A life based on Choices not Circumstances with Zion Armstrong

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.”