In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws sits down with Lawrence "Larry" Armstrong—architect, artist, and author of Layered Leadership: Drive Double-Digit Growth and Dominate Your Competition with Creative Strategies and Execution. Larry shares how his unique blend of art and business has shaped his multidimensional approach to leadership.
Through vivid metaphors and real-world examples, Larry breaks down his "layered" model of leadership, emphasizing balance, vision, and execution. He explains why curiosity and creativity are essential traits for leaders, how developing a strong "number two" can multiply impact, and why personal wellness and financial health form the foundation for sustainable success.
Listeners will come away with practical ideas for leading more intentionally, staying curious, and helping teams grow in both structure and creativity.
Key Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to Transform Your Workplace and introduction to Xenium HR's Custom HR Support
01:00 – Introducing Lawrence Armstrong and the concept of "layered leadership"
03:00 – How the idea of layers connects art, architecture, and leadership
06:00 – The importance of building a foundation before chasing growth
09:00 – The "rocket" metaphor for balanced leadership
10:00 – Leonardo da Vinci and the power of whole-brain leadership
12:00 – Why curiosity and discomfort fuel long-term growth
13:00 – Delegate vs. abdicate: developing fluency in all aspects of your business
14:00 – The Tinker Toy exercise for visualizing leadership growth
16:00 – The power of developing a strong "number two"
18:00 – Books that shaped Larry's leadership approach
23:00 – Why personal health and financial wellness matter for leaders
25:00 – The "fleet of ships" metaphor and agile leadership at scale
27:00 – Building innovation into every layer of the organization
30:00 – How being an artist makes Larry a better CEO
32:00 – Leadership legacy and lessons from Layered Leadership
A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST
Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR
Host: Brandon Laws
In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought leaders."
About Xenium HR
Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience.
Discover how Xenium can transform your workplace: https://www.xeniumhr.com/
Connect with Brandon Laws:
LinkedIn
Instagram
About
Connect with Xenium HR:
Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.