The Habits Olympians Use to Stay Mentally and Physically Elite with Annie Kunz

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, you’ll learn what it really takes to perform at the highest level when the pressure is relentless, the stakes are high, and there is no room to hide. Olympian Annie Kunz shares the mindset, habits, and systems that helped her go from talented athlete to Olympic heptathlete, and why mastering your inner world is often the true difference-maker. We break down the power of mindfulness, journaling, identity, gratitude, and daily repetition. Annie opens up about learning to surrender, how she trained her brain to believe she was an Olympian before it happened, and why your self-image shapes your performance more than you realise. She also shares how to reset after setbacks, stay present under pressure, and build systems that carry you when motivation disappears.Annie also reflects on life beyond sport, the identity shift that comes when a career chapter ends, and the deeper role faith, purpose, and perspective have played in her journey. She finishes with the habits that ground her each day and a powerful reminder that success is not just about talent, but discipline, commitment, and doing the little things well over time.Connect with Annie on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/annie_kunz7/If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]: 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 messageJoin 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 [email protected] the show

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, you’ll learn how to release the hidden “parking brakes” holding you back by upgrading the beliefs driving your habits, emotions, and performance. Tim Shurr, MA shares his “mind architect” approach and why one simple shift can create fast, lasting change.We break down how the subconscious influences most decisions, how to uncover blind spots, and two questions you can use to replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones. We also explore why focusing on what you do not want backfires, how your brain works like a GPS, and how leaders get better results by celebrating what is working.Tim finishes with the daily habits he uses, what he is teaching in 2026 with One Shift Away, and his final advice: love yourself so you can trust yourself.Learn more about Tim here - https://timshurr.comPurchase a copy of his books here - https://timshurr.com/books/Connect with Tim on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/timshurr/If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]: 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 messageJoin 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 [email protected] the show

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, you’ll learn how to improve your sleep, recovery, and daily energy without adding more to your routine by tapping into passive infrared textile technology that works in the background. Seth explains how this infrared technology enhances circulation, oxygenation, and thermal regulation just through the clothes and bedding you already use.We break down the science in plain language — including what infrared does at a cellular level and why increasing circulation matters for performance. Seth also shares how this technology is already embedded in products from major brands such as Under Armour’s UA RUSH performance apparel and Decathlon infrared-enhanced training gear. Finally, we get personal with Seth’s own habits, his approach to wellbeing and coherence, and the advice he’d give for living with purpose and resilience.If you’re looking for a simple one percent upgrade to your energy, recovery, and sleep, this episode may change how you think about performance.Learn more about Celliant here - https://celliant.com/seth-casden/Connect with Seth on LinkedIn here -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethcasden/If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]: 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 messageJoin 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 [email protected] the show

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Tom, the number one best selling author of My Life in Business Suits, Hospital Gowns and High Heels, to unpack what it really looks like to live fully when life gets uncertain.Tom shares the private chapters behind his public success, including building a senior corporate career while quietly living with metastatic cancer. We talk about resilience as a muscle, “terrible gifts”, and why belief and personal agency can change everything when the odds are against you.If you’ve been pushing through pressure, change, or uncertainty, this episode will help you come back to what you can control, and move forward with clarity and possibility.Grab your Copy of Tom’s book here -https://www.tomlenoble.comLearn more about Tom here - https://www.tomlenoble.comIf you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]: 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 messageJoin 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 [email protected] the show

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Nic from Binge Free Bestie to unpack why binge eating is so common in high performers, and why it so often stays hidden behind success. Nic shares her own recovery story, the binge restrict cycle, and how shame and perfectionism keep people stuck. We also explore why binge eating has no “look”, why quick fix tools do not work long term without mindset and nervous system work, and how to build real food freedom.If you’ve ever felt disciplined everywhere else but powerless around food, this episode will give you simple, practical tools you can use immediately.Join the next cohort of “The Break Up” with Nicole here - https://thebreakupgroup.bingefreebestie.com/home Link to freebie from Nicole: https://bingefreebestie.com/freebie/Nicole’s Website: https://bingefreebestie.comNicoles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bingefreebestie/If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]: 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 messageJoin 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 [email protected] the show

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Hal Elrod, the creator of The Miracle Morning, to unpack the habits, mindset, and personal responsibility that shape extraordinary lives.Hal shares the life defining moments that forged his philosophy, from being declared dead after a high speed car crash, to rebuilding his body, career, and identity from the ground up. We explore stoicism in action, radical acceptance, and why daily personal development is not optional if you want sustained success.This conversation is about far more than morning routines. It’s about agency, resilience, and choosing who you become when life does not go to plan.If you want a simple, proven framework to upgrade your mindset, habits, and performance without burning out, this episode will give you both the philosophy and the practical tools to start.Grab your copy of the Miracle Morning here - https://miraclemorning.com/books/Watch the Miracle Morning movie here - https://miraclemorning.com/movie/?_gl=1*17vmsao*_ga*MTkyNTg0Njk1Mi4xNzA2MjEyODEx*_ga_1J8DY9YF82*MTcyNzI3MzA2MS40LjAuMTcyNzI3MzA2MS42MC4wLjA.If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]: 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 messageJoin 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 [email protected] the show

In this first episode of Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Caroline to explain why the podcast has evolved from Lead On Purpose and what this new chapter is really about. We talk habits over hustle, consistency over intensity, and why real performance is built quietly over time.What we cover:Why the podcast was rebranded and what listeners can expect from this new seasonThe habits that actually drive health, energy, and long term performanceInstalling habits versus breaking them, and why stopping behaviours often matters moreHow simple systems, triggers, and rewards make habits stickWhy ease, simplicity, and patience outperform grind and pressureIf you want to perform better without burning out, and build habits that actually last, this episode sets the tone for everything to come.Grab your High Performance Planner here - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/plannerIf you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]: 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 messageJoin 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 [email protected] the show

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Robbie Paul from Icehouse Ventures to demystify venture capital and what it really takes to back world class founders. We unpack risk and reward, bootstrapping versus raising capital, the traits behind standout leadership, and why trust and honesty are non negotiable in a long game industry.What we cover:What venture capital actually is, and why it has a different risk and return profile to KiwiSaver and index fundsBootstrapping versus taking capital, and how external funding can level up ambition, clarity, and accountabilityBehind the scenes stories from Kiwi success plays like Crimson and Power by Proxy, and what makes a founder worth backingThe reality of failure in venture, why safe bets rarely create outsized outcomes, and what successful founders do differentlyHow to pitch and build relationships the right way, plus why honesty beats hype when trust is the real currencyIf you want a clearer understanding of how great companies are built, why people matter more than ideas, and what long term leadership really looks like, this conversation will stretch your thinking.You can learn more about IceHouse Ventures here - https://www.icehouseventures.co.nz/investorsConnect with Robbie on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjpaul/?originalSubdomain=nzIf you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]: 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 messageJoin 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 [email protected] the show

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Sam Stubbs, founder of Simplicity, to unpack why simplicity is the ultimate performance advantage. In life. In leadership. And especially with money. We talk about dignity, choices, long game thinking, and how KiwiSaver could help build a fairer future for everyday Kiwis.What we cover:Why Sam founded Simplicity and the idea of being a “dignity company” that gives people more choicesThe hedonistic treadmill, why more money stops adding happiness, and why giving feels better than gettingWhy money is simpler than the finance world makes it look, and the two hour fundamentals anyone can learnThe hidden power of fees, compounding, and why long term investing beats chasing short term performanceHow KiwiSaver could fund New Zealand’s future, from infrastructure to housing, and what it means for the next 30 yearsIf you want a clearer way to think about money, purpose, and the long game, this conversation will make you feel calmer. And more in control.Grab a copy of Money Made Simple here - https://simplicity.kiwi/money-made-simple-bookYou can view Sorted website here - https://sorted.org.nzYou can view MoneyHub website here - https://www.moneyhub.co.nzCheck out Simplicity here - https://simplicity.kiwiIf you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]: 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 messageJoin 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 [email protected] the show

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Thomas McClary, founding member and lead guitarist of The Commodores, to unpack how purpose, love, and intention can carry you through adversity, shape world class success, and keep you grounded when life gets loud.What we cover:His childhood integrating a white school in Florida, and why he chose love over bitternessHow music became a bridge for unity, and the start of his intentional approach to impactThe origin story of The Commodores, meeting Lionel Richie, and the “Black Beatles” visionPerseverance in the early grind, leading to opening for The Jackson 5 and global momentumStaying grounded in fame, leading with humility, and measuring life by moments and who you touchIf you want a reminder that your purpose is bigger than your pain, and that intention can turn even the hardest chapters into fuel, this conversation will stay with you.Follow Thomas on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/thomas_mcclary/?hl=enIf you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]: 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 messageJoin 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 [email protected] the show