The 10 Leadership Rules That Transformed a Dysfunctional Culture | Kyle McDowell
Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com In a world where toxic workplaces are the norm, Kyle McDowell is leading a values-first revolution.Kyle spent decades inside Fortune 10 companies—leading tens of thousands of people—and what he learned will change how you lead forever.In this conversation, we explore his framework for transforming culture and leadership through The 10 WEs—a set of radical, clear, and actionable principles that drive high performance from the inside out.But this isn't just about better leadership at work—Kyle's approach impacts how you show up in life, relationships, and the world around you.What we cover:The biggest leadership lessons Kyle learned from toxic bossesWhy leading 20 people is no different from leading 20,000The true cost of toxic culture—and how it kills innovationThe 10 WEs: the foundation for values-based leadershipHow to own mistakes, pick each other up, and lead by exampleThe danger of rewarding busyness over outcomesWhy real culture change starts with the leaderThe power of authenticity and relatability to build trustHow these principles apply at home, not just at workWhether you're a CEO, coach, manager, or parent—this episode will challenge how you think about leadership and give you tools to lead with purpose and integrity.This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nzLearn more about Kyle here - https://kylemcdowellinc.comGrab your copy of Kyle’s book here - https://kylemcdowellinc.com/bestselling-book/Follow Kyle on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/kylemcdowellinc/Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylemcdowellinc/Website: 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 ChristSend me a personal text message- Pre-order my new book TODAY - www.thehabitbook.comSupport the show
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57:36
Jamie Kreiner Studied 1,500 Years of Distraction—Here’s What She Found
Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers today and learn the essential principles to thrive in life and work - www.thehabitbook.com Jamie Kreiner went back 1,500 years to understand your biggest problem today.In a world obsessed with hacking attention, Jamie didn’t look forward—she looked back.In this conversation, we explore her book The Wandering Mind and what early Christian monks knew about distraction, productivity, and deep focus that modern science is only just catching up with.But this isn’t a conversation about history. It’s about attention. It’s about how we can train our minds, structure our days, and create meaning in a world full of noise.What we cover:How monks framed distraction as a life-or-death issueWhy modern productivity might be killing your clarityThe ancient mental practice of “discernment”The link between mind wandering and spiritual masteryWhy community, structure, and solitude work togetherHow writing, meditation, and “think time” build better leadersWhat monks can teach us about balance, burnout, and being usefulWhy your thoughts aren’t you—and why that’s good newsJamie doesn’t just bring history to life—she uses it to help us live more fully, more intentionally, and with far greater focus.If you’ve ever felt scattered, unproductive, or unsure how to slow down, this is the episode for you.This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nzLearn more about Jamie here - https://history.ucla.edu/person/jamie-kreiner/Grab a copy of Jamie’s book here - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61089439-the-wandering-mindWebsite: 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- Pre-order my new book TODAY - www.thehabitbook.comSupport the show
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1:02:30
Diagnosed with ADHD as an Adult—How Greg Bennick Turned It Into a Superpower
Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers today and learn the essential principles to thrive in life and work - www.thehabitbook.com In today’s hyper-connected world, distraction has become the norm—and it’s costing us clarity, focus, and a sense of purpose. In this powerful episode, author and speaker Greg Bennick joins James to unpack the psychology of attention, the link between self-worth and focus, and how we can reclaim our moments to create a more meaningful life.Greg shares his personal journey with ADHD, why kindness is a radical act, and the seven practical strategies from his book Reclaim the Moment—all designed to help you cut through the noise and take back control.Whether you’re constantly pulled in a million directions or simply craving more presence in your day, this conversation is your roadmap back to what matters.💡 What You’ll Learn:Why kindness is your gateway to deeper connectionHow to focus on what truly matters—despite constant distractionThe mindset shift that turns failure into possibilityWhy success requires bold leaps into the unknownHow laughter and joy help lighten life’s heavinessWhy meaningful relationships protect us from isolationHow to create impact that grows through reverberation—not ripplesIf this episode sparked something in you, share it with a friend or team member who needs to hear it. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a quick review—it helps more people lead on purpose.This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nzLearn more about Greg here - https://www.gregbennick.comFollow Greg on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/gregbennick/Follow Greg on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregbennick/Grab a copy of Greg’s book here - https://www.gregbennick.com/gregbennickbookRead Axe Handles by Gary Snyder (poem) here - https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57150/axe-handlesWebsite: 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 perfSend me a personal text messageSupport the show
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50:39
Mick Hunt: How to Lead Through Change, Chaos & Conflict
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/newsletterMost leaders know their “why.” But what if the real power lies in discovering your “because”?In this episode, I sit down with Mick Hunt, global leadership advisor and founder of Premier Strategy Box, to unpack the deeper drive behind great leadership—and how your “because” can shape every decision you make.We go deep into:Why your because is stronger than your why—and how to find itHow a promise to his mother at age 10 shaped Mick’s entire lifeThe leadership lesson Mick teaches all his clients firstThe 3 traits every elite leader must masterWhy your circle might be holding you back—and how to fix itA powerful question he asks world leaders (and would ask the next U.S. president)This is leadership without the fluff—raw, real, and radically purpose-driven.💡 Whether you’re leading a business, a team, or your family… this episode will challenge you to get clearer on who you are and what drives you.This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nzLearn more about Mick here - https://mickhuntofficial.comListen to Mick’s podcast here - https://mickhuntofficial.com/mick-unplugged-podcast/Follow Mick on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/Follow Mick on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website: 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 messageSupport the show
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50:39
Stranded in Antarctica for 537 Days – David Knoff’s Unbelievable Survival Story
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/newsletterWhat do you do when you're cut off from the world… for over a year?David Knoff was meant to lead a 12-month Antarctic expedition.Then COVID hit.And what should’ve been one year turned into 537 days of complete isolation in one of the world’s most extreme environments.In this episode, David and I dive deep into:How he kept his team alive, united, and mission-focused under extreme uncertaintyWhat war zones and Antarctica taught him about burnout, control, and calmThe reality of leadership when every plan goes out the windowWhat happened when a team member snapped—and how David brought him backWhy vulnerability, storytelling, and weekly meetings saved the station's cultureHis darkest moment—and what helped him survive itThis is a masterclass in real-world leadership—far from the safety of boardrooms and business books.💡 Whether you’re a CEO, coach, athlete, or team leader, the lessons inside this conversation will change the way you lead.This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nzLearn more about David here - https://davidknoff.comFollow David on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/537daysofwinter/Grab a copy of David’s book here - https://davidknoff.com/537-days-of-winterWebsite: 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 messageSupport the show
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.We are proud to be sponsored by the incredible team at NZ Mortgages. You can visit them at nzmortgages.co.nz