Habits of High Performers Podcast with James Laughlin

In this episode, I’m sharing three powerful lessons I learned from a conversation with an inspiring New Zealand entrepreneur, Naomi Ballantyne, who became the first female in the country to sell her business for over a billion dollars. 

Her journey from humble beginnings to extraordinary success is a masterclass in mindset, resilience, and courage.


Here’s what I cover:

Everything is Figure-Outable – How a mindset of resourcefulness can help you overcome any obstacle.

Care Less About What Others Think – Why focusing on your purpose over public opinion is essential for success.

Put Your Hand Up – The power of stepping into opportunities, even when imposter syndrome strikes.


Throughout this episode, I’ll challenge you to embrace these lessons in your own life. Whether you’re striving for financial freedom, personal growth, or simply a more purpose-driven life, these insights will inspire you to think bigger, act bolder, and live with 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.

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 Finn Butcher, Olympic gold medalist and canoe slalom cross champion, to delve into his incredible journey from Central Otago to making history in Paris.

Finn shares how his passion for kayaking, mental resilience, and the support of his community shaped his path to success—and how he stays grounded through the highs and lows of elite sport.


We cover:

Finn’s mindset strategies: overcoming imposter syndrome and staying focused under pressure.

The pivotal role of mentors, including the late Sarge, in fostering his love for the sport.


How Finn balanced setbacks, including missing the Tokyo Olympics, with resilience and growth.


The mental skills he developed with Kylie Wilson, including mindfulness and visualization.


Finn’s thoughts on unconditional support from parents and coaches for young athletes.


If you’re curious about what it takes to win Olympic gold, stay humble, and love the process, this conversation with Finn Butcher is for you.

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

Connect with Finn on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/finnbutcher/?hl=en

Learn more about Finn here - https://www.canoeslalomnz.org.nz/Performance-Pathways/Olympians/finn-butcher-2024

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 sharing three powerful lessons I learned from a conversation with William Pike, a man who turned a near-death experience into a life of purpose and possibility. His story of survival and transformation is a masterclass in resilience, mindset, and living fully.

Here’s what I cover:

Focus on Possibilities 

Get Outdoors 

Live Today Like There's No Tomorrow 


Throughout this episode, I’ll challenge you to apply these lessons to your own life. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uninspired, these insights will help you lead with purpose, focus on what matters most, and inspire those around you.

If you found value in this episode, I’d love it if you could share it with someone who might benefit from these insights.

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

The Truth About Food Addiction & How to Finally Break Free 

In this episode, I sit down with Healthy Emmie, a passionate nutritionist and wellness expert, to explore her journey from marathon training to becoming a global advocate for plant-based health. 

Emmie shares how her transformative approach to nutrition changed her life—and the lives of her parents—by focusing on simple, whole foods.

We cover:

Emmie’s approach: eating well by adding, not restricting.

Practical tips for making small, impactful changes over time.

Insights on protein myths and food marketing’s hidden tactics.

Why processed food addiction isn’t your fault—and how to take control.

Mindset, journaling, and mindfulness for a balanced, lasting wellness journey.


If you’re ready to shift your approach to health and simplify wellness with actionable steps, this conversation with Healthy Emmie is for you.

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

Learn more about Emmie here - https://www.healthyemmieapp.org

Watch Emmie on Youtube here - https://www.youtube.com/@HealthyEmmie 

Learn more about the SLIM app here - https://www.healthyemmieapp.org/#PERSONALIZEDPROGRAM

Learn more about Dave Asprey here - https://daveasprey.com

Purchase Emmie’s supplements here - https://healthyemmie.org/pages/b12-supplement

View Darin Ollie’s Netflix series here - https://superlife.com/down-to-earth/

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 sharing the three key traits that make the world’s most influential people truly impactful. I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with leaders from every field—presidents, CEOs, sports icons, and more—and I’ve found that the most powerful ones don’t rely on manipulation or flashy campaigns. 

Instead, they focus on these core qualities that create deep, authentic connections.

Here’s what I cover:

Consistency


Curiosity


Kindness


Throughout this episode, I’ll encourage you to embrace these traits to grow your own influence and build richer relationships. By practising consistency, curiosity, and kindness, you’ll notice a meaningful shift in how others respond to you and in the quality of your connections.

If you found value in this episode, I’d love it if you could share it with someone who might benefit from these insights.

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 You Don’t Know About The Man Behind NZ Rugby

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Robinson, the CEO of New Zealand Rugby, to uncover the untold story of his journey from rural Taranaki to leading one of the world’s most iconic sporting organisations.

Mark shares his passion for rugby, his experiences navigating professional sport, and his vision for the future of New Zealand Rugby—on and off the field.

We cover:

Mark’s early life and how rugby became his passion.


His time at Cambridge and what it taught him about leadership.


Balancing the demands of being CEO with family life.


The challenges of navigating NZ Rugby through the COVID-19 crisis.


His vision for the All Blacks’ legacy and the future of rugby globally.

If you want a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead New Zealand Rugby and gain insights into leadership, resilience, and purpose, this conversation with Mark Robinson is for you.

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

You can learn more about NZ Rugby here - https://www.nzrugby.co.nz

You can learn more about Mark here - https://www.nzrugby.co.nz/about-nzr/who-we-are

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, we dive into three core habits that often keep people stuck, while the wealthy continue to thrive. Being “rich” isn’t just about money—it’s about cultivating relationships, finding fulfillment, and building a mindset that brings lasting success. Let’s explore what a rich mindset really means and see how small shifts in our daily habits can transform our lives.

Here's what I cover:

Curiosity: The Key to Growth

Seeing Possibilities, Not Problems

Gratitude as a Daily Practice

Throughout the episode, I encourage you to embrace a rich mindset by cultivating curiosity, seeking out possibilities, and practising gratitude. By doing so, you’re investing in a life that’s truly fulfilling.

If you found value in this episode, please consider sharing it with someone who could benefit from these insights.

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 Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, to dive into his journey from the boardroom to the Beehive and how he aims to lead New Zealand with purpose and conviction. We explore his vision for the country’s future, his strategies for economic growth, and his ambitious plans to transform key areas, including education.

Christopher shares his thoughts on what it takes to lead under fire, how his corporate background influences his political decisions, and why he believes that leadership is all about mission and purpose—whether in business or politics.

And as a special addition, my son Finn joins us at the end for some quick-fire questions with the Prime Minister—revealing a lighter side of leadership!

If you're interested in understanding how business principles can shape political change, or what drives New Zealand’s new Prime Minister, this is the episode for you.

This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - 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

-----

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

Support the show

Why We’re Terrible at Decisions (And How to Fix It)

In this episode, I sit down with Dan Ariely, a renowned behavioural economist, to explore the fascinating world of human irrationality and how understanding it can transform our decision-making, motivation, and overall quality of life.

Dan shares powerful insights into the quirks of the human mind, how our outdated "mental tools" affect modern life, and what it really means to design environments that align with our natural tendencies.

In this episode, we discuss:


The concept of human irrationality and why we often make seemingly illogical choices.


How cognitive biases shape our decisions in areas like risk-taking, motivation, and financial behavior.


Why extrinsic motivators like salary aren’t as impactful as feeling valued and connected.


The surprising effects of workplace culture, bureaucracy, and psychological safety on employee engagement and productivity.


Dan’s personal journey of acceptance and resilience, including his unique experience with a “half-beard” and what it taught him about self-acceptance.


This episode is packed with thought-provoking examples and practical insights on navigating life’s complexities by understanding our own cognitive limitations.

If you're curious about leading your life with purpose by working with your mind rather than against it, this is the episode for you.

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

You can learn more about Dan here - https://danariely.com/all-about-dan/

Connect with Dan here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danariely/

Purchase Dan’s books here - https://danariely.com/books/

You can view Harbor Capitals HAPI index here - https://www.harborcapital.com/etf/hapi/

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 dive deep into the often-overlooked value of time and why being intentional with it is critical. Imagine waking up one day with the realisation that you’ve spent years on things that don’t truly matter to you. Let’s make sure that day never comes.

Here's what I cover:


The Cost of Wasted Time

I share personal stories about time spent on activities that added little to my life, encouraging you to reflect on where you invest your time.


Living on Your Terms

Discover how to prioritize your true passions and start saying "no" to what doesn’t serve you, inspired by the wisdom of those who’ve regretted time wasted on others’ expectations.


Avoiding the Trap of Distractions

In a world full of notifications and endless content, learn how focusing on what truly matters brings exponential returns for your health, mindset, and connections.


Creating Meaningful Moments

I highlight the importance of nurturing relationships and capturing those “magic moments” that bring fulfillment, rather than letting life pass by in the hustle.


Pursuing Passions Today

Why wait for retirement to follow your dreams? I’ll guide you on how to make time for what you love, no matter how small the steps may be.


Throughout this episode, I encourage you to become intentional with your time. Let’s build a life that’s aligned with what truly matters, for today and the years to come. 

If you found value here, please share this episode with someone who might need this reminder.

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

Grab a copy of The Top Five Regrets of The Dying by Bonnie Ware here - https://bronnieware.com/books/

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