

Lead on Purpose with James Laughlin
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
Mentioned books

Nov 9, 2025 • 50min
How AI Can Help Your business Grow Faster (No Tech Skills Needed) with Hikari Senju
Hikari Senju, Founder and CEO of Omneky, shares valuable insights on leveraging AI for business growth without technical skills. He emphasizes the inevitability of AI and practical uses like ChatGPT. Hikari discusses vetting AI consultants, highlighting the importance of quality in content strategies balanced with authority. He explains how Omneky enables advertisers with data-driven creatives and omnichannel advertising strategies, offering transparency and control. Lastly, he predicts the rise of AI agents transforming workflows and enhancing productivity.

Nov 2, 2025 • 43min
How to build high-performing teams with Award-winning Coach Keith Ferrazzi
In this enlightening discussion, Keith Ferrazzi, a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning executive coach, shares his insights on building high-performing teams. He introduces innovative practices like replacing status meetings with honest 'stress tests' to enhance candor and feedback. Keith emphasizes the importance of developing a culture of accountability and co-elevation, where teammates help each other grow, regardless of friendship. He also explores how to future-proof leadership in the age of AI and the transformative power of vulnerability in fostering trust.

16 snips
Oct 26, 2025 • 1h 1min
The #1 Thing You Need to Stop Measuring to Start Achieving Results with Steven Gaffney
In this engaging conversation, leadership consultant Steven Gaffney shares insights from his book, Unconditional Power. He emphasizes the often-overlooked impact of what isn't said in teams, advocating for emotional safety over psychological safety. Steven discusses the five traits of high-performing teams and introduces the 'Notice vs Imagine' tool to differentiate facts from interpretations. He also reflects on personal challenges, turning crises into opportunities, and encourages leaders to foster honesty and vulnerability to strengthen team dynamics.

Oct 19, 2025 • 55min
Dr Paul Taylor: Why “Healthy” Foods Are Making You Fat
Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com What if your health span is shrinking because life got too comfortable?In this episode of Lead on Purpose, I sit down with Dr Paul Taylor to unpack Death by Comfort. We get practical about ultra-processed foods, protein-first meals, and movement habits that rewire your metabolism, brain, and daily energy. Simple, science-backed tools you can use today.We cover:What ultra-processed foods are, the NOVA system, and why supermarket breads and breakfast cereals often mislead.Protein at breakfast, 30 g targets, the 80/20 rule, shopping the perimeter, and keeping “treats” out of the house.Movement that changes your biology: myokines, BDNF, lactate-threshold bursts, movement snacks, and post-meal walks.Making it stick: match exercise to personality, use if-then rules, and model healthy habits for your kids.You will walk away with a clear plan to reduce UPFs, lift protein, move smarter, and build a home environment where better choices become automatic.Listen to Paul’s podcast here - https://www.paultaylor.biz/podcastConnect with Paul here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paultaylor1971/Grab a copy of Paul’s book here - https://www.paultaylor.biz/booksLearn more about Paul here -https://www.paultaylor.bizIf you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.comWebsite: 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

Oct 5, 2025 • 39min
Barry LaBov on The Differentiation Secret That Built Harley-Davidson
Order my new book Habits of High Performers here → www.thehabitbook.comIn this episode, I sit down with Barry LaBov, award-winning author of The Power of Differentiation and brand strategist who has worked with Harley-Davidson, Audi, and other global icons.What you will take from this episode:The #1 myth about personal branding and what to do insteadA simple way to uncover your unique differentiationWhy doing less, with focus, builds loyalty and trustHow Harley-Davidson turned customers into a global communityThe daily leadership habit to keep your brand energy aliveIf you want practical strategies to stand out and lead with authenticity, this conversation with Barry will equip you to discover what makes you truly different—and double down on it.Learn more about Barry here - https://www.barrylabov.comGrab a copy of Barry’s new book here - https://www.barrylabov.com/booksConnect with Barry here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-labov-6965241/If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.comWebsite: 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

Sep 28, 2025 • 1h 12min
Crocodiles, Conflict and Extreme Medicine with Mark Hannaford
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 from this episode:How to lead specialists under pressure with calm, humble clarityWhy thinking five steps ahead and listening to your gut can save livesTools to master panic with breath, focus, and simple next actionsThe importance of building eclectic, ego free teams that communicate wellHow to design life around passion while protecting mental health dailyIf you want field tested insights on leadership, resilience, and purpose, this conversation with Mark Hannaford will serve you well. You will leave with practical tools to think ahead, stay calm, and lead when it counts.Learn more about Mark and his work here - https://worldextrememedicine.com/about/meet-the-team/Connect with Mark on LInkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/profmarkhannaford/If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.comWebsite: 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

9 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 14min
Why I Refuse to Settle (and How You Can Too)
Explore the journey behind a bestselling book that challenges mediocrity and inspires high performance. Discover how clarity on goals fuels success and the importance of rewiring limiting beliefs. Hear personal anecdotes from book launches and thought-provoking exchanges with leaders. Learn to identify areas where you might be settling and how to elevate your standards. Get insights on approaching life with purpose and making room for what truly matters.

Sep 21, 2025 • 53min
The Method to use to build trust fast with Noel Massie
Noel Massie, a former UPS executive and leadership expert, shares insights on building trust quickly and leading with integrity. He discusses the importance of daily discipline and a people-first approach in leadership. The four by five method for tough conversations helps maintain dignity while influencing behavior. Noel emphasizes intentional onboarding for new leaders, contrasting the roles of leaders as mentors and managers as task-givers. He also reflects on personal ethics shaped by family, advocating for integrity as a cornerstone of effective leadership.

Sep 14, 2025 • 60min
The Real Reason Your Brand Isn’t Growing with Mark Lester
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 brands and how it reshapes products, pricing, and culture.We cover:• The unhappiness trend Gallup is tracking and why it now drives consumer choice • A practical model of memories, behaviours, and beliefs that sparks growth • How Olipop moved from sparkling tonic to soda and unlocked a huge valuation • Why execution beats slogans, with lessons from Happy Meals, Nike, and Chipotle • Turning choice into joy, from Netflix browsing to service design people love • Building a high trust, low meeting culture that lifts performance and morale • The danger of trend hopping and how to return to brand fundamentals that last • Personal creativity habits that widen focus, including walks, mind wandering, and saunaYou will walk away with practical ways to design happier experiences, raise perceived value, and build a culture where great thinking thrives and growth follows.Learn more about Squint Consulting here - https://squintconsulting.com/about/Connect with Mark on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lestermarky/?originalSubdomain=nlIf you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.comWebsite: 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

Sep 7, 2025 • 54min
How to create a cult-like team with Jon Gordon
Jon Gordon, bestselling author of The Energy Bus and a leadership expert, joins to discuss team dynamics. He reveals that strong connections often outperform sheer talent. Jon emphasizes the critical role of culture, shaped by daily actions rather than mere slogans. Trust and accountability are highlighted as cornerstones of high-performing teams. He insists that devotion and positivity drive long-term success, providing practical strategies to inspire commitment and strengthen team culture.


