Habits of High Performers Podcast with James Laughlin

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In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Steve Vamos—former CEO of Microsoft Australia, Apple Australia, and Xero—to unpack what it really takes to lead through disruption, pressure, and change.

We explore:

• How to lead through crisis with calm and clarity
• Why alignment—not strategy—is the key to execution
• The power of emotional self-awareness in leadership
• How feedback can shape growth (if you let it)
• What it really means to "be" versus "do" as a leader

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

• Get your copy of Through Shifts and Shocks here - https://www.paperplus.co.nz/shop/books/non-fiction/business-finance-law/business-management/through-shifts-and-shocks
• Get your copy of AI Game on here -https://thebookadviser.com.au/product/ai-game-on/
• Connect with Steve here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevevamos/?originalSubdomain=au
• Hire Steve to Speak here - https://www.celebrityspeakers.co.nz/speakers/steve-vamos

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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

Want to go from good to great? Here’s the 7-step system.

This isn’t about hacks or hustle.

 It’s about building a repeatable, proven framework for high performance.

In this solo episode, I’m walking you through the 7 habits I’ve seen in every elite performer I’ve ever coached, interviewed, or studied—from prime ministers to gold medallists.

These aren’t inspirational quotes. They’re implementation tools.

 And they work.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ The first (and most overlooked) step to reaching any meaningful goal
✅ How to rewire your belief system so success becomes inevitable
✅ The key question that unlocks lifelong motivation
✅ What high performers actually do daily (that most people skip)
✅ The final habit that separates top 1% performers from the rest

If you’re tired of starting strong and falling off… this will show you exactly why that happens—and how to stop it.

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

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In this bonus episode, Caroline and I reflect on five years alcohol-free.

We’re not here to preach—just to share what changed for us: mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially.

In this conversation, we reflect on:

• Why we chose to stop drinking during the chaos of lockdown
• What alcohol was really doing to our minds, bodies, and relationship
• The fear of losing our identity and social life without it
• How our sleep, energy, weight, and finances all transformed
• The challenges that come with giving it up—and the gifts that come after

Whether you’re sober curious or just rethinking your habits, this one’s for you.

You can subscribe to the Growth Weekly Newsletter here - 

You can learn more about One Year No Beer here - https://www.oneyearnobeer.com

You can reach out for support in New Zealand here - https://alcoholdrughelp.org.nz

DM us on:

• Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/
• James’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/
• Caroline’s LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-edwards-b11476125/

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 chat with Sam Browne—musician turned LinkedIn strategist—who went from zero to 100,000 followers in just two years by showing up with value, honesty, and a killer hook.

No bots. No shortcuts. Just high-trust content that works.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Sam used storytelling to rebuild his career after COVID.
• The hook formula that triples post engagement.
• Why your banner and headline matter more than you think.
• How to turn posts into paying clients (without sounding salesy).
• The truth about video, carousels, and what’s working in 2024.
• Why giving away your best ideas leads to more business, not less.

Why You Should Listen:
If you’re trying to grow a personal brand that attracts real opportunities, this episode is a goldmine.

🎧 Listen now—and grab Sam’s free guides via his LinkedIn profile (linked below).

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

• Connect with Sam on LinkedIn here -https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-browne/?originalSubdomain=nz
• Have a look at Sam’s courses here - https://sambrowne.gumroad.com
• 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

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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

Feeling busy but not productive? You're not alone.

 Most people don’t need more motivation—they need systems that work.

This episode is a tactical breakdown of the real productivity hacks high performers actually use.

No theory. No fluff. Just simple tools that give you your time—and your focus—back.

What You’ll Learn:

 ✅ The calendar setup that 10x’s your time (and stops the back-and-forth)
 ✅ The shared Notes system that keeps my team, life, and brain in sync
 ✅ Why “one priority” beats a to-do list every time
 ✅ The simple question I ask every morning to stay on purpose
 ✅ Why complexity kills momentum—and how to build frictionless habits

If you’ve ever said “I need more hours in the day”—this is your new playbook.

And hey—if you’re a brand that aligns with purpose-driven leadership and high performance, we’re opening up sponsorship opportunities for the first time in a long time. Email [email protected] or message me directly.

Until then—protect your time, prioritise what matters, and lead with purpose.

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

Send me a personal text message

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, I sit down with one of New Zealand’s most recognisable truth-tellers—journalist, documentarian, and author Patrick Gower (aka PG).

PG is known for hard-hitting headlines, viral soundbites, and a gift for connecting with Kiwis at every level. But behind the viral moments and political showdowns is a man who’s wrestled with identity, addiction, and self-worth—and come out the other side with clarity, conviction, and purpose.

This conversation is part memoir, part manifesto, and part reminder that change is hard—but possible. Especially if you believe in the f***ing possible.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

•  The mental trick PG uses to stay focused and optimistic—even in chaos
•  What really drove his drinking—and the breakthrough that changed everything
•  Why connection (not perfection) is your real leadership advantage
• The outrageous schoolyard scandal that’s somehow still making headlines…

Why You Should Listen:

PG doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He talks openly about the awkward years, the impact of bullying, the heartbreak of redundancy, and the hidden pain behind being the “funny guy” in the room.

But he also talks about growth, about leadership, about mission. And how it’s never too late to start again with purpose.

If you’re navigating change, battling self-doubt, or quietly dreaming of more—this one’s for you.

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll definitely never look at a school lunch the same way again.

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

• Grab your copy of This is the F***ing News here - http://bit.ly/3YpRC0I 
• Connect with PG on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/patrickgowernz/?hl=en
• Connect with PG on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddygowernz/?originalSubdomain=nz
• Book PG for speaking here - https://www.celebrityspeakers.co.nz/speakers/patrick-gower

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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 don’t need more goals. You need better habits.

This episode is your reminder that small daily shifts create massive change.

 The world’s top performers don’t rely on luck—they rely on systems.

 And today, I’m sharing three of the simplest (yet most powerful) habits that changed my life—and my clients’ lives too.

No fluff. Just real talk and real action.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Why 3 litres of water might fix more than you think
✅ How to walk your way to better decisions, health, and energy
✅ The high-performance journaling method that clarifies your purpose
✅ How friction kills good habits—and how to remove it
✅ The science behind the 66-day habit install window

If you’ve ever said, “I know what to do… I just don’t do it,”—this one’s for you.

If this episode sparked something in you, share it with a friend who’s ready to lead their life on purpose.

Want to sponsor the podcast or newsletter?

 Email [email protected] or DM me on social.

If you want to really supercharge your habits and make real lasting change in 2025, you NEED too join The High Performance Rewire. We kick off on Monday April 14th. - 

https://www.jjlaughlin.com/rewire

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

• 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.

• 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

#highperformance 

#DailyHabits 

#leadonpurpose 

Send me a personal text message

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 Grace Andrews—global brand strategist, digital creator, and right hand to one of the most influential entrepreneurs on the planet, Steven Bartlett.

At just 27, Grace has helped shape The Diary of a CEO into a global media force. But what’s even more impressive? Her ability to distill complex brand and content strategy into tactical, human language—and deliver it with heart.

This conversation is part masterclass, part behind-the-scenes access, and part reminder that being “too obsessed” might just be your superpower.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why your personal brand is your digital reputation—and how to shape it with intention.
• The three metrics Grace obsesses over (and why “likes” aren’t one of them).
• How to create content people actually care about (hint: it's not about you).
• The secret to building a team that thrives on pressure, pace, and purpose.
• Why naivety—not experience—was the secret ingredient to building a global podcast empire.
• How to turn a podcast (or any piece of content) into a media flywheel.

Why You Should Listen:

Grace is rewriting the rules of brand building—by actually playing the long game. She’s not following trends, she’s creating them. She’s not trying to be everywhere—she’s focused on being essential.

Whether you're a founder, a marketer, a content creator, or someone trying to get your message to land—this episode will give you the clarity, tools, and mindset to show up online with purpose, strategy, and soul.

And if you’ve ever thought “I don’t have time to post”—Grace has a few thoughts for you.

This episode isn’t just about social media. It’s about attention. And if you want to earn it, this conversation is unmissable.

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

• Connect with Grace on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-andrews1/?originalSubdomain=uk
• Connect with Grace on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/the.socialclimber/?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

You didn’t fail your Q1 goals—your strategy did.

 This episode is your reset button. Every year, millions set bold January goals…
 And by March, they’re buried under busy-ness and excuses. Sound familiar?
 I’ve been there—and so have the world’s top performers I work with.

In this episode, I break down exactly why we fall short… And how to reset for a powerful, focused Q2.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Why vague goals always fail—and what to do instead
✅ How to build in accountability (without relying on willpower)
✅ What high performers do differently when setbacks hit
✅ The 90-day sprint framework that will change your year
✅ The one 10-minute reflection that leads to long-term success

If you’re ready to stop drifting and start leading with clarity—this one’s for you.

FREE Q2 Reset Masterclass
Join me Sunday, April 6th @ 7PM NZT for a high-impact 60-minute session.
You’ll walk away with a crystal-clear roadmap for Q2—and momentum to carry it through.
👉 Register here: https://www.jjlaughlin.com/2025goals

If this episode sparked something in you, share it with someone who’s ready to lead their life on purpose.

And if you'd like to sponsor the show or our newsletter, email [email protected] or DM me on social.

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

• 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.

• 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

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 Naomi Ballantyne—one of New Zealand’s most successful entrepreneurs and the first Kiwi woman to sell a company for over a billion dollars.

From humble beginnings in a tiny three-bedroom house with five kids and two parents, to building and leading some of the most innovative life insurance companies in the country, Naomi’s story is raw, riveting, and radically inspiring.

She shares how emotional resilience, relentless curiosity, and a fierce commitment to doing the right thing helped her defy the odds—not once, but again and again.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why growing up in scarcity sparked Naomi’s entrepreneurial fire.
• The mindset that turns adversity into advantage—and pain into power.
• How to lead with humility while building a billion-dollar business.
• What most boards get wrong—and how to fix it.
• The surprising truth about strategy (it’s not what you think).
• Why parenting, not school, is still the most powerful teacher.

Why You Should Listen:
Naomi doesn’t fit the mould—and that’s exactly why she’s been able to break it. She’s built multiple companies from the ground up, challenged a male-dominated industry, and led with heart, grit, and an unshakable sense of purpose.

Whether you’re a founder, a leader, a parent—or someone who’s ever wondered if they’re “good enough”—this conversation will remind you that you don’t have to fit in to make a mark. You just have to show up, stay curious, and never forget who you are.

If you want to lead with purpose—and on your own terms—this episode is unmissable.

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

• Connect with Naomi on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-ballantyne-578b0a248/?originalSubdomain=nz

• 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

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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