Habits of High Performers Podcast with James Laughlin

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In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with one of the most influential sport leaders in Australasia—Raelene Castle. A trailblazer who has shattered gender norms and led major sporting organisations on both sides of the Tasman, Raelene opens up about the power of sport, the lessons from failure, and what it truly means to lead with purpose.

From growing up in a sports-mad Kiwi household to becoming the first female CEO of an NRL team, Raelene shares her raw journey—including moments of triumph, controversy, and the behind-the-scenes realities of leadership.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How sport became Raelene’s foundation for resilience, leadership, and inclusion.
• Why failure is a necessary part of growth—and how to bounce back stronger.
• What it really takes to lead in high-performance, male-dominated environments.
• The inside story of the Israel Folau controversy and how values shape leadership.
• How to support young people in sport without crushing their joy or confidence.

Why You Should Listen:

Raelene doesn’t just talk about high performance—she lives it. Her career spans the leadership of Netball New Zealand, the Canterbury Bulldogs, Rugby Australia, and now Sport New Zealand. But beyond the titles, this is a story about courage, integrity, and showing up—even when it’s hard.

If you’re a parent, a coach, a leader, or someone striving to lead with more purpose and less ego—this conversation is a must-listen.

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

• Check out Sport New Zealand here - https://sportnz.org.nz
• Connect with Raelene on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raelene-castle-onzm-3a82441b/?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

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

Most people feel overwhelmed—not because life is too hard, but because they’re focusing on the wrong things.

 If I could teach you just five principles to build a calmer, more focused, more purposeful life… these would be it.

 Rooted in ancient wisdom. Made for modern chaos.

Whether you're navigating pressure at work, in sport, or in life—this episode is your guide to staying grounded and showing up as your best self.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Control the Controllable’s. Stop wasting energy on what you can’t change. Focus on what’s in your hands.
✅ Turn Obstacles into Opportunities. Life will challenge you—use it as fuel, not friction.
✅ Master Your Emotions. Emotional strength isn’t about suppression. It’s about choosing your response.
✅ Live with Purpose + Virtue. Do what’s right, not what’s easy. That’s leadership.
✅ Be Present. The past is done. The future doesn’t exist. Train your mind to live now.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who’s striving to live with more purpose.

 And if you're interested in sponsoring the podcast 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

I release a solocast every Wednesday, and an interview with a world class guest every Thursday.

Send me a personal text message

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In this gripping episode, I sit down with Jamie Pennell, a highly decorated New Zealand SAS soldier awarded the New Zealand Gallantry Star for his extraordinary actions on the battlefield. This is an intimate and raw conversation about resilience, leadership, and the realities of serving in one of the world’s most elite military units.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The Journey to the SAS: Jamie’s early aspirations, what drew him to special forces, and the brutal selection process that pushed him to his limits.
• Fear and Failure: How an initial failure in SAS selection became the fuel for success.
• The Psychological Battle: The mental toughness required to operate in extreme conditions and why mindset is more critical than physical strength.
• Afghanistan & High-Stakes Missions: The reality of life on the battlefield, working behind enemy lines, and leading critical operations.
• The Intercontinental Hotel Siege: Jamie’s first-hand account of one of the most intense counter-terrorism operations ever conducted by the New Zealand SAS.
• Life After Combat: The challenges of reintegration, navigating civilian life, and finding purpose beyond the battlefield.
• Lessons on Leadership & Resilience: How Jamie’s experiences in the SAS apply to leadership, teamwork, and mental fortitude in everyday life.

Why You Should Listen:

This episode is more than a military story—it’s a lesson in perseverance, discipline, and personal growth. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone striving to push past your limits, Jamie’s insights will inspire you to take ownership of your challenges and lead with courage.

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

• Grab your copy of “Serviceman J” here - https://www.harpercollins.co.nz/9781775542384/serviceman-j/

• 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

Most people struggle with money—not because they don’t earn enough, but because they don’t know how to use it. If I could go back, here’s what I’d do differently (and what I’d double down on). Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your financial game, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Invest in Yourself First. The best ROI isn’t in stocks or real estate—it’s in your skills, mindset, and knowledge.
✅ Adopt an Abundance Mindset. There’s always room for greatness. Focus on opportunities, not limitations.
✅ Diversify Your Income. One income stream = high risk. Build multiple to create security.
✅ Put Your Money to Work. Saving alone won’t make you wealthy—investing will. Automate and forget it.
✅ Live Below Your Means. A high income means nothing if you’re drowning in debt. Smart spending = real wealth.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you're interested in sponsoring the podcast or our newsletter, email [email protected] or send me a DM 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

I release a solocast every Wednesday, and an interview with a world class guest every Thursday.

Send me a personal text message

Support the show

What gives high performers and elite teams their competitive edge? Self-awareness. In this episode, I sit down with Dave Winsborough, co-founder of Deeper Signals, to explore the psychology behind high performance, the power of personality assessments, and how leaders can build stronger, more effective teams.

Dave brings decades of experience in psychology, leadership assessment, and team dynamics, having worked with military, sports, and corporate organisations worldwide. We dive into the science behind Deeper Signals, a cutting-edge psychometric tool designed to be faster, more engaging, and more applicable to real-world leadership.

Whether you're leading a team, looking to improve your self-awareness, or just curious about what makes great teams tick, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately.

Key Takeaways:

• Why traditional personality assessments are outdated—and how Deeper Signals is changing the game.
• The Big Five personality traits and how they influence leadership and teamwork.
• The psychology of dysfunctional teams vs. high-performing teams.
• Why self-awareness is the key to leadership success and how to develop it.
• The role of psychological safety in high-performance environments.
• How organisations can use Deeper Signals to improve hiring, reduce turnover, and build better teams.
• The impact of AI on coaching, leadership, and personal development.

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

• Learn more about Deeper Signals here - https://www.deepersignals.com/
• Connect with Dave here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davewinsborough/?originalSubdomain=nz
• Connect with James to talk about Deeper Signals Testing here - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/site/contact

• 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

Starting a business is hard—most fail fast. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If I were starting over, here’s what I’d do differently—and what I’d double down on. Whether you’re launching or in your first year, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why defining your niche is crucial.
• How to build real relationships, not just a network.
• The #1 business killer (obscurity) and how to beat it.
• The best way to create content that works for you.
• Lessons from my own journey—what worked, what didn’t.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Define Your Niche. Serve everyone, serve no one. Get laser-focused on who you help.
✅ Build Relationships, Not Just a Network. Trust beats transactions every time.
✅ Make Yourself Visible. If people don’t know you exist, they won’t buy from you. Show up.
✅ Start Slow, Stay Curious. Test, refine, and build for long-term success.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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

I release a 1:1 Session every Wednesday, and an interview with a world class guest every Thursday.

#highperformancejournal #startup #entrepreneurship 

Send me a personal text message

Support the show

Courtney McDermott is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and transformational coach who has helped countless high performers break free from self-imposed limitations. From corporate executive to globally sought-after coach, Courtney's journey is a testament to the power of mindset, self-trust, and letting go of control.

In this episode, we explore the themes of her book, Give Yourself Permission, and how embracing a new way of thinking can unlock greater freedom, confidence, and success.

Key Takeaways:

• The Illusion of Control: Why high performers often feel trapped by their own drive for success—and how to break free.
• Rewiring Your Mindset: The neuroscience behind confidence, trust, and surrendering to the unknown.
• The Power of Gratitude: How a simple shift in focus can rewire your brain and transform your daily experience.
• Unlocking Time Freedom: Courtney's perspective on time and how to step out of the "do more" trap.
• Practical Strategies: Yawning, movement, and laughter—unexpected yet science-backed tools to reset your nervous system and boost creativity.

Courtney shares profound insights on the importance of presence, breaking out of limiting thought patterns, and how to embrace a more expansive way of living. Her work blends neuroscience, epigenetics, and quantum physics to help people move beyond performance-based identity into true self-expression.

If you've ever felt stuck in your own ambitions or struggled with the pressure to control every outcome, this episode will help you shift your perspective and step into a more empowered way of living.

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

• Purchase your copy of “Give Yourself Permission” here -https://www.cortneymcdermott.com/book/
• Connect with Cortney here - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com
• Learn more about Cortney here - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com/cortney-mcdermott-2/

• 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

The difference between good and great performers? Mindset. The way you set your mind determines your beliefs, behaviors, execution, and results. In this episode, I break down the subconscious belief systems (BS) that shape our reality—and how to rewire them for success.

In this episode, I cover:

• What Mindset Really Is – How your beliefs shape your perception of the world.
• Growth vs. Fixed Mindset – Why embracing growth leads to better outcomes in life and leadership.
• The Power of Belief Systems (BS) – How the stories you tell yourself impact your success.
• Rewiring Your Mindset – A simple exercise to identify and reshape limiting beliefs.
• The Identity Shift – How to change your language to transform your results.

Your mindset isn’t fixed—it’s a choice. Take a moment today to reset your thinking and step into a more empowered version of yourself.

🚀 Join My Free High-Performance Masterclass on Mindset 🚀
📅 March 11th at 7:30 PM NZT
🔗 jjlaughlin.com/mindset 

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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

I release a solocast every Wednesday, and an interview with a world class guest every Thursday.

Send me a personal text message

Support the show

William Pike is an explorer, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur whose life was forever changed by a catastrophic volcanic eruption on Mount Ruapehu. From losing his leg in a harrowing accident to developing Pro Armour and launching the William Pike Challenge, his journey exemplifies how adversity can fuel purpose-driven transformation.

In this episode, William and I dive deep into his remarkable journey—exploring how a life-altering event not only reshaped his destiny but also inspired him to empower thousands of young people through outdoor adventure and community service.

Key Takeaways:

• The Transformative Power of Adversity: How a volcanic eruption turned trauma into a catalyst for change.
• Innovating from Pain: The creation of Pro Armour to protect prosthetic limbs and enhance mobility.
• Empowering Youth: The William Pike Challenge as a dynamic program that builds confidence, resilience, and leadership through outdoor activities.
• Actionable Insights: Embrace your “why” and step outside your comfort zone to transform setbacks into opportunities.

William shares powerful insights from his journey, proving that true success is measured by the impact we have on ourselves and others.

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

• Learn more about William here - https://williampike.co.nz
• Book William as a speaker here - https://williampike.co.nz/william-pike-motivational-speaker/
• Checkout the William Pike Challenge here - https://www.williampikechallenge.co.nz
• Purchase your copy of “Every Day is a Good Day” here - https://williampike.co.nz/product/every-days-a-good-day/

• 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

I’m recording this episode to dive into one of the most powerful tools for personal growth: High-Performance Journaling. This practice has transformed my thinking, boosted my productivity, and helped me distil ideas into impactful actions.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why High-Performance Journaling is Different – It’s not about doodling or venting. It’s about intentional structure and outcomes.
• Morning Routine – Start your day with gratitude, define your Most Valued Priorities (MVPs), and rewrite your goals for clarity and focus.
• Evening Reflection – Review what went well, what didn’t, and how you can be 1% better tomorrow.
• The ROI of Journaling – How this simple practice can increase your income, sharpen your thinking, and fuel personal growth.
• Tools of the Trade – Why the right journal and pen matter more than you think.

Journaling isn’t just a habit—it’s a daily commitment to personal mastery and progress. Take five minutes today to start. You’ll be amazed at the long-term transformation.

If this episode resonates, share it with someone ready to level up. And as always, lead your life on purpose.

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

I release a solocast every Wednesday, and an interview with a world class guest every Thursday.

Send me a personal text message

Support the show