Leanne on Demand Daily with Leanne Hughes

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.—LeanneSign up for free for my best articles every week: 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 👋Sign up for free for my best articles every week: 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.Sign up for free for my best articles every week: 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?Sign up for free for my best articles every week: 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.

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.Sign up for free for my best articles every week: 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’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 sleepThere’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).Sign up for free for my best articles every week: 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.

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 herSue 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.Sign up for free for my best articles every week: 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, 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 egoOh, 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!Sign up for free for my best articles every week: 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 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 immediatelyI 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.Sign up for free for my best articles every week: 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 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.Sign up for free for my best articles every week: 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.