Habits of High Performers Podcast with James Laughlin

Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Cecilia Robinson, serial entrepreneur and Co chair of B416 (Before 16), to unpack what’s driving the youth mental health crisis and what parents can do about it. 

- Why is anxiety rising so fast in young people? 
- What happens when we over protect kids in the real world and under protect them online?
- How do you raise independent, resilient kids in a smartphone first world?

Cecilia shares the mission behind B416, the push to introduce a minimum age of 16 for social media, and the practical parenting principles she uses at home. We also get into her entrepreneurial journey across Au Pair Link, My Food Bag, and Tend, plus how she handles public criticism and stays grounded in the middle of high pressure seasons. 

What we cover:

• Why B416 exists, what the movement is trying to change, and why social norming matters for parents and kids
• The biggest compliance issue schools face with phone free rules, and the parental habits that accidentally undermine them
• Cecilia’s approach to parenting for independence, including the TRICK framework and stretching kids with real responsibility
• How she thinks about building businesses, why execution beats ideas, and how problem spotting drives her ventures 
• The emotional realities behind leadership, including navigating loss, staying steady under scrutiny, and choosing daily happiness

If you care about parenting, leadership, and protecting childhood in a digital world, this conversation will challenge how you think about screens, responsibility, and what kids actually need to thrive.

• Check out B416 here - https://b416.co.nz
• Connect with Cecilia on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-robinson-46722311/?originalSubdomain=nz
• Have a look at Cecilia's speaker profile here - https://www.celebrityspeakers.co.nz/speakers/cecilia-robinson
• If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]

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

Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals

I’m breaking down my exact goal-setting system and the annual planning method I use with my private clients to help them stop starting over and actually follow through.

This episode is about clarity, alignment and action. Not hype. Not motivation. And not beating yourself up when things don’t go to plan.

I walk you through the thinking behind my annual reset process and explain how to reflect on the past year without judgement, identify what truly matters, and build goals that are achievable and sustainable.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why most goal-setting fails before February
• How to review the past year without shame or self-criticism
• A simple way to identify what gave you energy and what drained it
• How to use WMI (What’s Most Important) to prioritise your life and work
• Why belief systems quietly sabotage behaviour and results
• How to narrow your focus to the one goal that matters most right now
• What to do in the next 30 days so momentum actually sticks
• Why high performance is hormonal and how the MEDS framework supports consistency

You’ll also hear about a free goal-setting workbook you can download to work through this process step by step. It’s the same workbook my coaching clients use to reset, reflect and build a clear plan for the year ahead.

If you’ve been setting goals with good intentions but struggling to follow through, this episode will help you slow down, see clearly and take meaningful action.

Because hope isn’t a strategy.

Habits beat hope every day of the week.

• Download the free workbook here - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/2026workbook
• Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting workshop here - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/2026goals
• 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

Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with my partner in life and business, Caroline, for a conversation we usually have off camera.

We look back on 2025 and reflect on what really went well, what didn’t, and the lessons we’ve learned from running a business together while building a life together.

We talk openly about growth, pressure, boundaries, clarity, and why success often looks very different behind the scenes than it does on the outside. We also share a personal update that we haven’t spoken about publicly before.

This episode is honest, reflective, and very real.

What we cover:

• The biggest highs and hardest moments from 2025, personally and professionally
• What running a business together has taught us about communication, boundaries, and trust
• The pressure points that show up when work and life collide, and how we navigate them
• Why clarity is so rare, how distraction keeps people stuck, and what actually helps
• The lessons we’re taking into 2026, and how reflection creates better goals
• A personal milestone that made 2025 one we’ll never forget

If you’re building something meaningful, navigating a relationship alongside ambition, or simply wanting to reflect before setting your next goals, this conversation will give you perspective, reassurance, and a few hard truths you might need to hear.

Here is the list of book recommendations:

Habits of High Performers – James Laughlin

Main Street Millionaire – Cody Sanchez

Unreasonable Hospitality – Will Guidara

The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

Visualize – Maya Raichoora

The Untethered Soul – Michael A. Singer

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself – Dr. Joe Dispenza

The Wealth Money Can’t Buy – Robin Sharma

Through Shifts and Shocks – Steve Vamos

The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel

• If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]

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

Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with former Olympic Team Physiotherapist and author of The Back Fix, Antony Bush, to explore some big questions.

Why do one in five of us suffer chronic pain?
 Why is back pain now the world’s greatest disability?
 How does movement and strength shape our pain, happiness and even mortality?

Antony breaks down what it means to be an analog creature struggling in a digital age and how we can reclaim our health through simple, science backed habits.

What we cover:

• Why modern living has turned back pain into the world’s number one disability and how sitting, screens and stress drive chronic pain
• How movement, walking, micro exercise and the Big Six strength moves reduce pain, improve mood and extend lifespan
• How the brain creates pain, why MRIs often show harmless “wrinkles,” and why movement outperforms passive treatments
• The mindset side of recovery, including the wishbone, backbone and funny bone model for resilience and why movement is medicine

If you want to reduce pain, boost your energy and future proof your health, this conversation will shift how you move and how you live.

• Learn more about Antony here - https://thebackfix.com/about-1
• Connect with Antony on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/antony-bush/
• Grab your copy of The Back Fix here - https://thebackfix.com
• If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]

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

Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with former UK Special Forces operator and performance coach Simon Jefferies to unpack how to perform under pressure without burning out.

From surviving brutal SBS selection to building simple systems for state control, mindset and habits, Simon shares how anyone can train their mind like an elite operator.

What we cover:

• Why fewer than ten percent pass UK Special Forces selection and why robustness beats raw fitness
• The mindset that separates quitters from finishers, including emotional control and self discipline
• Simon’s three part model for high performance, state regulation, mindset work and simple daily systems
• Practical tools for pressure, reframing, self talk, controlling the controllables and after action reviews
• How to protect your energy with intentional mornings, deep work, boundaries with tech and real recovery
• Why journalling, breath work and honest reflection help you align who you are with how you live

If you are ready to lead with clarity, composure and purpose, this conversation is a masterclass.

• Learn more about Simon here - https://thenaturaledge.com
• Connect with Simon on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonjeffries/
• Connect with Simon on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/the.natural.edge/
• If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]

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

Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com 

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with former All American wrestler and high performance coach Jim Harshaw Jr to unpack what it really takes to go from good to great without burning out.

From a blue collar upbringing to the NCAA podium and training as an Olympic hopeful, Jim shares how he rebuilt his entire life through structure, coaching and an environment of excellence.

What we cover:

• Jim’s journey from feeling out of his depth at a top university to becoming an All American, double graduate and Olympic hopeful
• The four part framework for high performance: radical vision, aligned goals, an environment of excellence and a long term follow through plan
• The “miracle day,” billion dollar and funeral exercises that unlock what you really want from life and work
• Why failure is a necessary ingredient for success and how to run a simple review so you actually learn from it instead of shrinking your goals
• The power of the “productive pause,” coaching and community, plus the daily habits and bookends Jim uses to keep performing at a high level

If we can reframe failure, choose our environment and protect time to think, high performance stops being a grind and starts becoming the natural result of how we live.

• Learn more about Jim here - https://jimharshawjr.com
• Listen to Jim’s podcast here - https://jimharshawjr.com/podcast/
• Apply for a free coaching call with Jim - https://jimharshawjr.net/call
• Action Plans + Success Through Failure Exercise - https://jimharshawjr.net/action-plan-landing-page1729264671370
• If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]

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

Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com 

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with ADHD coach Sharon from The Functional Family to unpack what ADHD really is, why the old labels do more harm than good, and how leaders can create environments where neurodivergent people actually thrive. 

With over 20 years of study, formal ADDCA training, and the lived experience of raising three boys with ADHD, Sharon blends science, systems, and humour to turn daily chaos into connection and function.

We dive into executive function, interest based brains, and very practical tools you can use at home and at work.

What we cover:

• Why ADHD is not an attention deficit and why “disorder” misses the point
• The three ADHD presentations and how they show up in everyday life
• Executive function, time awareness and why so many ADHD adults feel like they are always behind
• Sharon’s open, closed and neutral brain model and how it helps with regulation at home and at work
• How leaders can support ADHD team members with strengths based tasks, sprints, body doubling and smart accommodations
• Practical tools including AI and Goblin Tools to break tasks down, reduce shame and build sustainable systems

 If we can better understand how different brains work, we unlock potential, deepen compassion and create environments where everyone can win.

• Learn more about Sharon here - https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com
• Listen to Sharon’s podcast here - https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/podcast
• Take the Clifton strengths test here - https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx
• Find an accredited ADHD coach here - https://adhdcoachesaustralasia.online
• Follow Sharon on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/
• If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]

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

Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com

In this solo episode, I am sharing lessons from my recent time in Hong Kong, Singapore and Fiji, and what I am learning from leaders, innovators and real world conversations on the ground.

From delivering keynotes to sitting with the head of Meta for Asia Pacific over lunch, this episode is about mindset, growth and staying curious.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why a possibilitarian mindset is a competitive advantage
• What world class leaders are focused on right now
• Why staying the least intelligent person at the table matters for growth
• The truth about consistency and why most people never reach the top

You will also hear a powerful message from a reader whose life shifted after applying the VP decision filter from the book, plus a first mention of an invite only high performance retreat coming in 2026.

If you have been running fast or searching for clarity, this episode will help you slow down, think bigger and lead on purpose.

• Check out WisprFlow - the app giving me 2 full days back that I accidentally forgot to expand on in the episode lol - https://wisprflow.ai/get-started?referral=JAMES5199&utm_source=referral
• Email Caroline if you’re interested in the retreat in 2026 - [email protected]
• It would mean the world if you could leave me a book review on Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228720720-habits-of-high-performers
• 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.

Send me a personal text message

Support the show

Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com 

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I chat with Kasim about AEO and how it's changing the way we get found online. We also dive into hiring, as he shares his seven step system for finding top performers anywhere in the world. We wrap up with a powerful reminder to stop overthinking and just ship it.

What we cover:

• How AEO differs from SEO and why personal authority now matters most
• Why schema markup and social proof drive visibility in LLMs
• How consistency and positioning helped me rank top for high performance leadership searches
• Kasim’s seven step hiring system to attract, test, and keep elite talent
• Why action beats endless planning and learning

If you want LLMs to find you and you want your team to perform at an elite level, this conversation gives you a clear plan to start today.

• Check out the AEO community and get your free book here - https://aeo.co/free/
• Grab a copy of ‘Hire’ here - https://thehirebook.com
• Connect with Kasim here - https://kasim.me
• If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]

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

Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com 

Replace guesswork with data and make your ads pay for themselves.

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Hikari of Omneky, an AI-powered platform that turns creative and performance data into higher return on ad spend across every major channel. Based in the Bay Area and building in AI since 2018, Hikari shares a clear, human take on what to do now, what to ignore, and how to use agents and automation without losing your brand.

We cover:

• Why AI is unavoidable and how to stay current without overwhelm.
• How to vet AI consultants, avoid weak proofs of concept, and set sensible ROI tests.
• Getting found by LLMs: content quality, citations, and brand signals models actually weight.
• What Omneky does differently: data-driven creative, full visibility and control, and true omnichannel testing that lifts ROAS.
• Agents, security, and the near future of work for small and mid-sized teams.

If you run ads or plan to, this one will save you money and focus your efforts where they convert.

• Learn more about Omneky here - https://www.omneky.com/#
• Connect with Hikari on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hisenju/
• If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]

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