Lead on Purpose with James Laughlin

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 funds
Bootstrapping versus taking capital, and how external funding can level up ambition, clarity, and accountability
Behind the scenes stories from Kiwi success plays like Crimson and Power by Proxy, and what makes a founder worth backing
The reality of failure in venture, why safe bets rarely create outsized outcomes, and what successful founders do differently
How to pitch and build relationships the right way, plus why honesty beats hype when trust is the real currency

If 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/investors
Connect with Robbie on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjpaul/?originalSubdomain=nz
If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]

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 message
Join 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]
Support 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 choices
The hedonistic treadmill, why more money stops adding happiness, and why giving feels better than getting
Why money is simpler than the finance world makes it look, and the two hour fundamentals anyone can learn
The hidden power of fees, compounding, and why long term investing beats chasing short term performance
How KiwiSaver could fund New Zealand’s future, from infrastructure to housing, and what it means for the next 30 years

If 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-book
You can view Sorted website here - https://sorted.org.nz
You can view MoneyHub website here - https://www.moneyhub.co.nz
Check out Simplicity here - https://simplicity.kiwi
If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]

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 message
Join 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]
Support 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 bitterness
How music became a bridge for unity, and the start of his intentional approach to impact
The origin story of The Commodores, meeting Lionel Richie, and the “Black Beatles” vision
Perseverance in the early grind, leading to opening for The Jackson 5 and global momentum
Staying grounded in fame, leading with humility, and measuring life by moments and who you touch

If 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=en
If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]

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 message
Join 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]
Support the show

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Mary Holm, author of Rich Enough, to unpack how everyday Kiwis can build wealth simply, avoid common money traps, and focus on what actually leads to a rich life.

What we cover:

Why “rich enough” beats chasing more, and what money can and cannot do for happiness
The two KiwiSaver choices that matter most: risk level first, low fees second
Why low fee index investing and patience usually outperform chasing returns
How to balance KiwiSaver with investing outside it to get bonuses without locking all your money away
Renting vs owning, property myths, and the most common financial mistakes Kiwis make

If you want a calmer, clearer approach to money that supports both your future and your life right now, this conversation will give you a simple framework to work from.

Grab a copy of ‘Rich Enough’ here - https://www.paperplus.co.nz/shop/books/non-fiction/business-finance-law/finance-economics/rich-enough
Have a look at Sorted Smart Investor tool - https://smartinvestor.sorted.org.nz
If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]

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 message
Join 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]
Support the show

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Elise Balsillie from Thryv to unpack what small and medium businesses can do to keep up with the pace of AI, automation, and digital change, without losing their culture, their margins, or their sanity.

What we cover:

How Thryv runs a fully remote team of around 400 people across Australia and New Zealand, and the culture systems that make it work
Why remote can improve both productivity and customer service, including flexible hours that fit real small business life
How to get back to your zone of genius by automating admin, bookings, reminders, reviews, and overdue invoice follow ups
The new visibility game for small businesses: being found in AI search, why directories still matter, and how to write in natural language
Why customer data wins, how to segment properly, and how a CRM helps you sell with less pressure and more relationship built in

If you’re a small business owner feeling stretched by marketing, emails, and endless admin, this conversation will help you simplify your systems, free up your time, and build a business that performs without costing you your wellbeing and relationships.

Learn more about Thryv here: https://www.thryv.com
Connect with Elise on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-balsillie-8aa1a892/?originalSubdomain=au
If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]

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 message
Join 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]
Support the show