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Leon Scott | How To Use Your Influence

Leon Scott is a Semi-Professional Footballer, Model, Influencer and Online Coach. The worlds of modelling, football and Instagram aren't often extolled for their virtue or commitment to mindfulness, but Leon is a non-typical member of these groups and is using his platform to promote mental wellbeing to the thousands who follow him. Great to sit down with a kindred spirit today. We finally got to discuss how we both feel about having a desire to promote mental wellbeing through our channels and the requirement to balance that with the "game playing" which is needed to be successful online. Extra Stuff: Follow Leon on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leon3scott Leon's Website - http://www.leon-scott.com - Video & production by Dean Hindmarch https://www.deanhindmarch.com/ https://www.instagram.com/deanhindmarch - Listen to all episodes online. Search "Modern Wisdom" on any Podcast App or click here: iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/modern-wisdom/id1347973549 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0XrOqvxlqQI6bmdYHuIVnr?si=iUpczE97SJqe1kNdYBipnw Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/modern-wisdom - I want to hear from you!! Get in touch in the comments below or head to... Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Email: modernwisdompodcast@gmail.com

Chris WilliamsonhostLeon Scottguest
Feb 17, 201955mWatch on YouTube ↗

At a glance

WHAT IT’S REALLY ABOUT

Footballer-Model Leon Scott Explains Mindfulness, Balance, And Real Influence

  1. Leon Scott, a semi-professional footballer and commercial model, explains how his unconventional career began with small clothing shoots and grew into campaigns for major brands, all while working full-time as a support worker for adults with autism and Down syndrome. He contrasts the superficial side of modeling and Instagram with his deeper interest in mindfulness, meditation, and personal development. Leon details how meditation and mindset work have changed his behavior on the pitch, improved his training, and reshaped his understanding of happiness away from material attachments. He and Chris Williamson also unpack the pressures and illusions of social media, and how to use an online platform to promote genuine growth rather than empty status.

IDEAS WORTH REMEMBERING

5 ideas

Appreciation and attitude matter more than looks for long-term success.

Leon repeatedly got rehired by brands not just because of his appearance, but because he was easy to work with, grateful, and respectful of the whole team rather than acting like the star.

You can balance multiple demanding roles if you’re intentional with time.

He juggled semi-pro football, full-time support work, and frequent modeling by treating training and shoots as energizing rather than burdensome, squeezing in short gym sessions and protecting all three pillars.

Mindfulness turns everyday frustrations into mental training.

Leon reframes problems—on the pitch, in traffic, or in life—as opportunities to practice letting go and strengthening his mind, rather than as evidence that life is against him.

Meditation is hard work, but it builds emotional control.

Through apps like Calm, Buddhist classes, and retreats, both Leon and Chris found that while sitting with thoughts is tiring, it improves the ability to notice, accept, and release thoughts instead of being controlled by them.

Chasing happiness through status and possessions leads to endless dissatisfaction.

Leon highlights that attachments to cars, clothes, and trends only give temporary highs; mindfulness teachings show that relying on external things for happiness eventually brings suffering.

WORDS WORTH SAVING

5 quotes

A lot of people want to work on what looks good, but a lot of people are blind to working on what feels good.

Leon Scott

If a thought’s hurting you and bringing you pain, why are you still walking around with it?

Leon Scott

Your life shouldn’t be spent at the mercy of the next action or thought that comes careening into your consciousness.

Chris Williamson

Attachments will eventually cause suffering and pain if you rely on them for your happiness.

Leon Scott

We still have to play the game, but we can choose the message we put through it.

Chris Williamson

Leon Scott’s path into modeling and semi-professional footballWorking as a support worker for people with autism and learning difficultiesBehind-the-scenes realities of commercial and e-commerce modelingIntroduction to mindfulness, meditation, and Buddhist-inspired practiceUsing mindfulness to manage aggression, emotions, and performance in sport and trainingThe gap between Instagram appearances and inner wellbeingRedefining happiness beyond materialism and using influence responsibly

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