Lead on Purpose with James Laughlin

James Laughlin
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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. 5D AGO

    Crocodiles, Conflict and Extreme Medicine with Mark Hannaford

    Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com  In this episode, I sit down with Mark Hannaford, founder of World Extreme Medicine, to explore a life spent leading medical teams in the world’s harshest environments. Mark shares frontline lessons from Ukraine, expeditions gone sideways, and what it really takes to deliver high level care when resources are low and risk is high. What you will take from this episode: How to lead specialists under pressure with calm, humble clarityWhy thinking five steps ahead and listening to your gut can save livesTools to master panic with breath, focus, and simple next actionsThe importance of building eclectic, ego free teams that communicate wellHow to design life around passion while protecting mental health daily If you want field tested insights on leadership, resilience, and purpose, this conversation with Mark Hannaford will serve you well. You will leave with practical tools to think ahead, stay calm, and lead when it counts. Learn more about Mark and his work here - https://worldextrememedicine.com/about/meet-the-team/Connect with Mark on LInkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/profmarkhannaford/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 - If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com Support the show

    1h 12m
  2. Why I Refuse to Settle (and How You Can Too)

    SEP 24

    Why I Refuse to Settle (and How You Can Too)

    Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com In this solo episode, I’m opening up about what’s been happening behind the book, the stages, and the lessons I’ve been learning along the way. From standing on stages across New Zealand, to conversations with world leaders, to the launch of my book hitting number one, it’s been a big month and I want to share what it really feels like on the inside. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why refusing to settle is the antidote to mediocrityThe belief systems that quietly shape your success (or hold you back)How I get radically clear on what I want and why it matters You’ll also hear a few personal stories from my book launches to tough questions from the Deputy Prime Minister, and how those moments have reinforced the habits I live by. If you’ve been feeling stuck in “average,” this episode will give you the spark to aim higher, rewire your mindset, and commit to not settling in the areas of life that matter most. Come join me at The High Performance Leadership Event here - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/high-performance-event-2025 Get 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 Support the show

    13 min

  3. SEP 21

    The Method to use to build trust fast with Noel Massie

    Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com  What if the real test of leadership is not title but integrity? In this episode of Lead on Purpose, I sit down with Noel Massie, former UPS executive who led hundreds of thousands of people, to unpack practical leadership you can use on the floor today. We dig into servant leadership, the four by five method, and how integrity, ethics, and intentionality turn managers into coaches who truly influence behaviour. We cover:  • Daily discipline, mentorship, and staying connected to the front line  • The four by five method for tough conversations that keep dignity high  • Your first 30 days as a new leader and how to set clear terms and conditions  • Leaders vs managers, effective training, and why people support what they help create You will walk away with repeatable tactics to coach with confidence, build trust fast, and lead with integrity at any scale. Learn more about Noel here - https://noelmassie.comGrab a copy of Noel’s book here - https://noelmassie.com/#bookbuyConnect with Noel on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/noel-massie-8b7511a/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 - If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com Support the show

    53 min

  4. SEP 14

    The Real Reason Your Brand Isn’t Growing with Mark Lester

    Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com  What if your brand’s real growth lever isn’t features but happiness? In this episode of Lead on Purpose, I sit down with Mark, co-founder of Squint Consulting, to unpack why we are living through an unhappiness crisis and how the smartest brands grow by deliberately creating happier customers and happier teams. We explore the simple model behind happy brands and how it reshapes products, pricing, and culture. We cover: • The unhappiness trend Gallup is tracking and why it now drives consumer choice  • A practical model of memories, behaviours, and beliefs that sparks growth  • How Olipop moved from sparkling tonic to soda and unlocked a huge valuation  • Why execution beats slogans, with lessons from Happy Meals, Nike, and Chipotle  • Turning choice into joy, from Netflix browsing to service design people love  • Building a high trust, low meeting culture that lifts performance and morale  • The danger of trend hopping and how to return to brand fundamentals that last  • Personal creativity habits that widen focus, including walks, mind wandering, and sauna You will walk away with practical ways to design happier experiences, raise perceived value, and build a culture where great thinking thrives and growth follows. Learn more about Squint Consulting here - https://squintconsulting.com/about/Connect with Mark on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lestermarky/?originalSubdomain=nlIf 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 - If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com Support the show

    59 min

  5. SEP 7

    How to create a cult-like team with Jon Gordon

    Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com  What if your team’s real advantage isn’t talent but connection? In this episode of Lead on Purpose, I sit down with Jon Gordon, bestselling author of The Energy Bus and The Seven Commitments of a Great Team. We dive into what makes teams thrive, on the field, in the office, and at home. Jon explains why connection drives commitment, how culture is created by daily actions, and why true positivity fuels resilience and performance. We cover:  • Why authentic connection always outperforms raw talent  • How leaders shape culture through lived values, not words on a wall  • The keys to building and repairing trust quickly  • What healthy accountability looks like in high-performing teams  • Why devotion and love drive discipline, consistency, and long-term success You’ll walk away with practical strategies to strengthen culture, build trust, and inspire your team to give their best when it matters most. Learn more about Jon Gordon here - https://jongordon.comPurchase Jon’s books here - https://jongordon.com/books/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 - If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com Support the show

    54 min

  6. AUG 31

    Dr Darshan Shah: The 3 Blood Tests That Can Save Your Life

    Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com  What if you could take control of your health the same way a CEO takes control of a business? In this episode of Lead on Purpose, Dr Darshan Shah joins me to unpack the science of longevity, prevention, and performance. A surgeon turned health optimisation expert, Darshan reveals the biomarkers, daily habits, and mindset shifts that can help you live longer and healthier. We cover:  • Why “feeling good” can be misleading and how silent biological damage builds up for decades  • The three key blood tests you should know today to prevent disease tomorrow  • How muscle acts as the “organ of longevity” and the best ways to build and protect it  • Simple, accessible strategies to improve gut health and reduce chronic inflammation  • The role of hormones in energy, performance, and ageing, and how to optimise them naturally  • Why routines, meditation, and small daily choices matter more than quick fixes Darshan also shares his personal supplement stack, the value of preventative scans, and his vision for transforming healthcare into true health care. You will walk away with practical steps to become the CEO of your own health so you can stay strong, sharp, and thriving for decades to come. Learn more about Darshan here - https://www.drshah.comDr Darshan Shah’s Biomarker Guide-  https://www.drshah.com/biomarkersLearn more about Next Health here - https://www.next-health.comConnect with Darshan on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/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 - If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com Support the show

    49 min
  7. 7 Habits to Completely Transform Your Life in 12 Months

    AUG 25

    7 Habits to Completely Transform Your Life in 12 Months

    Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com In this solo episode, I’m celebrating a milestone that’s been years in the making. My new book, Habits of High Performers, is finally on shelves across New Zealand and Australia. It’s bold, bright orange, and packed with timeless truths that can change how you approach work, health, relationships, and life. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why habits, not luck or hustle, are what separate high performers from everyone elseThe 7 habits inside the book that you can start applying right awayA $2,000 resource that comes free when you grab your copyEndorsements from global leaders like Sir John Key, Robin Sharma, Dr Alia Bojilova, and Sir Wayne SmithA few of my favourite principles, from disciplining your inner domain to focusing on your strengthsIf you’ve already got your copy, thank you. If not, this is the week to grab it at your local bookstore or online at thehabitbook.com. And once you’ve started reading, let me know how it’s shaping your life. Share it, tag me, and spread the word, because these habits are meant to be lived, not just read. Come join me at The High Performance Leadership Event here - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/high-performance-event-2025 Get 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 Send me a personal text message Support the show

    10 min

  8. AUG 24

    Why Most People Burn Out (and How to Avoid It) with Shelly Tygielski

    Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com  What would you do if your life began with a kidnapping? For Shelly Tygielski, that early experience planted a seed that shaped her perspective on courage, community, and the power of showing up. In this episode of Lead on Purpose, Shelly shares her extraordinary journey, from the terrifying day she was taken at age two to becoming an unlikely meditator, bestselling author, and founder of global movements that put kindness and self-care at the centre of leadership. We cover:  • How a Good Samaritan’s split-second decision changed Shelly’s life forever  • Why she calls herself an “unlikely meditator” and how meditation sharpened her focus in an age of distraction  • Practical steps to start a meditation practice (even if you have tried and struggled before)  • The difference between goals and intentions and why living with intention is more powerful  • Why self-care is a radical act of activism and the foundation for lasting impact  • The role of community and real human connection in a tech-driven world Shelly’s book, Sit Down to Rise Up, is a blueprint for anyone who wants to lead with courage, compassion, and clarity. You will find the link in the show notes, so make sure you grab your copy. This conversation is about more than leadership. It is about who you want to be in the world Learn more about Shelly here - https://www.shellytygielski.comGrab your copy of her book here - https://www.shellytygielski.com/sit-down-to-rise-up/Follow Shelly on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/mindfulskatergirl/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 - If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com Support the show

    1h 1m
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21 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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