Episodit

  • I just got back from a dream of a Monday down the Gold Coast with my brilliant friendtor, Petra Zink. Ocean views, whale sightings, big chats — you know the ones that meander between business and life and make you rethink everything? This episode was born from one of those.

    We started talking about ROI — not return on investment, but return on I. Because here’s the truth: You’re not just buying a course, event, or speaker. You’re placing a bet on yourself to turn that into value.

    In today’s episode, I unpack:

    The real reason some people get huge value from programs while others don'tWhy buying something doesn’t guarantee results (and what does)How “Return on I” is all about radical responsibilityWhat your potential clients are actually afraid of when they hesitate to buyWhy experience-led offers like Red Carpet Campout are more valuable than any spreadsheet could capture

    If you've ever wondered why two people can attend the same event and have completely different outcomes — this episode is for you.

    And a huge shoutout to Sarah (you legend!) for your Red Carpet Campout post that gave me all the feels and reminded me what real ROI looks like.

    Let me know your thoughts — are you in the game for Return on I?

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • With 122 days to go until I head off to Nepal for the Everest Base Camp trek and the 6,200m Lobuche climb (still can’t believe I just said that 😳), training is getting real. And I had a massive realisation this week — climbing a mountain feels easier than prepping for one!

    This episode is a behind-the-scenes update on how my marathon mindset is being completely reworked. I used to run four days a week. Now I’m training six out of seven — and while the effort feels lower in intensity, the consistency is next level.

    The biggest insight? A nugget from Matt Stewart on our team prep call:

    👉 “Consistency is better than intensity.”

    That line hit me. And I’m not just talking hiking. This shows up in:

    Business: Small, regular action > big one-off effortsContent: One post a week > one viral post and ghostingGrowth: Micro-moves build momentumConfidence: Doing what you said you’d do — again and again

    So today’s episode is for anyone:

    Procrastinating on a project because it’s not “perfect” yetStruggling to keep up a habit or training scheduleWanting to be more visible, reliable, or just in the game

    You don’t need to go hard. You just need to go often.

    And that next tiny step? That’s the one that changes everything.

    🎧 Let’s go.

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • Puuttuva jakso?

    Paina tästä ja päivitä feedi.

  • Welcome to the Weekend Rewind! Today, I’m sharing a conversation with someone I’ve had the privilege of knowing (and Zooming with!) for years—Jeff Skipper. Jeff and I first met virtually through Alan Weiss’s consulting community, and finally caught up in person in Hawaii last year. He's not only a generous peer, but also a powerhouse when it comes to leading change in organisations.

    With over 25 years of experience, Jeff’s worked with giants like IBM, Goldman Sachs, and the Salvation Army, helping them move through complex transformation—with energy and mission at the centre.

    In this episode, we chat about:

    Why leaders still struggle with engagement (even though the data’s out there)The power of visible leadership and why being seen matters more than everWhat real emotional intelligence looks like in a workshopHow to build trust and momentum (even when no one wants to go first)Why Jeff’s adding fun back into facilitation—think puffy vehicle stickers and award ceremonies 😂The philosophy behind his book Dancing with Disruption and what COVID taught us about change resistance

    📘 Jeff also shares a sneak peek at his upcoming workshop activity guide (YES)—a collection of 30 powerful activities to help teams emotionally navigate and embrace change. You know I’m obsessed with this!

    If you're someone who facilitates, leads change, or wants to nail the human side of transformation, you’re going to love this.

    🎧 Tune in and let us know what resonates!

    📚 Learn more about Jeff + grab his free resources at: jeffskipperconsulting.com

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • Today, I’m bringing you a past conversation that’s packed with insight, energy, and career wisdom—my chat with the brilliant John McKendry.

    John McKendry is a senior healthcare executive with over 20 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical, medtech, and healthtech industries. He is passionate about business transformation and lifescience leadership.

    John’s career arc is the stuff of Netflix series. From growing up in Canada to jumping headfirst into expat life in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore (with six household moves in 10 years!), John shares how saying yes to the unknown helped him grow professionally and personally. He also opens up about what happened when he left the corporate world to explore early-stage health tech—spoiler: he didn’t have a 10-point plan, but he did have curiosity and a self-imposed 18-month window.

    We talk about:

    How to make bold international career moves (even with a family)The cultural agility required to lead teams across AsiaJohn's personal leadership strategy for building trust, reducing attrition, and improving engagementWhy he believes “someday is today” and how to create your own pivot momentsThe power of frustrated optimism and staying purpose-led—even when things get bureaucraticWhat it really takes to go from high-flying pharma exec to entrepreneur and back again

    We also cover why Ice Ice Baby might be the ultimate karaoke song (especially in Asia), and how observing joy in remote Borneo villages totally reframed John’s view on happiness and success.

    This one’s a deep, thoughtful, and fun ride. If you’re at a career crossroads, dreaming about working overseas, or wondering whether to take that leap—this one’s for you.

    Let me know what resonates, and I’ll catch you tomorrow.

    —Leanne

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • I’m reading out my latest Work Fame article, and it’s all about envy. Yep, that tight feeling you get when someone you know just posted another win on LinkedIn and your stomach does a backflip.

    We all feel it. But instead of letting it eat us alive or make us scroll angrily through our feed, what if we used envy as a breadcrumb trail toward what we really want?

    In this episode, I cover:

    💥 The difference between jealousy and envy (they're not the same!)

    💥 Why envy is actually a shortcut to figuring out what you want

    💥 How to keep an “Envy Journal” that turns your LinkedIn scroll into research

    💥 What your dismissive thoughts about someone’s win might be revealing

    💥 How to build an inner circle that celebrates your wins (instead of getting awkward)

    We’re all navigating this weird online career playground together — so why not make those pangs of envy useful?

    📝 Mentioned:

    Join the Work Fame newsletter so you can get articles like this straight in your inbox: workfa.me

    👯‍♀️ And hey — if this episode sparked something, send it to a friend who gets it. Or better yet, start your own envy journal and let me know what it reveals. I love hearing your reflections.

    See you tomorrow 👋

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • We’re officially at the halfway point of this daily podcast experiment — episode 184. Wild, right? I feel pretty proud that it’s still going… even prouder that you’re still listening.

    Today’s episode is a bit of a zoom-out reflection:

    How the show started as an off-the-cuff commitment in a speaker mastermindWhat it’s actually becomeAnd where I see it heading for the rest of the year

    If you’re new here (welcome!), or you’ve been dipping in whenever a title hooks you — thank you. This show wouldn’t exist without you hitting play. And to those of you who’ve sent DMs, emails, and voice notes… keep them coming. I love hearing what hits.

    I also share the six content themes that have emerged from this wild ride:

    Action over Analysis: Shortcut hesitation and move without perfect clarityEnergy + Creativity: Avoid burnout, stay lit up, and create momentumVisibility + Reputation: Not fluffy, but strategic visibility that opens doorsLive Delivery + Facilitation: How to hold attention + spark action in any roomMarketing + Productising: Turn your ideas into things people book and buyBusiness Unfiltered: The voice notes, fails, and post-event reflections that shape real work

    This show has become a spark plug for ideas, a habit of capturing the moment, and (hopefully) a fun, fast, slightly messy reminder that business and creativity can be light and effective.

    Got ideas for what you’d love to hear in the second half of the year? You know where to find me.

    Thanks for listening — and I’ll speak to you tomorrow.

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • Hey! Have you ever been told to slow down at work—even when you thought you were helping?

    On a recent hike, I was listening to 10x is Easier Than 2x and heard a phrase I’d never come across before: Rate Buster. It stopped me in my tracks—because suddenly, so many weird experiences I’d had in past roles made total sense.

    In this episode, I unpack:

    What a Rate Buster actually is (hint: it’s not a compliment in traditional workplaces)Why high performers can accidentally threaten the status quoThe tension between belonging and blazing your own trailHow to navigate the workplace if you're wired to go faster, better, differentlyWhat to do if you’re leading a Rate Buster and want to keep them inspired—not sidelined

    I also share some personal reflections on when I’ve been seen as a ‘cowboy’ for trying to change things up—and how to stay generous, collaborative, and curious even when you’re miles ahead.

    This one’s for the rebels, the early adopters, and the “too much-ers.” 👊

    Let’s talk about it—have you ever been a rate buster?

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • Over the weekend, I casually dropped the term Vibe Coding on my Instagram story and was hit with a wave of DMs asking, “What is that?”

    Fair question.

    In today’s episode, I break down what vibe coding is (in simple, non-tech speak), why it’s wild, and how it’s going to totally change the way we build things — even if you’re not a developer.

    Here’s the gist:

    Vibe coding = describing what you want in plain English, and AI builds the tool for you.I give examples of how I’ve used it already (hello, speaker dashboard 🧠).Why this tech is blowing my mind — and could save you hours (and maybe even spark a new business).The tools I’ve tested: Replit, Perplexity Labs, Cursor, and more.How you can get started even if you’ve never touched code.

    This is a bit of a techy episode, but if you’re into efficiency, problem-solving, or just like knowing cool new things before everyone else does — this one's for you.

    Let me know if you’ve tried vibe coding or have an idea you’d love to build (without hiring a dev team). I want to hear it.

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • Today’s episode starts off with a voice note from my friend James Carpenter, who’s living the dream right now—watching cricket live in the West Indies.

    He gives us a front-row seat to the current series, but what really sparked this episode was his mention of West Indies bowler Shamar Joseph—a name that instantly transported me back to his jaw-dropping performance in Brisbane a couple years ago.

    In this ep, I:

    🗣️ Play JC’s audio straight from Kensington Oval in Barbados

    🏏 Reflect on the absolute David vs Goliath story of Shamar Joseph’s Test debut

    👟 Talk about the busted toe, the backup kit, and the performance of a lifetime

    😴 Share a takeaway about readiness, energy, and showing up—even when you’re running on no sleep

    There’s no “business lesson” or call to hustle here—just a beautiful moment in sport that reminds us how quickly life can flip when opportunity meets joy, grit, and gratitude. You don’t need to know cricket to appreciate this one. Trust me. 😌

    🎧 Hit play to feel the goosebumps again (or for the first time).

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • Thanks for jumping into the weekend with me — and for this one, we're rewinding way back to the early days of First Time Facilitator (think 2018!).

    In just 40 minutes, Sue dishes out some of the most practical, grounded advice I've heard on facilitation — especially around why preparation is everything. She shares how she moved from nursing and policy work into the world of facilitation, how she navigates introversion, and why her planning process is the thing that gives her confidence to own the room.

    We also explore:

    How to handle vague client briefs (aka “We just want a fun team day”)What to do when the energy in the room shiftsWhy strengths-based strategy sessions change the gameThe role of vulnerability, authenticity, and neuroscience in her approachHer go-to tools like SCARF, Appreciative Inquiry, and the legendary Michael Wilkinson book that changed everything for her

    Sue also talks about her work with Collective Intelligence in NZ — a unique space for leaders to show up, open up, and grow through diverse perspectives. Honestly, I wish we had more of this over here in Australia.

    If you're early in your facilitation journey (or just need a reminder to get clear on the purpose before you dive into a session), you'll love this one. Sue brings such calm strength to her work — and I think you'll feel it too.

    🎧 Enjoy this rewind, and I’ll speak to you tomorrow!

    🔗 Links:

    Connect with Sue Johnston on LinkedIn

    Sue’s website: artemisgroup.co.nz

    Book mentioned: Facilitation Secrets by Michael Wilkinson

    Models referenced: SCARF by David Rock, The Daring Way by Brené Brown, Appreciative Inquiry

    💡 Like the episode?

    Share it with a fellow facilitator or subscribe for more behind-the-scenes convos like this. And if you want even more facilitator goodness, check out my weekly Substack, Work Fame, for stories, strategy, and spicy hot takes.

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • Hey, it’s Leanne! This one’s a rewind worth re-listening to — my live convo with Alan Weiss on Talk the Walk. We jammed on a topic close to my heart: why ambiguity isn’t the enemy — it’s actually your unfair advantage.

    If you’ve ever stalled on a decision, waited for clarity before making a move, or felt paralyzed by the unknown — this one’s for you.

    Alan was in classic form: hilarious, sharp, and wildly quotable. We talk about:

    ✅ Why waiting for clarity is socially acceptable procrastination

    ✅ What Eisenhower, Gettysburg, and cardboard box sleep-outs have in common

    ✅ How to lead others through “the ambiguous zone”

    ✅ Making smart, fast decisions even when you don’t have the full picture

    ✅ The link between confidence, fearlessness, and creating momentum

    ✅ And yes — why you should probably unsubscribe-proof your ego

    Oh, and you’ll hear where “OG of Rainmaking” came from (hint: shoutout to Marianne).

    I loved this chat — partly because I believe movement makes meaning — and ambiguity is the playground of the bold.

    Speak to you tomorrow!

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • This one is straight from the Work Fame Substack — and it’s a story I didn’t expect to write when I started typing. I thought I was going to talk about how podcasting has helped my career… but then this angle took over, and I ran with it.

    So today, I’m sharing:

    🧠 How a $107 microphone completely shifted how people perceived me

    💥 Why first impressions are less about what you say and more about how you signal your value

    🎤 The surprising science behind audio quality and credibility (yes, there's data!)

    💡 What subtle behaviors on Zoom are saying about you — without you realising it

    💌 And a simple trick that can help you (or your team) stand out immediately

    I also talk about “The Fluency Effect” — and why sounding clear and confident matters even more than you think.

    If you love geeking out on psychology, signaling, and simple changes that make a big impact on your visibility and influence, this one’s for you.

    🔗 Join the Work Fame newsletter for free: https://work.fa.me

    🛠️ Want my help making your team impossible to ignore? DM me the word “Signal” and I’ll send you the details.

    Thanks for listening — and remember, we’re always broadcasting something. Let’s make sure it’s the signal we want to send.

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • This one’s been simmering in my head all week—after so many convos about accountability, ownership, and what it really means to step up, whether you're running a business or just starting your career.

    We talk a lot about "acting like an owner"—but what does that actually look like?

    Today, I'm sharing a story I love (yes, it involves a pygmy hippo 🦛), and why the most game-changing moves in your career or business usually aren’t on your position description.

    Here’s what we cover:

    The difference between ownership and accountabilityWhy strategy is crucial in a world of “uneven terrain”How a zookeeper’s viral idea turned into millions in revenueThe 5-step formula for spotting and acting on unassigned opportunitiesWhat leaders can do to encourage this mindset (hint: don’t kill the weird ideas too soon)

    🎧 Enjoy the episode—and if it resonates, forward it to someone who needs to hear this.

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • In this episode, I take you back to 2009—before podcasting, before The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint, before I had even thought about creating a business.

    This was the year I made my first ever passive income sale. It was $18.95. And honestly? It changed my life.

    Here’s what I share:

    The exact moment I discovered the idea of passive income (shoutout to The 4-Hour Work Week 🙌)The niche product I created (hint: netball coaching + teenage shooters)How I used Clippy (!!) and a proofreader from the UK to bring it to lifeThe thrill of outsourcing for the first timeMy very scrappy early marketing strategy—hello, email lists and FacebookWhy that one sale opened my eyes to what was possible

    This episode is part time capsule, part pep talk. If you’ve never made a dollar online while you were sleeping, I hope this gives you the nudge to try something. You don’t need to be an expert—just someone with a bit of know-how and the willingness to package it up.

    🎯 My challenge to you:

    What’s your “Level 1” expertise? What could you teach that younger you would’ve paid for?

    ✨ Bonus: I reflect on how the joy of that first sale still hits every time I see royalties roll in or someone signs up for a masterclass. The buzz doesn’t fade.

    Thanks for listening, and I’ll catch you tomorrow!

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • Okay, I need to share something wild with you.

    I uploaded my book The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint into Google LM Notebook (think: a tool like ChatGPT), and asked it to summarise the key concepts. What it gave me? Not just a summary—but a full-on, human-sounding podcast-style conversation between two people.

    And honestly? If I didn’t know it was AI, I wouldn’t believe it either.

    In this episode, you’ll hear that conversation—think of it as a friendly, curious duo discovering the SPARK framework, why we need to stop cramming info into our sessions, and how to finally design workshops people actually want to attend.

    Here’s what it covers:

    Why more content ≠ more valueA breakdown of the SPARK framework (Set up, Power up, Activities, Review, Keep)Why it’s okay to end a workshop earlyThe power of designing for experience over informationHow to energise your participants before you’ve even started

    ✨ Whether you’re a facilitator, trainer, expert, or just someone who wants to make meetings better—this one’s for you.

    Let me know what you think. Are you as mind-blown as I was? Hit reply, drop a comment, or voice note me on Insta.

    Enjoy!

    – Leanne

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • Tonight, I’m not under the lights for footy or cricket. I’m at the Gabba — sleeping out under the stars with some phenomenal humans — all to help stamp out homelessness as part of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

    In this episode, I chat with three legends doing incredible work:

    💬 Steve Hodgson shares why mental health and homelessness are closely linked, and why this event is just the beginning of his commitment.

    💬 Matt Kratiuk (who I call “the GOAT”) breaks down how fundraising becomes fun-draising — their team of 135 “Goats” ran 36+ events and raised close to $1 million (!!!). He shares his own story of homelessness and how St Vincent de Paul Society helps people reclaim a life of purpose.

    💬 Cherie Canning, now a CEO Sleepout ambassador, offers heartfelt and practical advice (bring noise-cancelling headphones!), talks about her mindset shift around homelessness, and shares how storytelling — not stats — is what really moves people to donate.

    This night is more than symbolic. It’s a powerful reminder that we’re all just one life event away from needing help — and that systemic change is possible.

    ❤️ Huge thanks to my community who supported this by joining my fundraising masterclass — we did this together.

    👇 Want to donate or learn more?

    Visit: https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/leannehughes

    🎧 Tune in, and let this episode move you from awareness to action.

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • Absolute blast from the past! I'm diving back into 2020 with this gem: A replay of a webinar I co-hosted with my friend (and innovation guru) Joeri Schilders, who you might remember from his previous appearances on the show.

    Back when Zoom fatigue was real and the pivot to virtual had us all scrambling, Yuri and I created something called Virtually Possible. We believed (and still do!) that it is possible to recreate the magic of in-person workshops—without needing a studio setup, mega budget, or over-engineered tech.

    🎧 In this episode, you'll hear the full replay of our live webinar:

    “Five Ways to Ramp Up the Energy in Your Sessions—by Being a Bit Lazy” 😴✨

    This isn’t about napping through your sessions or sipping mojitos on mute. Instead, we explore clever ways to design less and let your participants do more—aka be the elves to your shoemaker (yes, there’s a fairy tale involved…).

    💡 Inside this convo, we share:

    The power of BYO content (and how to get your group to co-create magic)Movement prompts that actually work (hello, triangle/square hand game!)Why we wore matching “Virtually” and “Possible” tees—and why they stole the showThe Talking Teddy trick (yes, Elmo made an appearance)Our ultimate low-effort, high-impact “pacifier” strategy to hold attention during tech hiccups

    🎯 This episode is perfect if:

    You’re still running virtual workshops (and want to make them better, faster)You’re training others and want to look like a facilitation rockstar with less stressYou want to see how two very different styles (Dutch directness + Aussie adaptability) combine for powerful co-facilitation

    Enjoy!

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • When I first started facilitating, I saw flip charts as a tool to scribble brainstorms or sketch a quick model. That all changed when I met today's guest, Marcel van Hove, who showed me how whiteboards and markers can be used to solve complex problems, de-escalate conflict, and create incredible team collaboration.

    In this episode, Marcel shares:

    How he went from software geek to visual facilitation geekThe German roots of the Bikablo method (and what it actually means)Why drawing with others creates psychological safety and better ideasPractical tips for making your handwriting workshop-worthyThe power of visual thinking in change communication and team buy-in

    You'll also hear why PowerPoint might be killing your vibe, how visuals can disarm tension in high-stakes meetings, and why you don’t need to be “creative” to draw like a pro. (Spoiler: Marcel swears he had zero artistic ability!)

    🎨 Want to turn your marker skills into a facilitation superpower? Marcel’s story — and the Bikablo community — might just inspire your next move.

    🖊️ Mentions:

    Bikablo (https://bikablo.com)Visual Friends (https://visualfriends.com)

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • Hey friends, welcome back to Leanne on Demand! If you’re listening in real time, it’s Friday and I’ve (hopefully!) just arrived home after sleeping out in the cold for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout — I’ll debrief all of that with you next week.

    Today’s convo? Well, it’s fresh. Like, still-haven’t-recovered-my-voice fresh.

    I’ve got the delightful Jade Miller back on the pod — she joined me and Steve Demedio this week as one of the founding participants at the Red Carpet Campout. We’re debriefing from the car, slightly croaky but full of joy, red wine, and reflection.

    We chat about:

    Why every founder needs time off-gridThe magic of combining structure with spaceThat John Farnham moment around the fire (yep — we all belted out That’s Freedom like it was a mission statement)How metaphor and collage led to surprising insights during our visioning sessionThe importance of using your intuition (and bees 🐝)How transformation doesn’t always come from spreadsheets — sometimes it comes from late-night chats, laughter, and stepping away from the screen

    Jade also shares her perspective as a participant, what surprised her, and why the group dynamic created something truly special.

    If you’ve ever wondered whether investing time in these types of experiences is worth it, let this episode be your nudge.

    🛌 I’ll catch you next week with some thoughts from the CEO Sleepout. In the meantime, go blast some Farnham.

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

  • Hey hey! This one’s a little different—recorded from the passenger seat, not the studio, because we’re fresh off the Red Carpet Campout and I wanted to capture the vibe in real-time. I'm joined by my co-host, the always-thoughtful Steven Demedio (driving!) and Jade Miller (in the backseat, with great vibes), as we exit the magical Spicers Canopy retreat.

    In this debrief, we share:

    🔥 Why having no signal was exactly what we all needed

    🔥 The surprising benefits of doing less content and creating more space

    🔥 Why the venue became the “main character” of our experience

    🔥 The magic of campfire conversations and what they sparked

    🔥 How laughter, reflection, and being human made this one unforgettable

    We talk honestly about what it means to unplug, go deep, eat like royalty, and hang out with incredible humans who are all doing big things—but needed time to pause, connect, and recalibrate.

    Whether you’re designing your own retreat, hosting an event, or just craving a change of pace, I hope this one inspires you to prioritise what matters: space, presence, and people.

    *New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.

    Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

    P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

    Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

    Let's connect on all the channels:

    Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

    Leanne Hughes on Instagram

    Visit my website: leannehughes.com

    Email me: [email protected]

    Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.