Guest: James Laughlin WHY.os: Contribute – Simplify – Right Way
James Laughlin is a world-renowned leadership strategist, a seven-time world champion drummer, and the host of the Lead On Purpose podcast. He’s worked with top athletes, CEOs, and global organizations to help them find their focus and lead with clarity. In this episode, James shares how his early experiences shaped his drive and how his passion for drumming opened doors he never expected.
Tune in and learn:
How to turn challenges into opportunities and find purpose in unexpected places.
Why having the right mentor can change your path and set you up for success.
The importance of aligning your actions with your core values for true fulfillment.
Hit play to hear how James transformed his life and discover how you can apply these lessons to your own!
00:01 – Introduction to James Laughlin 02:00 – Growing Up in Northern Ireland 04:37 – High School Struggles and Disengagement 06:49 – Life-Changing Opportunity in Vancouver 08:09 – Transition to New Zealand 09:30 – Discovering Leadership Through Drumming 11:00 – Importance of Mentorship 13:15 – Building Clarity Through Travel 15:40 – The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership 18:25 – Aligning Actions with Core Values
Listen to the podcast here
How James Laughlin Turned Adversity Into Success: 3 Lessons to Change Your Life
Ever feel like you’re stuck in the same loop, wondering why things don’t click? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely going to want to stick around for this one. On this episode of the Beyond Your WHY podcast, Dr. Gary Sanchez sits down with James Laughlin—a seven-time world champion drummer turned leadership strategist who’s worked with top athletes, CEOs, and organizations around the world. Laughlin’s story is anything but ordinary, and if there’s anyone who knows how to turn life’s curveballs into opportunities, it’s this guy.
Growing up in a divided Northern Ireland, James faced more than his fair share of challenges. But instead of letting his circumstances define him, he found a way to rise above and carve out his own path. Today, James is a sought-after speaker and coach, guiding people to lead with conviction and clarity. If you’re curious about how he did it and how you can apply his lessons to your own life, read on.
Turning Challenges Into Opportunities
James’s early life wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. Growing up in a working-class Protestant town in Northern Ireland, he saw firsthand the tensions that divided his community. But instead of becoming bitter or resentful, he looked for a way out—something that would channel his energy and give him purpose. Enter: drumming. “At the age of nine, my headmaster handed me drumsticks instead of detention,” he shared, “and that small gesture changed everything.”
That’s the first big takeaway—turning challenges into opportunities. James learned that it’s not about the hand you’re dealt but how you play it. That moment with the drumsticks didn’t just keep him out of trouble; it set him on a path to becoming a world champion. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, what looks like a setback is just an opportunity in disguise.
Surround Yourself with the Right People
James’s story also highlights the impact of surrounding yourself with the right people. After high school, he got a call from Vancouver’s Simon Fraser University Pipe Band—an opportunity that took him halfway across the world. For a young guy from Northern Ireland, this was huge. “I was suddenly surrounded by doctors, lawyers, and entrepreneurs, all playing in this band,” he said. “It opened my eyes to what was possible.”
Being around driven, successful people pushed James to level up his own game. It’s like that saying—you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. By getting out of his comfort zone and connecting with a new circle, he not only grew as a musician but also as a leader. Take it from James: “Get around people who inspire you. It’s hard to stay small when you’re surrounded by big thinkers.”
Align Your Actions with Your Core Values
If there’s one thing James is clear about, it’s the importance of aligning your actions with your values. During the episode, he shared how finding clarity about what truly mattered to him shifted everything. Moving to New Zealand to work as a coach for Canterbury Rugby was more than just a career move—it was about living his principles of leadership and teamwork. “When your actions match up with your values, you don’t just work—you thrive,” he explained.
It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day routines and lose sight of the bigger picture. But James’s story is a reminder that when you know what you stand for, making decisions becomes easier. Everything starts to fall into place when your goals align with your values. If you’re feeling stuck, take a page out of James’s book: find what matters to you, and make sure your actions reflect that.
Learn More About James Laughlin’s Approach
James Laughlin’s story is proof that it’s possible to take life’s challenges and turn them into stepping stones. Whether it’s finding a way out of a tough situation, surrounding yourself with the right people, or living by your values, the lessons from this episode are valuable and practical. If you want to hear more about how James built a life of impact and success, listen to the full episode on Beyond Your WHY and start applying these insights today.
Ready to dive in? Tune in to the full episode here and find out how you can start making the most of your own opportunities.
About James Laughlin
James Laughlin, a world-renowned strategist in High Performance Leadership and Personal Mastery, has transformed top athletes, CEOs, and organizations globally through his compelling international keynotes and coaching. A seven-time world champion musician and history-making team leader, he also serves as Canterbury Rugby’s mental skills coach. James hosts the ‘Lead on Purpose’ podcast, engaging with world political leaders and Fortune 500 CEOs to share insights on leading with conviction and achieving excellence.
James Laughlin stands at the forefront of High Performance Leadership and Personal Mastery, earning global recognition as a pioneering strategist in the field. As a highly sought-after international keynote speaker, James captivates and inspires diverse audiences worldwide with his compelling insights and transformative messages. His extensive experience spans working with elite performers and leading organizations, including professional athletes, influential CEOs, and multinational corporations, empowering them to lead with unwavering conviction and achieve remarkable success.
James’ unique approach is grounded in his proprietary frameworks and models, meticulously designed to equip individuals with the essential tools for achieving personal mastery. His profound impact extends to a wide array of high achievers, from PGA tour professionals to executives of billion-dollar enterprises, guiding them to unlock their full potential and excel in their respective fields.
Beyond his strategic expertise, James’ extraordinary journey as a musician, marked by seven world championship titles, showcases his exceptional ability to foster talent and cultivate winning mindsets. His remarkable feat of leading an underdog team to world championship glory has become a testament to his leadership prowess and strategic acumen.
In his pivotal role as the mental skills coach for Canterbury Rugby—one of the southern hemisphere’s most esteemed professional sports teams—James applies his understanding of resilience and peak performance to enhance the team’s competitive edge.
Further amplifying his influence, James hosts the #1 ranked Lead on Purpose podcast on Apple Podcasts, where he engages with a global audience by interviewing world-renowned leaders, Fortune 500 CEOs, and industry giants. Through this platform, James shares invaluable leadership insights and strategies, reinforcing his status as a luminary in the realms of leadership and personal mastery.
In this episode of Beyond Your WHY, Rory Fairbairns joins Dr. Gary Sanchez to talk about his personal and professional journey. Rory is the founder of One Year No Beer, an initiative that has helped thousands of people rethink their relationship with alcohol. His experience as a top oil broker in London and his own struggles with alcohol make him a powerful advocate for living a life free of unhealthy habits.
Here are three key takeaways from this episode:
How taking a break from alcohol can boost your energy, productivity, and happiness.
The surprising link between alcohol, stress, and success in high-pressure careers.
Why you don’t need to hit rock bottom to make positive changes in your life.
Listen now to discover how Rory made life-changing decisions that led to a healthier, happier future.
00:00 Introduction to the Why of Contribute 13:53 Taking a Break from Alcohol and its Impact 25:20 The Importance of Finding Meaning and Purpose 34:16 Understanding the Relationship with Alcohol 37:40 Addressing the Underlying Drivers of Compulsive Behavior 40:32 Alcohol’s Impact on Coping Mechanisms and Stress Tolerance 49:01 Shifting the Conversation: From Sobriety to Control and Reduction 52:11 The Potential to Profoundly Change Lives 56:21 Character Development and Personal Growth
Listen to the podcast here
Breaking Free from Alcohol: How Rory Fairbairns Found Success Without It
Rory Fairbairns didn’t just take a break from alcohol—he completely changed his life by doing it. In this episode of Beyond Your WHY with Dr. Gary Sanchez, Rory shares how ditching alcohol led to personal and professional breakthroughs he never expected. As the founder of One Year No Beer, Rory has helped thousands rethink their relationship with drinking, showing that it’s possible to succeed without a crutch like alcohol.
But here’s the kicker: Rory didn’t hit rock bottom. He didn’t lose his job, destroy relationships, or have a dramatic wake-up call. Instead, he made a conscious decision to improve his life, and it paid off in ways he couldn’t have imagined. From thriving in the competitive world of oil brokering to launching a successful global initiative, Rory’s story is a powerful reminder that you can change your life without waiting for a crisis.
The Alcohol Trap in High-Pressure Jobs
One of the standout moments in the episode is Rory’s raw honesty about how alcohol was woven into his daily routine as a top oil broker. He describes the culture of long lunches where wine flowed freely and how not drinking was almost seen as a career risk. “I believed my business would crumble if I stopped drinking,” Rory admits. But the opposite happened—his business grew by 50% after taking a break from alcohol.
This experience hits home for anyone who’s felt pressured to drink in social or work settings. Rory challenges the notion that alcohol is needed to fit in or build connections, especially in high-stress careers. Instead, he found that showing up clear-headed gave him an edge, especially when his colleagues were battling hangovers.
You Don’t Have to Hit Rock Bottom to Change
One of the most valuable lessons from Rory’s story is that you don’t need to wait for a catastrophic moment to make a change. Many people think they have to hit rock bottom before reassessing their drinking habits, but Rory is proof that’s not true. He wasn’t in a crisis when he decided to step away from alcohol; he simply wanted more out of life. “The truth is, if you’re regularly consuming alcohol, it’s already costing you,” Rory says in the episode.
This idea is crucial because it encourages people to evaluate their habits before they spiral out of control. Even a short break from alcohol can lead to massive improvements in health, relationships, and productivity. Rory emphasizes that this decision is within reach for anyone willing to get real with themselves about the role alcohol plays in their life.
Reconnecting with Purpose
Another key takeaway from the episode is how Rory’s decision to stop drinking helped him reconnect with his purpose. During the interview, Rory talks about the power of finding your “why” and how living with intention led to greater happiness and success. “I found that when I got back to my purpose, everything clicked. The noise in my head about alcohol started to fade,” he says.
For Rory, giving up alcohol wasn’t just about health—it was about aligning his life with his deeper goals. Whether you’re struggling with drinking or not, Rory’s advice on finding purpose applies to anyone looking for more meaning in their daily life. This is about more than quitting a bad habit; it’s about setting yourself up for long-term success by living in alignment with your values.
Ready to Make a Change?
Rory’s story is a reminder that we all have the power to make big changes before things fall apart. You don’t have to wait for rock bottom to step away from unhealthy habits, whether it’s drinking, stress, or anything else holding you back. The episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone looking to improve their life, health, and relationships.
If you’re ready to explore how changing your relationship with alcohol (or any habit) can unlock new levels of success, listen to the full episode of Beyond Your WHY with Rory Fairbairns. Don’t wait for the crisis—take control now.
OYNB is a company with a powerful mission to completely transform the relationship people have with alcohol. There’s no denying that alcohol abuse has profound negative impacts on society and the lives of individuals– it’s estimated that poor alcohol habits cost the UK economy $52 billion and the US economy $250 billion.
OYNB provides transformational programs where people can get awareness about their drinking habits, along with the support, education, and coaching they need to make a change. To date, **OYNB content has been seen by over a billion people globally** (including over a million podcast downloads), and they’ve **helped hundreds of thousands of people in 158 countries to reshape and rethink their relationship with alcohol**.
# About Ruari Fairbairns
**Ruari Fairbairns is the founder and CEO of OYNB**, a leading figure in the health and well-being space. He was awarded Great British Entrepreneur of the Year for Scotland and Northern Ireland 2020, with OYNB also being named *The Spectator’s* Economic Innovator of the Year in the UK. Known for his passionate advocacy for healthier living, Ruari has been instrumental in steering OYNB to the forefront of the alcohol-free movement, inspiring over 100,000 people worldwide to reassess their relationship with alcohol, and strive to become the best version of themselves.
Ruari’s story
Born on the Isle of Mull, Scotland, from an early age Ruari harboured a deep-seated determination to make an impactful mark on the world. He left school at 15 to start his first business, and eventually landed in London where he carved out a successful career as a senior oil broker. However, he quickly found himself immersed in a binge-drinking culture, leading him to the profound realization that alcohol was causing him more harm than good.
Taking a transformative break from alcohol, Ruari witnessed significant improvements across various aspects of his life: he became healthier, happier, more productive, and a better father and husband. Motivated by these personal improvements, he embarked on a mission to help others experience the same positive changes. In 2015, he launched One Year No Beer (OYNB), to help people reassess their relationship with alcohol. The initiative quickly went viral, attracting over 20,000 sign-ups in its inaugural year. And so OYNB was born, with its core values deeply rooted in the supportive online community established by its initial members.
Today, Ruari takes immense pride in the fact that OYNB is recognized as a leader in preventive behaviour change, with ambitious plans to diversify into numerous other behaviour-change models beyond alcohol. His previous experiences, particularly the harmful alcohol culture he encountered during his tenure in London, continually drive his work.
Anything else we should know?:
More about our main program, Complete Control:
The Complete Control program is an 8-week program designed to help high-achievers, business-owners, entrepreneurs, and top professionals change their relationship with alcohol to optimize their health, well-being, relationships, and business performance.
In this episode of the Beyond Your WHY Podcast, Dr. Gary Sanchez sits down with Reef Colman, an entrepreneur who has overcome significant personal and professional challenges to achieve success. Reef’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of understanding one’s purpose.
Learn how Reef turned early life struggles into stepping stones for success.
Discover practical tips for building strong business relationships and trust.
Get actionable advice on simplifying complex problems to achieve clarity.
Tune in to hear Reef’s inspiring story and gain valuable insights that can help you on your own path to success. Listen now!
04:57 – Early Challenges and Overcoming Adversity 08:05 – High School Experiences 10:18 – Post-High School Journey 24:36 – Starting a Marketing Agency 32:58 – Embracing Failure and Learning from Mistakes 45:01 – Importance of Employee Benefits and Corporate Culture 49:02 – Hiring Process and Finding A-Players 50:23 – Building a Referral-Based Business Model 52:54 – Company Culture and Revolutionary Recruitment Process
Listen to the podcast here
10 Game-Changing Tips from Reef Colman: Success Lessons You Can’t Miss
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, few stories are as compelling as that of Reef Colman. From a challenging childhood to significant business success, Reef has navigated numerous obstacles and emerged stronger and wiser. His journey is filled with valuable lessons that can help anyone striving for success. Here’s a closer look at the key takeaways from Reef Colman’s experiences and how you can apply them to your own life.
Turning Struggles into Stepping Stones
Reef Colman’s life wasn’t easy from the start. He faced a multitude of personal and professional challenges, but instead of letting them hold him back, he used them as opportunities for growth. Reef’s story demonstrates the power of resilience. By viewing setbacks as learning experiences, he turned his struggles into stepping stones towards success.
Building Strong Relationships
Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, whether personal or professional. Reef emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining trust. He shares practical tips on how to cultivate trust through consistent actions and integrity. This advice is crucial for anyone looking to build strong, lasting relationships.
Simplifying Complex Problems
One of Reef’s standout skills is his ability to break down complex problems into manageable parts. This approach not only makes problems easier to tackle but also leads to clearer and more effective solutions. Reef’s strategy involves identifying the core issue and systematically addressing each component. This method can help anyone achieve greater clarity and efficiency in their problem-solving efforts.
The Power of Mentorship
Throughout his career, Reef has benefited greatly from mentorship. He believes that having a mentor can provide invaluable guidance and support. Mentors can offer new perspectives, share their experiences, and help you avoid common pitfalls. Reef’s advice is to actively seek out mentors who align with your goals and values.
Embracing Innovation
Innovation is at the heart of Reef’s success. He is always looking for better ways to do things, whether it’s in business processes or personal development. Reef encourages others to adopt a mindset of continuous improvement and to be open to new ideas and approaches. This innovative mindset can lead to breakthroughs and significant advancements.
Resilience and Learning from Failure
Failure is a natural part of the journey to success, and Reef’s story is a testament to this truth. He has faced many failures but views them as opportunities to learn and grow. Reef’s approach to failure involves analyzing what went wrong, learning from the experience, and applying those lessons to future endeavors. This resilience is crucial for anyone looking to achieve long-term success.
Creating a Purpose-Driven Life
Understanding your purpose, or your “WHY,” can provide a strong sense of direction and motivation. Reef found that knowing his WHY gave him clarity and purpose in his actions. This sense of purpose has been a driving force in his success, and it can be for you too. Finding your WHY involves introspection and a deep understanding of what truly motivates you.
Practical Business Tips
Reef shares actionable advice on building a successful business. One of his key strategies is to develop a referral-based business model. By providing exceptional service and building strong relationships with clients, Reef has created a steady stream of referrals. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of hiring the right people—those who align with the company’s values and culture.
Corporate Culture and Employee Benefits
Creating a positive corporate culture and offering meaningful employee benefits are essential for a thriving business. Reef explains how a supportive and inclusive workplace can lead to higher employee satisfaction and productivity. By investing in your employees’ well-being, you create a motivated and loyal workforce.
Revolutionary Recruitment Process
Reef’s approach to recruitment is innovative and effective. He focuses on finding top talent that not only has the right skills but also fits well with the company culture. His recruitment process involves thorough vetting and a clear understanding of what the company needs. This approach ensures that new hires are a good match and can contribute positively to the team.
Reef Colman’s story is filled with lessons that can help you navigate your own path to success. By applying his insights and strategies, you can overcome obstacles, build stronger relationships, and find your purpose. Whether you’re facing personal challenges or looking to grow your business, Reef’s experiences offer practical guidance that can lead to significant improvements in your life and career.
Ready to apply these game-changing tips to your life? Start by identifying your WHY and building trust in your relationships. Embrace innovation, learn from failures, and seek mentorship. By following Reef Colman’s example, you can achieve clarity, purpose, and success in your endeavors.
About Reef Colman
Reef Colman stands as an inspiring leader, epitomizing innovation and impact through his role as the CEO and Founder of WeAssist.io. Starting from humble origins, Reef’s journey is a testament to his extraordinary mission of effecting positive change across borders and industries. His brainchild, WeAssist.io, is revolutionizing business and empowerment by offering efficient, reliable outsourcing services that pave the way for a more interconnected and sustainable future.
Reef’s distinctiveness lies in his unwavering commitment to a global vision. His strategic leadership not only steers his team and partners towards a shared objective but also envisions a future abundant with opportunities for making a meaningful difference. Beyond the business realm, WeAssist.io‘s mission extends to nourishing communities worldwide, redefining success by the lives touched and uplifted. Reef’s journey, from his early days to his transformative role in reshaping the outsourcing landscape, is a testament to the leader he has become today.
James Laughlin is a world-renowned leadership strategist, a seven-time world champion drummer, and the host of the Lead On Purpose podcast. He’s worked with top athletes, CEOs, and global organizations to help them find their focus and lead with clarity. In this episode, James shares how his early experiences shaped his drive and how his passion for drumming opened doors he never expected.
Tune in and learn:
Hit play to hear how James transformed his life and discover how you can apply these lessons to your own!