From Surfing to Success: The 5 People Who Shaped Julian Farrapeira’s Life

S04 EP10 Julian Lorenzo Farrapeira What makes a great leader — and who helps shape one? In this episode of People Are Everything, host Julia Duthie speaks with Julian Lorenzo Farrapeira, leadership expert, author, founder of Wellbeing Leadership, and former HR leader working with global companies. Based in Brazil and originally from Spain, Julian shares the five most influential people in his life and how they helped shape his purpose, leadership philosophy, and mission to bring wellbeing and leadership together. Julian reflects on the people who influenced his journey, including legendary leadership thinker Marshall Goldsmith, his first boss Santiago Vazquez, emotional intelligence expert Richard Boyatzis, accountability partner Susie Burke, and his parents — who helped instill discipline, emotional intelligence, service, and ambition. This is a thoughtful conversation about: leadership and wellbeing emotional intelligence mentorship and legacy accountability and feedback purpose-driven success self-awareness, service, and personal growth Julian also shares how surfing, meditation, and intentional living have shaped the way he leads — and why the future of leadership must include both performance and wellbeing. Big episode themes Leadership and wellbeing are inseparable — Julian makes a strong case that wellbeing is not a “nice to have,” but central to business results and sustainable leadership. The power of mentorship — several of Julian’s most influential people are mentors who saw his potential early and helped shape his direction. Service as leadership — a recurring theme across all five people is generosity, humility, and helping others grow. Intentional living — Julian talks about defining his “ideal self” and then building his life around that vision. Walking the talk — he believes leaders must embody the wellbeing and values they ask of others. Julian's Five:- Marshall Goldsmith A world-renowned leadership thinker whose generosity and “pay it forward” mindset deeply shaped Julian’s purpose. He inspired Julian to serve others and build a legacy through developing people. Santiago Vazquez (First Boss) Julian’s first boss who proved that wellbeing and performance can grow together. He gave Julian belief, high standards, and the foundation for his future work. Richard Boyatzis A leading expert in emotional intelligence who introduced Julian to the idea of designing his “ideal self.” This helped Julian intentionally shape his life, career, and global path. Susie Burke An accountability partner and trusted voice who challenges Julian with honesty and care. She represents growth through feedback, connection, and consistent self-improvement. His Parents His father instilled discipline, ambition, and strength, while his mother brought emotional intelligence and a deep sense of care for others. Together, they shaped his balance of performance and humanity. If you enjoy deep conversations about the people who shape us, subscribe to People Are Everything for more long-form interviews with inspiring guests.   Hosted by Julia Duthie.   Full episode available now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Watch or Listen on your favourite podcast platform: Youtube: https://loom.ly/nb-WD3Q Apple: https://loom.ly/EgwKsWk Spotify: https://loom.ly/GHo0lEo 📲 Follow us on socials: https://loom.ly/gJuJlLQ To find out more or contact Julian use the links below:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianfarrapeira/ https://www.wellbeingleadership.com/