Playing The Inner Game Podcast

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

https://www.unstageetapres.fr/

(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, please remember to subscribe to future episodes and leave a review! 

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