James Laughlin is an internationally acclaimed expert in high performance leadership and personal mastery, currently working as a Leadership Strategist and Executive Coach for James Laughlin Leadership, where he is a keynote speaker, strategic advisor, and mental skills coach for elite individuals and organisations. Prior, he was Co-Director of Laughlins Limited. Driven by a mission to empower leaders to unlock their highest potential, James blends neuroscience-backed tools with lived experience to inspire enduring transformation. He works with professional athletes, Fortune 500 CEOs, and billion-dollar companies, teaching them to lead with clarity, confidence, and conviction. His keynote topics include leadership, habits, change, high-performance culture, wellbeing, and strategy and planning, each crafted to deliver practical, immediately applicable strategies for sustainable excellence.
Originally from Northern Ireland, James began his career in music in 2006 as Head of Pipe Band Drumming at St Andrews College, where he led his group to achieve an astonishing 13 consecutive national titles. This formative period honed his discipline, focus, and drive—qualities that now underpin his leadership ethos. His breakthrough moment came when he led an underdog team to a world championship, a feat that remains a cornerstone example of his leadership in action. Moving to New Zealand, James transitioned his performance mindset into leadership coaching, setting the foundation for his international work with elite clients and high-performing teams.
In recent years, James has solidified his reputation with several significant achievements. He was appointed Mental Skills Coach for Canterbury Rugby, one of the southern hemisphere’s most successful professional teams, where he contributes to their mental toughness and team cohesion. He also hosts the chart-topping Lead on Purpose podcast, which has reached a global audience through conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, New York Times bestselling authors, and world-renowned leaders. In 2025, James published Habits of High Performers, a highly rated book that distils his core philosophy and practical tools for mastering personal and professional growth.
James is frequently hired by organisations that value high performance and want to instil it at every level. His keynote speeches and workshops dive deeper into the routines, mindset, and habits of elite performers, using real-world examples from sport and business. Whether addressing c-suite executives, sports teams, or ambitious entrepreneurs, James delivers with energy, authenticity, and actionable insight. He is hired not only for his expertise, but because he lives what he teaches—bringing a rare blend of credibility, charisma, and commitment to helping others lead on purpose.
