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  • Send Leanne a message

    I’m so excited to take you behind the scenes of my rebranding journey—aka Leanne 3.0. In this replay, I chat with Jason Knight, the brilliant mind behind my new brand.

    Watch our conversation on YouTube to see the brand!

    Jason and I first connected on my First Time Facilitator podcast back in 2019, and five years later, I finally brought him on board to reimagine how I show up in the world.

    But this episode isn’t just about the shiny new website (even though I love it)—it’s about the process.

    Rebranding wasn’t even on my radar this year, but during my Radical Reboot on the Gold Coast, I realised my old brand was... fine.

    But “fine” isn’t what I want to offer my clients.

    Jason and I dive into the messy middle of branding—balancing tensions like approachability vs. luxury, identifying my essence (hello, “Tropical Courage”), and figuring out how to reflect me through visuals, words, and vibes. If you’ve ever thought about rebranding or just need a confidence boost, this one’s for you.

    10 key insights:

    Play the Long Game: Jason and I first connected five years ago. Relationships take time—stick with them!“Good” Can Be Dangerous: My old brand was good, but that was the problem. It wasn’t great.Clarity Through Process: Jason’s process included diagnosing where I stood, repositioning, and rolling it all out fast.Test Ideas in Real Time: “Tropical Courage” became a cornerstone of my brand after I casually tested it in a workshop.Speed is Confidence: We sprinted through the rebrand in a month. Quick wins keep you motivated.Balance Tensions: Approachable vs. luxurious, tropical vs. gritty. Turns out, you can be both.Branding Is a Vibe: Your brand isn’t just a logo or colours—it’s how it feels. Think: playlist, visuals, even drinks!Collaborate to Elevate: Weekly feedback sessions and input from trusted friends brought the brand to life.Confidence Is Everything: I’ve gone from cringing at my website to wanting to share it with everyone.Invest in Yourself: A strong brand sets you up for the long game—it’s already opening doors for me.

    Why this matters to you:

    If you’re thinking about rebranding, or you’re stuck in the “good but not great” phase, here’s what I’ve learned:

    Don’t wait for the “perfect” time. There’s never a perfect time—just make space and start.Collaborate with people who challenge you and help you see yourself in new ways.Test your ideas out loud. See how people react. You’ll know when you’re onto something.Branding is an investment in your confidence, your positioning, and your future. It’s worth it.


    A challenge for you:
    Jason asked me this question early on: How would you explain what you do to a seven-year-old? It was harder than I thought! Try it yourself—simplifying your message is a game-changer.

    This was such a fun journey, and I hope it gives you some ideas for your own brand evolution.

    And hey, if you’ve checked out my new website and found any bugs, send me a screenshot ([email protected]), and I’ll

    Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.
    Tune in over here!

    (Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).

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    Fresh off a Las Vegas red carpet experience, Leanne Hughes sits down with legendary consultant Alan Weiss for a candid conversation about career risks, professional reinvention, and the art of strategic decision-making.

    Drawing parallels between Vegas gambling and career moves, this episode delivers unexpected insights about when to hold steady and when to make bold moves in your professional life.

    Whether you're contemplating a career pivot or looking to level up your impact, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on professional risk-taking.

    What You'll Learn:

    🎯 The crucial difference between smart risks and dangerous career gambles💼 Why overhead kills consulting businesses (and what to do instead)🔄 How to balance high competence with personal energy and passion🚀 The mindset shift from "what you want to do" to "who you want to be"📚 Strategic approaches to writing books while maintaining a consulting practice🎯 Why staying "one step ahead" of clients isn't enough (and what to aim for instead)🧠 The danger of "news diets" and why staying informed matters💡 How to present yourself as truly unique rather than a commodity🎭 The art of switching between consulting and coaching modes📈 Why "working harder on yourself than your job" might be the wrong approach

    Key Quote: "You need to pursue what you love doing that can make you money... The ideal thing is you should be making money to support the lifestyle to which you aspire and loving what you do every day." - Alan Weiss

    Whether you're an independent consultant, corporate professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers practical wisdom for making strategic career moves without gambling away your future.

    Want to connect?

    Join our next live stream: November 27th at 4pm Eastern (US) / November 28th at 7am Eastern (Australia)Share your thoughts with Leanne: Connect on LinkedIn or email [email protected]

    Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.
    Tune in over here!

    (Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).

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  • Send Leanne a message

    In this episode of the First Time Facilitator podcast, host Leanne Hughes welcomes Mary-Louise (ML) Huppatz, CEO of the Association for Tertiary Education Management (ATEM), to discuss her unique approach to conferences, leading change, and facilitation.

    ML's passion for people and creating meaningful learning experiences comes through as she shares insights into how she transforms conferences from routine events into transformative experiences.

    Abut today's guest: ML Huppatz
    ML is CEO for the Association for Tertiary Education Management (ATEM) - a job that she describes as being the #1 cheerleader for people working in the sector. She is passionate about people with a capital P - and focuses on creating learning experiences which support self mastery and confidence, development of an individual's leadership, and helping people to thrive in their own career journeys.

    On a Thursday night you will find her moonlighting as Rakali - a Joey leader at 5th Brunswick Scouts, and loving nurturing the next generation of leaders."

    Episode Highlights:
    The Delegate Experience: Redefining Conferences:
    ML discusses the importance of creating meaningful networking opportunities and how ATEM designs conference spaces to encourage organic connections.

    Key Strategies for Crafting Unforgettable Conferences

    ML highlights the importance of first-time delegate experiences, explaining how they organize dedicated welcome drinks and smaller group sessions to ease people into the larger event.Post-lunch energy dips are tackled with "keystone sessions," where all conference participants engage in the same experience across multiple rooms, creating a shared reflective and bonding opportunity. ML shares her aversion to the term "networking" and how she prefers to create informal spaces for delegates to connect naturally, without the pressure often associated with formal networking.

    Innovating the Role of the MC: The Conference Catalyst

    ML explains how ATEM has redefined the traditional role of the MC by introducing the concept of the “conference catalyst.”Rather than just announcing speakers and keeping time, the catalyst becomes part of the event’s personality, helping to build connections and engage attendees on a deeper level (and I, Leanne, was thrilled to play this role!)

    ML’s Personal Leadership Journey

    ML reflects on her career journey, which includes a diverse range of roles in journalism, HR, strategy, and facilitation, all leading to her current position at ATEM.

    Key Takeaways:

    Conferences can and should be more than just events; they are opportunities to create lasting change, connection, and learning.Networking doesn’t need to be formal or intimidating—providing organic, informal spaces can make it easier for people to connect.The role of the MC can be transformed into a more engaging, interactive experience with the concept of a “conference catalyst.”Embracing your strengths and allowing yourself to be “you” in professional settings leads to more authentic leadership and engagement.

    Connect with ML Huppatz

    LinkedIn: ML HuppatzAssoc

    Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.
    Tune in over here!

    (Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).

    Support the show

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    In this episode of the First Time Facilitator podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Steve Demedio to the show. Steve shares his inspiring journey from a career in sales leadership to becoming a passionate facilitator obsessed with creating engaging and memorable learning experiences.

    Join us for our retreat: The Red Carpet Campout
    Psst.. Come along to our Red Carpet Campout 10-12 March, 2025, only 90 mins from Brisbane, Australia. Only six tents remain!

    What You'll Learn:

    Steve’s facilitation journey: How he transitioned from sales leadership to facilitation, inspired by books like Sharon Bowman’s Training from the Back of the Room.Adapting to curveballs in facilitation: Steve’s tips for handling unexpected moments, such as tech glitches, by staying in the moment and focusing on participants.Participant obsession: Why being fully focused on participants, rather than content, is key to creating interactive and impactful learning experiences.Outdoor learning and creativity: Steve’s passion for moving beyond traditional meeting rooms to outdoor settings that boost creativity and connection. Learn how a simple shift in environment can lead to a 50% increase in creative thinking!Challenging the status quo: How Steve challenges clients to rethink their agenda, venues, and reliance on tech to achieve deeper, more meaningful outcomes.The Red Carpet Campout: A sneak peek into our upcoming luxurious camping retreat, where facilitators can unplug, rejuvenate, and engage in creative thinking in nature.

    About Steven Demedio

    Steve Demedio is an entrepreneur, facilitator, travel consultant, and home-made pizza and camping enthusiast, but above all, a devoted father and husband. His career is built upon a foundation of roles in sales, management, learning, and facilitation across the travel, IT, and corporate services sectors.

    Steve’s career has been full of unexpected twists, yet his clear purpose has always been rooted in people, connection, and communication.

    Recently, Steve joined forces with his long-time friend Mark Hodgson, who founded Mind & Body Travel in 2019. Together, they’ve created a unique synergy between travel, training, and events.

    As Director of Mind & Body Group, Steve curates and facilitates inspiring retreats and training programs that bring teams together, unlocking deeper levels of authentic connection and collaboration.

    Connect with Steven Demedio:

    www.mindandbodygroup.com.auwww.mindandbodytravel.comSteven Demedio on LinkedIn

    Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.
    Tune in over here!

    (Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).

    Support the show

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    Host Leanne Hughes takes you behind the scenes of the recent "How to Face Change" event she co-hosted with Michael Bungay Stanier (MBS).

    From brainstorming ideas, locking in the perfect venue, to manufacturing demand for tickets, Leanne spills all the details on how they turned a bold idea into an unforgettable experience.

    Expect candid reflections, actionable tips, and a whole lot of fun as Leanne shares the highs, challenges, and big wins from this Brisbane-based event.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    How to Create Demand for Your Event: The strategic move that got 150 people onto the event waitlist within 24 hours (without selling a single ticket!).The Power of Venue: Why the rooftop bar venue was a major player in getting people excited to attend—and how venue choice can impact your marketing strategy.Collaborating with the Best: Leanne shares insights from working with Michael Bungay Stanier and how their creative synergy shaped the event’s success.Marketing Magic: A peek into the marketing tactics, including leveraging scarcity, early bird offers, and social proof to sell out the event in record time.Content vs. Experience: Why Leanne spent more time focusing on creating an experience for her attendees than on the content itself—and why that was the key to success.Behind-the-Scenes Decisions: The tools and tech that helped Leanne and MBS manage a seamless collaboration across time zones, from Google Docs to a private podcast.Post-Event Reflections: What worked, what Leanne would tweak, and the overwhelming LinkedIn love that followed the event.

    Episode Highlights:

    The quote that inspired Leanne to aim big with her venue choice: "If I made small decisions, I would hate myself forever."How to "manufacture demand" and why giving your audience a waitlist (before selling tickets) can validate your event idea.The importance of creating a memorable experience (hint: it’s not all about the content!) and how a rooftop venue turned their event into a “brag-worthy” moment.

    Links Mentioned in the Episode:

    Watch the 3-minute event highlight video on YouTubeMichael Bungay Stanier's workOur Luma event siteDiary of a CEO interview with Daniel Priestly

    Upcoming Events with Leanne:

    Red Carpet Group Experience: Las Vegas with Leanne Hughes
    📅 October 30, 2024

    Get to the Point Workshop with Sally Prosser
    📅 November 19, 2024 | Brisbane
    Luxury Glamping Retreat: Red Carpet Campout
    📅 Dates: 10-12 March 2025 | Location: Private property, 90 mins from Brisbane

    Join the Conversation: What resonated with you from today’s episode? Let us know! Share your thoughts on social media and tag Leanne and Michael.

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    In this episode, we're joined by Hitomi Whitlock, Organizational Change Manager at the University of Washington's Housing and Food Services, and an experienced real estate investor.

    Hitomi shares her journey from moving to the U.S. as a child to leading change at one of the nation's top universities—all while managing a successful real estate business.

    🔍 What You’ll Learn:

    How Hitomi uses her strengths (Futuristics, Discipline, Positivity, Woo, Learner) to drive success.The tech tools she leverages, like ClickUp, Miro, Loom, and GoodNotes, to streamline workflows, eliminate unnecessary meetings, and enhance collaboration.Tips for running effective hybrid workshops that keep everyone engaged, whether in-person or remote.How a customer-centric focus in both her roles has led to zero evictions and high tenant satisfaction in her real estate ventures.Strategies for building trust quickly in workshops, from pre-session videos to effective icebreakers.The importance of balancing big-picture vision with disciplined execution in both professional and personal life.

    About Hitomi Whitlock
    Hitomi is an Organizational Change Manager at the University of Washington's Housing and Food Services and a real estate investor, co-owning a property management business in the Seattle area since 2005. She attributes her success to her customer-centric focus and effective communication, always thinking about how to best serve her customers. Hitomi loves making new connections and friends while nurturing existing relationships. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, attending concerts, and exploring new restaurants/bars with family and friends.

    📌 Links Mentioned in the Episode:

    Connect with Hitomi Whitlock on LinkedInTools discussed: ClickUp, Miro, Loom, GoodNotes

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  • Send Leanne a message

    Come along to our event! https://lu.ma/rooftopbne

    In this episode, host Leanne Hughes chats with Michael Bungay Stanier on their upcoming event in Brisbane together on 3 Sep 2024, and the art of co-facilitation.

    Reflecting on their first podcast experience in Brisbane, they dive into topics such as managing facilitation dynamics, preparing for keynotes, and what makes their upcoming event in Brisbane unique.

    They also share personal anecdotes and practical tips for successful facilitation, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in leadership and change management.

    Welcome and Introduction
    Reflecting on Past Collaborations
    Upcoming Event: How to Face Change
    The Art of Co-Facilitation
    Why You Should Attend
    Closing Remarks and Excitement

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    In this episode, host Leanne Hughes provides an update on her activities as a solopreneur and content creator, sharing insights from her recent experiences and projects.

    She provides an update on her book, some of the work she's delivered this year, including a recent innovative conference presentation focused on flexibility.

    She also shares upcoming events like a rooftop workshop in Brisbane with Michael Bungay Stanier and a small group workshop in Las Vegas.

    You'll also hear the first episode of Talk the Walk with Alan Weiss, a bi-monthly broadcast coming to you on LinkedIn and YouTube!

    Cool events:

    How to Face Change with Michael Bungay Stanier in Brisbane 3 SeptemberReturn on Las Vegas: Small group experience in Las Vegas with Leanne 30 October (email [email protected] if you want details!)Cast your vote: Once in a lifetime learning experiencesJoin our Talk the Walk live broadcast with Alan Weiss

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    Are you currently running workshops, generating ace ideas, have some cool toolsup your sleeve? Maybe you should turn all of that great stuff into a book!

    If you're curious how to do that, you'll love today's conversation with fellow first-time authors and Brisbane business owners, Mel Loy and Jade Miller.

    Both Jade and Mel are experienced workshop hosts, and they share their journeys from facilitating workshops to writing books. We discuss how their workshop experiences influenced their writing, the challenges they faced, and tips for turning workshop content into a book.

    Connect with Jade Miller

    Jade Miller's book: Making LemonadeJade's websiteConnect with Jade on LinkedIn

    Connect with Mel Loy

    Mel's book: Change Isn't HardLinkedIn: Mel Loy on LinkedInWebsite: Hey Mel! Comms and Training and MelanieLoy.comPodcast: Less Chatter, More Matter

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    Watch our conversation on YouTube.

    Alan Weiss returns to the podcast this week, for the third time, to (metaphorically) poke me in the eye again.

    In this conversation, we riff on:

    Speedy workshop designHow Alan turns an idea into an offer almost immediatelyHow consultants need to focus on helping their clients innovate, and fail fastHow consultants should market now (vs. 5 years ago)Interactions between AI and Humans, what works?The ageing population in the workforce and how to manage it

    Connect with thousands of facilitators from all over the world in our free Facebook group called The Flipchart: / firsttimefacilitator

    Love Alan’s shares? Contact him and let him know!

    Alan Weiss on LinkedIn

    Learn more about the host, Leanne Hughes' work at https://www.leannehughes.com
    Grab Leanne’s book, The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint: https://2hourwork.shop

    Alan Resources

    Alan Weiss's Website: This is the primary source for accessing all of Alan Weiss's content, books, and workshops. Monday Morning Memo: This is a regular communication from Alan that provides insights and advice, likely a valuable resource for listeners interested in regular updates from him.A Minute with Alan: A series of one-minute videos where Alan Weiss shares quick insights. These videos are beneficial for viewers looking for short, impactful advice.Upcoming Workshops and Zoom Sessions: Specifically, any current or upcoming workshops or sessions that Alan mentioned during the interview, like his $100 workshop aimed at adding value for existing and prospective clients.

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    Today, I'm joined by Lisa Leong, a broadcaster, author, and facilitator.
    Watch us chat on YouTube.

    Her superpowers, which you'll hear very clearly in this episode, are curiosity and creativity.

    She's a former IP, technology, and wine lawyer—yes, that's actually a thing. She caught the radio bug in 2001, which is exactly why I brought her on the show.

    Wedelve into the parallels between having talk-back radio and getting listeners to call in to hosting workshops and being truly present.

    We also talk about energy, meeting the room where it's at, and the best ways to prepare to be spontaneous—an awesome oxymoron, right?

    And Lisa shares how she does this, even down to the detail, like her unique research approach, which includes a bit of LinkedIn stalking.

    Lisa draws on her unique experiences, combined with design thinking and mindfulness practices, to bring a fresh approach to conversations and connection.

    She presents on ABC Radio Melbourne on Sundays and also hosts 'This Working Life' on ABC Radio National, which is an awesome show.

    Connect with Lisa Leong

    Lisa Leong on LinkedInLisa Leong on InstagramLisa's profile on ABC Radio


    Why you can't miss this episode
    It's not every day you get to hear from someone who's mastered the art of engaging people through radio, law, and facilitation. Lisa's stories are not just inspiring—they're packed with actionable tips you can use to level up your facilitation game. Plus, her take on mindfulness and presence is a game-changer for anyone looking to connect more deeply with their audience.


    Memorable Quotes:

    "Jumping into facilitation was like jumping into a whole new world with both feet. Scary, but thrilling!""You don't have to be a Zen master to make mindfulness work for you in workshops.""Inclusivity isn't just nice to have; it's a must-have for unforgettable workshops.""Preparation meets improvisation—that's where the magic happens."


    Resources Mentioned:

    Lisa's Favorite Mindfulness Apps"The Skilled Facilitator" by Roger Schwarz

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    In the First Time Facilitator podcast, host Leanne Hughes introduces guest Sally Prosser, a voice and confidence coach.

    We riff on the concept of 'breveloquence', a portmanteau of brevity and eloquence, and how they aim to develop and use this tool in verbal and written forms.

    We also take you behind the scenes of our new workshop called Get to the Point, which we're co-hosting in Brisbane on 16 April 2024.

    Find out more about the Brisbane workshop and grab your ticket here.

    Conversation time-stamps

    00:31 The Importance of Brevity in Communication02:17 The Power of Storytelling and Brevity02:59 The Art of Asking Questions03:43 The Value of Silence and Pausing04:14 The Power of Personal Stories04:40 The Role of Confidence in Communication05:07 The Importance of Setting Rules in Communication05:27 The Excitement of Co-Facilitating06:05 What to Expect in the 'Get to the Point' Workshop07:35 Closing Remarks and Workshop Details


    About today's guest: Sally Prosser

    Sally helps you fire-up your voice so you can share your light with the world.
    Her background as a TV reporter, company spokesperson and speech & drama teacher gives her the ideal skill set to work with professionals, biz owners and corporate teams on -
    ⭐ Building confidence
    🥊 Combating a fear of public speaking
    ❤ Producing a warm, trustworthy voice
    🎤 Speaking with clarity and impact
    🎥 Media Awareness and Spokesperson Training


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    In today's conversation, Phil Woods from Catalyst Strategy shares his journey from a legal career to becoming an independent strategy and team development consultant.

    Watch our conversation on YouTube.

    Phil outlines how he uses frameworks to guide organisations through transformation, draws on his command and activator strengths for maximum impact, and explains the importance of managing energy in workshops.

    From strategic ideation to facilitating self-realisations, Phil offers valuable insights into his facilitation style and how he prioritises the participant experience.

    Phil delivers impactful strategy and positive, strengths-orientated team transformation for a diverse mix of clients in Australia and abroad. He has a practical, no-nonsense style leveraging decades of real-world experience, and brings contagious energy and authentic passion to his client collaborations.

    Conversation prompts:

    Introduction and WelcomePhil Woods: A Journey Through Career PhasesThe Power of Engaging Teams and Co-Creating Strategy The Art of Making Workshops EngagingBalancing Facilitation and Self-Discovery The Role of Powerful Questions in FacilitationBringing the X Factor into WorkshopsLeveraging Strengths in Facilitation Maintaining Energy and Engagement in Workshops Final Thoughts and Advice for First-Time Facilitators

    Connect with Phil Woods

    Connect with Phil Woods on LinkedInVisit his website: Catalyst Strategy

    Other things mentioned:

    2024 State of Facilitation report from Session Lab

    Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.
    Tune in over here!

    (Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).

    Support the show

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    Tune in to discover how to design fast and deliver strong without the stress...using Chat GPT!

    In this episode, host Leanne Hughes discusses five ways she uses chat GPT to improve and enhance her workshop experiences and delivery.

    She shares examples of how she uses Chat GPT for image creation, generating questions, creating case studies, generating frameworks, and coming up with attractive titles for her workshops. You'll also hear some personal updates and experiences related to her work.

    How are you using it to supercharge your workshop design?

    Let us know in The Flipchart
    Want Leanne's support for 30 days? Join Leanne on Demand
    Grab her book, The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint: Design Fast. Deliver Strong. Without Stress.


    Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.
    Tune in over here!

    (Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).

    Support the show

  • Send Leanne a message

    Leanne Hughes’ 2023 Annual Report podcast/video episode, where I share my favourite UNOFFICIAL business metrics, and quarter by quarter highlights/lessons learnt.

    Some of my unofficial metrics include:

    📈 # of countries visited📈 Clients I loved partnering with📈 New topics explored📈 Messages about the book and its impact 📈 How often did I wake up, look at my calendar and get excited about the day?

    What unofficial metrics do you like to report on at the end of the year?

    Offers launched:

    Book: The 2-Hour Workshop BlueprintSentient StrategyLeanne Hughes’ Red Carpet ExperienceLeanne on Demand

    Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.
    Tune in over here!

    (Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).

    Support the show

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    Watch our conversation on YouTube!

    My experience with luck has been, you can actually optimize for luck. So, what is this got to do with workshops and facilitation and hosting group events?

    I think it has a lot to do with it. If your goal is next year to create more workshops, to work with really great clients, to be more aligned with the work that you do-- yhere's an element of intentionality around that and making a decision and making a choice. And I'm currently going through that at the moment.

    Today, we’re joined by Dr. Christian Busch, the author of the book “The Serendipity Mindset: The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck”. He’s the Director of Global Economy Program at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs where he teaches on purpose-driven leadership, impact, entrepreneurship, innovation, and emerging markets.

    He’s been featured on many TEDx Talks. I recently watched one of the TEDx Talks he was in, and it was so fantastic; I’ve decided to invite him here. Join me as we learn from what Christian has to share today.

    In this conversation, you’ll hear Dr. Christian discuss:

    What it actually means to cultivate a serendipity mindsetThe difference between blind luck and smart luckThe fear of missing outThe contrast between planning and being open to opportunitiesThe dynamics between being an introvert and an extrovertHow introverts can cultivate more serendipity in their lifeRapid Round

    Conversation moments:

    The difference between blind luck and smart luck How to balance FOMO while cultivating serendipity in your life -- the hook strategy It’s great to have a milestone but why would you limit yourself to that?How to bring serendipity as a mindset in your day-to-dayCultivating serendipity when you’re an introvert

    Connect with Dr. Christian Busch here:

    Dr. Christian’s websiteDr. Christian on LinkedInDr. Christian on Twitter

    Rapid Round Recommendations:

    Book: “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. FranklTool: HeadspaceSong: “Beautiful Day” by U2Quote: “We cannot always control the situation we’re in, but we can always control our response to it.” – Viktor E. Frankl

    Connect with Leanne Hughes on all the platforms:
    LinkedIn
    Instagram
    Twitter

    For suggestions, collaborations and queries, email me [email protected]. Support this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review, it would mean a lot!
    Thanks for being here. See you next week.

    Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.
    Tune in over here!

    (Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).

    Support the show

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    How do you personally POWER YOURSELF UP to host a workshop when you're sleep deprived? That's the topic Leanne riffs off in this solo episode, where she shares ideas on:

    * * Insights from her personal story on powering up after facing challenges like jet lag and disrupted routines.
    * How personal energy significantly impacts workshop facilitation and the need to show up as your best self.
    * Exploring various power-up routines, including environment shifts, the magic of music, and tailored playlists for different workshop vibes.
    * Quick strategies for resetting and refocusing, such as gratitude practices, journaling, and the benefits of movement.

    Join Leanne's free community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/firsttimefacilitator
    Grab her book, The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint: https://2hourwork.shop

    Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.
    Tune in over here!

    (Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).

    Support the show

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    Welcome back to another episode with your host, Leanne Hughes. I received a listener question from my friend, Juraj Holub and thought I'd share my thoughts on the show.

    Here's the question:
    I'm thinking about the flow of a session.

    Let me share more details.

    Goal: I'd like the workshop participants to practice and learn "how to open a presentation."

    Option A:
    - Participants go first and deliver their opening to their current best capabilities.
    - We debrief each opening (What went well? What could be improved?)
    - After that, I'll share and add additional tips on how to best open a presentation.

    Option B:
    - We start with a group brainstorming about the best ways to open a presentation.
    - Only then do participants get the chance to step on stage and deliver their opening.
    - We debrief each opening

    What are your thoughts?
    What factors would you consider in your response?

    Resources Mentioned:

    The Two Hour Workshop Blueprint (Leanne Hughes)Slido (Polling App)Remote People (Juraj's New Business)Connect with Juraj

    Connect with Leanne:

    Instagram: @LeanneHughesLinkedIn: [Leanne Hughes's LinkedIn]Email: [email protected]

    Closing Thoughts:

    Leanne encourages listeners to stay subscribed for upcoming episodes, and welcomes feedback and questions through her social media and email.

    Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.
    Tune in over here!

    (Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).

    Support the show

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    What does it mean to truly have the character of a leader? Is culture really something we can influence in an organisation?

    Watch our conversation on YouTube!

    Shane Hatton is an author, trainer, coach, and speaker who is passionate about developing remarkable leaders and cultures. He works with organizations to close the leadership gap between mid and senior level leaders.

    Aside from being the author of the books “Let’s Talk Culture – The Conversations You Need to Create the Team You Want” and “Lead The Room – Communicate a Message That Counts in Moments That Matter”, Shane is also a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, a member of the Forbes Global Coaches Council, and is the Founder of the People Leaders Network.

    I met Shane on the Clubhouse app, where we had various conversations around various topics, but it was when I attended his book launch earlier this year in Sydney that we finally got to meet in real life.

    In this conversation, you’ll hear Shane discuss:

    His book, “Let’s Talk Culture – The Conversations You Need to Create the Team You Want”The insights of culturePractical things leaders can do to build and reinforce their cultureHis personal insights on how he handles his energyHow he manages the contrast of being the person in front of the room and while also thriving behind the scenesRapid Round

    Connect with Shane Hatton here:

    Shane’s websiteShane on InstagramShane on FacebookShane on TwitterShane on LinkedInShane on YouTube

    Rapid Round Recommendations:

    Book: The Moment of Lift by Melinda GatesTool/App: ClickUpSong: Bohemian Rhapsody by QueenQuote: “The moment we begin to think we have all the answers, we forget all the questions.” – Madeleine L’EngleQuote: “You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a man is wise by his questions.” – Naguib Mahfouz

    Connect with Leanne Hughes on all the platforms:
    LinkedIn
    Instagram
    Twitter

    For suggestions, collaborations and queries, email me [email protected]. Support this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review, it would mean a lot!
    Thanks for being here. See you next week.

    Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.
    Tune in over here!

    (Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).

    Support the show

  • Send Leanne a message

    Welcome to another episode of the First Time Facilitator podcast, where your host, Leanne Hughes, goes solo, diving deep into the Keep section of the SPARK framework, a crucial element of her book, "The Two Hour Workshop Blueprint," now available on Audible.

    Key Takeaways:

    Continuous Improvement: Learn about the importance of reflecting on what worked well in your past workshops and what didn't, to continuously improve and design more effectively for future sessions.Personal Organisation: Leanne shares her personal system of organising facilitator materialsLeveraging the Keep Method: Understand the intricacies of the Keep method in workshop desigSmart Resource Management: Learn about innovative ways to manage your resources, including using cloud services, books, and Post-it notes, to bookmark and quickly access your favorite workshop activities.Efficient Post-Workshop Practices: Find out why sending workshop show notes within 24 hours is crucial, and learn a practical approach to preparing and disseminating these resources promptly.Building a Resource Bank: Learn how to proactively compile and categorize a variety of resources, from books and podcasts to videos and articles, for easy access and reference.

    Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.
    Tune in over here!

    (Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).

    Support the show