Nov 11, 2025
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/
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