In this special episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the inspiring Payman Lorenzo for an unscripted chat. Payman’s story is one of resilience, passion, and transformation, and it was an honor to hear about his journey from Afghanistan to Vietnam, touching on his experiences across 14 countries and his fluency in six languages. From bestselling author to e-commerce entrepreneur and podcast host, Payman truly embodies what it means to live a dynamic, purpose-driven life.
Payman’s early years were shaped by his family’s move from Afghanistan to France when he was just four years old. He later moved to Canada at 14, and from there, his love for travel and exploration took off. Currently, he’s based in beautiful Da Nang, Vietnam, where he’s found a sense of peace and focus amid the city’s welcoming atmosphere and natural beauty.
Our conversation delved into the pivotal moments that changed his life, like his decision to leave behind a potential career in law after reading Tim Ferriss’ The 4-Hour Workweek. That book inspired him to carve his own path, much to his family’s initial dismay. He turned away from the traditional route of becoming an international lawyer to explore online business and entrepreneurship, even working in the oil fields of Alberta, Canada, and later as a football coach in China. This shift, though daunting, opened up a world of opportunities and allowed him to embrace a lifestyle of freedom and creativity.
One of the most powerful parts of our discussion was
Payman’s emphasis on listening to your inner voice. He spoke passionately about
the importance of tuning in to those gut feelings and hunches that often guide
us towards our true calling. For him, that meant starting a podcast—a project
that not only helped him find his voice but also transformed his life in
profound ways. Despite being shy and struggling with self-esteem issues in the
past, Payman found the courage to share his story and insights with the world.
His podcast, Leaders with a Heart, now features over 400 inspiring
guests who share their personal journeys and lessons learned.
Payman’s approach to overcoming negativity was also
inspiring. He shared how he completely cut out negative influences, including
news and social media, to focus on things that uplift and empower him. He
emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people and
content that aligns with your goals and values. As he put it, "We are what
we consume, not just in food, but in thoughts and energy as well."
One story that stood out was Payman’s encounter with Coach Randy Brown, a former NCAA coach who endured the unimaginable loss of two daughters to the same disease within four years. Despite the heartbreak and a subsequent prison sentence, Randy rebuilt his life and now dedicates himself to helping other men release the emotional baggage they’ve carried for years. Stories like these, Payman explained, are what keep him motivated to continue his work, connecting with people who have faced immense challenges and emerged stronger.
Another memorable guest was Kim Vagner, who, a
fter losing
both her parents to cancer by the age of 25, took control of her life by
transforming her health and career. Her commitment to wellness and personal
growth has made her a successful coach and business owner, inspiring others to
take charge of their lives.
Payman’s insights into personal and professional growth
extend beyond his podcast. He’s also an e-commerce entrepreneur and coach,
helping others leverage podcasting and YouTube to build meaningful connections
and attract clients, even with a small audience. His philosophy is simple but
powerful: business is ultimately about building relationships and trust.
Whether it’s selling a product or offering a service, the key is to connect
with people on a human level.
For anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed by negative
thoughts, Payman’s advice is clear: eliminate the negativity from your life,
whether it’s toxic people, social media, or news. Instead, feed your mind with
positive, empowering content and surround yourself with people who inspire you.
He believes that by doing so, you can shift your mindset and unlock your
potential to create a positive impact in the world.
In addition to his podcast, Payman recently launched an
academy to help others find their “zone of genius” and share their stories
through podcasting. His approach is focused on clarity and authenticity—guiding
people to discover their unique gifts and use them to inspire and uplift
others.
Our conversation wrapped up with a discussion about what
drives Payman today. His ultimate goal is to create a ripple effect of positive
change, one conversation at a time. By inspiring others to pursue their
passions and share their stories, he hopes to contribute to a better world,
where people are empowered to live authentically and make a difference.
Until next time, keep following your passion and remember to
listen to that inner voice—it just might lead you to something extraordinary.