Leanne on Demand Daily with Leanne Hughes

This Weekend Rewind takes you back to a rich, practical, laugh-filled conversation with the incredible David Pullin — founder of The Story Spotters, former NIDA grad, professional actor, voice artist, and an absolute legend when it comes to using stories to engage, influence and connect.Since this episode aired, I’ve actually had the chance to hang out with David in real life — we shared a brilliant long lunch with some fabulous folks in London. He’s even more delightful IRL (if that’s possible!).In this conversation, David shares:🎭 His transition from 20 years on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company to helping execs craft stories that cut through🎙️ Practical advice on protecting your voice, using breath and posture (spoiler: find your inner UFO)🧠 The four kinds of stories you need to spot (including the ones you tell yourself!)🛠️ Super-useful questions to help your participants open up and share gold🔥 Why being a great facilitator is more about connection than controlWe also geek out on Matthew Dicks’ Homework for Life, talk about rebrands (his shift from McKechnie Pullin to The Story Spotters), and how sometimes your best metaphors come from childbirth classes. Yep.If you want to become the kind of facilitator people remember — the one who helps others find their voice, feel heard, and connect more deeply — this episode is a must-listen.Connect with David Pullin:🌐 The Story Spotters website🔗 David on LinkedIn Book: The DNA of EngagementEnjoy the listen — and as always, let me know which part resonated the most!Chat to 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.

Welcome to this Weekend Rewind edition of Talk the Walk — where coffee meets conversation and martinis mix with mindset shifts.In this episode, we explore a bold (and slightly cheeky) question: Can you really get paid to be yourself?Alan Weiss — aka the Rockstar of Consulting — says yes, and he should know. From flat tires on Bentleys to 17-day certifications crammed into a weekend, Alan shares hilarious and hard-hitting stories about value, visibility, and self-worth.Inside this episode:Why "authenticity" is more than a buzzword (and how most people get it wrong)The 3-part filter to turn your passion into profit: market need, excellence, and enthusiasmAlan's infamous "Of course" strategy for saying yes before you know howWhy your name is your brand (and what to say to "I’m not interesting enough")Leanne’s confession about losing patience over a bridge crossing 🙃And what to do when you feel like being visible = being self-indulgentThis conversation is your permission slip to stop acting, start trusting yourself, and build a business where you are the asset. Just don’t expect Alan to do anything involving spreadsheets.QUOTES TO REMEMBER: 💬 “If you want to get paid to be yourself, you have to be fearless.” — Alan Weiss 💬 “Don’t worry about being liked. Worry about being respected.” — Alan Weiss 💬 “Marketing isn’t your job — it’s your identity.” — Leanne Hughes🙋‍♀️ Got a question or comment about the episode? Drop it below — or DM us your biggest takeaway.Thanks for walking with us — see you next episode!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.

Ever struggled with getting buy-in on your ideas at work? You're definitely not alone! I've worked with plenty of clients who need help influencing, leading without formal authority, and just generally getting their projects off the ground. I get it—I used to struggle with this too, playing strictly by the rules and not seeing much traction.But then, I discovered some powerful, unconventional strategies to help move ideas forward. In today's episode, I'm sharing the first 5 of 9 impactful strategies from my guide, "Nine Powerful Ways to Get Buy-In on Any Project (That I Wish I Knew From the Start)."Here's a quick snapshot of what you'll learn:Pre-Sell Your Idea: Stop waiting for launch day. Start gathering interest and feedback before your project even exists.Work in Public: Share the messy behind-the-scenes moments to build transparency and excitement.Listen to the Lyrics: Reflect the exact language your stakeholders use—it creates instant resonance.Give Your Project a Great Name: Spark curiosity and intrigue with an attention-grabbing project title.Ditch the Pitch (and the Slides!): Flipcharts and whiteboards invite collaboration—slides suggest finality.Tune in next week for Part 2, where I'll share the remaining four strategies to supercharge your buy-in skills.Resources:Download the PDF: Nine Powerful Ways to Get Buy-InBooks mentioned:Superfans by Pat FlynnInvisible Influence by Jonah BergerIf you've ever wished influencing people was easier, this episode is your new best friend!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.

Uh oh—got one of those emails. You know the kind: subject line screams “Copyright Violation.” 😬In this episode, I share the full story of how I got caught out using an image of Aussie cricketer David Warner on my website—without the proper license. It wasn’t intentional, and it wasn’t even me who posted it… but that doesn’t matter when it comes to copyright.Here’s what I cover:The honest mistake involving my VA and how it happenedMy swift response: what I did within 5 minutes of opening the emailWhy I’m not trying to wriggle out of the fee—and what I’ve asked for insteadLessons for solopreneurs and creators about copyright, delegation, and doing the right thingHow AI might be the one that caught me—and how we can use AI to avoid this happening againWhether you run a business, a blog, or you just love creating online—this episode is a reminder that if you post it, you own it (including the consequences). I’ll keep you posted if I manage to negotiate that fee.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 episode begins like my Monday morning: calm, crisp, uneventful... until it wasn't. After a peaceful dog walk and coffee run, I returned home to a full-blown emergency scene—ambulance, police, tow trucks, a flipped car—right outside my house.I share what that moment sparked for me: a reflection on the illusion of predictability. How we think our routines, our streets, even our inboxes are "low risk," until something completely unexpected jolts us out of autopilot.This episode is a gentle reminder:That even calm routines can be disrupted in seconds.That no street, job, or day is ever truly boring.That resilience is how we show up when the script changes.And yep, spoiler: everyone is okay. But it was a wild moment.If you're someone who thrives on structure (like I do), this one might give you something to ponder next time you turn into your street.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, thanks for pressing play today!If you’ve ever hesitated before making a bold move — whether it’s sending a message, asking a question, or sharing an idea — then today’s episode is for you. I’m riffing on a rule from my netball days: the three-second rule. It turns out, this isn’t just about passing balls on court — it’s a rule that can apply to all areas of life and work.I explore:How I learned the power of quick decisions playing netballWhat pickup artists, psychologists, and my amygdala have in common 🤯The science behind fear, hesitation, and decision paralysisA behind-the-scenes story of how I messaged a bunch of book publishers on LinkedIn — without having the perfect pitchIt’s short, practical, and might just give you the push to make your next move — quickly. Because the longer we wait, the less likely we are to act.If it makes your stomach flip, there’s something juicy there. Go for 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.

Hey, I'm Leanne—recovering gearsplainer.In today’s episode, I riff on a hilarious and all-too-real article I found tucked inside a gear package I ordered for my Nepal trek. It's called Gear Splaining by Dan Slater, and wow—did I feel personally attacked... in the best way.You know that moment when someone asks you a simple question and you launch into a TED Talk about the “why” behind every little step? Yeah, guilty. Whether it’s about workshop design, video editing, or hiking in -20 degrees, I love explaining my process—and sometimes, it’s too much.So, why do we do it? In this solo episode, I unpack:The psychology behind over-explaining (spoiler: it's not all bad!)How “proving your value” can backfireThe difference between adding value vs. hijacking a conversationWhy I’m building a knowledge hub to capture what I know without ramblingA quote I always return to: “Tell them everything they need to know, not everything you know.” – Alan Weiss🎒 Are you a secret gearsplainer too? Maybe you're dropping way more detail than people ask for—out of passion, out of love, or maybe a dash of imposter syndrome. It’s okay. This one’s for us.—💬 Let me know if you relate! 📩 Want me to share the blog when it’s up? DM me on LinkedIn or hit reply on Substack.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 a facilitator’s dream: We’re riffing behind the scenes on what it actually feels like to lead a room—mentally, emotionally, even physically—with two brilliant guests, Tricia Conyers and John Norcross from the Every Little Model podcast.Now, real talk: This episode didn’t exactly go to plan. 😅 Tech dropped out. My camera froze. Internet disappeared. But Tricia and John were absolute pros and rolled with it. Because that’s what we do, right? As facilitators, we adapt, stay calm, and create the space—even in chaos.In this jam-style episode, we chat about:🌀 Why we all “fell into” facilitation—and how the path still surprises us 🎭 The many roles we play in the room (designer, DJ, therapist, timekeeper, thermostat) 🧠 What’s really happening in our heads when we’re in front of a group 📊 Our favourite models and why frameworks help us stay confident and grounded 💡 Tricia’s Nine Dimensions of Engagement (SO good for designing contrast!) 🔥 My SPARK framework for designing 2-hour workshops ⚖️ Balancing structure and flow, goals and group energy 💥 Pivotal moments that shaped our facilitation philosophiesThis isn’t a “how-to.” It’s a conversation—raw, real, and thoughtful—about the inner world of facilitation and the wild ride we all navigate to create moments that matter.Whether you're new to facilitation or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away from this episode with new ideas, validation, and a few aha moments of your own.🔗 Links + Resources Mentioned:Tricia + John’s podcast: Every Little ModelTricia’s 9 Dimensions of Engagement (a must for creating contrast!)Leanne’s SPARK Framework: featured in The 2-Hour Workshop BlueprintGROW Model: Goal, Reality, Options, Way ForwardBook mentioned: The Circle Way by Christina BaldwinSign 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 all know that relationships—business, personal, professional—require maintenance. It’s not set-and-forget. That’s why I’m bringing back this amazing conversation with recognition rockstar Sarah McVanel. She’s someone who deeply understands how small, thoughtful gestures can lead to massive business results.Sarah helps individuals and organizations leverage the power of recognition to retain top talent, fuel healthy teams, and build sustainable businesses. She’s a certified senior OD professional, PCC coach, HR leader, and one of only 1,500 Certified Speaking Professionals (CSPs) in the world. 🔥In this episode, we talk about:How Sarah used the pandemic to redesign her business and keynotes for impactThe creation of a virtual Nurses Week for 26,000 nurses across North America (!!!)Why recognition isn’t just for employees—it’s a retention strategy for clients tooThe low-friction ways to start creating content (even if you’re “not a marketer”)Building a business based on relationships, reciprocity, and consistent visibilityWhat we both did when all our live events vanished overnightSarah’s insight is practical, heartfelt, and totally energizing. If you're building a facilitation business, struggling with marketing, or wondering how to stay top of mind with clients—this one’s for you.🎁 Resources mentioned:Sarah’s website: https://greatnessmagnified.comSendOut Cards: Check them out here (Sarah-inspired!)Trello for content trackingActiveCampaign (Sarah) and ConvertKit (me!) for email marketingSarah’s free ebook Rockstar: Magnify Your Greatness in Times of Change✨ Your next move? Pick one person who’s hired you before and recognize them this week. No pitch. Just appreciation. You never know what it could lead to.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.

I just wrapped up a webinar for a long-time client — an organisation that delivers live, critical, and completely anonymous support via webinars.That’s right. No faces. No names. Just silence... and a flurry of comments in the chat.So how do you respond when the comments start rolling in — especially when the stakes are high and the people on the other side might be feeling overwhelmed, unseen, or unheard?Today, I share the 4 archetypes I’ve created to explain the choices we have when responding to chat — in real-time, whether you're on a livestream, hosting a masterclass, or even navigating in-person Q&A.🌀 The Fog – You miss the moment 👀 The Birdwatcher – You see it, let it fly 👂 The Listener – You acknowledge, but don’t fix 🗺 The Guide – You go there, with intentionWe also talk:When verbatim responses can be powerfulThe risk of paraphrasing (and how to check in)Why sometimes, the most generous thing is to not engageHow time and engagement form a decision-making matrix when you’re liveIf you ever find yourself juggling incoming comments with a tight run sheet, this one’s for you.Let me know which archetype you default to — and if you’ve found any hacks for managing emotional or high-stakes chat in live sessions.Speak tomorrow!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.