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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

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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 

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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!

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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!

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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. 🍫 

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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]

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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 

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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

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Host Leanne Hughes takes you behind the scenes of the recent "How to Face Change" event she co-hosted with Michael Bungay Stanier (MBS). 

From brainstorming ideas, locking in the perfect venue, to manufacturing demand for tickets, Leanne spills all the details on how they turned a bold idea into an unforgettable experience.

Expect candid reflections, actionable tips, and a whole lot of fun as Leanne shares the highs, challenges, and big wins from this Brisbane-based event.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How to Create Demand for Your Event: The strategic move that got 150 people onto the event waitlist within 24 hours (without selling a single ticket!).
2. The Power of Venue: Why the rooftop bar venue was a major player in getting people excited to attend—and how venue choice can impact your marketing strategy.
3. Collaborating with the Best: Leanne shares insights from working with Michael Bungay Stanier and how their creative synergy shaped the event’s success.
4. Marketing Magic: A peek into the marketing tactics, including leveraging scarcity, early bird offers, and social proof to sell out the event in record time.
5. Content vs. Experience: Why Leanne spent more time focusing on creating an experience for her attendees than on the content itself—and why that was the key to success.
6. Behind-the-Scenes Decisions: The tools and tech that helped Leanne and MBS manage a seamless collaboration across time zones, from Google Docs to a private podcast.
7. Post-Event Reflections: What worked, what Leanne would tweak, and the overwhelming LinkedIn love that followed the event.

Episode Highlights:

• The quote that inspired Leanne to aim big with her venue choice: "If I made small decisions, I would hate myself forever."
• How to "manufacture demand" and why giving your audience a waitlist (before selling tickets) can validate your event idea.
• The importance of creating a memorable experience (hint: it’s not all about the content!) and how a rooftop venue turned their event into a “brag-worthy” moment.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

• Watch the 3-minute event highlight video on YouTube
• Michael Bungay Stanier's work
• Our Luma event site
• Diary of a CEO interview with Daniel Priestly

Upcoming Events with Leanne:

1. Red Carpet Group Experience: Las Vegas with Leanne Hughes
   📅 October 30, 2024
   
   
2. Get to the Point Workshop with Sally Prosser
   📅 November 19, 2024 | Brisbane
    
3. Luxury Glamping Retreat: Red Carpet Campout
   📅 Dates: 10-12 March 2025 | Location: Private property, 90 mins from Brisbane
    

Join the Conversation: What resonated with you from today’s episode? Let us know!  Share your thoughts on social media and tag Leanne and Michael.

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In this episode, we're joined by Hitomi Whitlock, Organizational Change Manager at the University of Washington's Housing and Food Services, and an experienced real estate investor. 

Hitomi shares her journey from moving to the U.S. as a child to leading change at one of the nation's top universities—all while managing a successful real estate business.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

• How Hitomi uses her strengths (Futuristics, Discipline, Positivity, Woo, Learner) to drive success.
• The tech tools she leverages, like ClickUp, Miro, Loom, and GoodNotes, to streamline workflows, eliminate unnecessary meetings, and enhance collaboration.
• Tips for running effective hybrid workshops that keep everyone engaged, whether in-person or remote.
• How a customer-centric focus in both her roles has led to zero evictions and high tenant satisfaction in her real estate ventures.
• Strategies for building trust quickly in workshops, from pre-session videos to effective icebreakers.
• The importance of balancing big-picture vision with disciplined execution in both professional and personal life.

About Hitomi Whitlock
Hitomi is an Organizational Change Manager at the University of Washington's Housing and Food Services and a real estate investor, co-owning a property management business in the Seattle area since 2005. She attributes her success to her customer-centric focus and effective communication, always thinking about how to best serve her customers. Hitomi loves making new connections and friends while nurturing existing relationships. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, attending concerts, and exploring new restaurants/bars with family and friends.

📌 Links Mentioned in the Episode:

• Connect with Hitomi Whitlock on LinkedIn
• Tools discussed: ClickUp, Miro, Loom, GoodNotes

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