First Time Facilitator

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Leanne Hughes and Alan Weiss explore what it really takes to design premium client experiences — from large-scale thought leadership conferences to intimate high-touch group gatherings in penthouse suites around the world. Alan shares the frameworks, courage, and lifestyle philosophy behind his most successful events, and Leanne reflects on her own recent red carpet camp-out experience.

Topics Covered

• Defining high-end experiences — Alan's two models: large group conferences (125–150 people) vs. intimate groups (7–10 people in premium locations)
• The large format event — Outside speakers (Dan Pink, Jonah Berger), a $30–35K AV crew, volunteer wranglers, concurrent sessions, and how to turn a cost-neutral event into $150K in spinoff business
• The intimate group format — Penthouses in London, Paris, and LA; Michelin-starred dinners; provoking IP over socialising
• The role of location — Why venue matters more for small groups, and how Alan used his Kauai suite to transform a stuffy session
• Program design — Overwhelming with value, reframing problems rather than solving them, and the story of Mike Robert's legendary Pebble Beach strategy program
• Courage and filling seats — Becoming an "object of interest," the chain reaction of attraction, and why you should never lead with price
• Accessibility as a brand strategy — Being the most accessible expert in a niche, and where to draw the line
• Curating the right room — Why sophistication and maturity matter more than income, and the one time someone didn't belong
• Lifestyle as the real brand — Why people follow Alan for the life he lives, not just his consulting expertise
• What people get wrong — The experience should showcase you, not the venue; using Broadway plays, tours, and dinners as vehicles for IP
• Virtual high-end experiences — Why Alan believes in-person is essential for high-touch, community-building work
• Planning and promotion — Shameless promotion, letting your wife veto the destination, and the 24-hour sign-up experiment

Key Quotes

Resources & People Mentioned

• Dan Pink — Author and speaker
• Jonah Berger — Wharton School professor, author of Contagious
• Michael Bungay Stanier — Author of The Coaching Habit
• Randy Gage — Author, prosperity mindset expert
• The Innovation Formula — Alan Weiss & Mike Robert (1985)

Connect

• Alan Weiss: alanweiss.com
• Leanne Hughes: First Time Facilitator
• Talk the Walk — next episode: first week of June

Your name can feature on Leanne's Wall of Work Fame.

Just pre-order her book by 30 Sep 2026; and follow the details to claim your star.

Also, there are a ton of bulk order incentives as well!

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Jan Keck is back on First Time Facilitator for a pop-up episode, and this one is for anyone who wants to create connection without making people cringe. 

Jan first appeared on the podcast in Episode 156, and in this conversation he shares the thinking behind his new book, The Campfire Method, plus what he’s learned from three years of writing, testing, and refining his ideas in public. 

We talk about why Jan moved away from the old “icebreakers” framing, and how his work evolved into a bigger idea: creating the conditions that help people feel safe enough to connect, contribute, and take risks. He shares how small moments before a session even starts can shape the whole experience, from pre-event communication to what people see when they first enter the room. 

In this episode, Jan shares:

•  why the best facilitators build a risk ramp, not a risk jump 
•  how to make space for quiet participants without putting them on the spot 
•  the five conditions that help “melt the ice”, including the importance of choice 
•  what happened when he asked 350 TEDx attendees to create secret handshakes with strangers 
•  how writing his book in public, with weekly community feedback, helped him stay consistent for three years 
•  why he now prefers facilitator promises over group agreements or rules 

If you work with groups, workshops, retreats, learning experiences, or team sessions, there’s a lot in here for you.

About Jan Keck
Jan Keck is a facilitation trainer, TEDx speaker, and author of The Campfire Method. On his official book page, the book is described as a practical guide for empathetic leaders who want to design group experiences that spark engagement, encourage vulnerability, and build deeper connection. 

Grab or pre-order Jan’s book here

Your name can feature on Leanne's Wall of Work Fame.

Just pre-order her book by 30 Sep 2026; and follow the details to claim your star.

Also, there are a ton of bulk order incentives as well!

Support the show

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Today, I’m thrilled to welcome back my friend, leadership strategist, and powerhouse of positivity — Neen James — to the show!

If you haven’t seen the YouTube version yet, go and watch it. Neen radiates light, energy, and fun — she’s truly a walking champagne moment.

Fun links:

Discover Your Luxury Mindset Self-Assessment

Luxury Is A Mindset

Neen James Luxury Mindset Research Executive Summary

You might remember Neen from her earlier book Attention Pays. She’s since continued her global journey speaking with C-suite leaders and luxury brands, helping them elevate their communication and connection. Now, she’s back with a brand new book: Exceptional Experiences — and this one is all about how to create moments that make people feel seen, heard, and valued.

We chat about:

• 🥂 What Taylor Swift gets right about treating your energy as a luxury
• 🌟 Why true luxury isn’t about expensive things — it’s about connection and attention
• 💬 How to use “luxury language” to elevate your communication (and what words sound cheap vs. expensive!)
• 🕯️ How facilitators and leaders can engage all five senses to create memorable experiences
• 💗 The importance of champagne moments — those tiny, joyful touches that make ordinary experiences extraordinary
• 🌏 Why the world needs more optimism and how not to dim your light — even when it feels too bright
• 🎁 How personalization, customization, and fascination create magic in any client or workshop experience

Neen also shares some behind-the-scenes examples from world-class luxury brands (think Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton) and how we can bring that same level of care and intentionality into our own work — even in small, everyday ways.

If you’re a facilitator, coach, consultant, or anyone who cares about the experience you create for others — this conversation is pure gold.

👉 Learn more about Neen and her new book: neenjames.com

👉 Explore her Luxury Mindset research and download her Luxury Language Dictionary at luxuryisamindset.com

Your name can feature on Leanne's Wall of Work Fame.

Just pre-order her book by 30 Sep 2026; and follow the details to claim your star.

Also, there are a ton of bulk order incentives as well!

Support the show

Send Leanne a message

In this episode of First Time Facilitator, I chat with Dr Liz O'Riordan about her leap from the operating theatre to the workshop room. 

After being diagnosed with cancer and leaving surgery, Liz turned to speaking, writing, and now — facilitation. With only days to prepare, she discovered my book The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint, raided her kitchen cupboards for props, and built a session that participants called “brilliant — don’t change a thing.”

We unpack how she:

• Transformed complex cancer science into playful, prop-based learning (think Jenga and cupcakes 🍰).
• Used a simple structure to design a two-hour workshop in 72 hours.
• Sent pre-session videos that warmed up the room before she arrived.
• Managed nerves, energy, and the “silent moments” during activities.
• Built her social media presence to reach thousands with her message.

🎯 If you’re new to facilitation, or you’ve ever thought, “Where do I even start?”, Liz’s story will inspire you to pick a date, lower the bar, and just run the workshop.

👉 Subscribe to First Time Facilitator for more stories, strategies, and behind-the-scenes lessons on designing sessions that land.

🔗 Connect with Dr Liz O'Riordan on Instagram and LinkedIn 

Your name can feature on Leanne's Wall of Work Fame.

Just pre-order her book by 30 Sep 2026; and follow the details to claim your star.

Also, there are a ton of bulk order incentives as well!

Support the show

Send Leanne a message

I wrote this article this after being on a group call where one person dominated the airtime. You know the ones, right? 

As facilitators, it’s our job to respect the room, the time, and the energy of everyone there. And sometimes, that means stepping in. Yes, interrupting can feel awkward — but if you do it with care, it can completely transform the vibe of your sessions.

In this episode, I share:

• Why interrupting is actually a public service
• Three reasons we don’t interrupt — and how to move past them
• Powerful redirect phrases you can use right away
• How to interrupt without feeling like a jerk
• The difference between a question and a monologue

This one's all about giving you permission to run a tight, purposeful room — and boost your Work Fame while you’re at it.

🧠 Mentioned:

• The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier
• My Substack publication: Work Fame — sign up here

🎧 And hey, if you’re into more short, punchy episodes like this, check out my daily podcast Leanne On Demand.

Let’s keep the room moving. Enjoy the episode!

Your name can feature on Leanne's Wall of Work Fame.

Just pre-order her book by 30 Sep 2026; and follow the details to claim your star.

Also, there are a ton of bulk order incentives as well!

Support the show

Send Leanne a message

Hey, thanks for tuning in today. I just wrapped up a webinar for a long-time client — an organization 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 intention

We also talk:

• When verbatim responses can be powerful
• The risk of paraphrasing (and how to check in)
• Why sometimes, the most generous thing is to not engage
• How time and engagement form a decision-making matrix when you’re live

If 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!

Your name can feature on Leanne's Wall of Work Fame.

Just pre-order her book by 30 Sep 2026; and follow the details to claim your star.

Also, there are a ton of bulk order incentives as well!

Support the show

Send Leanne a message

I’m so excited to take you behind the scenes of my rebranding journey—aka Leanne 3.0. In this replay, I chat with Jason Knight, the brilliant mind behind my new brand.

Watch our conversation on YouTube to see the brand!

Jason and I first connected on my First Time Facilitator podcast back in 2019, and five years later, I finally brought him on board to reimagine how I show up in the world.

But this episode isn’t just about the shiny new website (even though I love it)—it’s about the process.

Rebranding wasn’t even on my radar this year, but during my Radical Reboot on the Gold Coast, I realised my old brand was... fine. 

But “fine” isn’t what I want to offer my clients.

 Jason and I dive into the messy middle of branding—balancing tensions like approachability vs. luxury, identifying my essence (hello, “Tropical Courage”), and figuring out how to reflect me through visuals, words, and vibes. If you’ve ever thought about rebranding or just need a confidence boost, this one’s for you.

10 key insights:

1. Play the Long Game: Jason and I first connected five years ago. Relationships take time—stick with them!
2. “Good” Can Be Dangerous: My old brand was good, but that was the problem. It wasn’t great.
3. Clarity Through Process: Jason’s process included diagnosing where I stood, repositioning, and rolling it all out fast.
4. Test Ideas in Real Time: “Tropical Courage” became a cornerstone of my brand after I casually tested it in a workshop.
5. Speed is Confidence: We sprinted through the rebrand in a month. Quick wins keep you motivated.
6. Balance Tensions: Approachable vs. luxurious, tropical vs. gritty. Turns out, you can be both.
7. Branding Is a Vibe: Your brand isn’t just a logo or colours—it’s how it feels. Think: playlist, visuals, even drinks!
8. Collaborate to Elevate: Weekly feedback sessions and input from trusted friends brought the brand to life.
9. Confidence Is Everything: I’ve gone from cringing at my website to wanting to share it with everyone.
10. Invest in Yourself: A strong brand sets you up for the long game—it’s already opening doors for me.

Why this matters to you:

If you’re thinking about rebranding, or you’re stuck in the “good but not great” phase, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Don’t wait for the “perfect” time. There’s never a perfect time—just make space and start.
• Collaborate with people who challenge you and help you see yourself in new ways.
• Test your ideas out loud. See how people react. You’ll know when you’re onto something.
• Branding is an investment in your confidence, your positioning, and your future. It’s worth it.

A challenge for you:
Jason asked me this question early on: How would you explain what you do to a seven-year-old? It was harder than I thought! Try it yourself—simplifying your message is a game-changer.

This was such a fun journey, and I hope it gives you some ideas for your own brand evolution. 

And hey, if you’ve checked out my new website and found any bugs, send me a screenshot ([email protected]), and I’ll send you chocolate. 🍫 

Your name can feature on Leanne's Wall of Work Fame.

Just pre-order her book by 30 Sep 2026; and follow the details to claim your star.

Also, there are a ton of bulk order incentives as well!

Support the show

Send Leanne a message

Fresh off a Las Vegas red carpet experience, Leanne Hughes sits down with legendary consultant Alan Weiss for a candid conversation about career risks, professional reinvention, and the art of strategic decision-making. 

Drawing parallels between Vegas gambling and career moves, this episode delivers unexpected insights about when to hold steady and when to make bold moves in your professional life. 

Whether you're contemplating a career pivot or looking to level up your impact, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on professional risk-taking.

What You'll Learn:

• 🎯 The crucial difference between smart risks and dangerous career gambles
• 💼 Why overhead kills consulting businesses (and what to do instead)
• 🔄 How to balance high competence with personal energy and passion
• 🚀 The mindset shift from "what you want to do" to "who you want to be"
• 📚 Strategic approaches to writing books while maintaining a consulting practice
• 🎯 Why staying "one step ahead" of clients isn't enough (and what to aim for instead)
• 🧠 The danger of "news diets" and why staying informed matters
• 💡 How to present yourself as truly unique rather than a commodity
• 🎭 The art of switching between consulting and coaching modes
• 📈 Why "working harder on yourself than your job" might be the wrong approach

Key Quote: "You need to pursue what you love doing that can make you money... The ideal thing is you should be making money to support the lifestyle to which you aspire and loving what you do every day." - Alan Weiss

Whether you're an independent consultant, corporate professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers practical wisdom for making strategic career moves without gambling away your future.

Want to connect?

• Join our next live stream: November 27th at 4pm Eastern (US) / November 28th at 7am Eastern (Australia)
• Share your thoughts with Leanne: Connect on LinkedIn or email [email protected]

Your name can feature on Leanne's Wall of Work Fame.

Just pre-order her book by 30 Sep 2026; and follow the details to claim your star.

Also, there are a ton of bulk order incentives as well!

Support the show

Send Leanne a message

In this episode of the First Time Facilitator podcast, host Leanne Hughes welcomes Mary-Louise (ML) Huppatz, CEO of the Association for Tertiary Education Management (ATEM), to discuss her unique approach to conferences, leading change, and facilitation.

ML's passion for people and creating meaningful learning experiences comes through as she shares insights into how she transforms conferences from routine events into transformative experiences.

Abut today's guest: ML Huppatz
ML is CEO for the Association for Tertiary Education Management (ATEM) - a job that she describes as being the #1 cheerleader for people working in the sector. She is passionate about people with a capital P - and focuses on creating learning experiences which support self mastery and confidence, development of an individual's leadership, and helping people to thrive in their own career journeys.

On a Thursday night you will find her moonlighting as Rakali - a Joey leader at 5th Brunswick Scouts, and loving nurturing the next generation of leaders."

Episode Highlights:
The Delegate Experience: Redefining Conferences:
ML discusses the importance of creating meaningful networking opportunities and how ATEM designs conference spaces to encourage organic connections.

Key Strategies for Crafting Unforgettable Conferences

•  ML highlights the importance of first-time delegate experiences, explaining how they organize dedicated welcome drinks and smaller group sessions to ease people into the larger event.
• Post-lunch energy dips are tackled with "keystone sessions," where all conference participants engage in the same experience across multiple rooms, creating a shared reflective and bonding opportunity.
•  ML shares her aversion to the term "networking" and how she prefers to create informal spaces for delegates to connect naturally, without the pressure often associated with formal networking.

Innovating the Role of the MC: The Conference Catalyst

• ML explains how ATEM has redefined the traditional role of the MC by introducing the concept of the “conference catalyst.”Rather than just announcing speakers and keeping time, the catalyst becomes part of the event’s personality, helping to build connections and engage attendees on a deeper level (and I, Leanne, was thrilled to play this role!)

ML’s Personal Leadership Journey

•  ML reflects on her career journey, which includes a diverse range of roles in journalism, HR, strategy, and facilitation, all leading to her current position at ATEM.

Key Takeaways:

• Conferences can and should be more than just events; they are opportunities to create lasting change, connection, and learning.
• Networking doesn’t need to be formal or intimidating—providing organic, informal spaces can make it easier for people to connect.
• The role of the MC can be transformed into a more engaging, interactive experience with the concept of a “conference catalyst.”
• Embracing your strengths and allowing yourself to be “you” in professional settings leads to more authentic leadership and engagement.

Connect with ML Huppatz

• LinkedIn: ML Huppatz
• Association for Tertiary Education Management or ATEM LinkedIn 

Your name can feature on Leanne's Wall of Work Fame.

Just pre-order her book by 30 Sep 2026; and follow the details to claim your star.

Also, there are a ton of bulk order incentives as well!

Support the show

Send Leanne a message

In this episode of the First Time Facilitator podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Steve Demedio to the show. Steve shares his inspiring journey from a career in sales leadership to becoming a passionate facilitator obsessed with creating engaging and memorable learning experiences.

Join us for our retreat: The Red Carpet Campout
Psst.. Come along to our Red Carpet Campout 10-12 March, 2025, only 90 mins from Brisbane, Australia. Only six tents remain!

What You'll Learn:

• Steve’s facilitation journey: How he transitioned from sales leadership to facilitation, inspired by books like Sharon Bowman’s Training from the Back of the Room.
• Adapting to curveballs in facilitation: Steve’s tips for handling unexpected moments, such as tech glitches, by staying in the moment and focusing on participants.
• Participant obsession: Why being fully focused on participants, rather than content, is key to creating interactive and impactful learning experiences.
• Outdoor learning and creativity: Steve’s passion for moving beyond traditional meeting rooms to outdoor settings that boost creativity and connection. Learn how a simple shift in environment can lead to a 50% increase in creative thinking!
• Challenging the status quo: How Steve challenges clients to rethink their agenda, venues, and reliance on tech to achieve deeper, more meaningful outcomes.
• The Red Carpet Campout: A sneak peek into our upcoming luxurious camping retreat, where facilitators can unplug, rejuvenate, and engage in creative thinking in nature.

About Steven Demedio

Steve Demedio is an entrepreneur, facilitator, travel consultant, and home-made pizza and camping enthusiast, but above all, a devoted father and husband. His career is built upon a foundation of roles in sales, management, learning, and facilitation across the travel, IT, and corporate services sectors. 

Steve’s career has been full of unexpected twists, yet his clear purpose has always been rooted in people, connection, and communication.

Recently, Steve joined forces with his long-time friend Mark Hodgson, who founded Mind & Body Travel in 2019. Together, they’ve created a unique synergy between travel, training, and events. 

As Director of Mind & Body Group, Steve curates and facilitates inspiring retreats and training programs that bring teams together, unlocking deeper levels of authentic connection and collaboration.

Connect with Steven Demedio:

• www.mindandbodygroup.com.au
• www.mindandbodytravel.com
• Steven Demedio on LinkedIn

Your name can feature on Leanne's Wall of Work Fame.

Just pre-order her book by 30 Sep 2026; and follow the details to claim your star.

Also, there are a ton of bulk order incentives as well!

Support the show