
(07:40) Losing her mum at 16
(10:07) The arcade racing game that kept her sane
(13:53) Rock bottom years
(17:19) GED, community college, obsessive studying habits
(20:57) Getting Into Columbia
(25:42) Ivy League grind
(30:33) Life After Columbia
(31:33) Graduating alone
(36:54) Survival mode mindset
(40:24) From arcade to track
(44:20) Mentors and momentum: the push that made it real
(45:02) The Macau Grand Prix experience
(47:38) Racing for her dad
(51:28) Releasing years of bottled up pain
(54:46) Zero to Macau
(57:52) Who this story is for
(01:00:01) Doing it for mum and dad vs doing it for yourself
(01:03:21) Why every lap feels like a win
(01:07:00) Inner game routines
(01:08:32) What’s next for Vivian
(01:10:11) Outro

Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/

It’s tough to separate your job title from your identity and self-worth. Here’s 2 great questions Robert Earnshaw asked himself upon retiring from the highest level:

“If I’m not a footballer…then who am I?”

“Now that it’s over, how do I want to show up, and who do I want to be for those around me?”

Transferable Lessons & Principles from our conversation:

- Obsession is necessary. The person who lies awake at night thinking about how to get better will win.

- You are more than your job. Do not confuse WHAT you do with WHO you are.

- Diversify your sources of happiness and self-esteem. Not every passion needs to be monetised. Keep something just for you.

"Earnie" has navigated the transition from professional footballer and public figure with more ease, grace, and optimism than most.

I caught up with him in Singapore, after we shared the pitch at the Soccer 7s Series to talk about the “inner game”:

But this episode isn’t just for athletes. It’s for anyone standing at a crossroads, wondering if there’s something more.

If you've ever felt the tension between who you were and who you’re becoming, this one’s for you.

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Connect with Robert: https://www.instagram.com/robertearnshaw/

Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/

(00:00) Identity Beyond Football

(01:27) Playing in Singapore Soccer 7s

(03:31) First Impressions of Singapore

(04:35) Bringing Back the Somersault Celebration

(06:31) Playing with Joy vs Playing with Anger

(07:54) Football as Joy, Competition & Entertainment

(10:15) The Pure Emotion of Scoring Goals

(12:23) Life After Retirement & Reinventing Identity

(17:21) Coaching, Broadcasting & Public Speaking

(20:20) Building Life’s Boxes: Spiritual, Physical, Professional

(24:47) Chess, Curiosity & Lessons Beyond Football

(28:39) Talent is Practice in Disguise

(32:59) Transferable Lessons from Football to Life

(37:49) Visualization & Performing Under Pressure

(42:26) Mastery and the Process of Getting Better

(46:45) Discipline, Health & Contracts with Yourself

(53:35) Doing Things with Feeling & Full Commitment

(56:52) Patience, Consistency & Trusting the Process

(58:43) Overcoming Setbacks & Disappointment

(1:01:24) Did Robert Earnshaw Squeeze the Lemon?

(1:06:24) Sacrifice, Social Life & Family in Football

(1:09:13) Why Discipline Beats Motivation

Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/


Luxury isn’t about price tags or logos.

It’s about identity. Emotion. Desire.

And no one understands that better than Matthias Weiskopf.

As a brand strategist who’s worked with some of the world’s most iconic names, from Ferrari to Porsche to McLaren, Matthias doesn’t just market luxury.

He dissects it. Rebuilds it. And redefines what it means to want something that, frankly, no one needs.

In this conversation, we go far beyond product design or campaign strategy. We explore how luxury brands build meaning across cultures, especially in Asia where perception, status, and symbolism shift from one market to the next.

But this episode isn’t just about business. It’s about why we chase certain dreams. What it means to create aspiration without alienation.

If you’ve ever wondered why a handbag can make someone feel invincible or why storytelling might be the last true luxury — this one’s for you.

And if something here sparked a new perspective, let us know in the comments.

Stay curious.


Connect with Matthias: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthiasweiskopf/
Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/


(00:00) Preview
(01:25) The Psychology of Luxury
(04:22) The Five Tiers of Luxury Customers
(07:48) McLaren vs Ferrari: Heritage, Status & Recognition
(10:51) Emotional Utility and the Experience of Luxury
(12:20) Status Signaling and Relationship Dynamics
(14:14) Why Ferrari’s Brand Is Irreplicable
(17:36) Hyper-Local Strategy for Challenger Brands
(19:15) Managing Retail Across Asia
(23:06) The “Money Can’t Buy” Experience Strategy
(27:15) Understanding Customer Desires
(31:36) The Disconnect Between Product and Experience in Modern Luxury
(33:35) Jaguar's Rebrand Failure
(37:48) What Western Luxury Brands Get Wrong About Asia
(43:13) The Rise of Homegrown Brands
(47:14) Why Luxury is Not Just About Price
(49:20) The Power of Storytelling in Branding
(50:22) Matthias’ First Luxury Purchase and the Psychology Behind It
(55:58) Porsche’s Ecosystem and Experience-Driven Strategy
(01:02:28) Defining Real Luxury
(01:08:02) Matthias’ Career Leap: From McLaren Exec to Entrepreneur
(01:11:32) Building Something That’s Yours: The Solopreneur’s Advantage
(01:14:49) Finding Joy in Teaching and Consulting

Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/

James Riley spent decades leading one of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands.

But this episode isn’t about boardrooms or five-star service, it’s about what happens after 40 years of executive employment.

When James stepped down as CEO of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, he didn’t slow down - he rewrote the rules. From abseiling Angel Falls with limited eyesight to backing mission-driven startups, he’s chasing meaning over metrics.

We talk about reinventing identity, letting go of legacy, and designing a life filled with purpose, not pressure.

If you’ve ever asked yourself “what’s next?” after success, this conversation is for you.

Let us know what resonated in the comments.

And if you’re enjoying the show, subscribe and stay curious.

Connect with James Riley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-riley-8442011

Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/

(00:00) Why James Riley Walked Away from a 41-Year Career

(01:43) Trekking Angel Falls with Failing Eyesight

(08:42) Retirement Guilt: “I’m Still Never Home”

(10:22) James’ Insights on Leadership and Managing Time

(14:50) What James Is Focused On Now

(17:27) What Attracted James to Oberoi Hotels

(21:57) Backing Mission Driven Startups

(27:54) VoiceMap: An App That Can Replace a Tour Guide

(34:13) Launching a Podcast for Travelers

(39:16) The Best ChatGPT Prompt to Explore Cities

(45:27) A Pattern That Follows Him Through Life

(49.07) Durham University Fundraising

(51:53) Family, Cold Swims, and the Next Big Adventure

Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/


Founded in 2015 by Bastien Le Coz and Gabriella Zavatti, Palatino Hospitality is a global leader in luxury hospitality, serving some of the world’s finest hotels — from Four Seasons, to One & Only, to Bulgari.

But this episode isn’t just about building Palatino Hospitality and their recent merger with La Bottega. It’s about what happens when your life partner also becomes your co-founder.

When every creative idea, late-night pitch deck, and long-haul flight is shared with the same person you’re raising a family with.

From the outside, Bastien Le Coz and Gabriella Zavatti might look like just another power couple.

But once you sit with them — as I did for this episode — you’ll hear the story behind the brand.

We go deep into:
- What it takes to scale without losing your relationship
- The secret power of co-preneurship (and where it can break you)
- Why creativity is the ultimate business strategy
- How to sell without selling — by staying radically authentic
- The quiet rituals that build lasting hospitality brands

This one’s for anyone building something — a brand, a business, or a life — and wondering if it’s possible to do it all without burning out or selling out.
I hope this conversation moves you as much as it moved me.
And if it did, leave a comment below and let us know what resonated.

Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/

Connect with Gabriella on IG: @gabriellazav

Connect with Bastien on IG: @Bastienlecoz

Follow Palatino on IG: @palatinohospitality

Website: https://www.palatinogroup.com/

Palatino in the news: Merger with La Bottega

(00:00) Preview and Intro
(03:20) Blending Family, Work, and Travel
(07:05) The Importance of Presence in Work and Life
(10:02) Helping Clients (and Themselves) Disconnect
(13:08) Complementary Strengths & Co-Leadership
(16:23) Scaling the Business Without Losing the Soul
(22:13) Creativity as a Strategic Advantage
(26:23) Launching Before You're Ready
(30:21) The Sustainability Pivot & Market Timing
(33:49) Turning Clients Into Catalysts for Growth
(36:35) Learning from Failure Without Worshipping It
(39:36) What’s Next for Palatino
(40:03) Designing Travel for Transformation
(46:00) Storytelling, Rituals, and the Future of Luxury Hospitality
(49:50) Personalization vs. Standardization in Guest Experience
(52:31) Living the Brand: Family, Travel, and Hospitality
(56:31) Leadership Principles: Empathy, Kindness, and Excellence
(01:02:21) Building a Purpose-Driven Business
(01:08:23) Lessons from Family, Mentors, and the Next Generation
(01:07:00) The 5:1 Rule: Building a Culture of Positive Feedback
(01:08:23) Top Business Lessons from Experience
(01:10:03) Wisdom from Family: Gratitude and Quiet Strength
(01:13:55) Teaching Courage and Creativity to the Next Generation
(01:17:00) Final Reflections: Empathy, Mentorship & Social Impact

Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/

Five years ago, we reconnected, basically as strangers. Five years later, we’re best of friends and business partners.

When I decided to relaunch Playing the Inner Game in full HD video, leaving behind the lo-fi days of Zoom and audio only recordings, I knew exactly who the first guest had to be.

Benjamin Quinlan

Back in 2020, we sat down for what was supposed to be a 90-minute podcast🎙️

I turned off the mics, but six hours later, we were still talking.

And by the end of that night, he’d all but insisted I join him in building something meaningful together.

Today, I’m proud to be a Partner and Head of Corporate Training at Quinlan & Associates working with some of the world’s most respected companies, helping their leadership teams communicate with clarity, confidence, and charisma.

In this episode, we go deep not only into our working relationship, but into:

• What it means to lead in a high-pressure world
• The often-unspoken issue of executive burnout
• How to sell advice in tough markets
• And how to build connection in both business and life

You’ll also hear from a man I deeply admire about what’s changed him most over the last five years… and what he’d regret not changing in the next five.

I hope you enjoyed this conversation as much as I did.

And if you did, drop a comment down below and hit that like button!

For any Strategy Consulting or Corporate Training Enquiries you can contact visit https://www.quinlanandassociates.com/

Connect with Benjamin Quinlan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-quinlan-17b32416/

Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/

(00:00) Introduction

(00:40) What’s Changed Since 2020

(06:03) Consulting Landscape Post Pandemic

(09:10) The Evolution of Client Needs

(13:25) How to Attract and Retain Top Talent

(18:24) The Reality of Executive Burnout

(22:41) How to Manage Expectations

(30:11) The Art of Communication

(36:37) How to Build Instant Rapport

(41:14) How to Deal With Over Communication

(45:54) The Art of Sales and Persuasion

(54:52) Using Comedy to Fuel Business and Creativity

(58:47) Pursuing Growth and Avoiding Stagnation

(01:02:00) The Truth About Procrastination

(01:04:16) How to Deal with Fear of Failure

(01:07:10) How to Build Confidence

Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/

I used to be too shy to speak in class.

Now I coach executives, founders, and venture capitalists, how to speak more persuasively.

This is the full story arc - from shy kid in Hong Kong to investment banker, to wine expert, to professional footballer, to entrepreneur, and now keynote speaker and executive coach.

35 minutes of missteps, reinventions, and sliding doors moments that mattered.

From folding t-shirts and waiting tables, to speaking on national TV and coaching execs you see on Bloomberg and CNBC.

It’s a touch vulnerable and quite personal, but maybe it’ll give someone out there the courage to jump and get in the arena.

That would be a win in my eyes.

I made it for anyone who’s ever:

•Felt like they were playing small

•Had something valuable to say, but didn’t know how to say it

•Or simply needed proof that confidence can be built, not inherited

This is the full story of how I learned to speak up, back myself, and why I’m passionate about helping others do the same.

I hope there’s something in it that resonates.

And if it does, smash that like button!

Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/

Rob Mills is an actor, performer, and born entertainer who's well known in Australia for his roles on stage in productions that include Jesus Christ Superstar, Ghost the Musical, Hairspray, and Wicked. Many will recognise him from his role as Finn Kelly on the popular television series, Neighbours, for which he won "Best Actor TV Soap Awards UK".

He is currently playing the role of William Shakespeare in the brilliant award-winning musical “& Juliet” (https://andjuliet.com.au/) which is now coming to Perth & Sydney.

Rob Mills first came to the attention of the Australian public in 2003 as a finalist on the first series of Australian Idol. With his boyish charm and a successful national Idol Tour, he was signed to BMG records.

Rob’s first single 'Ms Vanity' debuted at #6 on the Australian charts, reaching Gold status. His debut album Up All Night was released in June 2004.

Rob and Michael met in Singapore in October 2023 to discuss:
- Relationships
- The perils of early fame
- Self-confidence & self-worth
- Finding himself in musical theatre
- Happiness & lowering your expectations
- Notions of masculinity & men's mental health
- Speaking to mates vs speaking to a psychotherapist
- His latest book 'Putting on a Show: Manhood, Mates, & Mental Health'

Guest: Rob Mills
Website: https://www.robmills.net.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-suhina-singh/
Instagram: @robmillsymills
Buy the Book: Putting on a Show - Mates, Manhood & Mental Health

Host: Michael X. Campion
Homepage: www.michaelxcampion.com
LinkedIn: @michaelxcampion
IG: @michaelxcampion
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Michaelxcampion

Michael Campion is a Corporate Trainer, Career Coach, and Entrepreneur based between Singapore and Hong Kong. If you are looking for an Executive Coach or Keynote Speaker please email the address below.
Coaching & Speaking Enquiries: hello@michaelxcampion.com