Leanne on Demand Daily with Leanne Hughes

In this episode, I dig into a hot topic here in Australia: The Right to Disconnect—that new law that lets you legally ignore after-hours work emails.On the surface, it feels like a win for boundaries... but when you pair it with headlines screaming about Australia’s worst productivity levels in 60 years? We've got a real contradiction to unpack. Or do we?I share why I initially thought this was a collision of ideas—and why, after a deeper dive, I think this clash points to a much deeper, systemic issue in how we define work, value, and performance. It's not about effort. It's not about hours. It's about output.Plus, I riff on:Why “burnout culture” gave us the illusion of productivityThe real causes behind our productivity slump (spoiler: it's not lazy workers)Why I love async tools like Loom and voice notesMy beef with time-based work measuresWhy flexibility isn't just nice—it’s necessaryWould love to hear from you on this one: 📌 How’s your workplace navigating the right to disconnect? 📌 What does “reasonable” look like for you when it comes to after-hours work?Let's keep the convo going—send me a DM or voice note on Instagram or LinkedIn.Thanks for listening, and I’ll chat to you tomorrow 👋*New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.comP.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 LinkedInLeanne Hughes on InstagramVisit my website: leannehughes.comEmail me: hello@leannehughes.comWould 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 a bit of a brain spill from my pre-Everest Base Camp trek prep — but there’s a sneaky behavioural insight tucked in there too.I share:Why I’m buying a neoprene cover for my hydration straw (spoiler: negative 20°C is not your friend).How my long-standing relationship with mochas is going through a breakup… and how hard it is to change even tiny habits when people know you as someone else.The surprising social pressure of baristas.Jim Rohn’s five people quote, and why environment trumps willpower every time.The case for switching cafes (or masterminds) to support a new version of yourself.Sometimes it’s not about discipline — it’s about design.Let’s talk identity, environment, and small-but-mighty change.*New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame.Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.comP.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 LinkedInLeanne Hughes on InstagramVisit my website: leannehughes.comEmail me: hello@leannehughes.comWould you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

Today I took a scroll down memory lane… via my Notes app.Looking for inspiration for today’s episode, I wasn’t vibing with anything recent, so I went way back—to my first note ever, from 2013 (hint: it was bad stock advice 🫣).Then I landed on a list I wrote in 2016 called “Where I Work Best.” And you know what? Despite almost a decade passing, not much has shifted.This episode is part nostalgic trip, part career reflection, and part invitation for you to do the same. I share:The surprising constants in what I value in a workplaceA mini rant on why most "teams" aren't actually teamsA story about almost jumping ship to Flight CentreWhy I stayed in mining, and what changed everything for meThe moment Pivot by Jenny Blake cracked open a new mindsetAnd I leave you with a prompt: 📆 Create your own Where I Work Best list. 🗓️ Schedule it as a calendar reminder in 12 months. 🔁 Revisit. Reflect. Realign.This one’s personal, lighthearted, and full of truth bombs. Thanks for listening — 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.comP.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 LinkedInLeanne Hughes on InstagramVisit my website: leannehughes.comEmail me: hello@leannehughes.comWould you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

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 captureIf 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.comP.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 LinkedInLeanne Hughes on InstagramVisit my website: leannehughes.comEmail me: hello@leannehughes.comWould 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 againSo 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 gameYou 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.comP.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 LinkedInLeanne Hughes on InstagramVisit my website: leannehughes.comEmail me: hello@leannehughes.comWould you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

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.comP.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 LinkedInLeanne Hughes on InstagramVisit my website: leannehughes.comEmail me: hello@leannehughes.comWould 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 againWe 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.comP.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 LinkedInLeanne Hughes on InstagramVisit my website: leannehughes.comEmail me: hello@leannehughes.comWould 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.comP.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 LinkedInLeanne Hughes on InstagramVisit my website: leannehughes.comEmail me: hello@leannehughes.comWould 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 yearIf 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 workThis 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.comP.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 LinkedInLeanne Hughes on InstagramVisit my website: leannehughes.comEmail me: hello@leannehughes.comWould 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 sidelinedI 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.comP.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 LinkedInLeanne Hughes on InstagramVisit my website: leannehughes.comEmail me: hello@leannehughes.comWould you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.