How to run a business with your spouse - our year in review
Lead on Purpose with James Laughlin
Scaling risk: dependence on front-facing work
James explains the business's reliance on his frontline work and the goal to scale without burnout or low-value courses.
Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals
In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with my partner in life and business, Caroline, for a conversation we usually have off camera.
We look back on 2025 and reflect on what really went well, what didn’t, and the lessons we’ve learned from running a business together while building a life together.
We talk openly about growth, pressure, boundaries, clarity, and why success often looks very different behind the scenes than it does on the outside. We also share a personal update that we haven’t spoken about publicly before.
This episode is honest, reflective, and very real.
What we cover:
- The biggest highs and hardest moments from 2025, personally and professionally
- What running a business together has taught us about communication, boundaries, and trust
- The pressure points that show up when work and life collide, and how we navigate them
- Why clarity is so rare, how distraction keeps people stuck, and what actually helps
- The lessons we’re taking into 2026, and how reflection creates better goals
- A personal milestone that made 2025 one we’ll never forget
If you’re building something meaningful, navigating a relationship alongside ambition, or simply wanting to reflect before setting your next goals, this conversation will give you perspective, reassurance, and a few hard truths you might need to hear.
Here is the list of book recommendations:
Habits of High Performers – James Laughlin
Main Street Millionaire – Cody Sanchez
Unreasonable Hospitality – Will Guidara
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
Visualize – Maya Raichoora
The Untethered Soul – Michael A. Singer
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself – Dr. Joe Dispenza
The Wealth Money Can’t Buy – Robin Sharma
Through Shifts and Shocks – Steve Vamos
The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel
- If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com
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, Fo
Send me a personal text message
Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals
- If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com
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