

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

Jun 18, 2025 • 10min
4 Powerful Ways to Elevate People Around You
Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.comIn 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 fearWhy Silvana Schenone believes in gently pushing people into discomfortThe powerful reminder from All Blacks coach Razor Robertson about playing freelyHow former Adidas president Zion Armstrong broke cultural norms to do what was rightIf 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.comHave me deliver a keynote or workshop to your team - email Caroline at Caroline@jjlaughlin.comListen to the episode I did with Zion here - https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/lead-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035?i=1000630978507Send me a personal text messageSupport the show

Jun 15, 2025 • 51min
3 Hidden Signs of ADHD You’re Probably Ignoring (with Skye Waterson)
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 achieversThe link between burnout and executive dysfunctionWhat dopamine has to do with motivationHow to build habits and structure that actually stickPractical tools like the Focus Filter and sensory rewardsIf 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-watersonFollow Skye on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/unconventionalorganisation/Sky’s Focus Filter tool - https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/the-adhd-focus-filterSky’s podcast – The ADHD Skills Lab - https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/theadhdskillslabWebsite: 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 caroline@jjlaughlin.comSupport the show

Jun 11, 2025 • 6min
5 Best Books to Read in 2025 (That Will Change Your Life)
Discover five life-changing books to read in 2025! Learn why 'The Wealth Money Can’t Buy' is a crucial read and the mindset shift from 'Essentialism' that can revolutionize your time management. Gain insights into legacy and leadership from Sam Whitelock’s autobiography, and explore biohacking breakthroughs in Tony Robbins’ 'Life Force.' Plus, get a sneak peek of a new book focused on high performance habits, complete with exciting launch bonuses. Your growth journey starts here!

11 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 56min
What Makes a High-Performance Team? Mike Robbins Breaks It Down
Mike Robbins, an author and speaker who coaches Fortune 100 companies, explores what drives high performance: connection and humanity. He emphasizes the importance of belonging as the foundation for effective teams and outlines how to establish trust in hybrid settings. The conversation dives into psychological safety, revealing it’s more about challenge than comfort. Mike shares strategies for impactful feedback, the significance of vulnerability in communication, and how leading with empathy transforms team dynamics.

5 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 9min
From Good to Elite: The All Blacks’ Leadership Blueprint
Discover how elite sports leadership can transform your approach to teamwork and success. Learn why humor is crucial in building connections and enhancing performance. Explore the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and how it outshines technological investments. Gain insights into establishing clear standards and expectations for high-performing teams. This engaging discussion is packed with powerful lessons from some of the greatest minds in sports, empowering you to elevate personal and professional productivity.

Jun 1, 2025 • 1h 2min
He Ran for 101 Hours with No Sleep – Sam Harvey’s Ultra Human Story
Pre-order a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.comSam 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 ultrasHow Sam ran 101 hours with only micro-napsWhat separates high performers from the restWhy he walked away from a traditional careerHow trauma, doubt, and drive fuel his successThis 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.comCheckout coaching with Sam here - https://www.samharveyultra.com/coachingFollow 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 caroline@jjlaughlin.comSupport the show

May 29, 2025 • 1h 38min
Why Di Foster Talks to Death—and What It Taught Her About Life
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 joyThe 3 life-saving whispers she heard—and followedHow she reframed trauma, relationships, and self-perceptionWhy her conversation with death changed everythingHow presence, natural healing, and gratitude helped her defy the oddsDi’s approach to parenting, partnership, and building a values-driven businessDi 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.nzLearn more about Di here - https://www.difoster.comFollow 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 caroline@jjlaughlin.comSupport the show

15 snips
May 28, 2025 • 58min
The 10 Leadership Rules That Transformed a Dysfunctional Culture | Kyle McDowell
In this discussion, leadership consultant Kyle McDowell shares insights from his experience with Fortune 10 companies and his '10 We's' principles for transforming workplace culture. He highlights the dangers of toxic environments, noting their impact on innovation and individual motivation. Kyle emphasizes that effective leadership is about people—whether leading 20 or 20,000. Authenticity and relatability are key for building trust, and his framework offers actionable strategies that can enhance both professional and personal relationships.

May 27, 2025 • 1h 3min
Jamie Kreiner Studied 1,500 Years of Distraction—Here’s What She Found
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 issueWhy modern productivity might be killing your clarityThe ancient mental practice of “discernment”The link between mind wandering and spiritual masteryWhy community, structure, and solitude work togetherHow writing, meditation, and “think time” build better leadersWhat monks can teach us about balance, burnout, and being usefulWhy your thoughts aren’t you—and why that’s good newsJamie 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.nzLearn 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-mindWebsite: 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 caroline@jjlaughlin.comSupport the show

May 26, 2025 • 52min
Diagnosed with ADHD as an Adult—How Greg Bennick Turned It Into a Superpower
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 connectionHow to focus on what truly matters—despite constant distractionThe mindset shift that turns failure into possibilityWhy success requires bold leaps into the unknownHow laughter and joy help lighten life’s heavinessWhy meaningful relationships protect us from isolationHow to create impact that grows through reverberation—not ripplesIf 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.nzLearn more about Greg here - https://www.gregbennick.comFollow 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/gregbennickbookRead Axe Handles by Gary Snyder (poem) here - https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57150/axe-handlesWebsite: 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, ForSend 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


