Habits of High Performers Podcast with James Laughlin

Ever feel like life is passing you by while everyone else is winning? You’re not alone. The truth is, you’re watching their highlight reels—not reality. In this episode, I’ll show you how to stop the comparison trap and truly start thriving. Here’s what I cover: Why We Compare – The deep-rooted reasons we measure ourselves against others. The Social Media Illusion – How platforms are designed to t...

In this episode of the Lead on Purpose podcast, I sit down with Adrian Brambila, entrepreneur and author of Start Thinking Rich . Adrian shares his journey from a hardworking immigrant family to financial freedom and how shifting his money mindset changed everything—even living in a van while building his business. What We Cover: How upbringing shapes our financial mindset. Shifting from scarcity...

In this episode, I’m sharing why New Year's resolutions don’t work and what to do instead for a successful 2025. Only 9% of people stick to resolutions. I want to help you avoid failure by taking a smarter approach to goal setting. Here’s what I cover: The Three Critical Questions – Key reflections to gain clarity and direction. Why Reflection Matters – How looking back helps you move forward...

Disclaimer: Caroline and I are not ongoing patients of Dr. Victoria Thompson. This episode was recorded with both of our consent. In this episode of the Lead on Purpose podcast, I sit down with Dr. Victoria Thompson, a clinical psychologist based in Christchurch, for an open and insightful conversation about relationships, communication, and personal growth. Joining us for the first time is my par...

In this episode, I’m sharing why personal growth needs to be your number one priority this year. We often focus on external goals, but without continuous self-improvement, long-term success becomes challenging. Developing a structured approach to growth is essential to staying relevant and thriving in any industry. Here’s what I cover: The Power of a Personal Growth Plan (PGP) - Why having a clear...

In this episode, I sit down with Bariz Shah, author of Beyond Hope and a remarkable leader who turned his life around. From his challenging youth to becoming a pillar of his community, Bariz’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. What We Cover: Bariz’s early life as an immigrant in New Zealand and the struggles he faced with racism and identity. How his involvement in crime and...

In this episode, I’m sharing the critical signs that it's time to let go of relationships, habits, or jobs that no longer serve you. We often hear that quitting is for losers, but knowing when to walk away can lead to growth, freedom, and fulfilment. Let’s dive into the five key signs that it’s time to make a change. Here’s what I cover: Feeling Drained, Not Energized When the Bad Outweighs t...

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Jeffrey Miller , a former Chief Marketing Officer at FranklinCovey and bestselling author, to explore his remarkable journey from building a global leadership empire to embracing radical honesty in his personal and professional life. Scott shares candid insights into his 25+ years at FranklinCovey, his experiences working closely with Stephen Covey’s legacy,...

In this episode, I’m sharing the secrets to reclaiming your evenings and making the most of your time after work. Many of us come home exhausted, crash on the couch, and wonder where the time went. But what if you could turn your evenings into a launchpad for success? Here’s what I cover: Schedule Success – Discover the power of my Sunday Success Steps (SSS) and how a 15-minute planning session ca...

In this episode, I sit down with Greg McKeown, bestselling author of Essentialism and Effortless , to uncover the secrets to simplifying life, prioritising what matters most, and achieving extraordinary results without burning out. Greg shares his journey from chasing success to redefining it—shifting from the undisciplined pursuit of more to the disciplined pursuit of less but better. He reveals...

In this episode, I sit down with Shaun Quincey, adventurer, entrepreneur, and the second person in history to row solo across the Tasman Sea. From taking on one of the world’s most treacherous ocean crossings to building a thriving business empire, Shaun’s story is one of resilience, grit, and relentless determination. Shaun reflects on his journey, the lessons learned from his record-breaking adv...

In this episode, I sit down with Gary, a former New Zealand detective turned international investigator, to explore his extraordinary journey from policing in Christchurch to fighting human trafficking across the globe. Gary opens up about the incredible highs and devastating lows of his mission to rescue women and children from modern slavery—and the personal cost of living as "James Bond fo...

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on leadership and sharing three powerful lessons I learned from a surprising encounter with a high-profile guest who revealed their true character behind the scenes. This experience challenged my perceptions of leadership and reinforced the importance of congruence, kindness, and responsibility in positions of power. Here’s what I cover: Congruence is...

In this episode, I sit down with Samuel Whitelock, the most capped All Black in history and a true rugby legend, to explore his journey from the farm fields of New Zealand to the pinnacle of international rugby. Samuel reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his career, his upbringing in a competitive family of four boys, and the values that shaped him both on and off the field. Along the way,...

In this episode, I’m sharing three powerful lessons I learned from a conversation with an inspiring New Zealand entrepreneur, Naomi Ballantyne, who became the first female in the country to sell her business for over a billion dollars.  Her journey from humble beginnings to extraordinary success is a masterclass in mindset, resilience, and courage. Here’s what I cover: Everything is Figure-Outable...

In this episode, I sit down with Finn Butcher, Olympic gold medalist and canoe slalom cross champion, to delve into his incredible journey from Central Otago to making history in Paris. Finn shares how his passion for kayaking, mental resilience, and the support of his community shaped his path to success—and how he stays grounded through the highs and lows of elite sport. We cover: Finn’s mindset...

In this episode, I’m sharing three powerful lessons I learned from a conversation with William Pike, a man who turned a near-death experience into a life of purpose and possibility. His story of survival and transformation is a masterclass in resilience, mindset, and living fully. Here’s what I cover: Focus on Possibilities  Get Outdoors  Live Today Like There's No Tomorrow  Throughout this e...

The Truth About Food Addiction & How to Finally Break Free  In this episode, I sit down with Healthy Emmie, a passionate nutritionist and wellness expert, to explore her journey from marathon training to becoming a global advocate for plant-based health.  Emmie shares how her transformative approach to nutrition changed her life—and the lives of her parents—by focusing on simple, whole foods....

In this episode, I’m sharing the three key traits that make the world’s most influential people truly impactful. I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with leaders from every field—presidents, CEOs, sports icons, and more—and I’ve found that the most powerful ones don’t rely on manipulation or flashy campaigns.  Instead, they focus on these core qualities that create deep, authentic connections....

What You Don’t Know About The Man Behind NZ Rugby In this episode, I sit down with Mark Robinson, the CEO of New Zealand Rugby, to uncover the untold story of his journey from rural Taranaki to leading one of the world’s most iconic sporting organisations. Mark shares his passion for rugby, his experiences navigating professional sport, and his vision for the future of New Zealand Rugby—on and off...

In this episode, we dive into three core habits that often keep people stuck, while the wealthy continue to thrive. Being “rich” isn’t just about money—it’s about cultivating relationships, finding fulfillment, and building a mindset that brings lasting success. Let’s explore what a rich mindset really means and see how small shifts in our daily habits can transform our lives. Here's what I c...

In this episode, I sit down with Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, to dive into his journey from the boardroom to the Beehive and how he aims to lead New Zealand with purpose and conviction. We explore his vision for the country’s future, his strategies for economic growth, and his ambitious plans to transform key areas, including education. Christopher shares his thoughts on what...

Why We’re Terrible at Decisions (And How to Fix It) In this episode, I sit down with Dan Ariely, a renowned behavioural economist, to explore the fascinating world of human irrationality and how understanding it can transform our decision-making, motivation, and overall quality of life. Dan shares powerful insights into the quirks of the human mind, how our outdated "mental tools" affect...

In this episode, I dive deep into the often-overlooked value of time and why being intentional with it is critical. Imagine waking up one day with the realisation that you’ve spent years on things that don’t truly matter to you. Let’s make sure that day never comes. Here's what I cover: The Cost of Wasted Time I share personal stories about time spent on activities that added little to my lif...

AI Expert: The Truth About AI And The Potential For The Future In this episode, I sit down with Tim Warren, an AI expert with over a decade of hands-on experience in the field, to dive deep into the world of Artificial Intelligence. We cut through the buzz and hype to understand AI at its core—what it really is and how it’s impacting our lives and industries. Tim breaks down the difference between...