Habits of High Performers Podcast with James Laughlin

Most people struggle with money—not because they don’t earn enough, but because they don’t know how to use it. If I could go back, here’s what I’d do differently (and what I’d double down on). Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your financial game, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn: ✅ Invest in Yourself First. The best ROI isn’t in stocks or real estate—it’s in your...

What gives high performers and elite teams their competitive edge? Self-awareness. In this episode, I sit down with Dave Winsborough, co-founder of Deeper Signals, to explore the psychology behind high performance, the power of personality assessments, and how leaders can build stronger, more effective teams. Dave brings decades of experience in psychology, leadership assessment, and team dynamics...

Starting a business is hard—most fail fast. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If I were starting over, here’s what I’d do differently—and what I’d double down on. Whether you’re launching or in your first year, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn: Why defining your niche is crucial. How to build real relationships, not just a network. The #1 business killer (obscurity) and how to beat it....

Courtney McDermott is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and transformational coach who has helped countless high performers break free from self-imposed limitations. From corporate executive to globally sought-after coach, Courtney's journey is a testament to the power of mindset, self-trust, and letting go of control. In this episode, we explore the themes of her book, Give Yourself Permis...

The difference between good and great performers? Mindset. The way you set your mind determines your beliefs, behaviors, execution, and results. In this episode, I break down the subconscious belief systems (BS) that shape our reality—and how to rewire them for success. In this episode, I cover: What Mindset Really Is – How your beliefs shape your perception of the world. Growth vs. Fixed Mindset...

William Pike is an explorer, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur whose life was forever changed by a catastrophic volcanic eruption on Mount Ruapehu. From losing his leg in a harrowing accident to developing Pro Armour and launching the William Pike Challenge, his journey exemplifies how adversity can fuel purpose-driven transformation. In this episode, William and I dive deep into his remarkab...

I’m recording this episode to dive into one of the most powerful tools for personal growth: High-Performance Journaling . This practice has transformed my thinking, boosted my productivity, and helped me distil ideas into impactful actions. In this episode, I cover: Why High-Performance Journaling is Different – It’s not about doodling or venting. It’s about intentional structure and outcomes. Mor...

Paul Hutchinson is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and executive producer of Sound of Freedom , a global movement shedding light on the realities of child trafficking. From building a multi-billion-dollar investment fund to leading 70 undercover rescue missions, Paul’s life is a testament to purpose-driven leadership. In this episode, Paul and I dive deep into his incredible journey—how he went f...

I’m recording this from Sir Edmund Hillary’s hut at Scott Base in Antarctica. This experience has been eye-opening, and I want to share what it’s taught me about life, leadership, and our planet . In this episode, I cover: The Power of Perspective – What Antarctica reveals about human resilience and vulnerability. Leading in Isolation – How I helped Antarctica NZ’s winter team build a strong team...

Josh Ryan is a social media strategist who started in the field as a teenager. He successfully built a personal brand, scaling an Instagram account to over 900K followers. He has helped businesses and individuals leverage Instagram and YouTube for growth and monetization, generating millions in revenue through smart content strategies. In this episode, Josh and I chat about how to build a personal...

Struggling with money? This book changed everything for me. For years, I believed financial success was out of reach. Then, I picked up a book that completely shifted my mindset and showed me a new path. In this episode, I break down the lessons that helped me go from minimum wage to financial freedom. Here’s what I cover: The Power of Leverage – How to stop trading time for money and create scala...

The time has come… Lead On Purpose has officially rebranded! For years, we’ve brought you the world’s best leaders—billionaires, Olympians, prime ministers, and top authors. And we’ll continue doing that. But now, this podcast is for EVERYONE looking to level up in their purpose, passions, and personal growth. Here’s what’s new:  🔹 One episode per week featuring an incredible guest. 🔹 One episod...

In this episode of the Lead on Purpose podcast, I sit down with Nicole Sachs, LCSW, renowned psychotherapist and author of Mind Your Body . Nicole shares her groundbreaking approach to chronic pain and how the mind-body connection plays a pivotal role in healing. What We Cover: Nicole’s personal journey from debilitating chronic pain to full recovery. The science behind why our nervous system crea...

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...