Habits of High Performers Podcast with James Laughlin

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...

In this episode, I take a step back to explore why we work so hard and how to make sure it aligns with our true purpose. In a world where busyness often replaces clarity, we’ll question what it really means to work “smart” and how to avoid the pitfalls of burnout. Here's what I cover: Purpose-Driven Work I challenge you to think about what truly gives your work meaning and why having a sense...

Running Across Africa: The Mission That Transformed Lives  Keith Boyd broke a 26-year-old Guinness World Record by running 11,000 kilometers from Cape Town to Cairo, all to raise awareness for poverty in Africa. He is also the founder of Rainbow Leaders, a Pro-Democracy Youth Voter Education NGO and an advocate for reducing inequality on the continent. In this episode, Keith shares the story behin...

4 Powerful Life-Changing Lessons From Think and Grow Rich In today’s episode, I delve into four timeless principles from Think a nd Grow Rich that c an radically transform your path to success. Inspired by Napoleon Hill’s decades-long research, I unpack how these principles go beyond wealth, guiding you to live with purpose and clarity. Here's what I cover: The Foundation of Desire Discover w...

The Key To Living Fearlessly And Achieving The Impossible  Jenn Drummond is the first ever woman to climb the second highest summits on each of the 7 continents. She is also a world record holder, author and mother of seven. In this episode, Jenn talks about how a near-death experience became the catalyst for her to live a purpose-driven life and pursue her Guinness World Record. We discuss the im...

In today’s solo cast, I dive into a simple yet powerful skill that can instantly make you more likable—asking questions and listening deeply. Did you know that people are three times more likely to like you when you show genuine curiosity? In this episode, I break down the science behind why this works and how you can master this skill to build deeper connections and influence others positively. H...

This Simple Goal-Setting Method Changes Everything (Science-Backed)  Caroline Adams Miller is a best-selling author and expert on goal setting, grit, and positive psychology. We discussed her new upcoming book ‘Big Goals - The Science of Setting Them, Achieving Them, and Creating Your Best Life.” In this episode, Caroline and I discuss the science of goal-setting and how it fuels high performance....

In today’s episode, I dive into the powerful practice of self-compassion and why it’s so crucial for living a fulfilling life. Have you ever found yourself being your own worst critic? If so, this episode is for you. I'll share three key steps that have helped me—and can help you—start showing yourself the love and support you truly deserve. Here's what I cover: Embrace Imperfection as G...

Turn Regret Into Power - Daniel Pink Explains How  Daniel Pink is a best-selling author and one of the world’s leading thinkers on business, work, and behavior. His books, including "Drive," "To Sell Is Human," and "When," have been translated into 42 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Pink's work focuses on the science of motivation, timing, a...

In this episode, we dive into a powerful technique that's helping high performers reset their minds and enhance their focus—without the need for caffeine or supplements. This scientifically-backed practice, known as Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR), is gaining traction among top achievers for its profound impact on mental clarity and energy. We cover: - What is NSDR?  - The Science Behind NSDR - 5...

How Mindfulness Can Literally Make You Live Longer Ellen Langer, acclaimed psychologist and author of "Mindfulness," joins us to discuss the transformative power of mindfulness on health, happiness, and success. Known as the "mother of mindfulness," Ellen shares insights from decades of research, explaining how mindfulness is not a practice but a way of being. In this episode,...

In this episode, we break down the daily habits of the top 1% of high performers—habits that take less than an hour to complete but can transform your focus, energy, and productivity. No matter how busy your life gets, these seven habits will keep you ahead of the game. We cover: - Reading 5 Pages a Day - Why consistent, small amounts of reading can compound into deep knowledge over time. - Listen...

Why the Most Successful Startups Think Like Brands (and How You Can Too) Lauren Perkins, a globally recognized entrepreneur, brand strategist, and author of "Think Like a Brand, Act Like a Startup," joins us to share her invaluable insights on bridging the gap between corporate stability and startup agility. As someone who has built successful ventures and led Microsoft’s startup portfol...