Send Leanne a messageCan you use space to create contrast, even in a virtual call? Today’s guest proves that you can!We have an absolute world-leader in the field of nonverbal communication joining us on the show this week, Michael Grinder.Michael has over 40 years of experience training thousands of groups. Known as the pioneer of nonverbal communication, Michael helps executives and educators assess people more accurately, connect with others more deeply, and build their charisma.We explore how to use his famous model, the House of Communication in our workshops.During this conversation, I picked up so many incredibly nuanced things you can do to boost the clarity of my communication in both virtual and face-to-face workshop environments.The beauty of this conversation is how Michael talks about the large and the small, the micro and the macro, the philosophy around what you do, and then the micro: what type of chair you need, in order to do that.We also delve into using space, and how to segment space within our environments.About today’s guest: Michael GrinderMichael Grinder has over 40 years of experience training thousands of groups. Known as the pioneer of nonverbal communication, Michael helps executives and educators assess people more accurately, connect with others more deeply, and build their charisma.Two well-known experts personally trained Michael in the field of communication: Carl Rogers, the father of humanistic psychology, and Michael’s brother, Dr. John Grinder, co-founder of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Over his career, Michael has written 14 books, which have been translated into seven languages. He’s a sought-after speaker for national and international events and has presented on seven continents. Some of Michael’s additional achievements include:National Director of NLP for EducationTeacher of the year at three different schools in California, Washington, and Oregon.Recipient of the 2019 DACH “Mediator of the Year.”Today, Michael continues to train individuals and companies, and volunteers with community organizations. He lives in Washington State with Gail, the love of his life.In this episode you will learn:Importance of non-verbal elements in virtual workshopTips to better utilise our voice in a workshopHow you can “block/anchor” elements of the room during face-to-face and virtual workshopsHow to be confident during in-person and online workshops How to use your hands effectively, anytime you communicateThe difference between Intellectual safety vs. Emotional safety ABC's of conveying a message for in-person or virtual facilitationResources mentioned in the show:Learn more about Michael Grinder on his website5 Circles of HumannessLearn more about non-verbal communications tips by Michael Grinder on House of CommunicationsConnect with Michael Grinder on LinkedInWatch more non-verbal communications tips on Michael’s Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.Tune in over here!(Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).Support the show

Send Leanne a messageIn this solo episode, host Leanne Hughes reflects on the world of event planning, MCing, and the unforeseen challenges that can arise during a charity event.Watch the YouTube videoHighlights:Committee Dynamics: The initial stages of planning, the process of narrowing down nominees, and how this committee stood out from typical group projects.Communication Platforms: The value of asynchronous communication, the prominence of WhatsApp, and the advantages of immediate messaging.Roles & Responsibilities: Discovering personal strengths, navigating through responsibilities, and how to tweak and adjust pre-existing templates.Co-MCing Insights: Splitting the MC role, understanding the environment, ensuring audience engagement, and the importance of staying organized.Challenges Faced: Unexpected hurdles like potential noise disruptions, technical difficulties, and overlooked details. How adaptability and quick thinking made the difference.Event Dynamics: Balancing philanthropy with entertainment. Creating a unique event atmosphere likened to "philanthropy meets Shark Tank meets a cocktail party."The Power of Introductions: How adding humor and connection can set the tone for the event and engage attendees.Audience Engagement: Encouraging interaction, making connections, and using humor to lighten the mood.Mentions:Organisations: Altru, Indigenous Futures Foundation, and What Ability. 10x10 PhilanthropyKey Takeaways:Preparation is Key: Ensuring you're fully prepped not just for your role but also for potential challenges that could arise.Environment Matters: Recognizing the significance of being aware of the surroundings and adjusting accordingly.Open Communication: Ensuring there's clear communication between all key players, like co-hosts or other committee members.Engage & Interact: How engaging your audience and encouraging interaction can change the dynamic of an event.Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.Tune in over here!(Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).Support the show

Join Leanne Hughes as she chats with John Norcross and Tricia Conyers from the 'Every Little Model' podcast. They explore the journey of becoming a facilitator, the multifaceted roles in a workshop, key facilitation models like Leanne's 'SPARK Framework' and Tricia's 'Nine Dimensions of Engagement', the art of balancing structure and flexibility, and the impact of setting up a room in a full circle arrangement for authentic dialogue.

Leanne Hughes, a passionate advocate for designing frameworks, shares her insights on creating effective learning experiences. She emphasizes the importance of frameworks, discussing how they can simplify complex concepts and enhance engagement. Leanne dives into her SPARK framework for workshop design and the inspiring career decision-making tool from Jenny Blake’s 'Pivot.' Listeners are encouraged to think about how frameworks can aid their projects, even with minimal experience.

Send Leanne a messageI love jumping on The Flipchart Facebook group to see where members are hosting their workshops. My guest today, Nancy Mamolejo, hosts her workshops overlooking the Golden Gate bridge, and she also brings amazing ideas and energy into her sessions, including her emotional support kit.Tune in today, to hear us discuss:Creating a Sense of Belonging in WorkshopsStrategies and tools to foster an environment where everyone feels like they are a valued part of the conversation.Going Beyond 'Tick and Flick'Delving deeper than superficial diversity initiatives and truly embedding inclusive practices in the organization.Standing in Your ValueRecognizing and appreciating your unique contribution to the workspace and the importance of every individual's perspective.Workshop Structure and Participant AwarenessInsights into how Nancy designs her sessions to be most effective and how she ensures she remains attuned to participants' needs and responses.Embracing Self-Worth and BelongingThe transformative realization that "I belong here" and understanding the significance of self-worth in professional settings.About today's guest: Nancy Marmolejo is passionate about helping organizations “walk their DEI talk” by moving them from abstract theory to people-to-people interactions. Using tools such as the DiSC Assessment, communication skills training, and leadership development models, she creates a safe space for people to transform on personal and professional levels. With over 10,000 hours of experience as a coach and facilitator, her mission is to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups in the workplace, and to transform workplace culture so belonging and inclusion are the norm for all.Find out more by going to TalentAndGenius.comConnect with Nancy on LinkedInEvery day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.Tune in over here!(Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).Support the show

Send Leanne a messageAs you know, I'm here to help you design fast, deliver strong without stress. That's hat is in the form of workshops, right? But today I'm going to be talking about designing life in general.I'm celebrating and reflecting because I turn 40 this Thursday. What an honour: Every day above ground is a great day.Watch the YouTube recording!Disclaimer: I'm not an Olympic gold medalist. I haven't climbed Everest.  I'm just a type of person who likes having a crack at life, looking for cool opportunities  and  treating life as an experiment. And so I wanted to share some ideas today that reflect how I think about life design.I've summarised these in Leanne's 12 Rules for Life... And what I'm excited about is in two decades, or even in two weeks, I might prove my own rules wrong. The beauty of life is in its ever-evolving nature. Are you approaching a watershed moment in your life, whether it's a milestone, you've had a significant life change? It might be nice for you create your own 12 rules! How do you like to see the world? Here are a sneak peak of my 12 Rules for Life:We’re all gonna die: A reminder of our impermanence.If you're feeling like a fish out of water, find a new pond: Adaptability is key.Shake hands with your heroes, they probably have sweaty palms, too: We’re all human at the end of the day.There is no glass ceiling: Limitations are often self-imposed.Your clicking reveals your calling: Listen to what resonates with you.Live regionally, work globally: Embrace the vast opportunities the world offers.Be like Tom Cruise in the moments that matter: Show up and give it your best.Find the pattern interrupter in your life: Break monotonies and spark creativity.If you don’t have permission, get permission: Advocate for your own desires and goals.Share your work in public: Be open and transparent in your endeavors.Double click everyday moments: Find depth in daily occurrences.Real wealth is discretionary time (Alan Weiss): Time is our most valuable resource.What do you think? Do any of these rules resonate with you? Let me know! Tag me on socials, send me a message, or email hello@leannehughes.comLinks and Resources:Don Miller’s Hero on a MissionKathy Oneto: Sustainable AmbitionJenny Blake: Free TimeAlan WeissLive in the regions! Check out Move to MoreEvery day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.Tune in over here!(Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).Support the show

Send Leanne a messageIn today's episode, I'm delighted to introduce our guest, Jeff Skipper. Jeff and I have been colleagues for the past couple of years, sharing insights in our growth cycle mastermind group. We've connected virtually every two weeks and had the pleasure of meeting in person during a memorable gathering in Hawaii, part of Alan Weiss's community.About Jeff SkipperJeff Skipper is a recognised expert in accelerating change with over 25 years of experience. He has worked with renowned clients such as IBM, Suncor, Goldman Sachs, and the Salvation Army, helping them achieve remarkable results in their strategic transformation efforts by infusing complex change with a motivating mission.Jeff possesses a unique talent for creating impactful activities and workshops. He excels at breaking down complex challenges and reengineering them into practical solutions. Exciting news for our listeners, Jeff is currently working on a workshop booklet that will feature his top 30 change activities.During our conversation, we delve into the essential aspects of driving and leading change. Jeff underscores the significance of visible leadership, especially in today's virtual landscape where meaningful connections can be a challenge. We also explore opportunities for meaningful in-person connections and how they contribute to the success of change initiatives.Jeff is the author of the insightful book, "Dancing with Disruption." In this podcast episode, you'll learn:The role of emotions in leading changePractical strategies for engaging people during times of disruption.How leaders can inspire trust and commitment in their teamsThe significance of consistency in messaging,The contagious nature of both resistance and enthusiasm in organisational change.Quotes from the Episode:"It's hard to generate that level of excitement until you're out there, shaking hands with people, patting them on the back, and telling them they're doing a good job.""Even if your organization's life depends on it, not everyone's gonna get on board. So what do you need to do?""It's important to give people space to connect. When we have an hour to just talk and unpack things, that's where we really start to connect and build levels of trust.""You're trying to engage people on an emotional level. Yes, I need to help them build new competencies to navigate a change, but I'm trying to keep a positive viewpoint around what's going to happen.""If I dip my toe in the water, it's going to be safe. Again, the role of leaders is to create that safety for people."Links and Resources:Jeff Skipper's WebsiteJeff Skipper's Book: "Dancing with Disruption"Connect with Jeff Skipper on LinkedInEvery day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.Tune in over here!(Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).Support the show

Send Leanne a messageIn today's episode, we explore the intricate emotions that facilitators experience right before a workshop – a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and anticipation. My guest today is the award-winning TV journalist from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Sophie Scott OAM. Sophie's multi-faceted career has transitioned her from a household face on TV to a well-renowned speaker and educator, with a prime focus on mental health. Dive into our conversation as we unravel Sophie's personal journey, discover her pre-workshop routines, and delve deep into her experience with burnout. It's a candid, open conversation about the realities of mental well-being, the importance of self-care, and the pivotal role that authentic communication plays in our lives.What You Will Learn:Sophie's transition from a journalist to an advocate for mental well-being and a sought-after speaker.The personal story of Sophie's encounter with burnout, which she faced while in the public eye.The "Spotlight Effect" – A mechanism to center oneself and focus on the audience while facilitating.Physical Reactions to Anxiety: Even when well-prepared, your body might still show signs of anxiety, but recognizing these signs and continuing to move forward can be beneficial.Facilitation vs. Journalism: Both roles involve extracting information and insight, and the techniques used in journalism can apply to facilitation.Tips and ideas on how to host engaging panels or events.About Sophie Scott OAMIn addition to an extensive career as an award-winning medical TV journalist for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Sophie is a professional speaker and educator with expertise in mental health.She has an extensive presence on social media, has been an invited speaker at the World Congress on Positive Psychology, has written two books (Live a Longer Life (ABC Books) and RoadTesting Happiness (Harper Collins), and has won major awards for her journalism and medical reporting including a prestigious Eureka AwardSophie’s mission is to help people help themselves, using evidence-based science and her own personal journey.She is an ambassador for Bowel Cancer Australia, Pain Australia and is a patient reviewer for the British Medical Journal.Sophie is a highly sought-after keynote speaker on topics such as preventing burnout, managing your mental well-being during times of change, the science of high-performance habits, and how to use neuroscience to stick to new habits and overcome unwanted ones.Her talks and workshops help people take better care of their mental health through science-backed techniques so they can build emotional resilience, maximise their potential and thrive at work and at home.Links and Resources:Sophie Scott's Website - A central hub where you can find all of Sophie's content, including links to her social media platforms.Insight Timer and Balance App: These apps are mentioned in the conversation, suggesting they might be tools for personalization or well-being.Continue the conversation when the show is over, join The Flipchart free group on FacebooEvery day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.Tune in over here!(Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).Support the show

Brendon Baker, change leader with experience in leading projects worth over $10 Billion, discusses the core of his workshops, delivering real value, business growth, understanding the reality in corporate scenarios, reframing last-minute work, and the value of being in communities for career role models.

Send Leanne a messageWelcome to a podcast swap! I was a guest on the delightful Prina Shah's podcast, Ways to Change the Workplace recently, and the episode had such wonderful reviews/feedback, I thought I'd bring it onto this feed!What are some common mistakes that workshop facilitators make that lead to boring workshops? How can workshop facilitators create a safe and inclusive environment where all participants feel comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions?What are some creative approaches to workshop design that can help break up the monotony of traditional lecture-style presentations?About today’s episode:Today I chat with my friend Leanne Hughes all the way in Brisbane, Queensland. Leanne is a thought-provoking entrepreneur with an upcoming book called the 2 Hour Workshop Blueprint and it is great – I have been an early reader and have user-tested it myself in the workshops that I deliver! I speak with Leanne about: How to Stamp out Boring Workshops! Watch the youtube version here: https://youtu.be/HTkZi8Uw7dQ Leanne talks about her years of experience as a facilitator and what she has learnt from that, we cover: Common mistakes that workshop facilitators make that lead to boring workshops.How important it is to engage workshop participants from the outset, and some effective ways to do so.The role technology plays in creating more dynamic and engaging workshops.I ask how important is it to have a clear purpose and desired outcome for a workshop, and how can facilitators ensure that participants are aligned with these goals?We discuss ways to keep energy levels high throughout the workshop, particularly during long sessions.How workshop facilitators can create a safe and inclusive environment where all participants feel comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions.Some creative approaches to workshop design that can help break up the monotony of traditional lecture-style presentations.Some common myths about what makes a workshop successful, and how we can dispel them to create more effective learning experiences.And listen in to Leanne’s answer to my question: if you had a magic wand, what is one way you would change the workplace? About today’s guest: Leanne Hughes is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator, maximising team potential by creating influential, contagious work experiences that scale across teams, functions, and regions.As a workshop designer and facilitator, she combines her experience in Marketing with her education (and obsession) with Group Dynamics and Psychology, to help leaders create engaging experiences. Leanne has distilled her knowledge and experience into The First Time Facilitator podcast, and now, a book ‘The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint’.Resources and linksGrab the book The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint: Design Fast. Deliver Strong. Without Stress: https://2hourwork.shopWebsite: https://www.leannehughes.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannehughes/Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.Tune in over here!(Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).Support the show