Habits of High Performers Podcast with James Laughlin

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

What if the key to your next level isn’t you, but the person beside you?

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Monique Helstrom—former Chief of Simon Sinek and now one of the world’s most sought-after executive-assistant coaches.

We explore what it really takes to build a high-performing partnership between a visionary leader and their EA—and why most leaders are getting it wrong.

This episode is for anyone who’s building something big and knows they can’t do it alone.

We dive into:

• Why the most successful leaders treat their EA like a partner—not an assistant
• The biggest mistake most executives make when hiring (and how it costs them years)
• How to give your EA the voice, trust, and space they need to lead
• A behind-the-scenes look at launching Simon Sinek’s bestselling books
• The one thing that increases your productivity by up to 50%

Whether you're a CEO or the right-hand to one, this conversation will shift how you think about leadership, communication, and the power of aligned partnerships.

And yes—Monique really was the “how girl to the why guy.”

• Learn more about Monique here - https://www.moniquehelstrom.com
• Book Monique to speak at your next event here - https://www.moniquehelstrom.com/speaking
• Work with Monique - https://www.moniquehelstrom.com/coaching
• Follow Monique on IG - https://www.instagram.com/moniquejhelstrom
• Follow Monique on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquehelstrom/
• Listen to Sisters in Law Podcast here - https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/sistersinlaw/id1551206847
• 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 1:1 episode, I’m sharing a short excerpt from one of the chapters in my upcoming book Habits of High Performers—a section called Do The Work.

It’s a small glimpse into the mindset that high performers rely on when motivation runs out and the real work begins.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why ultra-endurance athlete Dean Karnazes is the definition of discipline—and how he built it
• The 4 mental habits Dean uses to conquer physical and emotional limits
• What it really means to focus on the next step, not the finish line
• Why high performers always play the long game—and how you can too

This is the first time I’ve shared any part of the book publicly—and I’m excited for you to hear it.

Quick note: the podcast will be taking a short break as I head to South Africa with Caroline and Finn for some much-needed time offline. But I’ll be back soon—energised and ready to go.

If this resonates, be sure to pre-order Habits of High Performers at thehabitbook.com.

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

Send me a personal text message

Support the show

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

What if the story you’ve been telling yourself… isn’t true?

In this moving and eye-opening episode, I sit down with award-winning journalist and author Jehan Casinader, whose book This Is Not How It Ends shook me—in the best way.

We explore how the stories we carry (often from childhood) shape how we live, love, lead… and burn out.

We dive into:

• The one question Jehan asks to instantly shift his mindset
• How loneliness and overwork hide behind outward success
• Why your identity is not your job—and how to let go
• A simple 4-part framework for storytelling that connects and influences
• What’s broken in modern content creation—and how to stand out with substance

Jehan opens up with honesty and heart. If you’ve ever felt like your life looks great on paper but feels off on the inside—this one’s for you.

• Learn more about Jehan here - https://jehancasinader.co.nz/about/
• Grab a copy of Jehan’s book here - https://jehancasinader.co.nz/book/
• Connect with Jehan on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jehancasinader/
• Book Jehan to speak at your next event here - https://jehancasinader.co.nz
• 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 1:1 episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of an event I hosted last week with some of New Zealand’s most inspiring voices—Razor Robertson, Mea Motu, Silvana Schenone, and Zion Armstrong.

Each of them shared a moment where someone elevated them—and now, I’m passing those lessons on to you.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The story of how world champ boxer Mea Motu turned trauma into power—and what it means to live with no fear
• Why Silvana Schenone believes in gently pushing people into discomfort
• The powerful reminder from All Blacks coach Razor Robertson about playing freely
• How former Adidas president Zion Armstrong broke cultural norms to do what was right

If you want to lead with purpose and lift others while you climb—this one’s for you.

• Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com
• Have me deliver a keynote or workshop to your team - email Caroline at [email protected]
• Listen to the episode I did with Zion here - https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/lead-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035?i=1000630978507

Send me a personal text message

Support the show

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

Think ADHD is just for kids? Think again.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with ADHD strategist Skye Waterson to unpack what adult ADHD really looks like—and why so many high performers are missed or misdiagnosed.

We explore:

• Why ADHD often hides in high achievers
• The link between burnout and executive dysfunction
• What dopamine has to do with motivation
• How to build habits and structure that actually stick
• Practical tools like the Focus Filter and sensory rewards

If you’ve ever felt scattered, time-blind, or stuck in shiny-object mode—this one’s for you.

• Learn more about Skye here - https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/about-skye-waterson
• Follow Skye on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/unconventionalorganisation/
• Sky’s Focus Filter tool - https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/the-adhd-focus-filter
• Sky’s podcast – The ADHD Skills Lab - https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/theadhdskillslab

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

5 Best Books to Read in 2025 (That Will Change Your Life)

In this 1:1 episode, I’m sharing the 5 books that are shaping my 2025—and why they might just change your life too.

From personal mastery to performance, longevity to leadership—these reads have shifted how I think, work, and live. If you want to grow this year, start with the right inputs. These are mine.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why The Wealth Money Can’t Buy might be Robin Sharma’s most important book yet
• The single mindset shift from Essentialism that’ll change how you manage time
• What I learnt about legacy and leadership from All Black legend Sam Whitelock’s autobiography
• The biohacking breakthroughs inside Tony Robbins’ 600+ page deep dive, Life Force
• A sneak peek into my upcoming book, Habits of High Performers, and how to claim $450+ in launch bonuses

If you’re serious about growth this year, don’t just scroll—read.

• Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com
• Have me deliver a keynote or workshop to your team - email Caroline at [email protected]
• Listen to the episode I did with Greg McKeown here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDX3h5Tx09M&list=PLwEV0R3KOLDBvJ3Wy6hdPZ_6yddT3lAIl&index=38 

Send me a personal text message

Support the show

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

In a world divided by ego and isolation, Mike Robbins reminds us of what truly drives high performance: connection, courage, and humanity.

Mike has spent over two decades inside Fortune 100 companies helping teams unlock extraordinary performance—not through pressure, but through purpose.

In this conversation, we unpack his bestselling book We're All In This Together and explore what it really takes to build high-performing, values-driven teams in today’s hybrid, high-pressure world.

But this isn’t just about better teamwork—it’s a call to lead with empathy, to embrace hard conversations, and to show up as your whole self.

What we cover:

• Why belonging is the foundation of high performance
• How to build real trust in hybrid teams
• The truth about psychological safety (hint: it’s not comfort)
• How to give feedback that actually lands
• The power of “sweaty-palm conversations”
• Appreciation vs recognition—why both matter
• Why the best leaders lead with humility and humanity

Whether you lead a team of 3 or a global company of 3,000—this episode will transform how you think about leadership, performance, and purpose.

• Learn more about Mike here - https://mike-robbins.com
• Grab a copy of Mike’s new book here - https://mike-robbins.com/books/
• Follow Mike on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/mikedrobbins/
• Connect with Mike on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrobbins/

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

From Good to Elite: The All Blacks’ Leadership Blueprint

In this solo episode, I share powerful behind-the-scenes insights from three of the greatest minds in sport: Scott Robertson (head coach of the All Blacks), Gilbert Enoka (former mental skills coach), and Sir Wayne Smith (former assistant coach of the All Blacks and head coach of the Black Ferns).

We recently shared the stage at a special leadership event. What stood out wasn’t just their accolades—it was the mindset, culture, and clarity they live by.

If you’re building a team, leading a company, or just want to level up in life—this one’s for you.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why humour is a serious competitive edge
• How belonging boosts performance more than any tech
• What radical clarity of success actually looks like
• Why high performers don’t suffer fools—and neither should you
• How to set a standard and actually uphold it

This is a short, no-fluff episode packed with the exact thinking used by some of the most successful leaders in sport.

• Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com
• Have me deliver a keynote or workshop to your team - email Caroline at [email protected]

Send me a personal text message

Support the show

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

Sam Harvey went from being bullied in school to becoming one of the world’s top ultra marathon runners. In this conversation, we dive deep into how he built elite-level resilience, redefined pain, and created a career doing what most would call impossible.

What we cover:

• The mental and physical demands of backyard ultras
• How Sam ran 101 hours with only micro-naps
• What separates high performers from the rest
• Why he walked away from a traditional career
• How trauma, doubt, and drive fuel his success

This is more than a conversation about running—it's a blueprint for turning struggle into strength. Don’t miss it.

• Learn more about Sam here - https://www.samharveyultra.com
• Checkout coaching with Sam here - https://www.samharveyultra.com/coaching
• Follow Sam on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/samharvey_cloudlander/

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

Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers today and learn the essential principles to thrive in life and work - www.thehabitbook.com 

Di Foster was told she had 12 months to live. That was 15 years ago.

In this deeply moving conversation, Di shares how she rejected a terminal cancer diagnosis, removed herself from the medical system, and created her own path to radical remission—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

But this isn’t a conversation about illness. It’s about ownership. It’s about what happens when you take full responsibility for your mind, your health, and your life.

What we cover:

• Why Di refused to "suffer" and instead chose joy
• The 3 life-saving whispers she heard—and followed
• How she reframed trauma, relationships, and self-perception
• Why her conversation with death changed everything
• How presence, natural healing, and gratitude helped her defy the odds
• Di’s approach to parenting, partnership, and building a values-driven business

Di is one of the most intentional, joyful, and fiercely real people I’ve ever had on the show. If you want a masterclass in emotional mastery, mindset, and living on purpose, this is it.

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

• Learn more about Di here - https://www.difoster.com
• Follow Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/difoster.live/
• Follow Di on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-foster/
• Listen to Di on Accidental Business Owners here - https://youtu.be/08ETxVufrSY?si=JKTr14CxWjjG8Lub 

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