Lead on Purpose with James Laughlin

James Laughlin
  • 4.6 (64)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED TWICE WEEKLY

Guiding you toward a life of purpose, progress, and personal growth.  Each week, James interviews world-class thinkers, including prime ministers, Olympic gold medalists, billionaires, and visionaries, to uncover the habits, tools, and mindsets that drive meaningful success.Hosted by James Laughlin—a 7-time world champion drummer, sought-after keynote speaker, and high-performance leadership consultant—this podcast brings you conversations with extraordinary individuals who have shaped industries, inspired nations, and achieved greatness.Whether you're building confidence, breaking through barriers, or discovering your purpose, Lead on Purpose is your guide to turning challenges into opportunities and ambitions into achievements.

  1. 2 HRS AGO

    Is Social Media Harming Your Kids? What Every Parent Needs to Know with Cecilia Robinson

    Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Cecilia Robinson, serial entrepreneur and Co chair of B416 (Before 16), to unpack what’s driving the youth mental health crisis and what parents can do about it.  - Why is anxiety rising so fast in young people?  - What happens when we over protect kids in the real world and under protect them online? - How do you raise independent, resilient kids in a smartphone first world? Cecilia shares the mission behind B416, the push to introduce a minimum age of 16 for social media, and the practical parenting principles she uses at home. We also get into her entrepreneurial journey across Au Pair Link, My Food Bag, and Tend, plus how she handles public criticism and stays grounded in the middle of high pressure seasons.  What we cover: Why B416 exists, what the movement is trying to change, and why social norming matters for parents and kidsThe biggest compliance issue schools face with phone free rules, and the parental habits that accidentally undermine themCecilia’s approach to parenting for independence, including the TRICK framework and stretching kids with real responsibilityHow she thinks about building businesses, why execution beats ideas, and how problem spotting drives her ventures The emotional realities behind leadership, including navigating loss, staying steady under scrutiny, and choosing daily happiness If you care about parenting, leadership, and protecting childhood in a digital world, this conversation will challenge how you think about screens, responsibility, and what kids actually need to thrive. Check out B416 here - https://b416.co.nzConnect with Cecilia on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-robinson-46722311/?originalSubdomain=nzHave a look at Cecilia's speaker profile here - https://www.celebrityspeakers.co.nz/speakers/cecilia-robinsonIf you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com Website: https://www.jjlaughlin.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQ LinkedIn: https://www.li Send me a personal text message Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals - If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com Support the show

    1h 6m
  2. The Framework for Making 2026 Your Best Year Yet

    22 HRS AGO

    The Framework for Making 2026 Your Best Year Yet

    Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals I’m breaking down my exact goal-setting system and the annual planning method I use with my private clients to help them stop starting over and actually follow through. This episode is about clarity, alignment and action. Not hype. Not motivation. And not beating yourself up when things don’t go to plan. I walk you through the thinking behind my annual reset process and explain how to reflect on the past year without judgement, identify what truly matters, and build goals that are achievable and sustainable. In this episode, you will discover: Why most goal-setting fails before FebruaryHow to review the past year without shame or self-criticismA simple way to identify what gave you energy and what drained itHow to use WMI (What’s Most Important) to prioritise your life and workWhy belief systems quietly sabotage behaviour and resultsHow to narrow your focus to the one goal that matters most right nowWhat to do in the next 30 days so momentum actually sticksWhy high performance is hormonal and how the MEDS framework supports consistency You’ll also hear about a free goal-setting workbook you can download to work through this process step by step. It’s the same workbook my coaching clients use to reset, reflect and build a clear plan for the year ahead. If you’ve been setting goals with good intentions but struggling to follow through, this episode will help you slow down, see clearly and take meaningful action. Because hope isn’t a strategy. Habits beat hope every day of the week. Download the free workbook here - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/2026workbookJoin me at the 2026 Goal-setting workshop here - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/2026goalsGet the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery  - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter On my channel I aim to bring you world-class guests and create epic videos to help you level up your leadership and personal mastery. If you could take the time to subscribe, that would help my channel grow and it would mean you wouldn’t miss an episode. Subscribe here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA?sub_confirmation=1 Send me a personal text message Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals Support the show

    8 min

  3. 21/12/2025

    How to run a business with your spouse - our year in review

    Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with my partner in life and business, Caroline, for a conversation we usually have off camera. We look back on 2025 and reflect on what really went well, what didn’t, and the lessons we’ve learned from running a business together while building a life together. We talk openly about growth, pressure, boundaries, clarity, and why success often looks very different behind the scenes than it does on the outside. We also share a personal update that we haven’t spoken about publicly before. This episode is honest, reflective, and very real. What we cover: The biggest highs and hardest moments from 2025, personally and professionallyWhat running a business together has taught us about communication, boundaries, and trustThe pressure points that show up when work and life collide, and how we navigate themWhy clarity is so rare, how distraction keeps people stuck, and what actually helpsThe lessons we’re taking into 2026, and how reflection creates better goalsA personal milestone that made 2025 one we’ll never forget If you’re building something meaningful, navigating a relationship alongside ambition, or simply wanting to reflect before setting your next goals, this conversation will give you perspective, reassurance, and a few hard truths you might need to hear. Here is the list of book recommendations: Habits of High Performers – James Laughlin Main Street Millionaire – Cody Sanchez Unreasonable Hospitality – Will Guidara The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho Visualize – Maya Raichoora The Untethered Soul – Michael A. Singer Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself – Dr. Joe Dispenza The Wealth Money Can’t Buy – Robin Sharma Through Shifts and Shocks – Steve Vamos The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com Website: https://www.jjlaughlin.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/ James Laughlin is a High Performance Leadership Coach, Fo Send me a personal text message Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals - If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com Support the show

    40 min

  4. 14/12/2025

    The Real Cause of Back Pain and What Actually Works

    Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with former Olympic Team Physiotherapist and author of The Back Fix, Antony Bush, to explore some big questions. Why do one in five of us suffer chronic pain?  Why is back pain now the world’s greatest disability?  How does movement and strength shape our pain, happiness and even mortality? Antony breaks down what it means to be an analog creature struggling in a digital age and how we can reclaim our health through simple, science backed habits. What we cover: Why modern living has turned back pain into the world’s number one disability and how sitting, screens and stress drive chronic painHow movement, walking, micro exercise and the Big Six strength moves reduce pain, improve mood and extend lifespanHow the brain creates pain, why MRIs often show harmless “wrinkles,” and why movement outperforms passive treatmentsThe mindset side of recovery, including the wishbone, backbone and funny bone model for resilience and why movement is medicine If you want to reduce pain, boost your energy and future proof your health, this conversation will shift how you move and how you live. Learn more about Antony here - https://thebackfix.com/about-1Connect with Antony on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/antony-bush/Grab your copy of The Back Fix here - https://thebackfix.comIf you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com Website: https://www.jjlaughlin.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/ James Laughlin is a High Performance Leadership Coach, Former 7-Time World Champion, Host of the Lead On Purpose Podcast and an Executive Coach to high performers and leaders. James is based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Send me a personal text message Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals - If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com Support the show

    1h 1m

  5. 07/12/2025

    Could You Pass Special Forces Selection? with Simon Jeffries

    Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with former UK Special Forces operator and performance coach Simon Jefferies to unpack how to perform under pressure without burning out. From surviving brutal SBS selection to building simple systems for state control, mindset and habits, Simon shares how anyone can train their mind like an elite operator. What we cover: Why fewer than ten percent pass UK Special Forces selection and why robustness beats raw fitnessThe mindset that separates quitters from finishers, including emotional control and self disciplineSimon’s three part model for high performance, state regulation, mindset work and simple daily systemsPractical tools for pressure, reframing, self talk, controlling the controllables and after action reviewsHow to protect your energy with intentional mornings, deep work, boundaries with tech and real recoveryWhy journalling, breath work and honest reflection help you align who you are with how you live If you are ready to lead with clarity, composure and purpose, this conversation is a masterclass. Learn more about Simon here - https://thenaturaledge.comConnect with Simon on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonjeffries/Connect with Simon on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/the.natural.edge/If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com Website: https://www.jjlaughlin.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/ James Laughlin is a High Performance Leadership Coach, Former 7-Time World Champion, Host of the Lead On Purpose Podcast and an Executive Coach to high performers and leaders. James is based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Send me a personal text message Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals Support the show

    47 min

  6. 30/11/2025

    Your Greatest Wins Are Built on Failure with Jim Harshaw

    Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com  In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with former All American wrestler and high performance coach Jim Harshaw Jr to unpack what it really takes to go from good to great without burning out. From a blue collar upbringing to the NCAA podium and training as an Olympic hopeful, Jim shares how he rebuilt his entire life through structure, coaching and an environment of excellence. What we cover: Jim’s journey from feeling out of his depth at a top university to becoming an All American, double graduate and Olympic hopefulThe four part framework for high performance: radical vision, aligned goals, an environment of excellence and a long term follow through planThe “miracle day,” billion dollar and funeral exercises that unlock what you really want from life and workWhy failure is a necessary ingredient for success and how to run a simple review so you actually learn from it instead of shrinking your goalsThe power of the “productive pause,” coaching and community, plus the daily habits and bookends Jim uses to keep performing at a high level If we can reframe failure, choose our environment and protect time to think, high performance stops being a grind and starts becoming the natural result of how we live. Learn more about Jim here - https://jimharshawjr.comListen to Jim’s podcast here - https://jimharshawjr.com/podcast/Apply for a free coaching call with Jim - https://jimharshawjr.net/callAction Plans + Success Through Failure Exercise - https://jimharshawjr.net/action-plan-landing-page1729264671370If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com Website: https://www.jjlaughlin.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/ James Laughlin is a High Performance Leadership Coach, Former 7-Time World Champion, Host of the Lead On Purpose Podcast and an Executive Coach to high performers and leaders. James is based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Send me a personal text message Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals - If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com Support the show

    50 min

  7. 23/11/2025

    ADHD, Time Blindness and Procrastination with ADHD Coach Sharon Collon

    Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com  In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with ADHD coach Sharon from The Functional Family to unpack what ADHD really is, why the old labels do more harm than good, and how leaders can create environments where neurodivergent people actually thrive.  With over 20 years of study, formal ADDCA training, and the lived experience of raising three boys with ADHD, Sharon blends science, systems, and humour to turn daily chaos into connection and function. We dive into executive function, interest based brains, and very practical tools you can use at home and at work. What we cover: Why ADHD is not an attention deficit and why “disorder” misses the pointThe three ADHD presentations and how they show up in everyday lifeExecutive function, time awareness and why so many ADHD adults feel like they are always behindSharon’s open, closed and neutral brain model and how it helps with regulation at home and at workHow leaders can support ADHD team members with strengths based tasks, sprints, body doubling and smart accommodationsPractical tools including AI and Goblin Tools to break tasks down, reduce shame and build sustainable systems  If we can better understand how different brains work, we unlock potential, deepen compassion and create environments where everyone can win. Learn more about Sharon here - https://www.thefunctionalfamily.comListen to Sharon’s podcast here - https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/podcastTake the Clifton strengths test here - https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspxFind an accredited ADHD coach here - https://adhdcoachesaustralasia.onlineFollow Sharon on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com Website: https://www.jjlaughlin.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/ James Laughlin is a High Perfor Send me a personal text message Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals - If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com Support the show

    46 min
  8. Growth Starts When You Stop Being the Smartest in the Room

    19/11/2025

    Growth Starts When You Stop Being the Smartest in the Room

    Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com In this solo episode, I am sharing lessons from my recent time in Hong Kong, Singapore and Fiji, and what I am learning from leaders, innovators and real world conversations on the ground. From delivering keynotes to sitting with the head of Meta for Asia Pacific over lunch, this episode is about mindset, growth and staying curious. In this episode, you will discover: Why a possibilitarian mindset is a competitive advantageWhat world class leaders are focused on right nowWhy staying the least intelligent person at the table matters for growthThe truth about consistency and why most people never reach the top You will also hear a powerful message from a reader whose life shifted after applying the VP decision filter from the book, plus a first mention of an invite only high performance retreat coming in 2026. If you have been running fast or searching for clarity, this episode will help you slow down, think bigger and lead on purpose. Check out WisprFlow - the app giving me 2 full days back that I accidentally forgot to expand on in the episode lol - https://wisprflow.ai/get-started?referral=JAMES5199&utm_source=referralEmail Caroline if you’re interested in the retreat in 2026 - caroline@jjlaughlin.comIt would mean the world if you could leave me a book review on Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228720720-habits-of-high-performersGet the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery  - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter On my channel I aim to bring you world-class guests and create epic videos to help you level up your leadership and personal mastery. Send me a personal text message Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals Support the show

    17 min
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4.6
out of 5
64 Ratings

About

Guiding you toward a life of purpose, progress, and personal growth.  Each week, James interviews world-class thinkers, including prime ministers, Olympic gold medalists, billionaires, and visionaries, to uncover the habits, tools, and mindsets that drive meaningful success.Hosted by James Laughlin—a 7-time world champion drummer, sought-after keynote speaker, and high-performance leadership consultant—this podcast brings you conversations with extraordinary individuals who have shaped industries, inspired nations, and achieved greatness.Whether you're building confidence, breaking through barriers, or discovering your purpose, Lead on Purpose is your guide to turning challenges into opportunities and ambitions into achievements.

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