From Microsoft to Xero: Steve Vamos on Leading Through Tech’s Toughest Moments
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/newsletterIn this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Steve Vamos—former CEO of Microsoft Australia, Apple Australia, and Xero—to unpack what it really takes to lead through disruption, pressure, and change.We explore:How to lead through crisis with calm and clarityWhy alignment—not strategy—is the key to executionThe power of emotional self-awareness in leadershipHow feedback can shape growth (if you let it)What it really means to "be" versus "do" as a leaderThis episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nzGet your copy of Through Shifts and Shocks here - https://www.paperplus.co.nz/shop/books/non-fiction/business-finance-law/business-management/through-shifts-and-shocksGet your copy of AI Game on here -https://thebookadviser.com.au/product/ai-game-on/Connect with Steve here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevevamos/?originalSubdomain=auHire Steve to Speak here - https://www.celebrityspeakers.co.nz/speakers/steve-vamos-----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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1:28:51
You Can’t Manifest Greatness – You’ve Gotta Do the Work (1:1 with James Laughlin)
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/newsletterWant to go from good to great? Here’s the 7-step system.This isn’t about hacks or hustle. It’s about building a repeatable, proven framework for high performance.In this solo episode, I’m walking you through the 7 habits I’ve seen in every elite performer I’ve ever coached, interviewed, or studied—from prime ministers to gold medallists.These aren’t inspirational quotes. They’re implementation tools. And they work.What You’ll Learn: ✅ The first (and most overlooked) step to reaching any meaningful goal ✅ How to rewire your belief system so success becomes inevitable ✅ The key question that unlocks lifelong motivation ✅ What high performers actually do daily (that most people skip) ✅ The final habit that separates top 1% performers from the restIf you’re tired of starting strong and falling off… this will show you exactly why that happens—and how to stop it.This episode was sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can find them at nzmortgages.co.nz.Send me a personal text messageSupport the show
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10:42
We quit alcohol and it changed our lives BONUS
In this bonus episode, Caroline and I reflect on five years alcohol-free.We’re not here to preach—just to share what changed for us: mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially.In this conversation, we reflect on:Why we chose to stop drinking during the chaos of lockdownWhat alcohol was really doing to our minds, bodies, and relationshipThe fear of losing our identity and social life without itHow our sleep, energy, weight, and finances all transformedThe challenges that come with giving it up—and the gifts that come afterWhether you’re sober curious or just rethinking your habits, this one’s for you.You can subscribe to the Growth Weekly Newsletter here - You can learn more about One Year No Beer here - https://www.oneyearnobeer.comYou can reach out for support in New Zealand here - https://alcoholdrughelp.org.nzDM us on:Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/James’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/Caroline’s LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-edwards-b11476125/Send me a personal text messageSupport the show
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40:40
Sam Browne: Secrets of NZ’s biggest LinkedIn influencer (110,000+ followers)
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/newsletterIn this episode of Lead On Purpose, I chat with Sam Browne—musician turned LinkedIn strategist—who went from zero to 100,000 followers in just two years by showing up with value, honesty, and a killer hook.No bots. No shortcuts. Just high-trust content that works.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Sam used storytelling to rebuild his career after COVID.The hook formula that triples post engagement.Why your banner and headline matter more than you think.How to turn posts into paying clients (without sounding salesy).The truth about video, carousels, and what’s working in 2024.Why giving away your best ideas leads to more business, not less.Why You Should Listen: If you’re trying to grow a personal brand that attracts real opportunities, this episode is a goldmine.🎧 Listen now—and grab Sam’s free guides via his LinkedIn profile (linked below).This episode was proudly sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can contact them here - https://www.nzmortgages.co.nzConnect with Sam on LinkedIn here -https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-browne/?originalSubdomain=nzHave a look at Sam’s courses here - https://sambrowne.gumroad.comGet 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.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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1:04:05
Busy But Not Productive? The Calendar System to 10x Your Time
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/newsletterFeeling busy but not productive? You're not alone. Most people don’t need more motivation—they need systems that work.This episode is a tactical breakdown of the real productivity hacks high performers actually use.No theory. No fluff. Just simple tools that give you your time—and your focus—back.What You’ll Learn: ✅ The calendar setup that 10x’s your time (and stops the back-and-forth) ✅ The shared Notes system that keeps my team, life, and brain in sync ✅ Why “one priority” beats a to-do list every time ✅ The simple question I ask every morning to stay on purpose ✅ Why complexity kills momentum—and how to build frictionless habitsIf you’ve ever said “I need more hours in the day”—this is your new playbook.And hey—if you’re a brand that aligns with purpose-driven leadership and high performance, we’re opening up sponsorship opportunities for the first time in a long time. Email [email protected] or message me directly.Until then—protect your time, prioritise what matters, and lead with purpose.This episode was sponsored by NZ Mortgages. You can find them at nzmortgages.co.nz.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
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