Leanne on Demand Daily with Leanne Hughes

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-facilitationEnjoy!*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.

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-inYou'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.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 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 screenJade 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.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 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 unforgettableWe 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.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.

*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 there! I'm currently off-grid at the Red Carpet Campout (yep, the forecast says -4°C 🥶), so today I’m sharing something from my WorkFame newsletter that’s been getting a great response.This episode is based on my article: How to Get a Meeting With Anyone — where I break down the three tactics that have helped me book time with incredibly busy humans (even when they’re “too busy” for coffee).It all started back in my corporate days, when a random lunch invite turned into a surreal opportunity to dine with Cameron Smith — yes, the Cameron Smith. That moment completely changed how I think about access and attention.In this episode, I unpack:What the “I’m too busy” excuse really meansHow Wordle revealed the truth about people’s prioritiesWhy vague invites get ignoredHow to actually get people excited to meet youMy favourite low-friction, high-yes strategies (hint: voice notes + podcasts)If you're pitching ideas, asking for catch-ups, or just want to increase your hit rate on cold messages—this one’s for you.Oh, and if Cameron Smith ever hears this: thanks again for the photo, and sorry for being weird at lunch 😅📩 Want the original article in writing? You can find it here: 👉 https://www.workfa.me/p/how-to-get-a-meeting-with-anyone*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 back to part two of my mini-series on Nine Powerful Ways to Get Buy-In — tactics I really wish I knew when I first started working on cross-functional projects in big, global companies.Last week, we covered the first five strategies (like pre-sell your idea and ditch the pitch), and today we’re wrapping things up with the final four — and these ones bring the juice.Here’s what I cover in this episode:6. Use social proof + create FOMO I share why your idea becomes more magnetic when someone else is talking about it — and how to strategically rally your internal influencers to create that ripple effect.7. Share a bright vision, not a blueprint Spoiler: You don’t need all the answers up front. In fact, sharing the big vision without the full roadmap can make your team feel more included and invested.8. Own the objection This one is pure gold. I explain why naming the elephant in the room builds instant trust — and how I used this tactic during my first ever gig in Mumbai, running leadership training with construction managers (gulp).9. Pattern interrupt Want attention? You need to earn it. I share simple, clever ways to stand out from the noise and get people to actually respond — including the power of a podcast mic and sending voice notes instead of emails.Whether you're leading change, launching a new idea, or just trying to get time with someone who’s slammed — these approaches will help you break through.💡 I’d love to hear what resonated! What tactic are you trying this week to get buy-in on your project? DM me on LinkedIn or reply to my newsletter — I read it all.*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 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,🌴 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.

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!*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.

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, 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.