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You might remember Neen from her earlier book Attention Pays. She’s since continued her global journey speaking with C-suite leaders and luxury brands, helping them elevate their communication and connection. Now, she’s back with a brand new book: Exceptional Experiences — and this one is all about how to create moments that make people feel seen, heard, and valued.
We chat about:
🥂 What Taylor Swift gets right about treating your energy as a luxury
🌟 Why true luxury isn’t about expensive things — it’s about connection and attention
💬 How to use “luxury language” to elevate your communication (and what words sound cheap vs. expensive!)
🕯️ How facilitators and leaders can engage all five senses to create memorable experiences
💗 The importance of champagne moments — those tiny, joyful touches that make ordinary experiences extraordinary
🌏 Why the world needs more optimism and how not to dim your light — even when it feels too bright
🎁 How personalization, customization, and fascination create magic in any client or workshop experience
Neen also shares some behind-the-scenes examples from world-class luxury brands (think Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton) and how we can bring that same level of care and intentionality into our own work — even in small, everyday ways.
If you’re a facilitator, coach, consultant, or anyone who cares about the experience you create for others — this conversation is pure gold.
👉 Learn more about Neen and her new book: neenjames.com
👉 Explore her Luxury Mindset research and download her Luxury Language Dictionary at luxuryisamindset.com
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
In this episode of First Time Facilitator, I chat with Dr Liz O'Riordan about her leap from the operating theatre to the workshop room.
After being diagnosed with cancer and leaving surgery, Liz turned to speaking, writing, and now — facilitation. With only days to prepare, she discovered my book The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint, raided her kitchen cupboards for props, and built a session that participants called “brilliant — don’t change a thing.”
We unpack how she:
Transformed complex cancer science into playful, prop-based learning (think Jenga and cupcakes 🍰).
Used a simple structure to design a two-hour workshop in 72 hours.
Sent pre-session videos that warmed up the room before she arrived.
Managed nerves, energy, and the “silent moments” during activities.
Built her social media presence to reach thousands with her message.
🎯 If you’re new to facilitation, or you’ve ever thought, “Where do I even start?”, Liz’s story will inspire you to pick a date, lower the bar, and just run the workshop.
👉 Subscribe to First Time Facilitator for more stories, strategies, and behind-the-scenes lessons on designing sessions that land.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
I wrote this article this after being on a group call where one person dominated the airtime. You know the ones, right?
As facilitators, it’s our job to respect the room, the time, and the energy of everyone there. And sometimes, that means stepping in. Yes, interrupting can feel awkward — but if you do it with care, it can completely transform the vibe of your sessions.
In this episode, I share:
Why interrupting is actually a public service
Three reasons we don’t interrupt — and how to move past them
Powerful redirect phrases you can use right away
How to interrupt without feeling like a jerk
The difference between a question and a monologue
This one's all about giving you permission to run a tight, purposeful room — and boost your Work Fame while you’re at it.
🎧 And hey, if you’re into more short, punchy episodes like this, check out my daily podcast Leanne On Demand.
Let’s keep the room moving. Enjoy the episode!
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
Hey, thanks for tuning in today. I just wrapped up a webinar for a long-time client — an organization that delivers live, critical, and completely anonymous support via webinars.
That’s right. No faces. No names. Just silence... and a flurry of comments in the chat.
So how do you respond when the comments start rolling in — especially when the stakes are high and the people on the other side might be feeling overwhelmed, unseen, or unheard?
Today, I share the 4 archetypes I’ve created to explain the choices we have when responding to chat — in real-time, whether you're on a livestream, hosting a masterclass, or even navigating in-person Q&A.
🌀 The Fog – You miss the moment 👀 The Birdwatcher – You see it, let it fly 👂 The Listener – You acknowledge, but don’t fix 🗺 The Guide – You go there, with intention
We also talk:
When verbatim responses can be powerful
The risk of paraphrasing (and how to check in)
Why sometimes, the most generous thing is to not engage
How time and engagement form a decision-making matrix when you’re live
If you ever find yourself juggling incoming comments with a tight run sheet, this one’s for you.
Let me know which archetype you default to — and if you’ve found any hacks for managing emotional or high-stakes chat in live sessions.
Speak tomorrow!
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
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.
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 y
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
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 hello@leannehughes.com
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
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
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
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.
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.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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
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.
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 Welcome
Phil Woods: A Journey Through Career Phases
The Power of Engaging Teams and Co-Creating Strategy
The Art of Making Workshops Engaging
Balancing Facilitation and Self-Discovery
The Role of Powerful Questions in Facilitation
Bringing the X Factor into Workshops
Leveraging Strengths in Facilitation
Maintaining Energy and Engagement in Workshops
Final Thoughts and Advice for First-Time Facilitators
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
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?
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
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?
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
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 mindset
The difference between blind luck and smart luck
The fear of missing out
The contrast between planning and being open to opportunities
The dynamics between being an introvert and an extrovert
How introverts can cultivate more serendipity in their life
Rapid 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-day
For suggestions, collaborations and queries, email me hello@leannehughes.com. Support this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review, it would mean a lot! Thanks for being here. See you next week.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
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
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
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?
Leanne encourages listeners to stay subscribed for upcoming episodes, and welcomes feedback and questions through her social media and email.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
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.
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.
For suggestions, collaborations and queries, email me hello@leannehughes.com. Support this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review, it would mean a lot! Thanks for being here. See you next week.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
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 materials
Leveraging the Keep Method: Understand the intricacies of the Keep method in workshop desig
Smart 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.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
Can you use space to create contrast, even in a virtual call? Today’s guest proves that you can!
We have an absolute world-leader in the field of nonverbal communication joining us on the show this week, Michael Grinder.
Michael has over 40 years of experience training thousands of groups. Known as the pioneer of nonverbal communication, Michael helps executives and educators assess people more accurately, connect with others more deeply, and build their charisma.
We explore how to use his famous model, the House of Communication in our workshops.
During this conversation, I picked up so many incredibly nuanced things you can do to boost the clarity of my communication in both virtual and face-to-face workshop environments.
The beauty of this conversation is how Michael talks about the large and the small, the micro and the macro, the philosophy around what you do, and then the micro: what type of chair you need, in order to do that.
We also delve into using space, and how to segment space within our environments.
About today’s guest: Michael Grinder
Michael Grinder has over 40 years of experience training thousands of groups. Known as the pioneer of nonverbal communication, Michael helps executives and educators assess people more accurately, connect with others more deeply, and build their charisma.
Two well-known experts personally trained Michael in the field of communication: Carl Rogers, the father of humanistic psychology, and Michael’s brother, Dr. John Grinder, co-founder of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.
Over his career, Michael has written 14 books, which have been translated into seven languages. He’s a sought-after speaker for national and international events and has presented on seven continents. Some of Michael’s additional achievements include:
National Director of NLP for Education
Teacher of the year at three different schools in California, Washington, and Oregon.
Recipient of the 2019 DACH “Mediator of the Year.”
Today, Michael continues to train individuals and companies, and volunteers with community organizations. He lives in Washington State with Gail, the love of his life.
In this episode you will learn:
Importance of non-verbal elements in virtual workshop
Tips to better utilise our voice in a workshop
How you can “block/anchor” elements of the room during face-to-face and virtual workshops
How to be confident during in-person and online workshops
How to use your hands effectively, anytime you communicate
The difference between Intellectual safety vs. Emotional safety
ABC's of conveying a message for in-person or virtual facilitation
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
In this solo episode, host Leanne Hughes reflects on the world of event planning, MCing, and the unforeseen challenges that can arise during a charity event.
Committee Dynamics: The initial stages of planning, the process of narrowing down nominees, and how this committee stood out from typical group projects.
Communication Platforms: The value of asynchronous communication, the prominence of WhatsApp, and the advantages of immediate messaging.
Roles & Responsibilities: Discovering personal strengths, navigating through responsibilities, and how to tweak and adjust pre-existing templates.
Co-MCing Insights: Splitting the MC role, understanding the environment, ensuring audience engagement, and the importance of staying organized.
Challenges Faced: Unexpected hurdles like potential noise disruptions, technical difficulties, and overlooked details. How adaptability and quick thinking made the difference.
Event Dynamics: Balancing philanthropy with entertainment. Creating a unique event atmosphere likened to "philanthropy meets Shark Tank meets a cocktail party."
The Power of Introductions: How adding humor and connection can set the tone for the event and engage attendees.
Audience Engagement: Encouraging interaction, making connections, and using humor to lighten the mood.
Preparation is Key: Ensuring you're fully prepped not just for your role but also for potential challenges that could arise.
Environment Matters: Recognizing the significance of being aware of the surroundings and adjusting accordingly.
Open Communication: Ensuring there's clear communication between all key players, like co-hosts or other committee members.
Engage & Interact: How engaging your audience and encouraging interaction can change the dynamic of an event.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
Join host Leanne Hughes as she delves deep into the mind of a facilitator with guests John Norcross and Tricia Conyers from the "Every Little Model" podcast, this episode offers a genuine conversation exploring the intricacies of facilitation, sharing personal experiences, challenges, and models that guide their work.
Tricia's "Nine Dimensions of Engagement" emphasising the power of contrast in facilitation activities and debriefs.
The art of balancing: How to juggle structure and flexibility in facilitation.
John's experience emphasizing the importance of adapting to group needs rather than rigidly sticking to a process.
About Our Guests: John Norcross
John is a change leadership professional who works at the intersection of human centered design, organizational effectiveness, strategy, and implementation. His 25+ years in consulting have taken him from Canada, to the UK, South America, the Caribbean, and to the US working across a range of industries, from energy and chemicals to life sciences and the public sector.
John spent over a decade with Evolve Partners, an implementation consultancy, as a geography leader and as SVP for Accounts. He also co-founded a boutique change agency, BridgeOne LLC. Over the last couple of years, he has volunteered as a community change agent in Wisconsin, focused on advocating for public schools as well as diversity and inclusion efforts. He is also the co-host of the Every Little Model podcast, which focuses on exploring the models and frameworks we use to make sense of our organization and our world.
Tricia Conyers is a leadership coach, facilitator, trainer, and podcaster. She helps individuals and teams to unlock their full potential and achieve breakthrough results.
Through a combination of individual coaching, hybrid professional development programs, facilitated in-person experiential events, and her Every Little Model podcast, she helps leaders to think differently, recognize and leverage leadership moments, and develop the confidence and capabilities they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced business world.
To continue the conversation, join over 2,200 global facilitators in the free Facebook group, "
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
How do you design fast? You create an underpinning framework! In today's episode, host Leanne Hughes shares why she loves frameworks SO MUCH, and some ideas on how to create your own.
Gift Wrapping Information: Organising and packaging information in a way that's digestible and actionable.
Overcoming Fears: You don't need a PhD or decades of experience to create a useful framework.
Case Study - Pivot by Jenny Blake: A framework for career decision-making featuring Plant, Scan, Pilot, and Launch.
Creating Your Framework: The story behind The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint book and the SPARK framework (Setup, Power-up, Activities, Review, Keep) for workshop design.
The Utility of Frameworks: Beyond business and personal development, frameworks can serve as a general tool for clarity in any context.
How to Create Your Own Framework: Practical tips, including using brainstorming buddies like ChatGPT.
Are you currently using frameworks in your work or life? Do you find them helpful? If you haven't tried, take a moment to think about how a framework could help in your current projects. Share your thoughts or your own frameworks with Leanne @leannehughes
Join us for more insightful discussions and practical advice on future episodes. Subscribe now, so you don't miss out!
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
I love jumping on The Flipchart Facebook group to see where members are hosting their workshops. My guest today, Nancy Mamolejo, hosts her workshops overlooking the Golden Gate bridge, and she also brings amazing ideas and energy into her sessions, including her emotional support kit.
Tune in today, to hear us discuss:
Creating a Sense of Belonging in Workshops
Strategies and tools to foster an environment where everyone feels like they are a valued part of the conversation.
Going Beyond 'Tick and Flick'
Delving deeper than superficial diversity initiatives and truly embedding inclusive practices in the organization.
Standing in Your Value
Recognizing and appreciating your unique contribution to the workspace and the importance of every individual's perspective.
Workshop Structure and Participant Awareness
Insights into how Nancy designs her sessions to be most effective and how she ensures she remains attuned to participants' needs and responses.
Embracing Self-Worth and Belonging
The transformative realization that "I belong here" and understanding the significance of self-worth in professional settings.
About today's guest: Nancy Marmolejo is passionate about helping organizations “walk their DEI talk” by moving them from abstract theory to people-to-people interactions. Using tools such as the DiSC Assessment, communication skills training, and leadership development models, she creates a safe space for people to transform on personal and professional levels.
With over 10,000 hours of experience as a coach and facilitator, her mission is to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups in the workplace, and to transform workplace culture so belonging and inclusion are the norm for all.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
As you know, I'm here to help you design fast, deliver strong without stress. That's hat is in the form of workshops, right? But today I'm going to be talking about designing life in general.
I'm celebrating and reflecting because I turn 40 this Thursday. What an honour: Every day above ground is a great day.
Disclaimer: I'm not an Olympic gold medalist. I haven't climbed Everest. I'm just a type of person who likes having a crack at life, looking for cool opportunities and treating life as an experiment.
And so I wanted to share some ideas today that reflect how I think about life design.
I've summarised these in Leanne's 12 Rules for Life... And what I'm excited about is in two decades, or even in two weeks, I might prove my own rules wrong. The beauty of life is in its ever-evolving nature.
Are you approaching a watershed moment in your life, whether it's a milestone, you've had a significant life change? It might be nice for you create your own 12 rules! How do you like to see the world?
Here are a sneak peak of my 12 Rules for Life:
We’re all gonna die: A reminder of our impermanence.
If you're feeling like a fish out of water, find a new pond: Adaptability is key.
Shake hands with your heroes, they probably have sweaty palms, too: We’re all human at the end of the day.
There is no glass ceiling: Limitations are often self-imposed.
Your clicking reveals your calling: Listen to what resonates with you.
Live regionally, work globally: Embrace the vast opportunities the world offers.
Be like Tom Cruise in the moments that matter: Show up and give it your best.
Find the pattern interrupter in your life: Break monotonies and spark creativity.
If you don’t have permission, get permission: Advocate for your own desires and goals.
Share your work in public: Be open and transparent in your endeavors.
Double click everyday moments: Find depth in daily occurrences.
Real wealth is discretionary time (Alan Weiss): Time is our most valuable resource.
What do you think? Do any of these rules resonate with you? Let me know! Tag me on socials, send me a message, or email hello@leannehughes.com
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
In today's episode, I'm delighted to introduce our guest, Jeff Skipper. Jeff and I have been colleagues for the past couple of years, sharing insights in our growth cycle mastermind group. We've connected virtually every two weeks and had the pleasure of meeting in person during a memorable gathering in Hawaii, part of Alan Weiss's community.
About Jeff Skipper
Jeff Skipper is a recognised expert in accelerating change with over 25 years of experience. He has worked with renowned clients such as IBM, Suncor, Goldman Sachs, and the Salvation Army, helping them achieve remarkable results in their strategic transformation efforts by infusing complex change with a motivating mission.
Jeff possesses a unique talent for creating impactful activities and workshops. He excels at breaking down complex challenges and reengineering them into practical solutions. Exciting news for our listeners, Jeff is currently working on a workshop booklet that will feature his top 30 change activities.
During our conversation, we delve into the essential aspects of driving and leading change. Jeff underscores the significance of visible leadership, especially in today's virtual landscape where meaningful connections can be a challenge. We also explore opportunities for meaningful in-person connections and how they contribute to the success of change initiatives.
Jeff is the author of the insightful book, "Dancing with Disruption."
In this podcast episode, you'll learn:
The role of emotions in leading change
Practical strategies for engaging people during times of disruption.
How leaders can inspire trust and commitment in their teams
The significance of consistency in messaging,
The contagious nature of both resistance and enthusiasm in organisational change.
Quotes from the Episode:
"It's hard to generate that level of excitement until you're out there, shaking hands with people, patting them on the back, and telling them they're doing a good job."
"Even if your organization's life depends on it, not everyone's gonna get on board. So what do you need to do?"
"It's important to give people space to connect. When we have an hour to just talk and unpack things, that's where we really start to connect and build levels of trust."
"You're trying to engage people on an emotional level. Yes, I need to help them build new competencies to navigate a change, but I'm trying to keep a positive viewpoint around what's going to happen."
"If I dip my toe in the water, it's going to be safe. Again, the role of leaders is to create that safety for people."
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
In today's episode, we explore the intricate emotions that facilitators experience right before a workshop – a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and anticipation.
My guest today is the award-winning TV journalist from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Sophie Scott OAM. Sophie's multi-faceted career has transitioned her from a household face on TV to a well-renowned speaker and educator, with a prime focus on mental health.
Dive into our conversation as we unravel Sophie's personal journey, discover her pre-workshop routines, and delve deep into her experience with burnout. It's a candid, open conversation about the realities of mental well-being, the importance of self-care, and the pivotal role that authentic communication plays in our lives.
What You Will Learn:
Sophie's transition from a journalist to an advocate for mental well-being and a sought-after speaker.
The personal story of Sophie's encounter with burnout, which she faced while in the public eye.
The "Spotlight Effect" – A mechanism to center oneself and focus on the audience while facilitating.
Physical Reactions to Anxiety: Even when well-prepared, your body might still show signs of anxiety, but recognizing these signs and continuing to move forward can be beneficial.
Facilitation vs. Journalism: Both roles involve extracting information and insight, and the techniques used in journalism can apply to facilitation.
Tips and ideas on how to host engaging panels or events.
About Sophie Scott OAM
In addition to an extensive career as an award-winning medical TV journalist for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Sophie is a professional speaker and educator with expertise in mental health.
She has an extensive presence on social media, has been an invited speaker at the World Congress on Positive Psychology, has written two books (Live a Longer Life (ABC Books) and RoadTesting Happiness (Harper Collins), and has won major awards for her journalism and medical reporting including a prestigious Eureka Award
Sophie’s mission is to help people help themselves, using evidence-based science and her own personal journey.
She is an ambassador for Bowel Cancer Australia, Pain Australia and is a patient reviewer for the British Medical Journal.
Sophie is a highly sought-after keynote speaker on topics such as preventing burnout, managing your mental well-being during times of change, the science of high-performance habits, and how to use neuroscience to stick to new habits and overcome unwanted ones.
Her talks and workshops help people take better care of their mental health through science-backed techniques so they can build emotional resilience, maximise their potential and thrive at work and at home.
Links and Resources:
Sophie Scott's Website - A central hub where you can find all of Sophie's content, including links to her social media platforms.
Insight Timer and Balance App: These apps are mentioned in the conversation, suggesting they might be tools for personalization or well-being.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
In today's episode, I chat with Brendon Baker, a change leader I've had the pleasure of knowing for over a year and a half. Our professional relationship has grown from friendtorshop to active collaboration. We discuss the core of his workshops, how to deliver real value, and his personal experiences with business growth.
About Brendon Baker:
Brendon is dedicated to helping Change Leaders achieve tangible results. He's been at the helm of over $10 Billion in projects and programs, and from these ventures, he's gathered key insights:
Change is tough, so it needs to be worth the effort.
Simple solutions often yield the best results.
Traditional methods and 'best practices' don't always translate well into practical situations.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
Welcome to a podcast swap! I was a guest on the delightful Prina Shah's podcast, Ways to Change the Workplace recently, and the episode had such wonderful reviews/feedback, I thought I'd bring it onto this feed!
What are some common mistakes that workshop facilitators make that lead to boring workshops?
How can workshop facilitators create a safe and inclusive environment where all participants feel comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions?
What are some creative approaches to workshop design that can help break up the monotony of traditional lecture-style presentations?
About today’s episode: Today I chat with my friend Leanne Hughes all the way in Brisbane, Queensland. Leanne is a thought-provoking entrepreneur with an upcoming book called the 2 Hour Workshop Blueprint and it is great – I have been an early reader and have user-tested it myself in the workshops that I deliver!
I speak with Leanne about: How to Stamp out Boring Workshops! Watch the youtube version here: https://youtu.be/HTkZi8Uw7dQ
Leanne talks about her years of experience as a facilitator and what she has learnt from that, we cover:
Common mistakes that workshop facilitators make that lead to boring workshops.
How important it is to engage workshop participants from the outset, and some effective ways to do so.
The role technology plays in creating more dynamic and engaging workshops.
I ask how important is it to have a clear purpose and desired outcome for a workshop, and how can facilitators ensure that participants are aligned with these goals?
We discuss ways to keep energy levels high throughout the workshop, particularly during long sessions.
How workshop facilitators can create a safe and inclusive environment where all participants feel comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions.
Some creative approaches to workshop design that can help break up the monotony of traditional lecture-style presentations.
Some common myths about what makes a workshop successful, and how we can dispel them to create more effective learning experiences.
And listen in to Leanne’s answer to my question: if you had a magic wand, what is one way you would change the workplace?
About today’s guest: Leanne Hughes is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator, maximising team potential by creating influential, contagious work experiences that scale across teams, functions, and regions.
As a workshop designer and facilitator, she combines her experience in Marketing with her education (and obsession) with Group Dynamics and Psychology, to help leaders create engaging experiences.
Leanne has distilled her knowledge and experience into The First Time Facilitator podcast, and now, a book ‘The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint’.
Resources and links
Grab the book The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint: Design Fast. Deliver Strong. Without Stress: https://2hourwork.shop
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
In today's episode, your host Leanne Hughes delves deep into her journey as a participant and her experiences leading up to a world-class speaking conference in Hobart. She also touches upon the significance of mindset in the world of speaking, facilitation, and beyond.
She also touches upon the significance of mindset in the world of speaking, facilitation, and beyond.
What you will learn:
The importance of setting the right pre-conference expectations and the art of crafting a powerful pre-event experience.
How the location of an event can significantly shape a participant's experience and perspective.
Dressing the Part: The Psychology of Becoming a World-Class Speaker
The value of provoking thought, over disseminating information
What does being "world-class" mean to you?
What I get ready before I attend an event, and how I decide to choose my accommodation.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
In today's episode, I’m delighted to welcome Sally Porteous, the esteemed Managing Director of a renowned event production company. Sally has a wealth of knowledge to share on how to lead transformative workshops and captivating events. Her experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the surprising parallels that exist within these arenas.
Sally will walk us through her unique journey into the vibrant world of event management, a journey that was as much about self-discovery as it was about realizing her inherent strengths and discovering her 'zone of genius'. She shares compelling anecdotes that illustrate how natural talents can often be things that others find challenging.
We'll be diving deep into the art of setting up the perfect environment for your events and workshops right from the get-go. Sally will share some unusual sources of inspiration, including the simple act of observing interactions at shopping centers or malls. Her perspectives will certainly open up new ways of thinking about event planning.
This episode is packed with valuable insights from Sally. She will share a set of powerful closing questions for your workshops that not only ease your workload but also ensure that participants fully engage with and remember the content. It's all about fostering a sense of co-creation.
About today’s guest Sally Porteous is Managing Director of event production company Red Lanyard, where she produces festivals, conferences, events and meetings. She is the creator of the Event Planners Workshop, a series of training, coaching and mentoring products to bridge the gap between accredited education and learn-by-doing. She also coordinates and facilitates The Event Managers Network, a membership that connects, supports and networks suppliers and event managers.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
Today, I'm chatting to Andrew Hollo, Director and Principal Consultant at Workwell Consulting, who shares his unique insights on facilitation and strategic alignment. I've got to say, after we finished recording, I wanted to share this episode with absolutely anybody who runs a facilitation business!
What You'll Learn:
The importance of organising and summarising information (and how you can get better at it)
How feeling under-prepared can sometimes foster agility in facilitation
The power of directing conversations with two or three key questions
How to maintain visibility and engagement with potential clients
Navigating challenging situations in a leadership development session
About the Guest: Andrew Hollo is Australia’s leading expert in getting diverse interests to reach a strategically aligned position. As the Director and Principal Consultant at Workwell Consulting, he works with organisations that deliver societal benefits and are community-invested.
Andrew has led over 1000 projects for clients who deliver substantial public value, including government and non-government bodies, privately held companies, and non-profits since 1999. His expertise lies in challenging existing paradigms and driving diverse views to clear, high-value conceptual agreements in the shortest possible time.
Participate in our LinkedIn challenge and stand a chance to win a copy of our book!
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
Woo hoo! Fun, pop-up, unedited episode that I felt compelled to jump in and record on a beautiful Brisbane winter day.
Today, I share an exciting example from a conference she recently worked on and how we incorporated something unpredictable, based on a fairly predictable conversation :)
What You Will Learn:
How to find inspiration in everyday moments and translate them into your workshop design. Leanne shares her personal experiences and interesting anecdotes that sparked unique ideas.
How to incorporate X-Factor ideas into your workshops to make them stand out. Leanne shares the example of a 'morning show' theme she implemented during a conference, which became a hit with the attendees.
Your invitation: The 4-Week Workshop Sprint Let’s spend four weeks together, going beyond the pages of The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint to make your workshop the best, damn, thing ever, and something you’re incredibly proud to showcase, host, and share with the world.
This is a live program starting on the 7th of August, 2023, limited to 16 people, where Leanne offers personalised support and feedback for your program, to get you producing great workshops, with a bit of x-factor thrown in!
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
Welcome to an enchanting episode of our podcast! In this captivating conversation, we bring you a first-time wizard on the show—Dr. Jason Fox—a wizard-philosopher disguised as a motivational speaker and leadership advisor. His expertise lies in guiding clever teams through the complexities of their quests.
With an impressive list of clients that includes Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft, HP, Novartis, Red Bull, Cisco, Johnson & Johnson, Toyota, and Honda, Dr. Fox has established himself as a trusted advisor to senior leadership teams worldwide.
During our discussion, we embark on a magical journey through various topics. We explore the delicate balance between nurturing ideas and valuing individuals, the importance of holding space for emergent insights, and the personal rituals and preparations that enhance facilitation sessions.
We also delve into the struggle with titles and labels, seeking more meaningful and playful ways to communicate one's role and expertise. Moreover, we uncover the concept of channeling the muse, allowing intuitive insights to guide conversations and workshops, resulting in transformative experiences.
Dr. Fox has shared his wisdom as a lecturer at three universities and is the bestselling author of "The Game Changer" and "How to Lead a Quest." His remarkable ability to engage skeptical audiences and senior leaders who have "seen it all before" has made him a sought-after keynote speaker.
When not liberating the world from the delusion of progress, you'll find Dr. Fox residing in an old chocolate factory in Melbourne, Australia, alongside an illustrator-veterinarian and a feline companion. His passions outside of his work include extreme sports like reading, sun-avoidance, and indulging in the art of coffee snobbery.
Prepare to be captivated by this thought-provoking conversation filled with enchanting insights and practical wisdom. Join us as we uncover the secrets of working with groups, gaining clarity, embracing the power of intuition, and unleashing your own magical potential.
Resources mentioned:
Choose One Word: Jason Fox's program focused on finding one word to serve as a fuzzy contextual beacon. Choose One Word
"Awakening from the Meaning Crisis" by John Vervaeke: A 50-part YouTube series exploring the concept of meaning and its implications in society. Awakening from the Meaning Crisis
Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication: A philosophy and communication method emphasizing empathic listening and effective dialogue. Nonviolent Communication
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
In this episode, host Leanne Hughes welcomes Mel Loy, the founder and host of Hey, Mel Comms and Training, a small agency fueled by boundless energy. Mel has over 20 years of experience in communications across various sectors and specializes in building communication capability through coaching workshops and creative thinking. She is also a co-owner of a gym and the president of the Queensland chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators.
What You Will Learn:
In this far-ranging conversation, Mel shares her journey from working in corporate communications to becoming a freelance consultant and workshop facilitator.
You’ll also hear us discuss:
The importance of staying calm in crisis communication and workshop facilitation, and how to manage unpredictable situations effectively.
Insights into building communication capability through coaching workshops and creative thinking, based on over 20 years of experience in the field.
The parallels between crisis communication and facilitating sessions, including the need for composure, problem-solving, and quick adaptation.
How being a group fitness instructor can enhance facilitation skills, including the ability to energise participants, create connections, and handle unexpected challenges.
Tips for preparing for workshops and managing the tension between designing content and ensuring a smooth, confident delivery, including time-blocking, creating run sheets, and prioritising self-care.
About the Guest: Mel Loy Mel Loy is an expert in change, crisis, and internal communications, demonstrating a strong passion for fostering capability within teams and organisations. With a focus on creating better stakeholder experiences through effective communication, trust-building, and reputation management, Mel, along with the team at Hey Mel! Communications & Training, has collaborated with numerous prominent corporate and non-profit brands in Australia.
Mel brings over 20 years of experience in the communications and public relations sector, having worked in the UK and Australia across diverse corporate, non-profit, and government organisations.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
In this episode of the First Time Facilitator podcast, host Leanne Hughes interviews Dr. Mechelle Roberton, a self-confessed talent development nerd and certified professional in talent development.
Leanne met Mechelle at a conference and was drawn to her energy and expertise in organisational culture. Mechelle shares her journey of creating opportunities in the talent development field, emphasizing the importance of passion and preparation in workshop delivery.
She also discusses the need for organisations to engage frontline employees by seeking their input and addressing their most innate needs.
Mechelle's career history includes leading an L&D team for a financial institution, working in talent development roles in healthcare, and teaching over 500 corporate courses. She is an experienced speaker and workshop facilitator, passionate about helping organisations and people achieve effective learning and teaching for adults.
Key Takeaways:
Mechelle emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities rather than just finding them, sharing examples of how she got her start in delivering workshops by volunteering her services.
Mechelle prepares for workshops by immersing herself in the topic and finding ways to fall in love with it, regardless of the content.
The need for organisations to engage frontline employees by seeking their input and addressing their most innate needs, rather than focusing solely on superficial engagement activities.
Mechelle's journey in talent development includes leading an L&D team for a financial institution, working in talent development roles in healthcare, and teaching over 500 corporate courses.
About the Guest:
Dr. Mechelle Roberthon is a certified professional in talent development and an experienced career and professional development instructor. She holds a doctorate in education and a master's degree in education with a specialization in training and performance improvement. Mechelle is passionate about effective learning and teaching for adults and has a wealth of experience in the talent development field.
To connect with Michelle and learn more about her work, visit her website at drmechellerob.com.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
In this episode, host Leanne Hughes welcomes Jo Fitzgerald, from Jo Fitz Consulting to discuss intentionality in your workshop design.
Jo shares her insights and experiences from her career, highlighting the importance of creating a supportive environment and sharing responsibility for a successful workshop, as well as techniques for being present and managing moments (rather than automatically trying to fix issues).
They discuss the challenges of facilitating and the ongoing learning process involved. Jo also shares a personal story about a negative workshop experience and how it shaped her approach as a facilitator.
What You Will Learn:
The similarities between teaching children and working with adults in a workshop setting
How to use an intention sheet to be intentional and disciplined in your facilitation, reflecting on your desired presence and impact on the team.
Ways to cultivate a sense of energy and avoid exhaustion after workshops, including the practice of staying in the room
How to create a dynamic workshop environment that is engaging and fun, even for serious topics, by incorporating tools like check-ins and movement activities to promote physical engagement and foster creativity.
Creating a holistic learning experience by considering participants' backgrounds and community context
The importance of establishing connection and allowing participants to take ownership of their learning
Managing the mindset of wanting to continuously improve and reflecting on workshop outcomes
About Jo Fitzgerald: Jo is a facilitator and leadership coach based in New Zealand. With a background in teaching and senior leadership roles in the public sector, Jo has extensive experience in bringing diverse teams together to achieve positive outcomes.
She has been a senior leader in the public sector working on big, hard, important programmes that aimed to make things better for people. Throughout her career, she's always tried to work with other people by finding areas of agreement even when there may have seemed to be insurmountable disagreement.
Jo prioritises collaboration and continuous learning, aiming to help leaders and teams better understand themselves and each other.
Jo is a Gallup certified strengths coach and is passionate about facilitating workshops that empower participants to reach their full potential.
Join the Conversation: Join the global community of facilitators in The Flipchart, a free Facebook group with over 2,000 members. Connect with like-minded professionals, share insights, and continue the conversation about facilitation.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
In this episode, Leanne Hughes explores the parallels between writing a book and designing a workshop. She shares her journey in the creation of her upcoming book, 'The Two Hour Workshop Blueprint,' highlighting her learnings, challenges, and the rewarding process of capturing her years of facilitating experience.
Listen to Leanne unpack these conversational riffs:
Decision-making demystified: What are the crucial forks in the road when designing a workshop and writing a book?
Break free from technology's grip: How can you get in a state where you enjoy the process?
Mission or meandering? How can you give your content purpose and direction?
Facilitation or training? What sets these two workshop roles apart?
Dodge the info-dump: How can you cherry-pick content for impact and results?
Content design – a solo act? How can early feedback reshape and refine your work?
Also, Leanne's book The 'Two-Hour Workshop Blueprint' is out next week! Get insights about Leanne's book "The Two-Hour Workshop Blueprint" and its process, purpose, and how it can guide you in running a workshop of any duration.
Let me know your thoughts, let's connect on LinkedIn or email me hello@leannehughes.com
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
In this episode, we delve into the world of design and facilitation with our guest, Ben Crothers, who brings over 20 years of experience in the field. Ben shares his journey from being a designer to becoming a facilitator, driven by his desire to improve the often lackluster experience of design critique sessions.
We explore the importance of intentional facilitation, the need for questioning the status quo, and the role of visuals in creating better moments and driving productive meetings. Join us as we uncover the power of design in shaping not just how we work, but also how we collaborate and build a better world.
What You Will Learn:
The spirit of design: How design seeks to create a better world and improve collaboration.
The evolution of Ben's role: How he stumbled into facilitation through redesigning design critique sessions.
The impact of intentional facilitation: How being intentional in meeting design can transform the way teams collaborate and achieve outcomes.
Overcoming resistance to change: Encouraging individuals to question established meeting norms and create new approaches that drive productivity.
The importance of visuals: How incorporating visuals, such as graphic recording and facilitation, can enhance understanding, spark creativity, and facilitate group decision-making.
Empowering individuals with simple drawing skills: Exploring the benefits of drawing to communicate ideas effectively and solve problems collaboratively.
About Ben Crothers: Ben has been a facilitator for over 15 years, and a designer for longer than that. He's helped teams from a broad range of organisations and domains - from Leukaemia Foundation to Parliament of Australia, from Atlassian to Westpac - to solve problems, formulate strategy, and work better together.
A big part of how Ben works has to do with incorporating visuals and visualisation. He regularly does graphic recording (or scribing) at events and meetings, and likes to map conversations on the whiteboard or in online collaboration spaces. This helps to bring ideas to life, and to help everyone listen better, and make better connections throughout complex discussions.
He is currently Principal Facilitator at Bright Pilots (his own facilitation consultancy), and the author of three books, including Presto Sketching: Simple Drawing for Brilliant Product Thinking and Design.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
In this episode, Leanne has a conversation with Zaretta Hammond, an educator, author, and national speaker, who is renowned for her expertise in culturally responsive teaching and learning. Zaretta shares her insights on how to unleash the brilliance in every student, particularly those who come from marginalized backgrounds. She explores the importance of understanding cultural and linguistic diversity in the classroom, and provides practical strategies to create an inclusive and empowering learning environment.
What You Will Learn:
The significance of culturally responsive teaching and learning
Strategies to tap into the brilliance of students from marginalized backgrounds
How to create an inclusive and empowering learning environment
Understanding the impact of culture on student learning
Cultivating student agency and ownership of learning
Practical approaches to differentiate instruction for diverse learners
Leveraging neuroscience research to enhance teaching practices
Guest Bio - Zaretta Hammond:
Zaretta Hammond is an educational consultant and author who focuses on culturally responsive teaching and learning. She has been a teacher, coach, and school leader, and her work centers around empowering educators to meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds.
Zaretta is the author of the critically acclaimed book "Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students." She is also a sought-after speaker and facilitator, sharing her expertise in workshops and conferences worldwide.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
In this episode, Leanne chats with Anamaria Dorgo, a multifaceted professional in the Learning & Development (L&D) sector. She is the founder of "L&D Shakers", a mentor, community builder, facilitator, and currently the Head of Community at Butter.us. We discuss the importance of community building, engagement, and the power of simplicity in facilitation.
Listen in to hear is riff on these topics...
Engagement, and how its meaning can differ among individuals. There's a consensus that engagement can naturally ebb and flow, and it's okay if there isn't always a dramatic peak.
Anamaria highlights the importance of understanding the purpose of your community. Starting small, incorporating feedback, and gradually shaping the community based on this feedback are key to building a successful community.
She underscores the power of brevity and the use of timeboxing and simple slides to keep discussions on track.
We explore how Anamaria is building her brand, both professionally and as part of the L&D Shakers community.
We also discuss Anamaria's freelance work, where she partners with companies and NGOs to create impactful and memorable learning experiences. Her approach includes challenging and rethinking traditional methods, exploring new avenues, and highlighting successful outcomes.
About Our Guest
Anamaria Dorgo is a Learning Experience Designer, Facilitator, and the Head of Community at Butter. With degrees in psychology and human resources, she has a lifelong commitment to learning, resulting in her creating engaging learning experiences for a global community.
In her free time, Anamaria nurtures a Learning & Development community of practice called L&D Shakers. Through her role at Butter.us, she is striving to build a platform that facilitates collaboration and professional growth amongst facilitators, workshoppers, trainers, design thinkers, and consultants.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
They dive into various topics, including the art of facilitation, the concept of Integrated Autonomy, and the potential impact of AI on the field. Douglas shares insights from his experience in software development, his passion for music, and his deep understanding of facilitation.
About our guest: Douglas Ferguson: Douglas Ferguson is the founder of Voltage Control, a facilitation academy that supports facilitators in honing their craft and building their business. With a background in software development and a passion for music, Douglas brings a unique perspective to facilitation. He is known for his expertise in liberating structures and is constantly exploring new ways to elevate the facilitation experience.
Episode highlights:
Understanding the concept of Integrated Autonomy: Douglas explains how Integrated Autonomy, derived from liberating structures, allows organizations to embrace both integration and autonomy. He highlights the paradoxical nature of this approach and explores how individuals can apply it to navigate challenges effectively.
The importance of intentionality in facilitation: Douglas emphasizes the need for facilitators to be mindful of their choices and the impact they have on participants. He shares how he crafts his workshops and sessions based on specific goals and desired outcomes, ensuring that each activity serves a purpose.
The future of AI in facilitation: Douglas sheds light on the potential of AI in facilitation, including the synthesis and perception capabilities it can offer. He discusses the emergence of chat UI and the possibility of AI-driven tools enhancing collaboration and connection in workshops and meetings.
Quotes:
"Integrated Autonomy allows organizations to be both integrated and autonomous by showing up differently at different times and in different ways."
"Facilitators are there to guide, to coach, to make things easier, not to do everything themselves. We are the guide on the side, not the sage on the stage."
"The more we embrace AI and automation, the more we can focus on what it truly means to be human and lean into the psychology of connection and relating."
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
In this episode, host Petra Zink, Leanne Hughes, and Dr Maike Neuhaus cover a range of topics related to staying current with emerging technologies, overcoming fear and uncertainty, and building a unique personal brand.
This is a warm-up episode because First Time Facilitator, a limited series edition is returning in late May, in the lead-up to Leanne's book release: The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint.
Here are 10 key takeaways from the conversation:
It's important to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and explore new tools and resources to stay ahead of the curve.
Cognitive biases can make us feel like we are immune to the effects of economic and technological changes.
Optimism and hope can be adaptive, even if they are not always realistic.
We need to be open-minded and look for opportunities to adapt and learn in the face of disruption and change.
It's important to develop a clear framework or method for delivering results in your work.
Working in public and sharing half-baked ideas can lead to better collaboration and innovation.
It's important to give yourself dedicated thinking time to tackle complex problems and generate new ideas.
Having fun and enjoying the learning process can help us stay engaged and creative.
The proximity principle can help us learn from the source and build relationships with experts in our field.
Creating a unique personal brand and specializing in a specific area can help us stand out and build a successful career or business.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
Hey there! I wanted to take this solo episode to share some insights from my recent experiences.
Last week, I had the opportunity to chair a two-day conference in Malaysia where I was brought in to run a session on corporate strategy. But then I got invited to be the chairperson for the entire two days. So I wanted to share some of the insights I learned from that experience.
I also attended Andy's Talent Management Development think tank conference in California, where I met so many incredible people. If you're one of the new people I met there, hello and welcome to the podcast!
Shout out to Adina and Christine for inspiring me to think more deeply about how to bring my workshop philosophies into the context of hosting a two-day event.
In this episode I share:
The four key roles of a chairperson
How I prepared for panel conversations
Other tips for working with audio, visuals and the room setup
Overall, these were my key reflections from my recent experiences as a chairperson and attendee at various events. I hope you found them insightful and helpful, and I'd love to hear any thoughts or feedback you might have!
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
Here's a quick life and work update and announcement! I'd love to hear from you and feature you/get your feedback on a book I'm working on about workshop design.
Be a workshop wing-mate!
Workshops are all about co-creation. So, it makes sense when writing a book about workshops, that there should be an element of co-creation, too.
I’d love you to be part of this journey.
What's the book about?
It's pretty much a co-pilot for anyone wanting to turn the gold inside their head (your content, experience and expertise), into an awesome, interactive workshop experience, with zero stress.
I'll cover some of the core philosophies I've shared with you on the podcast, and my masterclasses in this book.
I really want this book to be a playbook that book-ends all of the incredible conversations from 200 episodes of the First Time Facilitator podcast.
Would you like to be featured in the book? There's also a little section in the survey asking if anything I've shared on my podcast, or in any of my programs that's helped you. If that applies to you, complete that part.
In a few weeks, I'll kick off a Workshop Wing-Mate Whatsapp (WWW) group, sharing behind the scenes on the book-writing process, and hearing your thoughts, answering your questions, too.
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.