James Laughlin is a globally respected authority on personal growth and leadership excellence, currently holding the position of Leadership Strategist & Executive Coach for James Laughlin Leadership, before which, he was Co-Director of Laughlins Limited. Based in New Zealand and originally from Northern Ireland, James is a trusted advisor, keynote presenter, and mental resilience coach, known for his work with professional athletes, Fortune 500 CEOs, and billion-dollar organisations. His current work centres on empowering individuals and teams to achieve extraordinary results by mastering their mindset and behaviour. Deeply motivated by the belief that everyone has untapped potential, James inspires others to lead with purpose, clarity, and conviction. His expert insights are frequently delivered through talks on leadership, habits, personal mastery, change, high-performance culture, wellbeing, productivity, and strategic planning.
James’s journey began in the competitive world of pipe band drumming, where he demonstrated a rare blend of discipline, drive, and leadership. In 2006, he was appointed Head of Pipe Band Drumming at St Andrews College, where he guided his team to 13 consecutive national titles and led a previously overlooked group to a world championship victory. This early success in shaping high-performing teams set the foundation for his transition into leadership development. After moving to New Zealand, he began to apply his expertise to corporate and sports settings, becoming a Mental Skills Coach for Canterbury Rugby, one of the country's most elite sporting organisations.
In recent years, James has achieved significant acclaim. He is the host of the chart-topping Lead on Purpose podcast, where he interviews world-class leaders and thinkers, reaching a global audience eager to learn from top performers. In 2025, he released Habits of High Performers, a highly regarded book offering actionable strategies for sustainable success. His influence continues to grow, as he is frequently invited to speak at major conferences and events, where he is praised for his authenticity, practical wisdom, and transformative impact.
James is hired not just for his engaging delivery but for the substance behind it. His talks on leadership, habits, and performance culture are infused with powerful motivational insights, grounded in years of experience across elite sport and business. Whether it’s mastering change, driving productivity, or fostering wellbeing, he equips audiences with the mindset and tools needed to thrive. With a compelling story, proven track record, and genuine passion for helping others unlock their best, James is an essential choice for any organisation seeking meaningful transformation.
