First Time Facilitator

Watch our conversation on YouTube. Alan Weiss returns to the podcast this week, for the third time, to (metaphorically) poke me in the eye again. In this conversation, we riff on: Connect with thousands of facilitators from all over the world in our free Facebook group called The Flipchart: / firsttimefacilitator Love Alan’s shares? Contact him and let him know! Alan Weiss on LinkedInLearn more about the host, Leanne Hughes' work at https://www.leannehughes.com Grab Leanne’s book, The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint: https://2hourwork.shop Alan Resources Alan Weiss's Website:Monday Morning MemoA Minute with AlanUpcoming Workshops and Zoom SessionsSupport the show

Today, I'm joined by Lisa Leong, a broadcaster, author, and facilitator. Watch us chat on YouTube. Her superpowers, which you'll hear very clearly in this episode, are curiosity and creativity. She's a former IP, technology, and wine lawyer—yes, that's actually a thing. She caught the radio bug in 2001, which is exactly why I brought her on the show. Wedelve into the parallels between having talk-back radio and getting listeners to call in to hosting workshops and being truly present. We also talk about energy, meeting the room where it's at, and the best ways to prepare to be spontaneous—an awesome oxymoron, right? And Lisa shares how she does this, even down to the detail, like her unique research approach, which includes a bit of LinkedIn stalking. Lisa draws on her unique experiences, combined with design thinking and mindfulness practices, to bring a fresh approach to conversations and connection. She presents on ABC Radio Melbourne on Sundays and also hosts 'This Working Life' on ABC Radio National, which is an awesome show. Connect with Lisa Leong Lisa Leong on LinkedInLisa Leong on InstagramLisa's profile on ABC Radio Why you can't miss this episode It's not every day you get to hear from someone who's mastered the art of engaging people through radio, law, and facilitation. Lisa's stories are not just inspiring—they're packed with actionable tips you can use to level up your facilitation game. Plus, her take on mindfulness and presence is a game-changer for anyone looking to connect more deeply with their audience. Memorable Quotes: Resources Mentioned: "The Skilled Facilitator" by Roger Schwarz Support the show

In the First Time Facilitator podcast, host Leanne Hughes introduces guest Sally Prosser, a voice and confidence coach. We riff on the concept of 'breveloquence', a portmanteau of brevity and eloquence, and how they aim to develop and use this tool in verbal and written forms. We also take you behind the scenes of our new workshop called Get to the Point, which we're co-hosting in Brisbane on 16 April 2024. Find out more about the Brisbane workshop and grab your ticket here. Conversation time-stamps About today's guest: Sally Prosser Sally helps you fire-up your voice so you can share your light with the world. Her background as a TV reporter, company spokesperson and speech & drama teacher gives her the ideal skill set to work with professionals, biz owners and corporate teams on - ⭐ Building confidence 🥊 Combating a fear of public speaking ❤ Producing a warm, trustworthy voice 🎤 Speaking with clarity and impact 🎥 Media Awareness and Spokesperson Training Support the show

In today's conversation, Phil Woods from Catalyst Strategy shares his journey from a legal career to becoming an independent strategy and team development consultant. Watch our conversation on YouTube. Phil outlines how he uses frameworks to guide organisations through transformation, draws on his command and activator strengths for maximum impact, and explains the importance of managing energy in workshops. From strategic ideation to facilitating self-realisations, Phil offers valuable insights into his facilitation style and how he prioritises the participant experience. Phil delivers impactful strategy and positive, strengths-orientated team transformation for a diverse mix of clients in Australia and abroad. He has a practical, no-nonsense style leveraging decades of real-world experience, and brings contagious energy and authentic passion to his client collaborations. Conversation prompts: Connect with Phil Woods Connect with Phil Woods on LinkedInVisit his website: Catalyst StrategyOther things mentioned: 2024 State of Facilitation report from Session LabSupport the show

Tune in to discover how to design fast and deliver strong without the stress...using Chat GPT! In this episode, host Leanne Hughes discusses five ways she uses chat GPT to improve and enhance her workshop experiences and delivery. She shares examples of how she uses Chat GPT for image creation, generating questions, creating case studies, generating frameworks, and coming up with attractive titles for her workshops. You'll also hear some personal updates and experiences related to her work. How are you using it to supercharge your workshop design? Let us know in The Flipchart Want Leanne's support for 30 days? Join Leanne on Demand Grab her book, The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint: Design Fast. Deliver Strong. Without Stress. Support the show

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: What unofficial metrics do you like to report on at the end of the year? Offers launched: Book: The 2-Hour Workshop BlueprintSentient StrategyLeanne Hughes’ Red Carpet ExperienceLeanne on DemandSupport the show

Watch our conversation on YouTube! My experience with luck has been, you can actually optimize for luck. So, what is this got to do with workshops and facilitation and hosting group events? I think it has a lot to do with it. If your goal is next year to create more workshops, to work with really great clients, to be more aligned with the work that you do-- yhere's an element of intentionality around that and making a decision and making a choice. And I'm currently going through that at the moment. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Christian Busch, the author of the book “The Serendipity Mindset: The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck”. He’s the Director of Global Economy Program at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs where he teaches on purpose-driven leadership, impact, entrepreneurship, innovation, and emerging markets. He’s been featured on many TEDx Talks. I recently watched one of the TEDx Talks he was in, and it was so fantastic; I’ve decided to invite him here. Join me as we learn from what Christian has to share today. In this conversation, you’ll hear Dr. Christian discuss: Conversation moments: Connect with Dr. Christian Busch here: Dr. Christian’s websiteDr. Christian on LinkedInDr. Christian on Twitter Rapid Round Recommendations: “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl Headspace “Beautiful Day” by U2Connect with Leanne Hughes on all the platforms: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter 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. Support the show

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 Support the show

Welcome back to another episode with your host, Leanne Hughes. I received a listener question from my friend, Juraj Holub and thought I'd share my thoughts on the show. Here's the question: I'm thinking about the flow of a session. Let me share more details. Goal: I'd like the workshop participants to practice and learn "how to open a presentation." Option A: - Participants go first and deliver their opening to their current best capabilities. - We debrief each opening (What went well? What could be improved?) - After that, I'll share and add additional tips on how to best open a presentation. Option B: - We start with a group brainstorming about the best ways to open a presentation. - Only then do participants get the chance to step on stage and deliver their opening. - We debrief each opening What are your thoughts? What factors would you consider in your response? Resources Mentioned: The Two Hour Workshop Blueprint (Leanne Hughes)Slido (Polling App)Remote People (Juraj's New Business)Connect with JurajConnect with Leanne: Instagram: @LeanneHughesLinkedIn: [Leanne Hughes's LinkedIn]hello@leannehughes.comClosing Thoughts: Leanne encourages listeners to stay subscribed for upcoming episodes, and welcomes feedback and questions through her social media and email. Support the show

What does it mean to truly have the character of a leader? Is culture really something we can influence in an organisation? Watch our conversation on YouTube! Shane Hatton is an author, trainer, coach, and speaker who is passionate about developing remarkable leaders and cultures. He works with organizations to close the leadership gap between mid and senior level leaders. Aside from being the author of the books “Let’s Talk Culture – The Conversations You Need to Create the Team You Want” and “Lead The Room – Communicate a Message That Counts in Moments That Matter”, Shane is also a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, a member of the Forbes Global Coaches Council, and is the Founder of the People Leaders Network. I met Shane on the Clubhouse app, where we had various conversations around various topics, but it was when I attended his book launch earlier this year in Sydney that we finally got to meet in real life. In this conversation, you’ll hear Shane discuss: Let’s Talk Culture – The Conversations You Need to Create the Team You Want Connect with Shane Hatton here: Shane’s websiteShane on InstagramShane on FacebookShane on TwitterShane on LinkedInShane on YouTubeRapid Round Recommendations: The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates ClickUp Bohemian Rhapsody by QueenConnect with Leanne Hughes on all the platforms: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter 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. Support the show

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: Personal Organisation:Leveraging the Keep MethodSmart Resource ManagementEfficient Post-Workshop PracticesBuilding a Resource BankSupport the show

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: 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: Resources mentioned in the show: website5 Circles of HumannessHouse of CommunicationsLinkedInYouTube channelWatch the video! Support the show

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. Watch the YouTube video Highlights: Mentions: AltruIndigenous Futures FoundationWhat Ability10x10 PhilanthropyKey Takeaways: Support the show

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. Watch the conversation on YouTube. What You Will Learn: Two-Hour Workshop BlueprintAbout 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. Connect with John Norcross on LinkedIn Tricia Conyers 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. https://islandinspirations.co/Tricia on LinkedInEngagement Matters To continue the conversation, join over 2,200 global facilitators in the free Facebook group, "The Flip Chart". Reach out to Leanne on LinkedIn or via email at hello@leannehughes.com. Enjoy the episode! Support the show

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. Watch the video on YouTube. Key Takeaways Gift Wrapping InformationOvercoming FearsCase Study - Pivot by Jenny BlakeCreating Your FrameworkThe Utility of FrameworksHow to Create Your Own FrameworkMentioned Resources The Two-Hour Workshop BlueprintPivot" by Jenny BlakeChatGPT"The Power of the 2 x 2 MatrixAlan Weiss’s Framework for Sentient StrategyListener Challenge 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! Support the show

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 WorkshopsGoing Beyond 'Tick and Flick'Standing in Your ValueWorkshop Structure and Participant AwarenessEmbracing Self-Worth and Belonging 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. Find out more by going to TalentAndGenius.com Connect with Nancy on LinkedIn Support the show

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. Watch the YouTube recording! 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:If you're feeling like a fish out of water, find a new pond:Shake hands with your heroes, they probably have sweaty palms, too:There is no glass ceiling:Your clicking reveals your calling:Live regionally, work globally:Be like Tom Cruise in the moments that matter:Find the pattern interrupter in your life:If you don’t have permission, get permission:Share your work in public:Double click everyday moments:Real wealth is discretionary time (Alan Weiss):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 Links and Resources: Hero on a MissionSustainable AmbitionFree TimeAlan WeissMove to MoreSupport the show

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: Quotes from the Episode: Links and Resources: Jeff Skipper's WebsiteJeff Skipper's Book: "Dancing with Disruption"Connect with Jeff Skipper on LinkedInSupport the show

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: 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 WebsiteInsight TimerBalance AppContinue the conversation when the show is over, join The Flipchart free group on FacebookThe 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint:Write an Amazon reviewSupport the show

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: Brendon is the author of "Valuable Change" and "Creating High Value PMOs". He lives outside of Canberra, Australia. What you'll learn: Quotes from the episode: Join us as we navigate the fascinating world of leadership, transformation, and the intricacies of creating meaningful change with Brendon Baker. Connect with Brendon Visit Brendon’s websiteBrendon Baker on LinkedIn Support the show