Leanne on Demand Daily with Leanne Hughes

I’m checking in from the stunning mountain town of Namche Bazaar, and wow, what a place. It’s full of cafés, shops, and even nightclubs, which feels kind of wild this high up. We had an acclimatization day yesterday, which sounds chill… but it was definitely not. Every step uphill was a challenge, but when I reached the top and saw Mount Everest for the first time, it honestly took my breath away in more ways than one.Afterward, I treated myself to a massage, a hair wash, and even wood-fired pizza, because who knows when I’ll find those luxuries again. Today we’re off on another 10K trek, climbing another 400 meters toward our next stop. I’m feeling good overall, just a little congested from the cold air and dust.In this quick check-in, I share: • What an “acclimatization hike” really feels like 😅 • How I’m managing mild altitude symptoms • My switch from coffee to lemon-ginger-honey tea • Thoughts on Diamox and why I haven’t started it yet • My mini obsession with tracking oxygen levels • Why going slow and steady is my motto up hereIt’s all about taking it one step at a time, literally. Feeling grateful, grounded, and ready for the next climb. Thanks for listening, and I’ll catch you again from higher up the trail. 🌄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 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! I’m recording from MHA Bizarre, 3,400 meters above sea level, so if I sound a little breathless… well, that’s why. 😅Day one and two were epic. We flew into Lukla Airport in Nepal, often called one of the world’s most dangerous airports due to its short runway, steep drop‑off, and mountain terrain. The views of the Himalayas were absolutely breathtaking. From the airport, we hiked nine kilometers over uneven terrain and windy conditions to our tea house. Hiking poles were lifesavers, and I learned the importance of going slow and being present with every step. I even tried Sherpa bread for the first time—so good!Day one also had me facing a fear of suspension bridges, with a guide backing me up. Day two was a whole new level of intensity—three kilometers of uphill hiking that felt harder than a marathon. My oxygen saturation and readiness score were low, but slowing down allowed me to fully soak in the surreal scenery. Being forced to focus on each step made me feel completely in the moment.Despite the exhaustion, the magical views, warm hospitality, and a wood‑fire pizza at 3,440 meters made every step worth it.Takeaways:Slow is powerful – Taking it step by step protects your body and lets you absorb the experience.Stay present – When you focus on each step you’re grounded and less distracted.Face fears – That suspension bridge moment reminded me growth happens outside comfort zones.Prep matters – Good gear, hiking poles, pacing… make a big difference at altitude.Beauty is everywhere – From views to bread to pizza, every moment has something to treasure.Know your body – At high altitude, logging oxygen, pacing yourself and listening matter.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 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 recording this from Kathmandu — my last night before the trek begins! 🏔️It’s Friday afternoon, the bags are (mostly) packed, and I’ve just wrapped up our group briefing with Matt Stewart from Experience Not Felt Possible. Tomorrow, we fly into one of the most challenging airports in the world before starting our Everest Base Camp adventure. The excitement (and a few nerves) are definitely real.In this episode, I share:✨ What it feels like to be in Kathmandu right before the trek kicks off✨ The story behind this year’s trip theme — G.O.O.Y.W: Get Out Of Your Way — and why it’s already changing how I think✨ My plan to go slow, take photos, and actually enjoy the journey✨ How a shopping detour with my new friend Bianca made me late to the briefing (and how that turned into a laugh)✨ My favorite gear finds — including the most perfect $50 blue North Face jacket✨ And a quick message from my performance coach, Kyle Mooney, reminding me to keep it simple: “Don’t be shit.”It’s a mix of anticipation, reflection, and honesty — that moment before stepping into something unknown. Thanks for listening — next time, I’ll be somewhere on the trail. 🌏✨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 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 loved this conversation with Andrew Tarvin—the world’s first “humor engineer.” Andrew trained as a computer science engineer, worked at Procter & Gamble as an IT project manager, and then discovered a powerful truth: you can’t be efficient with humans; you have to be effective. He started sneaking tiny moments of humor into meetings and emails and watched engagement, memory, and relationships skyrocket. Today he runs Humor That Works, helping teams use humor deliberately to get better results at work.In this episode, Andrew breaks down how to start (even if you’re not “the funny one”), why humor is a learnable skill, and a practical framework—MAP (Medium, Audience, Purpose)—to choose the right kind of humor for your context. We talk subject-line puns, image-rich slides, “shepherding” humor when you’re not ready to create your own, how improv reps make facilitation easier, and why sustained, light-touch humor changes behavior over time (people actually look forward to your meetings!).What we coverEfficient vs effective: why humor saves time in the long runThe Humor MAP: Medium, Audience, Purpose—pick your humor on purposeEasy starters: open with an interesting question; hide a playful image “Easter egg” in slides; end emails with a themed punOnline delivery: use visuals + association to keep attention and boost recallBuilding the habit: keep a humor notebook, apply the “Rule of 90,” and test ideas in low-stakes ways (tweets, friends, stand-up, improv)Facilitator edge: improv as the best practice for thinking on your feetTakeawaysTiny, consistent humor shifts expectations and attendance: people opt in because your sessions feel human and enjoyable.You don’t have to be a comedian—be a shepherd of humor: curate images, stories, or clips that fit your message and audience.Quotes“You can’t be efficient with humans—you have to be effective.”“Humor is a skill. That means it can be learned.”Resources mentionedAndrew Tarvin / Humor That Works (training + newsletter)TEDx talks by Andrew Tarvin (Ohio State; Texas A&M)Podcasts for studying comedic craft: WTF with Marc Maron, Comedy Bang! Bang!, Bill Burr’s Monday Morning PodcastBook: Humor That Works (500+ ways to use humor at work)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 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 loved this conversation with my former WA colleague, Sherell Whitney—facilitator, inventor, and founder of Lift Performance Solutions. Sherell has hopped across industries (law, tourism, health, consulting) and brings that breadth to the room. We dig into how to create a genuinely safe training environment fast, why those first three minutes matter so much, what to pack in your “Mary Poppins” facilitation bag, and how to respond when tricky behaviors show up. We also explore team roles (Belbin), the courage to create, and how failure can become an asset.My takeawaysTrust is won in the first three minutes. Be yourself, name the purpose/outcomes, and—if needed—name the elephant in the room.“The wisdom is in the room.” Ask more than you tell; you’re there to facilitate, not to impress.Ground rules are gold. Co-create them early so you can call them in (not people out) when energy dips or disruptions pop.Pack like Mary Poppins. Extra icebreakers/energizers, paper, pens, Blu Tack, and a beach ball with prompt questions—be ready to flex.Design for time. Know your run sheet and stay adaptable.Use strengths smartly. Belbin reveals how people behave in teams (complements tools like MBTI/DISC).Failure ≠ finale. Treat it as paid-for learning you can reuse.MentionedBelbin Team Roles, DISC, MBTIBooks:The Other F Word — John Danner & Mark CoopersmithSmart Leaders, Smart Teams — Roger SchwarzThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team — Patrick LencioniThe Art of Facilitation and The Zen of Groups — Dale HunterSign 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 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, checking in from Camp Manji after a few hours of sleep. Before Nepal, a quick rewind to Brisbane Airport where I met Tim, Benjamin, and Renee — total legends. Benjamin joked about the old two-prong airplane headphones and said, “Everyone’s talking about AI taking over the world, but we still have these!”That line made me think of something my friend Julian Ma once said: “The more change we have, the more familiarity we crave.” It hit me mid-flight as I watched Ace Ventura instead of anything new. Singapore Airlines even had a whole “Reboots and Retakes” section — Naked Gun, Superman, Karate Kid — pure comfort.Landing in Kathmandu was chaos in the best way. Lines everywhere, no real order, but somehow it worked. I’m calling it Mountain Time — slower, softer, more human.Right now, I’m sitting at Rise & Grind Coffee with a cappuccino, watching the city wake up and feeling grateful to finally be here.In this episode, I share: ☕️ Why nostalgia feels so grounding right now 🎧 What airplane headphones say about progress 🧭 How to embrace “mountain time” wherever you areMentioned in this episode:Julian Ma on change and familiaritySingapore Airlines “Reboots & Retakes”Rise & Grind Coffee, KathmanduSign 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 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 coming to you from the Coffee Club at Brisbane Airport. Today’s episode is all about the chaos, excitement, and mild panic of travel. I share my packing struggles, juggling 17kg of luggage, medications, and gear for an epic trek ahead.From airport lounges to long flights to Kathmandu, I talk about the little moments that make travel exhausting—and exhilarating. Plus, I give a sneak peek into upcoming adventures: Queenstown, Bangkok, Vietnam, Europe, and some exciting work news I can’t share just yet.Takeaways:Pack smart: Prioritize essentials and pack early.Medications matter: Keep important meds in your carry-on.Check in with yourself: Long flights are a chance to reflect.Stay flexible: Adaptability is key when travel plans shift.Celebrate small wins: Even a quiet coffee at the airport counts.Grab your coffee and join me in the chaos of travel day!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 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! Today’s episode is a quick one — I’m literally recording this while packing for my trip to Nepal! ✈️If you’ve been following along, you’ll know I’ve done a lot of research for this trip — everything from gear lists to pharmacy must-haves. Packing is my thing (maybe it’s the Virgo in me 😅), but this one’s next level.In this episode, I share:How I’m approaching packing for my Everest Base Camp trekThe difference between my suitcase, duffle bag, and day pack setupMy thoughts on boots vs. trail runners (spoiler: I’m team trail runner)Some of my favourite gear finds — including a down jacket made locally in NepalMy absolute fave purchase: the convertible crossbody/fanny pack from Lululemon (passport accessibility = game changer!)Why I’m waiting to buy some of my gear in KathmanduAnd a peek at my Instagram Live idea to show what’s actually in my pack once I arriveIt’s a mix of logistics, excitement, and a little bit of geeking out about travel gear. 🏔️If you’re into adventures, organization, or just love hearing about trip prep, you’ll enjoy this one.Thanks for tuning in — next time you hear from me, I’ll (hopefully) be in Kathmandu! 🌏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 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 tuning in today. I’ve just wrapped up a road show all about The Two-Hour Workshop Blueprint, and one theme that kept popping up was the Review stage — the “R” in my SPARK framework: Set up, Power up, Activities, Review, Keep.If you’re anything like me, you might find yourself so excited by your content that you leave only five minutes at the end to wrap things up. But the review piece is where the magic happens — it’s the space where participants connect insights, make commitments, and plan how to apply what they’ve learned.In this episode, I share some of my favorite creative and practical reflection activities you can use to close a session. From questions like “What hurdles might you encounter when you try this at work tomorrow — and how will you overcome them?” to interactive tools like SIFT, 3-2-1 reflections, haiku summaries, and personal cheat sheets, these ideas help your group finish strong, with clarity and ownership over their next steps.If you’re looking for ways to end your workshops on a high note — beyond the standard “What’s one thing you learned today?” — this episode is packed with inspiration you can try 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 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 week, I share a story that made me quite literally stop in my tracks — and pay attention. It started as a beautiful morning: coffee by the river with my friend Bhan, wearing her book as my workout accessory, feeling on top of the world. Then I checked my PO box and found two things: a new book (The Art of the Ignorable Email by David Pullan) and… a $2,500 speeding fine from the Queensland Revenue Service.Yep, $2,500 for doing 81 in a 70 zone. I don’t speed. I don’t condone speeding. But clearly, the universe thought I needed a reminder. Luckily, a serendipitous run-in with my friend Mel turned the $2,500 into $500 — saving me two grand and teaching me a lesson in the process.This episode isn’t just about a fine; it’s about the signs we get to slow down. I’ve been rushing through work, life, and preparation for Nepal — where the number one piece of advice is literally “go slow.” At altitude, your body has no choice but to pause, breathe, and adjust. Maybe this is all practice for that.💭 Reflection prompt: What sign is the universe sending you about how you’re operating right now?🧭 Takeaways:Sometimes life sends a $2,500 message to get your attention.Speed can be a strength — but only if it’s sustainable.“Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.”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 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.