Habits of High Performers Podcast with James Laughlin

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

In a world where toxic workplaces are the norm, Kyle McDowell is leading a values-first revolution.

Kyle spent decades inside Fortune 10 companies—leading tens of thousands of people—and what he learned will change how you lead forever.

In this conversation, we explore his framework for transforming culture and leadership through The 10 WEs—a set of radical, clear, and actionable principles that drive high performance from the inside out.

But this isn't just about better leadership at work—Kyle's approach impacts how you show up in life, relationships, and the world around you.

What we cover:

• The biggest leadership lessons Kyle learned from toxic bosses
• Why leading 20 people is no different from leading 20,000
• The true cost of toxic culture—and how it kills innovation
• The 10 WEs: the foundation for values-based leadership
• How to own mistakes, pick each other up, and lead by example
• The danger of rewarding busyness over outcomes
• Why real culture change starts with the leader
• The power of authenticity and relatability to build trust
• How these principles apply at home, not just at work

Whether you're a CEO, coach, manager, or parent—this episode will challenge how you think about leadership and give you tools to lead with purpose and integrity.

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

• Learn more about Kyle here - https://kylemcdowellinc.com
• Grab your copy of Kyle’s book here - https://kylemcdowellinc.com/bestselling-book/
• Follow Kyle on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/kylemcdowellinc/
• Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylemcdowellinc/

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 

Jamie Kreiner went back 1,500 years to understand your biggest problem today.

In a world obsessed with hacking attention, Jamie didn’t look forward—she looked back.

In this conversation, we explore her book The Wandering Mind and what early Christian monks knew about distraction, productivity, and deep focus that modern science is only just catching up with.

But this isn’t a conversation about history. It’s about attention. It’s about how we can train our minds, structure our days, and create meaning in a world full of noise.

What we cover:

• How monks framed distraction as a life-or-death issue
• Why modern productivity might be killing your clarity
• The ancient mental practice of “discernment”
• The link between mind wandering and spiritual mastery
• Why community, structure, and solitude work together
• How writing, meditation, and “think time” build better leaders
• What monks can teach us about balance, burnout, and being useful
• Why your thoughts aren’t you—and why that’s good news

Jamie doesn’t just bring history to life—she uses it to help us live more fully, more intentionally, and with far greater focus.

If you’ve ever felt scattered, unproductive, or unsure how to slow down, this is the episode for you.

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

• Learn more about Jamie here - https://history.ucla.edu/person/jamie-kreiner/
• Grab a copy of Jamie’s book here - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61089439-the-wandering-mind

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 

In today’s hyper-connected world, distraction has become the norm—and it’s costing us clarity, focus, and a sense of purpose. In this powerful episode, author and speaker Greg Bennick joins James to unpack the psychology of attention, the link between self-worth and focus, and how we can reclaim our moments to create a more meaningful life.

Greg shares his personal journey with ADHD, why kindness is a radical act, and the seven practical strategies from his book Reclaim the Moment—all designed to help you cut through the noise and take back control.

Whether you’re constantly pulled in a million directions or simply craving more presence in your day, this conversation is your roadmap back to what matters.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• Why kindness is your gateway to deeper connection
• How to focus on what truly matters—despite constant distraction
• The mindset shift that turns failure into possibility
• Why success requires bold leaps into the unknown
• How laughter and joy help lighten life’s heaviness
• Why meaningful relationships protect us from isolation
• How to create impact that grows through reverberation—not ripples

If this episode sparked something in you, share it with a friend or team member who needs to hear it. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a quick review—it helps more people lead on purpose.

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

• Learn more about Greg here - https://www.gregbennick.com
• Follow Greg on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/gregbennick/
• Follow Greg on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregbennick/
• Grab a copy of Greg’s book here - https://www.gregbennick.com/gregbennickbook
• Read Axe Handles by Gary Snyder (poem) here - https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57150/axe-handles

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

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

Most leaders know their “why.”

 But what if the real power lies in discovering your “because”?

In this episode, I sit down with Mick Hunt, global leadership advisor and founder of Premier Strategy Box, to unpack the deeper drive behind great leadership—and how your “because” can shape every decision you make.

We go deep into:

• Why your because is stronger than your why—and how to find it
• How a promise to his mother at age 10 shaped Mick’s entire life
• The leadership lesson Mick teaches all his clients first
• The 3 traits every elite leader must master
• Why your circle might be holding you back—and how to fix it
• A powerful question he asks world leaders (and would ask the next U.S. president)

This is leadership without the fluff—raw, real, and radically purpose-driven.

💡 Whether you’re leading a business, a team, or your family… this episode will challenge you to get clearer on who you are and what drives you.

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

• Learn more about Mick here - https://mickhuntofficial.com
• Listen to Mick’s podcast here - https://mickhuntofficial.com/mick-unplugged-podcast/
• Follow Mick on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/
• Follow Mick on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/

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

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

What do you do when you're cut off from the world… for over a year?

David Knoff was meant to lead a 12-month Antarctic expedition.

Then COVID hit.

And what should’ve been one year turned into 537 days of complete isolation in one of the world’s most extreme environments.

In this episode, David and I dive deep into:

• How he kept his team alive, united, and mission-focused under extreme uncertainty
• What war zones and Antarctica taught him about burnout, control, and calm
• The reality of leadership when every plan goes out the window
• What happened when a team member snapped—and how David brought him back
• Why vulnerability, storytelling, and weekly meetings saved the station's culture
• His darkest moment—and what helped him survive it

This is a masterclass in real-world leadership—far from the safety of boardrooms and business books.

💡 Whether you’re a CEO, coach, athlete, or team leader, the lessons inside this conversation will change the way you lead.

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

• Learn more about David here - https://davidknoff.com
• Follow David on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/537daysofwinter/
• Grab a copy of David’s book here - https://davidknoff.com/537-days-of-winter

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

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

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with trauma physician and educator Dr. Christy Gibson—author of The Modern Trauma Toolkit—to explore how trauma really works, why it's often missed, and what you can do to start healing.

We unpack why trauma is not what happens to you, but how your body and nervous system respond—and how that response can be changed.

Christy shares practical tools that anyone can use to calm their nervous system, reclaim emotional flexibility, and move toward post-traumatic growth. Whether you're dealing with burnout, chronic stress, or hidden wounds from the past—this conversation offers hope.

Key Topics Covered:

• What trauma really is (and how it hides in plain sight)
• The link between stress, illness, and the nervous system
• How to calm your body using somatic tools
• Signs you're stuck in fight, flight, or freeze
• Simple daily practices to start healing

What makes this conversation different:
Christy doesn’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. She invites you into a compassionate toolkit that honours your individuality, respects your story, and equips you with flexible paths to healing.

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

• Learn more about Dr. Christy here - https://www.christinegibson.net/trauma-resilience-specialist
• Grab a copy of her book here - https://www.amazon.com.au/Modern-Trauma-Toolkit-Post-Traumatic-Personalized/dp/0306831066
• Follow her on TikTok here - https://www.tiktok.com/@tiktoktraumadoc?lang=en
• Follow her on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/moderntraumatoolkit/

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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

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

Trigger Warning
This episode contains open and honest discussions about depression, suicidal ideation, childhood abuse, and trauma. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know is struggling, seek professional help or contact a local mental health support line.

About the Episode
Joe Smarro is a US Marine Corps veteran, former police officer, and globally respected advocate for mental health and suicide prevention.

In this deeply vulnerable and courageous conversation, Joe shares his life story—from enduring childhood trauma and years of suicidal thoughts to serving in Iraq and working in law enforcement. His mission is clear: to eradicate suicide and help people believe they are worthy of tomorrow.

This episode is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, connection saves lives, and that our darkest moments can become our greatest source of purpose.

What we cover in this episode:

• Joe’s mission to end suicide, starting with first responders
• The impact of childhood trauma and military service
• Why vulnerability and emotional intelligence are essential
• How to support someone in a dark place
• Turning pain into purpose through forgiveness and connection

If this conversation moved you, please share it with someone who may need it. A single moment of connection can change everything.

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

• Learn more about Joe Smarro here - https://joesmarro.com
• Grab a copy of Joe’s book here - https://www.unarmedbook.com/checkout-page
• Connect with Joe on instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/joesmarro/
• Watch Joe’s documentary here - https://ernieandjoethefilm.com
• Watch Joe’s TedX talk here -  https://youtu.be/zjqKzNJef28?si=oid_0ggYBKDBAQZB 

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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

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

Dr. Haley Perlus is a world-renowned sport psychologist, keynote speaker, and performance consultant who helps elite athletes and top executives unlock their mental edge.

In this energising and insightful episode, Dr. Haley returns to the show to unpack the power of emotional mastery and mental recovery under pressure. With decades of experience working with Olympians, X-Games champions, and global business leaders, she reveals why high performers aren't perfect—they're the best at bouncing back.

This conversation is packed with practical mental tools, real-life stories, and game-changing mindset shifts that will help you recover faster, perform better, and lead with purpose.

What we cover in this episode:

• Why recovery—not perfection—wins the game
• Mental toughness vs. mental weakness (and how to spot both)
• The fastest way to move from anger to focus
• The 4 types of emotions and how to use each one
• Tools like progressive muscle relaxation, reframing, and visualisation
• How to develop your own reset ritual in 16 seconds
• The difference between letting go and letting yourself off the hook

Trigger warning: This episode briefly discusses emotional distress and performance anxiety.

If this episode inspired you, please share it with someone who leads under pressure. A simple mindset shift could be all they need to break through.

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

• Learn more about Dr Haley here - https://drhaleyperlus.com
• Grab your copy of her latest book here - https://drhaleyperlus.com/#book
•  Connect with Dr Haley on instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/drhaleyperlus/
• Check out “Love is letting go of fear” book here - https://www.amazon.com.au/Love-Letting-Fear-Gerald-Jampolsky/dp/0890872465

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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

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

In this powerful conversation, I speak with psychiatrist and trauma specialist Dr. Frank Anderson about the truth behind trauma—and how to heal it. 

We explore why trauma is often misunderstood, how it affects behaviour, and how healing can start with awareness and connection. Frank shares his own deeply personal story, how he broke lifelong patterns, and why love and self-leadership are key to reclaiming your life.

Key Topics Covered:

• What trauma really is (and why most of us have it)
• The behaviours that signal unresolved trauma
• How early experiences shape adult relationships
• A simple framework for starting the healing process
• What Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is and how it works

Big News:

Frank’s book To Be Loved is being made into a major motion picture, bringing trauma healing to a wider audience.

If this conversation moved you, share it with someone you love—healing often starts with a single conversation.

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

• Learn more about Dr. Frank Anderson here - https://www.frankandersonmd.com
• Grab your copy of his new book here - https://www.frankandersonmd.com/books/to-be-loved
• Follow Dr. Frank on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/frank_andersonmd/

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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

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

If you want to live longer—and better—this episode is for you.

Dr. Matt Chalmers joins me to unpack what real wellness looks like and why the standard advice is letting people down. He breaks down hormones, fasting, blood testing, psychedelics, and what you actually need to do to optimise your body and brain for the long haul.

We cover the tactical and the transformational—science-backed, no fluff.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The 4 pillars of true wellness—and why most people only address one
• What blood markers actually matter (hint: it’s not just cholesterol)
• Why calorie counting is outdated and what to track instead
• How to fast without losing muscle—and why collagen is a game-changer
• Why your hormones might be fine on paper… but still be wrecking your health
• The overlooked benefits of cannabis and psychedelics in healing trauma and anxiety
• How to future-proof your physical health with strength, stability and balance
• The essential supplements for plant-based diets (especially amino acids + B vitamins)

This episode is a wake-up call.

 Want to avoid the slow decline most people face in their 40s, 50s and beyond? This is where you start.

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

• Learn more about Dr. Chalmers here - https://chalmerswellness.com/pages/dr-matt-chalmers
• Grab your copy of Dr. Chalmers book here - https://www.amazon.com.au/Pillars-Wellness-Holistic-Vitality-Longevity/dp/1736060503
• Connect with Dr. Chalmers on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/drchalmers1/?hl=en

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Disclaimer:

The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or health advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, medications, or supplement use. The views expressed by Dr. Matt Chalmers are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or podcast platform.

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