By: Tom Lambert
In New Zealand, James Laughlin guides elite performers through the complexities of modern leadership at a time when the global leadership training market is projected to reach $147.48 billion by 2029. His High Performance Leadership (HPL) workshop has transformed thousands of leaders, from military commanders to corporate executives, offering a fresh perspective on achieving excellence in an increasingly demanding world.
Studies show that 55% of CEOs view developing next-generation leaders as their top challenge, and organizations are investing up to 80% more in leadership development programs this year alone. Hence, Laughlin’s approach addresses a critical market need.
Transforming Leadership Through Personal Mastery
The HPL workshop stands apart through its focus on seven key pillars: vision, desire, belief, self-discipline, habits, self-evaluation, and growth. “Success today requires more than motivation,” Laughlin explains. “Leaders need a clear vision and the discipline to pursue it relentlessly.” This philosophy has resonated with clients like Samuel Whitelock, New Zealand’s most-capped professional rugby player, who credits Laughlin’s program with creating a space for authentic leadership development.
The New Zealand Army has embraced Laughlin’s methodology, with a sergeant noting, “James managed to ask the tough questions and extract passionate answers from people who I have not seen be vulnerable in group settings before.” This ability to create safe spaces for leadership growth makes Laughlin’s approach unique in an industry often focused on quick fixes and surface-level solutions.
The full-day workshop is dedicated to unlocking personal mastery and cultivating leadership from within. Participants receive access to James’ High Performance Leadership Framework Workbook and engage in practical exercises that help them apply the seven pillars to their specific leadership challenges. The program has been battle-tested across diverse sectors, from small businesses to multinational corporations and from military units to educational institutions, proving its versatility and effectiveness.
Building a Global Leadership Legacy
Laughlin’s influence reaches beyond New Zealand’s shores through his “Lead on Purpose” podcast, consistently ranking in Apple Podcasts’ top charts. The podcast features conversations with prime ministers, Fortune 200 CEOs, and global game-changers, offering listeners direct access to leadership insights from world-class performers.
The founder of Fabrum highlights the practical impact of Laughlin’s approach: “The program drew people to personal responsibilities and actions within their control. It created a space and opened discussions where team members could voice their concerns on subjects previously considered taboo in the workplace.” This focus on practical application and real-world results has helped organizations improve staff retention, boost engagement, and build stronger corporate cultures.
The success of Laughlin’s methodology stems from his unique background as a seven-time world champion musician. This experience informs his understanding of high performance, allowing him to merge athletic excellence and corporate leadership. His role as Canterbury Rugby’s mental skills coach further demonstrates the versatility of his approach.
Laughlin continues to expand his impact through The High Performance Leadership Event™, scheduled for October 2025 in Christchurch. The event will feature renowned speakers like former Prime Minister Sir John Key, Sir Wayne Smith, Zion Armstrong, and Arihia Bennett, offering participants access to leadership insights and practical frameworks for success.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
