Habits of High Performers Podcast with James Laughlin

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

In today’s episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with the legendary Dianna Kokoszka — author of Becoming More, former CEO at Keller Williams MAPS Coaching, and long-time mentee of John Maxwell.

Dianna’s leadership wisdom has influenced hundreds of thousands of people — and today, she shares it all with you.

From door-knocking with her kids in a wagon to leading one of the largest coaching organisations in the world, Dianna’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

We discuss:

• Why coaching is essential for leadership — not optional
• The difference between impact and influence
• How to lead with both high standards and high connection
• The difference between attitude and mindset — and why it matters
• Her life-changing model: from being, to doing, to becoming

This episode is a masterclass in how to lead others by developing yourself.

And it’s also a powerful invitation: to become the author of your own story and take back the pen.

Dianna’s new book, Becoming More, is a transformational guide for anyone who wants to unlock their full potential — and help others do the same.

If this episode resonates, please share it with someone you care about.

And remember — your leadership is not just about results. It’s about becoming more so you can give more.

This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nz

• Learn more about Dianna here - https://diannakokoszka.com
• Grab a copy of Dianna’s book here - https://becomingmorebook.com/home
• Connect with Dianna on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/dianna.kokoszka/
• Connect with Dianna on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannak/

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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 [email protected]

Support the show

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

What happens when a pro-level athlete doesn’t make the cut—and has to start over? Damon Lembi went from almost being drafted into Major League Baseball to starting as a receptionist at his father’s small business. 

Now, he’s CEO of Learnit, a leadership training company that’s impacted over 3 million professionals worldwide.

In this episode, Damon breaks down the exact framework he’s used to overcome imposter syndrome, how to transition from sport to business, and why humility is the secret weapon for every great leader. If you’ve ever questioned your ability to step up, this is the pep talk you didn’t know you needed.

WE DISCUSS:

• How Damon’s career pivot started with rejection and self-doubt
• His 4-step framework for conquering imposter syndrome
• Why your “past life” skills are more transferable than you think
• Coaching your team through failure without stealing their growth
• The five traits of a Learn-It-All Leader
• What Damon would ask the next U.S. President about humility
• How sports, parenting, and business all come back to leadership mindset

WHO THIS IS FOR:
Aspiring leaders. Athletes in transition. Parents. Founders. Coaches. Anyone who wants to lead with humility while still playing to win.

This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nz

• Learn more about Damon here - https://www.thelearnitallleader.com/about
• Grab your copy of Damon’s book here - https://www.thelearnitallleader.com/books
• Listen to Damon’s podcast here - https://www.thelearnitallleader.com/podcast
• The episode mentioned with Doug Conant here - https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-learn-it-all-podcast/id1714645917?i=1000674885812
• Connect with Damon on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/

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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 [email protected]

Support the show

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

We’re not wired to be this disconnected.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Julia Hotz—award-winning journalist and author of The Connection Cure—to explore why modern medicine is missing a huge piece of the puzzle… and how we can fix it without a single pill.

We dive into social prescribing—a science-backed practice where doctors prescribe movement, nature, art, service, and human connection instead of medication. Julia’s research proves what we’ve known deep down all along: we don’t heal in isolation. We heal through meaning, purpose, and community.

We discuss:

• Why anxiety, ADHD and depression may be responses—not disorders
• The 5 powerful (and often overlooked) ingredients for lasting health
• How social prescribing is helping people heal without medication
• Why deep connection—not more productivity—is the real cure for burnout
• What the longest human study reveals about the key to a long life

This conversation blew my mind and cracked open a new way of thinking about health and purpose. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, anxious, or like something’s missing—you’re not broken. You’re just missing connection.

If you know someone who’s struggling with stress or disconnection, send them this episode. It might just change everything.

This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nz

• Learn more about Julia here - https://www.hotzthoughts.com
• Grab a copy of Julia’s book here - https://www.hotzthoughts.com/the-connection-cure
• Connect with Julia on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/hotzthoughts/
• Connect with Julia on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-hotz-06510161/

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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 [email protected]

Support the show

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

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. David Karli, a pioneer in regenerative medicine and CEO of Greyledge Technologies, to uncover the truth about stem cell therapy, longevity, and the science that’s transforming how we heal.

Dr. Karli has spent over two decades at the forefront of tissue health and performance medicine—working with elite athletes, entrepreneurs, and everyday individuals to help them recover faster, live longer, and stay stronger.

But here’s the truth: most people don’t know what’s actually going into their bodies when it comes to regenerative medicine. And that’s a big problem.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The wild west of stem cell therapy—and how to avoid dangerous “cowboy clinics”
• Why using your own stem cells is safer and more effective than controversial alternatives
• The science behind orthopedic degeneration—and how to get ahead of it
• The 3 non-negotiables for healthspan and longevity (no pills required)
• How AI and epigenetics are shaping the future of precision cell therapies

Whether you're in pain now or planning for the decades ahead, this conversation is a must-listen. We cut through the hype and get to what really works—based on decades of scientific data, not guesswork.

This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nz

• Learn more about Dr. Karli here - https://davidkarli.com
• Connect with Dr. Karli on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/davidkarli/
• Learn more about Greyledge Biotech here - https://www.greyledgebiotech.com/about
• Connect with Dr. Karli on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkarli/

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Disclaimer:

The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or health advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, medications, or supplement use. The views expressed by Dr. David Karli are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or podcast platform.

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 [email protected]

Support the show

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

What if the greatest leaders are the ones no one’s watching? Cody Royle coaches elite head coaches—from Chelsea to Team Canada—and he’s redefining what it means to lead at the top. 

In this episode, we go deep into what high performance really looks like behind closed doors.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why the best leaders see themselves as performers
• The 4 core leadership crafts—and how to master each
• What most head coaches get wrong about burnout
• How to train for moments, not just movements
• The question every high performer needs to answer

Why You Should Listen:

 Whether you’re leading a sports team, a business, or your family, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to lead with empathy, drive, and sustainability—without losing yourself along the way.

This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nz

• Learn more about Cody here - https://www.codyroyle.com/about
• Grab a copy of Cody’s books here - https://www.codyroyle.com
• Connect with Cody on LInkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/codyroyle/

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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 [email protected]

Support the show

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

Michael Reddington has spent decades mastering the art of getting to the truth—not through force, but through listening. In this episode, he unpacks how high-stakes interrogation techniques apply to leadership, parenting, interviews, and everyday life. If you lead people—or want to influence others—this one is a masterclass.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why most people don’t lie—they just protect
• How to encourage honesty without forcing a confession
• The 3 psychological needs you must meet to get someone to open up
• Why “why” questions shut people down—and what to ask instead
• What world leaders, parents, and CEOs can all learn from interrogators

Why You Should Listen:
If you're a parent, leader, coach, or partner, this episode will change how you ask questions forever. It’s not manipulation—it’s communication done right.

This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nz

• Learn more about Michael here - https://michaelreddington.com
• Grab your copy of The Disciplined Listening Method here - https://disciplinedlistening.com
• Connect with Michael on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelreddingtoncfi/
• Check out The International Association of Interviewers - https://www.certifiedinterviewer.com/our-team

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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 [email protected]

Support the show

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

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Marisa Murgatroyd—artist turned 8-figure entrepreneur—who went from “no marketable skills” to helping over 12,000 students turn their passions into profit.

We dive deep into how to monetise your creativity, package your skills into scalable products, and why niching down is the most freeing thing you’ll ever do (even if it feels like the opposite at first).

Real insights. Practical strategies. A blueprint for building a business you believe in.

Why You Should Listen:

 If you’re sitting on skills, stories, or ideas but don’t know how to turn them into income—this episode will flip that script. It’s a crash course in how to build a business that’s aligned, authentic, and profitable.

This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nz

• Grab your Free Copy of Marisa’s Dopamine Button guide here - https://liveyourmessage.com/leadonpurpose
• Learn more about Marisa here - https://liveyourmessage.com
• Connect with Marisa on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/liveyourmessage/

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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 [email protected]

Support the show

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

Culture can be your greatest asset—or your biggest liability.

 In this episode, I sit down with Chris Dyer, author of The Power of Company Culture, to unpack what makes or breaks a team’s culture.

Chris has led award-winning remote teams, scaled companies that landed on the Inc. 5000 list five times, and knows exactly how to build culture that lasts.

If you lead people or want to—this is essential listening.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why most cultures fail—and how to fix yours
• The 7 culture pillars that actually move the needle
• How weekly feedback builds trust and performance
• The simplest way to make hybrid work… work
• Why mistakes are your secret weapon for innovation

If you’ve ever wondered why your team isn't engaged—or why great people leave—this episode gives you the practical blueprint to turn it around.

This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nz

• Learn more about Chris here - https://chrisdyer.com
• Check out Chris’ books here- https://chrisdyer.com/resources/#books
• Connect with Chris on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdyer7/
• Connect with Chris on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/chrispdyer7/?hl=en

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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 [email protected]

Support the show

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

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Preston Smiles—abundance coach, best-selling author, and global speaker—who’s redefining what it means to be rich in spirit, not just in status.

From surviving gang violence as a teen to coaching high-level CEOs, Preston’s story is a masterclass in personal transformation. We talk nervous system healing, the myth of the “outside-in” game, and how to unlock joy—even in the middle of a boardroom.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why abundance isn’t about money—it’s a nervous system state.
• How childhood patterns shape adult behaviour (and how to rewire them).
• The power of somatic healing for leaders and high performers.
• What joy alarms are—and how they can transform your baseline mood.
• The difference between playing the outside-in game vs. the inside-out game.
• Why suppressing your “wild self” is costing you clarity, connection, and power.

Why You Should Listen:
If you’ve ever felt stuck, burnt out, or like something’s missing despite external success—this conversation will hit you like a lightning bolt.

This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nz

• Learn more about Preston here - https://prestonsmiles.com
• Grab a copy of Preston’s book here - https://book.prestonsmiles.com
• Connect with Preston on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/prestonsmiles/
• Have a look at Preston’s programmes here -https://prestonsmiles.com/programs/

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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 [email protected]

Support the show

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

You can’t control the world.

 But you can control how you lead yourself through it.

In this solo episode, I share the exact strategies I use with my private clients—from CEOs to elite athletes—to stay grounded, focused, and in control… even when the world feels chaotic.

This isn’t theory.

 It’s the playbook for high performers who lead with clarity when others are spiralling.

What You’ll Learn:

 ✅ How elite leaders stay calm when the world is in chaos
 ✅ The mindset reframe that turns every problem into possibility
 ✅ Why your circle of control is the key to peace and power
✅ A 3-minute morning habit that rewires your brain for resilience
✅ The journaling practice that builds purpose, clarity, and consistency

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the world right now—this is your reset button.

🎧 Listen now and take your power back.

This episode was sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can find them at nzmortgages.co.nz.

Send me a personal text message

Support the show