Lead on Purpose with James Laughlin

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on leadership and sharing three powerful lessons I learned from a surprising encounter with a high-profile guest who revealed their true character behind the scenes.This experience challenged my perceptions of leadership and reinforced the importance of congruence, kindness, and responsibility in positions of power.Here’s what I cover:Congruence is Key – Why the best leaders are consistent both on and off camera, and how authenticity builds trust.Power Dynamics Matter – How leaders can elevate or diminish others through their behaviour and why awareness of this is critical.Kindness is Leadership – The lasting impact of treating others with respect, regardless of the situation or power dynamic.Throughout this episode, I’ll explore what this encounter taught me about leadership and the responsibility we all carry, whether in families, workplaces, or communities. I’ll challenge you to reflect on your own congruence and the power dynamics in your life, urging you to lead with empathy and intention.If you found value in this episode, I’d love it if you could share it with someone who might benefit from these lessons. Let’s create a world where leadership is driven by integrity, not ego.This episode was sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can find them at nzmortgages.co.nz.Get 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.If you could take the time to subscribe, that would help my channel grow and it would mean you wouldn’t miss an episode. Subscribe here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA?sub_confirmation=1I release a solocast every Wednesday, and an interview with a world class guest every Thursday.Send me a personal text messageSupport the show

In this episode, I sit down with Samuel Whitelock, the most capped All Black in history and a true rugby legend, to explore his journey from the farm fields of New Zealand to the pinnacle of international rugby.Samuel reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his career, his upbringing in a competitive family of four boys, and the values that shaped him both on and off the field. Along the way, we dive into his unique bond with Razor Robertson and the unforgettable lessons that defined their partnership.We cover:Samuel’s rural upbringing and how wrestling with his brothers prepared him for life as an All Black.The hilarious story of locking a babysitter out of the house and learning lessons on accountability.His relationship with Razor Robertson, including the famous "Rooster vs. Sheepdog" leadership analogy.What it means to "darken the jersey" and leave a legacy in one of the world’s most iconic teams.The highs and lows of balancing family, fatherhood, and a career at the top of international sport.If you’re interested in leadership, teamwork, and the lessons learned from a life in high-performance sport, this candid and inspiring conversation with Samuel Whitelock is a must-listen.This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nzGet your copy of Samuel Whitelock’s book here - https://www.harpercollins.co.nz/9781775542506/view-from-the-second-row/Follow Samuel on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/samuelwhitelock/?hl=enGet 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/newsletter-----Website: https://www.jjlaughlin.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQLinkedIn: 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 messageSupport the show

In this episode, I’m sharing three powerful lessons I learned from a conversation with an inspiring New Zealand entrepreneur, Naomi Ballantyne, who became the first female in the country to sell her business for over a billion dollars. Her journey from humble beginnings to extraordinary success is a masterclass in mindset, resilience, and courage.Here’s what I cover:Everything is Figure-Outable – How a mindset of resourcefulness can help you overcome any obstacle.Care Less About What Others Think – Why focusing on your purpose over public opinion is essential for success.Put Your Hand Up – The power of stepping into opportunities, even when imposter syndrome strikes.Throughout this episode, I’ll challenge you to embrace these lessons in your own life. Whether you’re striving for financial freedom, personal growth, or simply a more purpose-driven life, these insights will inspire you to think bigger, act bolder, and live with intention.If you found value in this episode, I’d love it if you could share it with someone who might benefit from these lessons.This episode was sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can find them at nzmortgages.co.nz.Get 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.If you could take the time to subscribe, that would help my channel grow and it would mean you wouldn’t miss an episode. Subscribe here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA?sub_confirmation=1I release a solocast every Wednesday, and an interview with a world class guest every Thursday.Send me a personal text messageSupport the show

In this episode, I sit down with Finn Butcher, Olympic gold medalist and canoe slalom cross champion, to delve into his incredible journey from Central Otago to making history in Paris.Finn shares how his passion for kayaking, mental resilience, and the support of his community shaped his path to success—and how he stays grounded through the highs and lows of elite sport.We cover:Finn’s mindset strategies: overcoming imposter syndrome and staying focused under pressure.The pivotal role of mentors, including the late Sarge, in fostering his love for the sport.How Finn balanced setbacks, including missing the Tokyo Olympics, with resilience and growth.The mental skills he developed with Kylie Wilson, including mindfulness and visualization.Finn’s thoughts on unconditional support from parents and coaches for young athletes.If you’re curious about what it takes to win Olympic gold, stay humble, and love the process, this conversation with Finn Butcher is for you.This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nzConnect with Finn on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/finnbutcher/?hl=enLearn more about Finn here - https://www.canoeslalomnz.org.nz/Performance-Pathways/Olympians/finn-butcher-2024Get 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/newsletter-----Website: https://www.jjlaughlin.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQLinkedIn: 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 messageSupport the show