Lead on Purpose with James Laughlin
Guiding you toward a life of purpose, progress, and personal growth. Each week, James interviews world-class thinkers, including prime ministers, Olympic gold medalists, billionaires, and visionaries, to uncover the habits, tools, and mindsets that drive meaningful success. Hosted by James Laughlin—a 7-time world champion drummer, sought-after keynote speaker, and high-performance leadership consultant—this podcast brings you conversations with extraordinary individuals who have shaped industries, inspired nations, and achieved greatness. Whether you're building confidence, breaking through barriers, or discovering your purpose, Lead on Purpose is your guide to turning challenges into opportunities and ambitions into achievements.
Episodes
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...
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 i...
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 intentionali...
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 ...
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 crea...
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 l...
Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com
In this solo episode, I’m celebrating a milestone that’s been years in the making.
My new book, Habits of High Performers, is finally on shelves across New Zealand and Australia. It’s bold, bright orange, and packed with timeless truths that can change how you approach work, health, relationships, and life.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
...
Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com
What would you do if your life began with a kidnapping? For Shelly Tygielski, that early experience planted a seed that shaped her perspective on courage, community, and the power of showing up.
In this episode of Lead on Purpose, Shelly shares her extraordinary journey, from the terrifying day she was taken at age two to becoming an unlikely medit...
Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com
What if the secret to high performance isn’t balance—but choice?
In this episode, I sit down with Jason Paris, CEO of One New Zealand, to unpack leadership, creativity, and building partnerships at a world-class level.
Jason’s led one of NZ’s largest organisations through rapid change—while refusing to miss a single moment that matters with his...
Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com
What if your healthspan, not your lifespan, was your greatest asset?
In this episode, I sit down with Bill Gifford, co-author of the bestselling book Outlive (with Dr Peter Attia) and a leading expert on the science of longevity.
We explore how to live longer, feel stronger, and stay mentally sharp through simple, evidence-based habits.
Her...
Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com
In this solo episode, I’m sharing something a little different.
As of now, these 1:1 solocasts won’t be weekly anymore. Instead, I’ll be dropping more intentional updates once or twice a month — focused on what’s actually shaping me behind the scenes.
This is one of those episodes.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- What a cab driver,...
Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com
What if we’ve been taught to set goals the wrong way all along?
In this episode, I sit down with Caroline Adams Miller, a pioneering expert in positive psychology and bestselling author of Big Goals.
Caroline’s work has transformed how the world approaches goal setting—from vague wishes to science-backed strategies that actually work.
She’s...
Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com
What if joy, not pressure, is the real marker of success?
In this episode, I sit down with Renzie Hanham, a martial arts master and mental skills coach who has shaped Olympic athletes, business leaders, and everyday high performers.
He’s one of the minds behind the globally respected Red to Blue framework, and someone I deeply admire for his wi...
Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com
In this 1:1 episode, I’m unpacking the 3 biggest lessons I’d give my 20-year-old self. Lessons that still apply no matter your age.
They’re simple, practical, and life-changing.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why you shouldn’t commit to one job, one company, or one career path too early
- How a simple 20% rule with your income can set yo...
Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com
What if winning gold isn’t about talent—but about trust?
In this episode, I sit down with Olympic high jump champion Hamish Kerr—New Zealand’s first-ever gold medalist in the event.
We unpack what really sets elite performers apart: not just relentless work ethic, but the mindset, habits, and team behind them.
Hamish shares the unfiltered t...
Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com
In this 1:1 episode, I’m sharing a mindset shift that can change everything for your business, career, and life.
It’s the difference between being busy and being valuable. Between generalist and expert.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why doing less—and going deeper—can multiply your income
- How to identify your WMI: What’s Most Imp...
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 E...
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 Karn...
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 ...
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:
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The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
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