Habits of High Performers Podcast with James Laughlin

In this episode, I’m sharing why personal growth needs to be your number one priority this year.

We often focus on external goals, but without continuous self-improvement, long-term success becomes challenging. Developing a structured approach to growth is essential to staying relevant and thriving in any industry.

Here’s what I cover:

1. The Power of a Personal Growth Plan (PGP) - Why having a clear strategy can set you apart.
2. Staying Relevant in an AI-Driven World - How growth ensures your value in a changing market.
3. Picking Your Passion - The importance of choosing one area to focus on and go deep.
4. The 5-Book Strategy - A proven method to master any topic efficiently.
5. Sharing Knowledge for Retention - How teaching what you learn cements understanding and creates impact.

Throughout the episode, I share real-life stories of high performers who have transformed their lives and careers through a commitment to personal growth. Whether you're in real estate, leadership, or any other field, this simple framework will help you level up.

If this episode resonates with you, I invite you to download my free High Performance Planner, available below. It’s the exact tool I use to plan and achieve my goals.

Let’s commit to making personal growth our top priority and lead our lives on purpose!

• Grab your copy of The Personal Leadership Planner here - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/planner

This episode was sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can find them at https://www.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

In this episode, I sit down with Bariz Shah, author of Beyond Hope and a remarkable leader who turned his life around. From his challenging youth to becoming a pillar of his community, Bariz’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose.

What We Cover:

• Bariz’s early life as an immigrant in New Zealand and the struggles he faced with racism and identity.
• How his involvement in crime and time in prison became a turning point for change.
• The pivotal moments that led Bariz to embrace his faith and redefine his life.
• His journey through the University of Canterbury, earning an engineering degree, and becoming a leader in his Islamic community.
• Lessons on leadership, gratitude, and faith that inspire a life of purpose.

Bariz shares profound insights into overcoming adversity, the power of community, and the importance of standing for truth and personal growth.

This conversation really moved me. Please share it with someone you know who might benefit from it.

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

• Grab your copy of “Beyond Hope” here - https://www.harpercollins.co.nz/9781775542339/beyond-hope/
• Connect with Bariz on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bariz-shah-a30814161/

• 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

In this episode, I’m sharing the critical signs that it's time to let go of relationships, habits, or jobs that no longer serve you.

We often hear that quitting is for losers, but knowing when to walk away can lead to growth, freedom, and fulfilment. Let’s dive into the five key signs that it’s time to make a change.

Here’s what I cover:

1. Feeling Drained, Not Energized
2. When the Bad Outweighs the Good
3. Misaligned Values
4. Stagnation Over Growth
5. Fear is Holding You Back

Throughout the episode, I share personal stories, including my journey through career shifts, relationships, and habits like alcohol, to inspire you to evaluate what might be holding you back.

If this episode resonates with you, I’d love it if you could share it with someone who might benefit from these insights. Let’s lead our lives on purpose and build habits and relationships that align with our highest potential!

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

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Jeffrey Miller, a former Chief Marketing Officer at FranklinCovey and bestselling author, to explore his remarkable journey from building a global leadership empire to embracing radical honesty in his personal and professional life.

Scott shares candid insights into his 25+ years at FranklinCovey, his experiences working closely with Stephen Covey’s legacy, and how he’s applied the principles of leadership and purpose to his roles as a parent, speaker, and author.

We cover:

• Scott’s journey from Disney to FranklinCovey and how he helped grow the company into a global leader in personal development.
• The biggest lessons from Stephen Covey, including the difference between efficiency and effectiveness in relationships.
• How fear has driven his success and the double-edged nature of ambition.
• Radical honesty in parenting and leadership, and why embracing your flaws can create deeper connections.
• Scott’s parenting philosophy, the challenges he faces, and how he co-authored a book with his son to teach life lessons.

If you’re curious about what it takes to lead with purpose, embrace vulnerability, and balance the messiness of life, this honest and engaging conversation with Scott Miller will inspire you to reflect on your own journey.

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

• Preorder your copy of “Parenting Mess to Launch Success” here - https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Mess-Launch-Success-Relationships/dp/B0DC1V66H3
• Purchase one of Scott’s other books here - https://www.scottjeffreymiller.com/books/
• Connect with Scott on instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/scottjeffreymiller/
• Connect with Scott on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottjeffreymiller/
• Listen to “On Leadership with Scott Miller” here - https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/franklincovey-on-leadership-with-scott-miller/id139116438

• • 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/

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

In this episode, I’m sharing the secrets to reclaiming your evenings and making the most of your time after work.

Many of us come home exhausted, crash on the couch, and wonder where the time went. But what if you could turn your evenings into a launchpad for success?

Here’s what I cover:

1. Schedule Success – Discover the power of my Sunday Success Steps (SSS) and how a 15-minute planning session can set you up for a productive and fulfilling week.
2. Clean Your Space, Clear Your Mind – Why dedicating time for a deep clean can help declutter not just your home but also your thoughts.
3. Feelings vs. Actions – How to stop letting emotions dictate your evenings and instead create habits that drive intentional outcomes.
4. Small Changes, Big Impact – Learn how tiny habits, like limiting chocolate or staying hydrated, can transform your evenings and set you up for long-term success.
5. The 3-2-1 Evening Routine – My proven formula for winding down: 3 hours before bed, no work; 2 hours before bed, no food or drink; 1 hour before bed, no screens.

Throughout this episode, I share practical tips and personal experiences to help you take charge of your evenings. You’ll learn simple strategies to boost productivity, strengthen relationships, and optimise your health and mindset.

If you’re ready to break free from the evening slump and lead your life with purpose, this episode is for you.

And if you found value in this, I’d love it if you could share it with someone who might benefit from these strategies. Let’s take back our evenings and build habits that create lasting change!

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

In this episode, I sit down with Greg McKeown, bestselling author of Essentialism and Effortless, to uncover the secrets to simplifying life, prioritising what matters most, and achieving extraordinary results without burning out.

Greg shares his journey from chasing success to redefining it—shifting from the undisciplined pursuit of more to the disciplined pursuit of less but better. He reveals the personal wake-up call that sparked his transformation and offers practical strategies for anyone feeling overwhelmed by modern life’s demands.

We cover:

• What essentialism really means and how it’s the antidote to burnout.
• Greg’s personal story of prioritising work over family and the life-changing lesson it taught him.
• How to identify the ‘vital few’ tasks and eliminate the ‘trivial many.’
• The 3-step process to regain focus: Explore, Eliminate, and Execute.
• Why most people get stuck in reactive living—and how to break free.
• The power of Greg’s ‘Power Half Hour’ and how to structure your day for clarity and impact.
• Greg’s new Essentialism Planner and how it can help you start 2025 with focus and intention.

If you’re ready to reclaim your time, energy, and focus, this episode with Greg McKeown will leave you inspired and equipped to simplify your life and amplify your results.

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

• Order your essentialism planner here - https://gregmckeown.com/books/the-essentialism-planner/
• Order your copy of Essentialism and Effortless here - https://gregmckeown.com/books/essentialism/#
• Connect with Greg here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmckeown/
• Check out Greg’s podcast here - https://gregmckeown.com/podcast/

• 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

-----

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

In this episode, I sit down with Shaun Quincey, adventurer, entrepreneur, and the second person in history to row solo across the Tasman Sea. From taking on one of the world’s most treacherous ocean crossings to building a thriving business empire, Shaun’s story is one of resilience, grit, and relentless determination.

Shaun reflects on his journey, the lessons learned from his record-breaking adventure, and how his father’s legacy as the first person to row the Tasman Sea inspired his own pursuit of greatness. We also delve into his transition from adventurer to entrepreneur and the mindset shifts that made it all possible.

We cover:

Shaun’s decision to row 2,200km across the Tasman and the life-or-death challenges he faced on the journey.

The influence of his father’s world-first record and the pressure to forge his own path.

The moment he almost gave up mid-ocean and how he turned fear into gratitude and clarity.

How Shaun built a buy-now-pay-later business from scratch and sold it in a multi-million-dollar deal.

The importance of resilience, routine, and finding purpose in hard work — whether on the water or in business.

Practical advice on teaching resilience to the next generation and thriving under pressure.


If you’re inspired by stories of grit, adventure, and the pursuit of purpose, this conversation with Shaun Quincey will leave you motivated to tackle your own challenges head-on.

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

Check out Simfuni here - https://simfuni.com/our-story

Book Shaun to speak at your next event here - https://www.celebrityspeakers.co.nz/speakers/shaun-quincey

Connect with Shaun here -https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-quincey-53548132/?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

-----


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

In this episode, I sit down with Gary, a former New Zealand detective turned international investigator, to explore his extraordinary journey from policing in Christchurch to fighting human trafficking across the globe.

Gary opens up about the incredible highs and devastating lows of his mission to rescue women and children from modern slavery—and the personal cost of living as "James Bond for justice."


We cover:

Gary’s early days in the New Zealand Police and his struggle to fit into a toxic police culture.

The heart-wrenching reality of confronting modern slavery, including rescuing children as young as five.

How his undercover work in 12 countries pushed him to his psychological and emotional limits.

The profound impact of his faith, and how it evolved through his experiences.

Lessons on shame, forgiveness, and the journey to self-compassion after hitting rock bottom.


If you’re curious about the intersection of justice, redemption, and the human spirit, this raw and deeply moving conversation with Gary is not to be missed.

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

Book Gary for speaking here - https://www.celebrityspeakers.co.nz/speakers/gary-shaw

Follow Gary on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-shaw-0706671b7/?originalSubdomain=nz

Learn more about Gary here - https://www.garyshaw.co.nz

Contact Gary here - https://www.garyshaw.co.nz

You can find out what your Slavery Footprint is here - https://slaveryfootprint.org/#

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


-----


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

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on leadership and sharing three powerful lessons I learned from a surprising encounter with a high-profile guest who revealed their true character behind the scenes.

This experience challenged my perceptions of leadership and reinforced the importance of congruence, kindness, and responsibility in positions of power.


Here’s what I cover:

Congruence is Key – Why the best leaders are consistent both on and off camera, and how authenticity builds trust.

Power Dynamics Matter – How leaders can elevate or diminish others through their behaviour and why awareness of this is critical.

Kindness is Leadership – The lasting impact of treating others with respect, regardless of the situation or power dynamic.


Throughout this episode, I’ll explore what this encounter taught me about leadership and the responsibility we all carry, whether in families, workplaces, or communities. I’ll challenge you to reflect on your own congruence and the power dynamics in your life, urging you to lead with empathy and intention.

If you found value in this episode, I’d love it if you could share it with someone who might benefit from these lessons. Let’s create a world where leadership is driven by integrity, not ego.

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

In this episode, I sit down with Samuel Whitelock, the most capped All Black in history and a true rugby legend, to explore his journey from the farm fields of New Zealand to the pinnacle of international rugby.

Samuel reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his career, his upbringing in a competitive family of four boys, and the values that shaped him both on and off the field. Along the way, we dive into his unique bond with Razor Robertson and the unforgettable lessons that defined their partnership.


We cover:

Samuel’s rural upbringing and how wrestling with his brothers prepared him for life as an All Black.

The hilarious story of locking a babysitter out of the house and learning lessons on accountability.

His relationship with Razor Robertson, including the famous "Rooster vs. Sheepdog" leadership analogy.

What it means to "darken the jersey" and leave a legacy in one of the world’s most iconic teams.

The highs and lows of balancing family, fatherhood, and a career at the top of international sport.


If you’re interested in leadership, teamwork, and the lessons learned from a life in high-performance sport, this candid and inspiring conversation with Samuel Whitelock is a must-listen.

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

Get your copy of Samuel Whitelock’s book here - https://www.harpercollins.co.nz/9781775542506/view-from-the-second-row/

Follow Samuel on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/samuelwhitelock/?hl=en

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


-----


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