First Time Facilitator

In today’s episode, I talk to Neen James. Neen is a sought-out, high-energy keynote speaker in the States who challenges her audiences to leverage their focus and pay attention to what matters most at work and in life. Audiences love her practical strategies they can apply personally and professionally, and meeting planners love working with her – they often describe Neen as the energizer bunny for their events. She believes that when you stand in service; you can’t be nervous.

In this epis

In today’s episode, I talk to Neen James. Neen is a sought-out, high-energy keynote speaker in the States who challenges her audiences to leverage their focus and pay attention to what matters most at work and in life. Audiences love her practical strategies they can apply personally and professionally, and meeting planners love working with her – they often describe Neen as the energizer bunny for their events. She believes that when you stand in service; you can’t be nervous.

In this episode you’ll learn:

* How a happy little Aussie wound up killing it on stages in the US

The differences between Australian and US audiences

Why it’s important to change your focus and stand in service (and how this helps with overcoming nerves)

Understanding the importance of the three types of attention and how you can apply that to your facilitation

Her speaker role models (and the mad genius they focus on)

How the three types of attention drive profitability, productivity and accountability

Tips and tricks on how to contextualise your training content and marketing collateral 

Strategies on how to engage with your audience.

About our guest

Neen James is the author of Folding Time™ and Attention Pays™. In 2017, she was named one of the top 30 Leadership Speakers by Global Guru because of her work with companies like Viacom, Comcast, and Abbot Pharmaceutical, among others. She earned her MBA from Southern Cross University and the Certified Speaking Professional designation from National Speakers Association. She has received numerous awards as a professional speaker, is a partner in the international education company Thought Leaders Global, and is a member of the prestigious League of Heroic Public Speakers. Neen has boundless energy, is quick-witted and always offers powerful strategies for paying attention to what matters so you can get more done and create more significant moments at work and home.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

* Neen James’ website

* Neen’s latest book, ‘Attention Pays’

* Attention Pays Sample Chapters (a gift from Neen)

* Neen’s speaking kit

Scott McKain

Matt Church

https://marksanborn.com/

Jay Baer

Tami Evans

Judson Laipply

Tamsen Webster – Red Thread

Connie Podesta

Sally Hogshead

Like this show?

Please leave me a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so I can thank you personally!

Click here to let Leanne know about your number one takeaway from this episode! (or, leave a comment below)

Tweet your thanks to Neen.

Quotes of the show:

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In today’s episode, I talk to Mark McKeon about the parallels between creating high performance on the footy pitch; and high stake situations in a group workshop facilitation environment. Need some inspiration and motivation? Mark provides that in this episode, along with some extremely practical tips which you can start implementing in your facilitation game.  […]

The post Split brain workshop facilitation: How to balance the now with the ‘What’s next?’ with Mark McKeon (Episode 25) appeared first on First Time Facilitator.

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Support the show

In today’s episode, I talk to Mark McKeon about the parallels between creating high performance on the footy pitch; and high stake situations in a group workshop facilitation environment.

Need some inspiration and motivation? Mark provides that in this episode, along with some extremely practical tips which you can start implementing in your facilitation game.  We talk about the practicalities of workshop room setup, how to balance being in the moment with forecasting ahead to drive your workshop o

In today’s episode, I talk to Mark McKeon about the parallels between creating high performance on the footy pitch; and high stake situations in a group workshop facilitation environment.

Need some inspiration and motivation? Mark provides that in this episode, along with some extremely practical tips which you can start implementing in your facilitation game.  We talk about the practicalities of workshop room setup, how to balance being in the moment with forecasting ahead to drive your workshop outcomes, maintaining energy levels and the key question he asks from client’s to determine workshop outcomes.

Listen in to him when he talks about ways you can structure your day to be more productive using his Go Zone methodology.

In this episode you’ll learn:

How Mark pivoted from professional footballer, to high performance coach and facilitation/speaking

Parallels between playing and coaching in high performing footy matches/game day and preparing for a big workshop/stage

His requirements in terms of rooms setup and audiovisual setup (including practical takeaways for keeping your voice in check over a day’s workshop)

Why it’s important to be a little selfish during the day to maintain peak performance

The key question he asks clients to clarify the outcomes of a workshop (and why this is critical)

How to structure your day to get the most sustainable performance (and how we under-estimate the importance of recovery)

Why he channelled his inner James Bond to create a memorable message

What you need to know about using gimmicks and props in your workshops

About our guest

Mark McKeon is one of Australia’s leading experts on leadership, efficiency, productivity, work life balance and team cohesion. His latest book “Go Zone” reinforces all these factors.

He spent 16 years as the high performance coach at Collingwood, with the team also outsourcing their entire fitness and training function to Mark’s team. He was also Club Runner for more than 250 games, an AFL record, and worked with Victoria’s State of Origin Team on five occasions.

Mark previously played football in the VFL with the Melbourne team, and represented Victoria in the VFA.   He presents keynotes and tailored sessions, and along with his team, conducts workshops and conference programs in lifestyle, team building and leadership. Mark consistently rates as, ‘exceedingly funny with a great message’ or ‘best conference speaker’. He spends time with delegates, and can MC or facilitate as well as present keynotes and workshops.

Mark has an insightful and engaging style and his uplifting presentations have been a conference highlight with lasting impacts for many years.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Mark McKeon’s website

Mark’s book ‘Get in the Go Zone. Making the most of me’

ABC Conversations with Richard Fidler

Like this show?

Like this show? Please leave me a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so I can thank you personally!

Click here to let Leanne know about your number one takeaway from this episode! (or, leave a comment below)

Click here to tweet your thanks to Mark!

Quotes of the show:

“You don’t have to be a prisoner to the structure you’ve set for your workshop…I’m forever swapping slides around and stopping,

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In today’s episode, I talk to Sean Lavin about his experience with facilitation and the team profile tool called the ‘Team Management Profile’. Sean is a passionate, optimistic and friendly personality with a strong background in both hotel/services and open-cut coal mining operations. He is firmly focused on growth and learning, whilst simultaneously gaining as […]

The post How to develop a workshop using a team profiling tool (while keeping it light and fun) with Sean Lavin (Episode 24) appeared first on First Time Facilitator.

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

In today’s episode, I talk to Sean Lavin about his experience with facilitation and the team profile tool called the ‘Team Management Profile’. Sean is a passionate, optimistic and friendly personality with a strong background in both hotel/services and open-cut coal mining operations.

He is firmly focused on growth and learning, whilst simultaneously gaining as much insight and experience throughout the vast Human Resources sector. Sean’s favourite workshop theme is around networking, and g

In today’s episode, I talk to Sean Lavin about his experience with facilitation and the team profile tool called the ‘Team Management Profile’. Sean is a passionate, optimistic and friendly personality with a strong background in both hotel/services and open-cut coal mining operations.

He is firmly focused on growth and learning, whilst simultaneously gaining as much insight and experience throughout the vast Human Resources sector. Sean’s favourite workshop theme is around networking, and giving people the permission to speak to each other. He believes that a great workshop is the one that is focused on interaction, with a sprinkling of humour and fun. 

Listen in to him when I ask him about his experience as a first-time facilitator and how that experience shaped him.

In this episode you’ll learn:

How to craft a team workshop using the Team Management Profile tool

The questions Sean uses to identify learner’s requirements for a workshop

Essential skills of a facilitator 

What he’s changed since starting his facilitation journey

How his philosophy saying yes has opened up fantastic opportunities

Sean’s recommended opening icebreaker for a workshops

Strategies to keep a workshop light and fun.

About our guest

Sean is a professional, enthusiastic and passionate HR Graduate. His background stems from a mix of hotel/services management and open cut coal mining operations. Early in 2017, after obtaining his Master of Management (HR), he transferred internally from the coal face into the graduate program to begin his next professional adventure in the vast realm of human resources and facilitation. He’s passionate about his family, consistently delivering high quality work outcomes and striving for personal happiness and fulfilment every day.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Team Management Profile

Connect with Sean on LinkedIn

Like this show?

Like this show? Please leave me a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so I can thank you personally!

Click here to let Leanne know about your number one takeaway from this episode!

Click here to tweet your thanks to Sean!

Quotes of the show:

“So when it comes to icebreakers, I think you’ve got all the resources you need in the room and that’s just people.”

“The best workshops or the best say seminars and things you go to are the ones that are fun and get you laughing or you know thinking about something that’s just completely silly and that’s the sort of stuff that you take away. So if you can blend a lot of fun and humour with serious content the stuff that you’re actually trying to get across to the audience I think it makes for a really good session.”

“I think the gold is in the conversation. So as a facilitator, it’s about you know really trying to steer the ship as opposed to making sure it gets to its destination as fast as possible.”

“If the opportunity comes up or someone asks you if you want to do something, just say Yes!”

Episode transcript

View the First Time Facilitator episode transcript with Sean Lavin.

Send Leanne a message

In today’s episode, I talk to Lynne Cazaly. Lynne is a communication and engagement expert. She is obsessed with helping leaders lead their teams through transformation and change. She helps people distil their thinking, apply ideas and innovation and boost the engagement and collaboration effectiveness of teams. She believes that having the ability to build rapport and […]

The post Facilitation is the act of making something easier with Lynne Cazaly (Episode 23) appeared first on First Time Facilitator.

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

In today’s episode, I talk to Lynne Cazaly. Lynne is a communication and engagement expert. She is obsessed with helping leaders lead their teams through transformation and change. She helps people distil their thinking, apply ideas and innovation and boost the engagement and collaboration effectiveness of teams. She believes that having the ability to build rapport and connect with people is essential in a facilitation workshop.

Listen in to when I ask her about what her thinking or her strategie