

Habits of High Performers Podcast with James Laughlin
James Laughlin
Habits of High Performers is a podcast for people who want to win at life without burning out or losing what matters most.Each week, James Laughlin sits down with world class performers including prime ministers, elite athletes, billionaires, founders, and cultural leaders to uncover the habits, thinking patterns, and daily disciplines that drive sustained success.These are not hype driven conversations. They are practical, grounded, and deeply human. The focus is on what actually works when it comes to performance, health, leadership, relationships, and meaning.Hosted by James Laughlin, author of the #1 best selling book Habits of High Performers, high performance leadership coach, keynote speaker, and seven time world champion drummer, the show distils lessons from the world’s best into simple, actionable tools you can apply immediately.If you want to perform at a high level, live with intention, and build a life you do not need to escape from, this podcast is for you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 8, 2025 • 55min
From Building Empires to Raising Kids: The Truth About Leadership and Life with Scott Miller
In this episode, I sit down with Scott Jeffrey Miller, a former Chief Marketing Officer at FranklinCovey and bestselling author, to explore his remarkable journey from building a global leadership empire to embracing radical honesty in his personal and professional life.Scott shares candid insights into his 25+ years at FranklinCovey, his experiences working closely with Stephen Covey’s legacy, and how he’s applied the principles of leadership and purpose to his roles as a parent, speaker, and author.We cover:Scott’s journey from Disney to FranklinCovey and how he helped grow the company into a global leader in personal development.The biggest lessons from Stephen Covey, including the difference between efficiency and effectiveness in relationships.How fear has driven his success and the double-edged nature of ambition.Radical honesty in parenting and leadership, and why embracing your flaws can create deeper connections.Scott’s parenting philosophy, the challenges he faces, and how he co-authored a book with his son to teach life lessons.If you’re curious about what it takes to lead with purpose, embrace vulnerability, and balance the messiness of life, this honest and engaging conversation with Scott Miller will inspire you to reflect on your own journey.This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nzPreorder your copy of “Parenting Mess to Launch Success” here - https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Mess-Launch-Success-Relationships/dp/B0DC1V66H3Purchase one of Scott’s other books here - https://www.scottjeffreymiller.com/books/Connect with Scott on instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/scottjeffreymiller/Connect with Scott on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottjeffreymiller/Listen to “On Leadership with Scott Miller” here - https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/franklincovey-on-leadership-with-scott-miller/id139116438Get 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=hotcGzHVRACeAx4Send me a personal text message - If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.comSupport the show

8 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 14min
5 things I did to stop wasting my evenings after work
Unlock your evenings and unleash your potential! Learn the power of a 15-minute Sunday planning routine to set weekly goals. Discover how a deep clean can declutter both your space and your mind. Fight emotional eating with intentional habits and small changes that make a big impact. Master the 3-2-1 evening routine for better sleep and recovery. Plus, track your progress with tech while embracing imperfection. Transform your downtime into a launchpad for success!

Jan 1, 2025 • 1h 29min
This PRODUCTIVITY SYSTEM Will Completely CHANGE YOUR LIFE! | Greg McKeown
In this episode, I sit down with Greg McKeown, bestselling author of Essentialism and Effortless, to uncover the secrets to simplifying life, prioritising what matters most, and achieving extraordinary results without burning out.Greg shares his journey from chasing success to redefining it—shifting from the undisciplined pursuit of more to the disciplined pursuit of less but better. He reveals the personal wake-up call that sparked his transformation and offers practical strategies for anyone feeling overwhelmed by modern life’s demands.We cover:What essentialism really means and how it’s the antidote to burnout.Greg’s personal story of prioritising work over family and the life-changing lesson it taught him.How to identify the ‘vital few’ tasks and eliminate the ‘trivial many.’The 3-step process to regain focus: Explore, Eliminate, and Execute.Why most people get stuck in reactive living—and how to break free.The power of Greg’s ‘Power Half Hour’ and how to structure your day for clarity and impact.Greg’s new Essentialism Planner and how it can help you start 2025 with focus and intention.If you’re ready to reclaim your time, energy, and focus, this episode with Greg McKeown will leave you inspired and equipped to simplify your life and amplify your results.This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nzOrder your essentialism planner here - https://gregmckeown.com/books/the-essentialism-planner/Order your copy of Essentialism and Effortless here - https://gregmckeown.com/books/essentialism/#Connect with Greg here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmckeown/Check out Greg’s podcast here - https://gregmckeown.com/podcast/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 PerformaSend me a personal text message - If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.comSupport the show

Dec 25, 2024 • 1h 17min
Rowing 2,200km Across the Tasman: Shaun Quincey’s Journey of Pain, Pressure, and Privilege
In this episode, I sit down with Shaun Quincey, adventurer, entrepreneur, and the second person in history to row solo across the Tasman Sea. From taking on one of the world’s most treacherous ocean crossings to building a thriving business empire, Shaun’s story is one of resilience, grit, and relentless determination.Shaun reflects on his journey, the lessons learned from his record-breaking adventure, and how his father’s legacy as the first person to row the Tasman Sea inspired his own pursuit of greatness. We also delve into his transition from adventurer to entrepreneur and the mindset shifts that made it all possible.We cover:Shaun’s decision to row 2,200km across the Tasman and the life-or-death challenges he faced on the journey.The influence of his father’s world-first record and the pressure to forge his own path.The moment he almost gave up mid-ocean and how he turned fear into gratitude and clarity.How Shaun built a buy-now-pay-later business from scratch and sold it in a multi-million-dollar deal.The importance of resilience, routine, and finding purpose in hard work — whether on the water or in business.Practical advice on teaching resilience to the next generation and thriving under pressure.If you’re inspired by stories of grit, adventure, and the pursuit of purpose, this conversation with Shaun Quincey will leave you motivated to tackle your own challenges head-on.This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nzCheck out Simfuni here - https://simfuni.com/our-storyBook Shaun to speak at your next event here - https://www.celebrityspeakers.co.nz/speakers/shaun-quinceyConnect with Shaun here -https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-quincey-53548132/?originalSubdomain=nzGet 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.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQLinkedIn: 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 caroline@jjlaughlin.comSupport the show

Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 37min
Slavery, Faith, and the Search for Meaning with Former NZ Detective Gary Shaw
In this episode, I sit down with Gary, a former New Zealand detective turned international investigator, to explore his extraordinary journey from policing in Christchurch to fighting human trafficking across the globe.Gary opens up about the incredible highs and devastating lows of his mission to rescue women and children from modern slavery—and the personal cost of living as "James Bond for justice."We cover:Gary’s early days in the New Zealand Police and his struggle to fit into a toxic police culture.The heart-wrenching reality of confronting modern slavery, including rescuing children as young as five.How his undercover work in 12 countries pushed him to his psychological and emotional limits.The profound impact of his faith, and how it evolved through his experiences.Lessons on shame, forgiveness, and the journey to self-compassion after hitting rock bottom.If you’re curious about the intersection of justice, redemption, and the human spirit, this raw and deeply moving conversation with Gary is not to be missed.This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nzBook Gary for speaking here - https://www.celebrityspeakers.co.nz/speakers/gary-shawFollow Gary on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-shaw-0706671b7/?originalSubdomain=nzLearn more about Gary here - https://www.garyshaw.co.nzContact Gary here - https://www.garyshaw.co.nzYou can find out what your Slavery Footprint is here - https://slaveryfootprint.org/#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.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQLinkedIn: 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 caroline@jjlaughlin.comSupport the show

Dec 17, 2024 • 15min
The Ugly Truth About A Leader I Regret Having On The Show
In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on leadership and sharing three powerful lessons I learned from a surprising encounter with a high-profile guest who revealed their true character behind the scenes.This experience challenged my perceptions of leadership and reinforced the importance of congruence, kindness, and responsibility in positions of power.Here’s what I cover:Congruence is Key – Why the best leaders are consistent both on and off camera, and how authenticity builds trust.Power Dynamics Matter – How leaders can elevate or diminish others through their behaviour and why awareness of this is critical.Kindness is Leadership – The lasting impact of treating others with respect, regardless of the situation or power dynamic.Throughout this episode, I’ll explore what this encounter taught me about leadership and the responsibility we all carry, whether in families, workplaces, or communities. I’ll challenge you to reflect on your own congruence and the power dynamics in your life, urging you to lead with empathy and 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. Let’s create a world where leadership is driven by integrity, not ego.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/newsletterOn 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=1I release a solocast every Wednesday, and an interview with a world class guest every Thursday.Send me a personal text messageSupport the show

18 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 1h 38min
Samuel Whitelock’s Leadership MASTERCLASS: Secrets of All Blacks Culture & 100+ Test Match Legend
Samuel Whitelock, the most capped All Black with 153 test matches, shares powerful insights from his illustrious rugby career. He reflects on his rural upbringing and the life lessons learned while wrestling with his brothers. The conversation turns to his unique partnership with Razor Robertson, exploring the intriguing 'Rooster vs. Sheepdog' leadership analogy. Whitelock discusses the importance of legacy, or 'darkening the jersey,' along with the precious family moments amidst the sacrifices of elite sports. His journey is both inspiring and insightful for leaders.

Dec 10, 2024 • 10min
The Billionaire Mindset: The 3 Secrets They Don’t Want You to Know
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/newsletterOn 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=1I release a solocast every Wednesday, and an interview with a world class guest every Thursday.Send me a personal text messageSupport the show

Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 15min
Olympic Gold and the Mental Game with NZ’s Finn Butcher
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.nzConnect with Finn on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/finnbutcher/?hl=enLearn more about Finn here - https://www.canoeslalomnz.org.nz/Performance-Pathways/Olympians/finn-butcher-2024Get 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.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQLinkedIn: 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 caroline@jjlaughlin.comSupport the show

Dec 3, 2024 • 7min
3 Life-Changing Lessons from a Near-Death Experience You Can't Ignore
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/newsletterOn 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=1I release a solocast every Wednesday, and an interview with a world class guest every Thursday.Send me a personal text messageSupport the show


