As a culture, we often celebrate visible achievements — whether in parenting, relationships, business, or sport. Yet some individuals quietly and consistently hone their craft over years, reaching levels of excellence that most can only imagine. These true high performers see the world differently. They understand that lasting success comes from depth, focus, and doing less, better.
James Laughlin is one of those people. A seven-time world champion musician and internationally respected high-performance coach, he has guided leaders, athletes, and organisations towards exceptional results. His clients range from professional sports teams and top CEOs to billion-dollar companies, all seeking his expertise in leadership, focus, and mental resilience.
Drawing on his own championship experiences, James has developed a distinctive approach that blends practical strategies with the mindset shifts needed for personal mastery. As a keynote speaker, he inspires audiences around the globe, and through his top-ranked podcast Lead on Purpose, he brings conversations with world-class leaders to listeners everywhere. Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, James continues to share the tools and perspectives that help others perform at their peak — and sustain it.
Q&A with James Laughlin author of HABITS OF HIGH PERFORMERS
“I’m calling out more than just excuses. We’re all full of ‘BS’ belief systems that hold us back…”
– James Laughlin
Are you suggesting high performance is all about hormones? Isn’t that an over-simplification of what it takes to succeed?
James: It might sound simplistic, but the science is clear: your hormonal balance plays a massive role in your ability to perform at your best. Cortisol, dopamine, and endorphins all influence how we handle stress, stay motivated, and build connections. High performers know how to regulate their hormones through sleep, nutrition, and recovery, turning their biology into an asset, not a limitation.
When you say people are ‘full of BS,’ are you calling out excuses, or do you mean something deeper?
James: I’m calling out more than just excuses. We’re all full of ‘BS’ belief systems that hold us back. These are the stories we tell ourselves about why we can’t do something or why we’re not capable. The truth is those belief systems are built on fear and insecurity. My book challenges readers to confront those limiting beliefs head-on and replace them with empowering narratives that fuel high performance.
You write in your book about high performers taking their ‘MEDs’. What do you mean by this? Are you promoting some kind of pharmaceutical solution to success?
James: No, I’m not talking about actual medicine—’MEDS’ stands for Mental Training, Exercise, Diet and Sleep. These are the non-negotiable pillars of high performance. A high-performance mindset keeps you focused and resilient, exercise primes your body for action, good nutrition fuels you for performance and sleep allows you to perform sustainably over the long term. High performers don’t need shortcuts or magic pills—they take their MEDS to create sustainable success.
Do you think traditional education is failing to teach the skills necessary for high performance in today’s world?
James: 100%. Traditional education is outdated and focuses too much on knowledge that often has little relevance to real-world success. What we need are tools for mindset, leadership, emotional intelligence, and the ability to develop a strong vision. My book offers an alternative path to personal mastery, one that isn’t confined to a classroom but rooted in practical, actionable strategies that drive real results.
In a world that’s increasingly focused on mental health, is it irresponsible to push people toward ‘high performance’?
James: Not at all. In fact, high performance and mental health are deeply interconnected. Achieving high performance isn’t about grinding until you collapse; it’s about aligning your actions with a purposeful vision, which can enhance mental well-being. My approach is about creating sustainable success that also values personal health and relationships, rather than encouraging burnout. High performers consistently exceed norms whilst maintaining healthy relationships and well-being.
Why do you believe that leadership failures are the root cause of underperformance in most organizations?
James: Everything rises and falls on leadership. Mediocre leadership is the biggest bottleneck to high performance, whether it’s in business, sports, or personal life. Many leaders lack the vision, and as a result, they fail to inspire their teams. My book dives deep into how a clear vision is the keystone to success—without it, you’re just managing the status quo, not leading toward greatness.
Do you think the obsession with hustle culture and quick fixes is ruining people’s potential for real success?
James: Absolutely. Hustle culture promotes burnout, not high performance. The reality is that shortcuts and quick fixes lead people to mediocrity because they’re chasing instant gratification instead of long-term results. My book emphasizes that the true edge comes from discipline, consistency, and having a clear vision. It’s not about working more hours; it’s about working smarter, with focus and intention.
Habits of High Performers is a roadmap for anyone wishing to achieve extraordinary things.
RRP $39.99 | IN-STORE 26 AUGUST | PUBLISHED BY HARPERCOLLINS NZ
