

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

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 • 13min
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 • 59min
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.

20 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 49min
Dr Darshan Shah: The 3 Blood Tests That Can Save Your Life
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Darshan Shah, a surgeon turned health optimisation expert, emphasizes the importance of blood tests and biomarkers for long-term health. He reveals three vital blood tests everyone should prioritize to prevent disease and discusses how muscle health acts as a key to longevity. Listeners learn about the critical role of gut health, hormonal balance, and daily routines in enhancing well-being. With practical advice on becoming the CEO of your own health, Shah inspires proactive health management for a thriving life.

4 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 10min
7 Habits to Completely Transform Your Life in 12 Months
Uncover the seven transformative habits that can reshape your life in just a year. The discussion delves into why consistent habits, rather than mere luck, define high achievers. Get insights on practical applications that can elevate your work, health, and relationships. Plus, hear endorsements from notable leaders and learn about bonus resources available with the book. It's a celebration of personal growth, inviting you to take actionable steps toward self-mastery.

Aug 24, 2025 • 1h 1min
Why Most People Burn Out (and How to Avoid It) with Shelly Tygielski
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 meditator, bestselling author, and founder of global movements that put kindness and self-care at the centre of leadership.We cover: • How a Good Samaritan’s split-second decision changed Shelly’s life forever • Why she calls herself an “unlikely meditator” and how meditation sharpened her focus in an age of distraction • Practical steps to start a meditation practice (even if you have tried and struggled before) • The difference between goals and intentions and why living with intention is more powerful • Why self-care is a radical act of activism and the foundation for lasting impact • The role of community and real human connection in a tech-driven worldShelly’s book, Sit Down to Rise Up, is a blueprint for anyone who wants to lead with courage, compassion, and clarity. You will find the link in the show notes, so make sure you grab your copy.This conversation is about more than leadership. It is about who you want to be in the worldLearn more about Shelly here - https://www.shellytygielski.comGrab your copy of her book here - https://www.shellytygielski.com/sit-down-to-rise-up/Follow Shelly on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/mindfulskatergirl/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

Aug 17, 2025 • 1h 5min
One NZ CEO Jason Paris on Elon Musk, AI Innovation & the Power of Creativity in Business
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 family. From turning Vodafone into One NZ to forging game-changing deals with Starlink and Salesforce, his approach blends bold moves with deep human values.Here’s what we cover:Why work-life balance is a myth—and what to focus on insteadThe role creativity plays in high-performing teamsThe pitch that landed a world-first partnership with Elon Musk’s StarlinkHow to adopt AI with speed, experimentation, and purposeHandling public criticism while staying grounded and humanIf you’re ready to rethink leadership, scale impact, and stay true to your values, this conversation is packed with lessons from the top—and the heart.You can follow Jason on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-paris-3404565/?originalSubdomain=nzYou can grab your copy of See How They Fall by Rachel Paris here - https://www.paperplus.co.nz/shop/books/fiction/crime-thrillers/see-how-they-fallIf 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

Aug 10, 2025 • 55min
How to Live Longer and Stronger: Bill Gifford on Outlive, Peter Attia, and Healthspan Habits
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.Here’s what we cover:The two daily habits that make the biggest difference to how long and well you liveWhy walking, not just working out, is a key driver of healthspanHow cold plunges and saunas affect your mood, metabolism, and mindsetThe link between muscle mass and reduced risk of Alzheimer's and dementiaHow to assess your health now, before it becomes a problem laterThis episode is for anyone who wants to stay sharp, strong, and purpose-driven at every age.Grab your copy of Outlive here -https://www.paperplus.co.nz/shop/books/non-fiction/health-wellbeing/general/outlive-the-science-art-of-longevityGrab your copy of Spring Chicken here - https://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Spring-Chicken-Bill-Gifford/9781455527441?srsltid=AfmBOooh0it-SrOBEvUey7CIHYxReYX_9U_GlDZiKvHXGN8nVF7-uJZRConnect with Bill on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-gifford-125868b/Connect with Bill on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/billgifford/?hl=enIf 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