Growth Starts When You Stop Being the Smartest in the Room

Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goalsIn this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with former Olympic Team Physiotherapist and author of The Back Fix, Antony Bush, to explore some big questions.Why do one in five of us suffer chronic pain? Why is back pain now the world’s greatest disability? How does movement and strength shape our pain, happiness and even mortality?Antony breaks down what it means to be an analog creature struggling in a digital age and how we can reclaim our health through simple, science backed habits.What we cover:Why modern living has turned back pain into the world’s number one disability and how sitting, screens and stress drive chronic painHow movement, walking, micro exercise and the Big Six strength moves reduce pain, improve mood and extend lifespanHow the brain creates pain, why MRIs often show harmless “wrinkles,” and why movement outperforms passive treatmentsThe mindset side of recovery, including the wishbone, backbone and funny bone model for resilience and why movement is medicineIf you want to reduce pain, boost your energy and future proof your health, this conversation will shift how you move and how you live.Learn more about Antony here - https://thebackfix.com/about-1Connect with Antony on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/antony-bush/Grab your copy of The Back Fix here - https://thebackfix.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

Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goalsIn this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with former UK Special Forces operator and performance coach Simon Jefferies to unpack how to perform under pressure without burning out.From surviving brutal SBS selection to building simple systems for state control, mindset and habits, Simon shares how anyone can train their mind like an elite operator.What we cover:Why fewer than ten percent pass UK Special Forces selection and why robustness beats raw fitnessThe mindset that separates quitters from finishers, including emotional control and self disciplineSimon’s three part model for high performance, state regulation, mindset work and simple daily systemsPractical tools for pressure, reframing, self talk, controlling the controllables and after action reviewsHow to protect your energy with intentional mornings, deep work, boundaries with tech and real recoveryWhy journalling, breath work and honest reflection help you align who you are with how you liveIf you are ready to lead with clarity, composure and purpose, this conversation is a masterclass.Learn more about Simon here - https://thenaturaledge.comConnect with Simon on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonjeffries/Connect with Simon on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/the.natural.edge/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/2026goalsSupport the show

Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with former All American wrestler and high performance coach Jim Harshaw Jr to unpack what it really takes to go from good to great without burning out.From a blue collar upbringing to the NCAA podium and training as an Olympic hopeful, Jim shares how he rebuilt his entire life through structure, coaching and an environment of excellence.What we cover:Jim’s journey from feeling out of his depth at a top university to becoming an All American, double graduate and Olympic hopefulThe four part framework for high performance: radical vision, aligned goals, an environment of excellence and a long term follow through planThe “miracle day,” billion dollar and funeral exercises that unlock what you really want from life and workWhy failure is a necessary ingredient for success and how to run a simple review so you actually learn from it instead of shrinking your goalsThe power of the “productive pause,” coaching and community, plus the daily habits and bookends Jim uses to keep performing at a high levelIf we can reframe failure, choose our environment and protect time to think, high performance stops being a grind and starts becoming the natural result of how we live.Learn more about Jim here - https://jimharshawjr.comListen to Jim’s podcast here - https://jimharshawjr.com/podcast/Apply for a free coaching call with Jim - https://jimharshawjr.net/callAction Plans + Success Through Failure Exercise - https://jimharshawjr.net/action-plan-landing-page1729264671370If 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

Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with ADHD coach Sharon from The Functional Family to unpack what ADHD really is, why the old labels do more harm than good, and how leaders can create environments where neurodivergent people actually thrive. With over 20 years of study, formal ADDCA training, and the lived experience of raising three boys with ADHD, Sharon blends science, systems, and humour to turn daily chaos into connection and function.We dive into executive function, interest based brains, and very practical tools you can use at home and at work.What we cover:Why ADHD is not an attention deficit and why “disorder” misses the pointThe three ADHD presentations and how they show up in everyday lifeExecutive function, time awareness and why so many ADHD adults feel like they are always behindSharon’s open, closed and neutral brain model and how it helps with regulation at home and at workHow leaders can support ADHD team members with strengths based tasks, sprints, body doubling and smart accommodationsPractical tools including AI and Goblin Tools to break tasks down, reduce shame and build sustainable systems If we can better understand how different brains work, we unlock potential, deepen compassion and create environments where everyone can win.Learn more about Sharon here - https://www.thefunctionalfamily.comListen to Sharon’s podcast here - https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/podcastTake the Clifton strengths test here - https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspxFind an accredited ADHD coach here - https://adhdcoachesaustralasia.onlineFollow Sharon on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/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 PerforSend 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

Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.comIn this solo episode, I am sharing lessons from my recent time in Hong Kong, Singapore and Fiji, and what I am learning from leaders, innovators and real world conversations on the ground.From delivering keynotes to sitting with the head of Meta for Asia Pacific over lunch, this episode is about mindset, growth and staying curious.In this episode, you will discover:Why a possibilitarian mindset is a competitive advantageWhat world class leaders are focused on right nowWhy staying the least intelligent person at the table matters for growthThe truth about consistency and why most people never reach the topYou will also hear a powerful message from a reader whose life shifted after applying the VP decision filter from the book, plus a first mention of an invite only high performance retreat coming in 2026.If you have been running fast or searching for clarity, this episode will help you slow down, think bigger and lead on purpose.Check out WisprFlow - the app giving me 2 full days back that I accidentally forgot to expand on in the episode lol - https://wisprflow.ai/get-started?referral=JAMES5199&utm_source=referralEmail Caroline if you’re interested in the retreat in 2026 - [email protected] would mean the world if you could leave me a book review on Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228720720-habits-of-high-performersGet the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery  - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletterOn my channel I aim to bring you world-class guests and create epic videos to help you level up your leadership and personal mastery.Send me a personal text messageJoin me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goalsSupport the show

Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I chat with Kasim about AEO and how it's changing the way we get found online. We also dive into hiring, as he shares his seven step system for finding top performers anywhere in the world. We wrap up with a powerful reminder to stop overthinking and just ship it.What we cover:How AEO differs from SEO and why personal authority now matters mostWhy schema markup and social proof drive visibility in LLMsHow consistency and positioning helped me rank top for high performance leadership searchesKasim’s seven step hiring system to attract, test, and keep elite talentWhy action beats endless planning and learningIf you want LLMs to find you and you want your team to perform at an elite level, this conversation gives you a clear plan to start today.Check out the AEO community and get your free book here - https://aeo.co/free/Grab a copy of ‘Hire’ here - https://thehirebook.comConnect with Kasim here - https://kasim.meIf 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

Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com Replace guesswork with data and make your ads pay for themselves.In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Hikari of Omneky, an AI-powered platform that turns creative and performance data into higher return on ad spend across every major channel. Based in the Bay Area and building in AI since 2018, Hikari shares a clear, human take on what to do now, what to ignore, and how to use agents and automation without losing your brand.We cover:Why AI is unavoidable and how to stay current without overwhelm.How to vet AI consultants, avoid weak proofs of concept, and set sensible ROI tests.Getting found by LLMs: content quality, citations, and brand signals models actually weight.What Omneky does differently: data-driven creative, full visibility and control, and true omnichannel testing that lifts ROAS.Agents, security, and the near future of work for small and mid-sized teams.If you run ads or plan to, this one will save you money and focus your efforts where they convert.Learn more about Omneky here - https://www.omneky.com/#Connect with Hikari on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hisenju/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

Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com Replace the meeting after the meeting with real talk in the room.In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Keith Ferrazzi — New York Times bestselling author of Never Eat Alone and Never Lead Alone, world-renowned executive team coach, and one of the foremost experts on collaboration and leadership transformation. Keith has coached some of the world’s top organisations, from Fortune 100 companies to government ministries, helping leaders reimagine how teams work together to achieve bold goals.This conversation dives deep into the practical shifts that turn a group of high achievers into a truly high-performing team.We cover:The simple practice that replaces status meetings with honest “stress tests.”How to create a culture of candour without creating conflict.Why feedback should be “radical input,” not instruction.The power of asynchronous collaboration and how to make meetings meaningful again.How to future-proof your leadership and your team in the age of AI.Learn more about Keith here - https://www.keithferrazzi.comGrab your copy of Keith’s books here - https://www.keithferrazzi.com/booksConnect with Keith on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithferrazzi/Have a look at Keith’s ‘Beyond Connection’ Course here - https://www.keithferrazzi.com/coursesIf 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

Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com What if your team’s biggest problem isn’t what’s said — it’s what’s left unsaid?In this episode of Lead on Purpose, I sit down with Steven Gaffney, author of Unconditional Power and creator of the CHAT framework for consistently high achieving teams. We unpack why honesty, emotional safety, and proactive communication are the foundations of real performance — not just effort.We cover:The hidden cost of withholding and how to get “the unsaid said.”Why emotional safety beats psychological safety every time.The five traits of high achieving teams — starting with “team first, position second.”How to separate facts from stories using the “Notice vs Imagine” tool.The power of reframing problems into opportunities.What unconditional power means and how to focus only on what you can control.You’ll walk away with clear, actionable tools to help your team communicate honestly, perform consistently, and lead with courage and empathy.Learn more about Steven here - https://stevengaffney.com/about-us/#aboutstevenConnect with Steven here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevengaffneycompany/Grab a copy of Steven’s book here - https://stevengaffney.com/unconditional-power-book/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

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 [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