Habits of High Performers Podcast with James Laughlin

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

Replace the meeting after the meeting with real talk in the room.

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Keith Ferrazzi — New York Times bestselling author of Never Eat Alone and Never Lead Alone, world-renowned executive team coach, and one of the foremost experts on collaboration and leadership transformation. Keith has coached some of the world’s top organisations, from Fortune 100 companies to government ministries, helping leaders reimagine how teams work together to achieve bold goals.

This conversation dives deep into the practical shifts that turn a group of high achievers into a truly high-performing team.

We cover:

• The simple practice that replaces status meetings with honest “stress tests.”
• How to create a culture of candour without creating conflict.
• Why feedback should be “radical input,” not instruction.
• The power of asynchronous collaboration and how to make meetings meaningful again.
• How to future-proof your leadership and your team in the age of AI.

• Learn more about Keith here - https://www.keithferrazzi.com
• Grab your copy of Keith’s books here - https://www.keithferrazzi.com/books
• Connect with Keith on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithferrazzi/
• Have a look at Keith’s ‘Beyond Connection’ Course here - https://www.keithferrazzi.com/courses
• 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 

What if your team’s biggest problem isn’t what’s said — it’s what’s left unsaid?

In this episode of Lead on Purpose, I sit down with Steven Gaffney, author of Unconditional Power and creator of the CHAT framework for consistently high achieving teams. We unpack why honesty, emotional safety, and proactive communication are the foundations of real performance — not just effort.

We cover:

• The hidden cost of withholding and how to get “the unsaid said.”
• Why emotional safety beats psychological safety every time.
• The five traits of high achieving teams — starting with “team first, position second.”
• How to separate facts from stories using the “Notice vs Imagine” tool.
• The power of reframing problems into opportunities.
• What unconditional power means and how to focus only on what you can control.

You’ll walk away with clear, actionable tools to help your team communicate honestly, perform consistently, and lead with courage and empathy.

• Learn more about Steven here - https://stevengaffney.com/about-us/#aboutsteven
• Connect with Steven here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevengaffneycompany/
• Grab a copy of Steven’s book here - https://stevengaffney.com/unconditional-power-book/
• 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 

What if your health span is shrinking because life got too comfortable?

In this episode of Lead on Purpose, I sit down with Dr Paul Taylor to unpack Death by Comfort. We get practical about ultra-processed foods, protein-first meals, and movement habits that rewire your metabolism, brain, and daily energy. Simple, science-backed tools you can use today.

We cover:

• What ultra-processed foods are, the NOVA system, and why supermarket breads and breakfast cereals often mislead.
• Protein at breakfast, 30 g targets, the 80/20 rule, shopping the perimeter, and keeping “treats” out of the house.
• Movement that changes your biology: myokines, BDNF, lactate-threshold bursts, movement snacks, and post-meal walks.
• Making it stick: match exercise to personality, use if-then rules, and model healthy habits for your kids.

You will walk away with a clear plan to reduce UPFs, lift protein, move smarter, and build a home environment where better choices become automatic.

• Listen to Paul’s podcast here - https://www.paultaylor.biz/podcast
• Connect with Paul here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paultaylor1971/
• Grab a copy of Paul’s book here - https://www.paultaylor.biz/books
• Learn more about Paul here -https://www.paultaylor.biz
• 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, I sit down with Barry LaBov, award-winning author of The Power of Differentiation and brand strategist who has worked with Harley-Davidson, Audi, and other global icons.

What you will take from this episode:

• The #1 myth about personal branding and what to do instead
• A simple way to uncover your unique differentiation
• Why doing less, with focus, builds loyalty and trust
• How Harley-Davidson turned customers into a global community
• The daily leadership habit to keep your brand energy alive

If you want practical strategies to stand out and lead with authenticity, this conversation with Barry will equip you to discover what makes you truly different—and double down on it.

• Learn more about Barry here - https://www.barrylabov.com
• Grab a copy of Barry’s new book here - https://www.barrylabov.com/books
• Connect with Barry here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-labov-6965241/
• 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, I sit down with Mark Hannaford, founder of World Extreme Medicine, to explore a life spent leading medical teams in the world’s harshest environments.

Mark shares frontline lessons from Ukraine, expeditions gone sideways, and what it really takes to deliver high level care when resources are low and risk is high.

What you will take from this episode:

• How to lead specialists under pressure with calm, humble clarity
• Why thinking five steps ahead and listening to your gut can save lives
• Tools to master panic with breath, focus, and simple next actions
• The importance of building eclectic, ego free teams that communicate well
• How to design life around passion while protecting mental health daily

If you want field tested insights on leadership, resilience, and purpose, this conversation with Mark Hannaford will serve you well. You will leave with practical tools to think ahead, stay calm, and lead when it counts.

• Learn more about Mark and his work here - https://worldextrememedicine.com/about/meet-the-team/
• Connect with Mark on LInkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/profmarkhannaford/
• 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’m opening up about what’s been happening behind the book, the stages, and the lessons I’ve been learning along the way.

From standing on stages across New Zealand, to conversations with world leaders, to the launch of my book hitting number one, it’s been a big month and I want to share what it really feels like on the inside.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why refusing to settle is the antidote to mediocrity
• The belief systems that quietly shape your success (or hold you back)
• How I get radically clear on what I want and why it matters

You’ll also hear a few personal stories from my book launches to tough questions from the Deputy Prime Minister, and how those moments have reinforced the habits I live by.

If you’ve been feeling stuck in “average,” this episode will give you the spark to aim higher, rewire your mindset, and commit to not settling in the areas of life that matter most.

• Come join me at The High Performance Leadership Event here - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/high-performance-event-2025 
• 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 

What if the real test of leadership is not title but integrity?

In this episode of Lead on Purpose, I sit down with Noel Massie, former UPS executive who led hundreds of thousands of people, to unpack practical leadership you can use on the floor today. We dig into servant leadership, the four by five method, and how integrity, ethics, and intentionality turn managers into coaches who truly influence behaviour.

We cover:

 • Daily discipline, mentorship, and staying connected to the front line
 • The four by five method for tough conversations that keep dignity high
 • Your first 30 days as a new leader and how to set clear terms and conditions
 • Leaders vs managers, effective training, and why people support what they help create

You will walk away with repeatable tactics to coach with confidence, build trust fast, and lead with integrity at any scale.

• Learn more about Noel here - https://noelmassie.com
• Grab a copy of Noel’s book here - https://noelmassie.com/#bookbuy
• Connect with Noel on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/noel-massie-8b7511a/
• 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 

What if your brand’s real growth lever isn’t features but happiness?

In this episode of Lead on Purpose, I sit down with Mark, co-founder of Squint Consulting, to unpack why we are living through an unhappiness crisis and how the smartest brands grow by deliberately creating happier customers and happier teams. We explore the simple model behind happy brands and how it reshapes products, pricing, and culture.

We cover:

• The unhappiness trend Gallup is tracking and why it now drives consumer choice
 • A practical model of memories, behaviours, and beliefs that sparks growth
 • How Olipop moved from sparkling tonic to soda and unlocked a huge valuation
 • Why execution beats slogans, with lessons from Happy Meals, Nike, and Chipotle
 • Turning choice into joy, from Netflix browsing to service design people love
 • Building a high trust, low meeting culture that lifts performance and morale
 • The danger of trend hopping and how to return to brand fundamentals that last
 • Personal creativity habits that widen focus, including walks, mind wandering, and sauna

You will walk away with practical ways to design happier experiences, raise perceived value, and build a culture where great thinking thrives and growth follows.

• Learn more about Squint Consulting here - https://squintconsulting.com/about/
• Connect with Mark on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lestermarky/?originalSubdomain=nl
• 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 

What if your team’s real advantage isn’t talent but connection?

In this episode of Lead on Purpose, I sit down with Jon Gordon, bestselling author of The Energy Bus and The Seven Commitments of a Great Team. We dive into what makes teams thrive, on the field, in the office, and at home. Jon explains why connection drives commitment, how culture is created by daily actions, and why true positivity fuels resilience and performance.

We cover:

 • Why authentic connection always outperforms raw talent
 • How leaders shape culture through lived values, not words on a wall
 • The keys to building and repairing trust quickly
 • What healthy accountability looks like in high-performing teams
 • Why devotion and love drive discipline, consistency, and long-term success

You’ll walk away with practical strategies to strengthen culture, build trust, and inspire your team to give their best when it matters most.

• Learn more about Jon Gordon here - https://jongordon.com
• Purchase Jon’s books here - https://jongordon.com/books/
• 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 

What if you could take control of your health the same way a CEO takes control of a business?

In this episode of Lead on Purpose, Dr Darshan Shah joins me to unpack the science of longevity, prevention, and performance. A surgeon turned health optimisation expert, Darshan reveals the biomarkers, daily habits, and mindset shifts that can help you live longer and healthier.

We cover:

 • Why “feeling good” can be misleading and how silent biological damage builds up for decades
 • The three key blood tests you should know today to prevent disease tomorrow
 • How muscle acts as the “organ of longevity” and the best ways to build and protect it
 • Simple, accessible strategies to improve gut health and reduce chronic inflammation
 • The role of hormones in energy, performance, and ageing, and how to optimise them naturally
 • Why routines, meditation, and small daily choices matter more than quick fixes

Darshan also shares his personal supplement stack, the value of preventative scans, and his vision for transforming healthcare into true health care.

You will walk away with practical steps to become the CEO of your own health so you can stay strong, sharp, and thriving for decades to come.

• Learn more about Darshan here - https://www.drshah.com
• Dr Darshan Shah’s Biomarker Guide-  https://www.drshah.com/biomarkers
• Learn more about Next Health here - https://www.next-health.com
• Connect with Darshan on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/
• 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