Zion Armstrong is a former elite athlete and global business leader. This episode explores the transformative power of mentorship, resilience, and intentional leadership. From a troubled youth in New Zealand to the global boardrooms of major corporations, Zion shares how sport, structure, and love helped shape his journey. This conversation is a masterclass in authenticity, parenting, and purpose driven leadership.
Key Themes & Takeaways
1. Turning Points & Mentorship
- Zion shares a pivotal moment from his youth involving a stolen motorbike and a compassionate police officer who chose to mentor him rather than punish him.
- This officer gave Zion time, structure, belief, and love, becoming a father figure and changing the trajectory of his life.
2. Sport as a Catalyst
- Athletics gave Zion hope, discipline, and self-worth. It helped him build confidence, gain respect, and develop a sense of purpose.
- The structure and goals in sport translated into life lessons that shaped his career and leadership style.
3. Intentional Parenting
- Zion reflects on his journey as a father, acknowledging past mistakes and the importance of being present and intentional.
- He emphasises setting goals with his children, creating quality time, and role modelling values like discipline and love.
4. Managing Competing Priorities
- He discusses the challenge of balancing ambition with family life, especially post-divorce.
- Zion uses structured planning and support systems to ensure he’s present for his kids while maintaining professional commitments.
5. Technology & Parenting
- Zion and Shaun explore the struggle of managing kids’ screen time and promoting healthy habits.
- They stress the importance of co-creating boundaries, being consistent across households, and role modelling tech discipline.
6. Leadership Philosophy
- Zion’s leadership is grounded in authenticity, values, and understanding individual definitions of success.
- He uses tools like new leader integration workshops and 90-day plans to foster trust, alignment, and growth.
7. Career Advice & Growth
- Zion encourages young people to get a foot in the door, focus on learning, and network authentically.
- He highlights the importance of reading, surrounding yourself with good people, and capturing meaningful quotes for reflection.
Memorable Quotes
- “Kids need role models, not critics.”
- “You only need two things in life: meaning and purpose, and love and connection.”
- “If you find a quote that resonates, write it down. It’ll help you on the tough days.”
What is The Shaun McCambridge Podcast?
For over 20 years, Shaun McCambridge has been inquisitive, learning and experimenting with different ways to leverage our greatest asset….. our minds, to work for us rather than against us.
Join Shaun as he engages with inspiring guests to provide you with tangible knowledge and insights to help you achieve more.
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