First Time Facilitator

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT:

* How she used to throw up before speaking in public and how she overcame that fear

* How she manages the participants (and her own) energy levels over a five-day workshop.

* Why it’s important to shut the world off (and your phone) when you’re in a learning environment

* Why you need a sense of humour when working on the road

* Her strategies for ensuring introverts are heard in a group workshop

* Her simple hack that ensures participants grasp the instructions of a group activity

* The two things she would do differently if she had to start her business again

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Nikki McMurray has over 25 years experience in the adult education industry.  Her roles ranged from managing registered training organizations, managing the training function within organizations and facilitating.

Her facilitation style is respectful to the adult learner’s past experience and qualifications with a hands-on, highly interactive approach with a focus of connecting theory with practice.

Clients comment that programs and personal coaching conducted by Nikki are high quality, very practical and personally challenging.

She has a diverse background that includes consulting in a training and on the job coaching capacity to Mining open cut and underground (coal and hard rock), Rail, Water, Gas, Manufacturing, State and Federal Government industries as well as many others.

REFERENCE

* Corporate Learning Partners

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

Leanne: I’d like to introduce you to our guest today. She has over 25 years experience in the adult education industry. And as a facilitator, she’s terrific at really honing in, and evaluating the dynamics of a group. She ensures that all of her sessions are hands on, and interactive with the focus on connecting theory with practice. Her background expands consulting, training, and coaching for industries for a company called ‘Corporate Learning Partners’. And she’s worked in open cut and underground mining, rail, water, gas, manufacturing, and government. Welcome to the podcast, Nikki McMurray.

Nikki: Thanks Leanne

Leanne: Nikki, 25 years is a long time to be working in education and learning in development. Have you ever had a career outside of that industry?

Nikki: Yes, in the very early days, I was in IT and then I went into Marketing. And I happened to get a job in the world of corporate adult education, fell in love with it, and haven’t left it since.

Leanne: So do you think some of the IT, and marketing skills helped you where you are today?

Nikki: I think absolutely, absolutely. And you know even though you’re in the industry of adult education, you’re actually in everyone else’s industry. It’s not just adult education in its purest form like a university. You’re in and out of different industries, and that’s what makes it interesting and exciting.

Leanne: How did you actually get into the world of facilitation and education?

Nikki: I took on a job as a coordinator of P&O and it was in their training and education area.  I really enjoyed the vibe, and the excitement, and the enthusiasm, and the fact that when you partake in skills or knowledge there’s a certain amount of excitement for the participants, and sometimes even nervousness.

From there, I went to uni at night, and then studied adult education. And I was actually not a facilitator for a very long time. I stayed in Administration, and I worked my way up to being a site manager for a computer training firm that concentrated only on corporate. And about 12 years ago, I walked away from corporate, and started my own business. And that was the first time I ever facilitated full time.

Send Leanne a message

Welcome to the second episode of the First Time Facilitator podcast. Teagan Dowler is the Founder of The BCW, Treasurer of the Diversity Practitioners Association, Author of Rules of the Game and Organisational Development and Leadership Coach. Teagan has worked across a range of industries including Civil Construction, Iron Ore, Coal, Financial, and Health in […]

The post It’s not about you: Diversity and Inclusion expert, Teagan Dowler shares why listening is the #1 skill of a facilitator (Episode 2) 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

Welcome to the second episode of the First Time Facilitator podcast.

Teagan Dowler is the Founder of The BCW, Treasurer of the Diversity Practitioners Association, Author of Rules of the Game and Organisational Development and Leadership Coach.

Teagan has worked across a range of industries including Civil Construction, Iron Ore, Coal, Financial, and Health in the areas of Organisational Change, Human Resources, Learning and Development and Human Behaviour Coaching and Psychology.

She is the author of Rules of the Game: Women in the Masculine Industries, which provides recommendations from her own experience and those of over 50 women and men to achieve success in traditionally male-dominated industries.

As a leader in the area of diversity, inclusion and leadership, Teagan and is regularly asked to comment on industry developments. She has been quoted in The Australian House of Representatives, featured in a range of magazines (including OK! Magazine, The Collective, CLEO) and interviewed on live breakfast radio for 4BC Brisbane and ABC Radio Gippsland.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT:

* How an interest in nutrition lead her to a career in psychology and human behaviour

* Her strategies for answering questions in your workshop (when you’re unsure of the answer)

* Why flexibility and listening are critical strengths of a great facilitator

* Why you need to embrace fear and step up in front of a workshop to share your wisdom

* The importance of authenticity – particularly when things don’t go to plan in the training room

* How organisations have changed in their attitude and response to Diversity and Inclusion initiatives and approaches

RESOURCES

* Websites: The BCW and DCC Jobs

* Social Media: The Blue Collared Woman (Facebook) and TheBCW (Instagram)

* Find Teagan on LinkedIn.

* Book: Rules of the Game: Women in the Masculine Industries

TRANSCRIPT

Leanne: Thanks for tuning into episode two of ‘First Time Facilitator’. I really appreciate your support. I’m also interested in hearing what you think about the show, so shoot me an email any time with your feedback. I’m at [email protected], or leave a review in iTunes. Let me know if there are specific aspects of facilitation that you’d like to learn more about, or feel free to recommend guests that I can interview on upcoming shows. I met our next guest through another facilitator, and she focuses in on the diversity, and inclusion space. I have to say I think she is one of the most relatable people I’ve ever met. She has an effortless, and natural way of making you feel really great after you chat to her. And I think that’s her unique facilitator superpower. So, let’s hear from her in episode two.

Our guest has worked across a range of industries including civil construction, iron ore, coal, financial, and health in the areas of organisational change, human resources,

Welcome to the second episode of the First Time Facilitator podcast.

Teagan Dowler is the Founder of The BCW, Treasurer of the Diversity Practitioners Association, Author of Rules of the Game and Organisational Development and Leadership Coach.

Teagan has worked across a range of industries including Civil Construction, Iron Ore, Coal, Financial, and Health in the areas of Organisational Change, Human Resources, Learning and Development and Human Behaviour Coaching and Psychology.

She is the author of Rules of the Game: Women in the Masculine Industries, which provides recommendations from her own experience and those of over 50 women and men to achieve success in traditionally male-dominated industries.

As a leader in the area of diversity, inclusion and leadership, Teagan and is regularly asked to comment on industry developments. She has been quoted in The Australian House of Representatives, featured in a range of magazines (including OK! Magazine, The Collective, CLEO) and interviewed on live breakfast radio for 4BC Brisbane and ABC Radio Gippsland.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT:

* How an interest in nutrition lead her to a career in psychology and human behaviour

* Her strategies for answering questions in your workshop (when you’re unsure of the answer)

* Why flexibility and listening are critical strengths of a great facilitator

* Why you need to embrace fear and step up in front of a workshop to share your wisdom

* The importance of authenticity – particularly when things don’t go to plan in the training room

* How organisations have changed in their attitude and response to Diversity and Inclusion initiatives and approaches

RESOURCES

* Websites: The BCW and DCC Jobs

* Social Media: The Blue Collared Woman (Facebook) and TheBCW (Instagram)

* Find Teagan on LinkedIn.

* Book: Rules of the Game: Women in the Masculine Industries

TRANSCRIPT

Leanne: Thanks for tuning into episode two of ‘First Time Facilitator’. I really appreciate your support. I’m also interested in hearing what you think about the show, so shoot me an email any time with your feedback. I’m at [email protected], or leave a review in iTunes. Let me know if there are specific aspects of facilitation that you’d like to learn more about, or feel free to recommend guests that I can interview on upcoming shows. I met our next guest through another facilitator, and she focuses in on the diversity, and inclusion space. I have to say I think she is one of the most relatable people I’ve ever met. She has an effortless, and natural way of making you feel really great after you chat to her. And I think that’s her unique facilitator superpower. So, let’s hear from her in episode two.

Our guest has worked across a range of industries including civil construction, iron ore, coal, financial, and health in the areas of organisational change, human resources,

Send Leanne a message

Welcome to the first ever episode of the First Time Facilitator podcast.

This podcast is for those of you that are experts and want to share your knowledge and skills with others.  In my experience, it can be difficult taking that first step to become a facilitator.

Today’s guest, and our very first, Sonia McDonald, will share some amazing advice and some tips and tricks on facilitation and training.

Sonia was recently named in the top 250 influential women across the globe by Richtopia. She’s an entrepreneur, though leader, a keynote speaker, executive coach, board advisor, and author. She’s the CEO and founder of Leadership HQ and is launching her latest book ‘Just Rock It’ in February.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT:

• Sonia’s response when someone asked if she knew anything about leadership.

• How she was unprepared for what was to come when founding Leadership HQ.

• Her success expectation after she created the leadership blog.

• An insightful piece of advice to people that need that extra push or courage to stand at the front of the room.

• How she’s able to fill the room with immense energy while presenting.

• Key skills you need to learn so as to engage people in a workshop.

• Skills she’s improved over the years and how she did it.

• How she’s able to communicate in different styles to different types of audiences.

• Best way to embed learning after a workshop.

• The biggest challenge in the leadership space.

• Why you should read Sonia’s new book, 'Just Rock It', and the motivation behind writing it.

• Best advice to a first time facilitator.

• Her go-to icebreaker.

RESOURCES 

• Video: Your body language may shape who you are by Amy Cuddy

• Websites: Leadership HQ and Sonia McDonald

• Book: Just Rock It by Sonia McDonald

 

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

Welcome to the first ever episode of the First Time Facilitator podcast.

This podcast is for those of you that are experts and want to share your knowledge and skills with others.  In my experience, it can be difficult taking that first step to become a facilitator.

Today’s guest, and our very first, Sonia McDonald, will share some amazing advice and some tips and tricks on facilitation and training.

Sonia was recently named in the top 250 influential women across the globe by Richtopia. She’s an entrepreneur, though leader, a keynote speaker, executive coach, board advisor, and author. She’s the CEO and founder of Leadership HQ and is launching her latest book ‘Just Rock It’ in February.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT:

* Sonia’s response when someone asked if she knew anything about leadership.

* How she was unprepared for what was to come when founding Leadership HQ.

* Her success expectation after she created the leadership blog.

* An insightful piece of advice to people that need that extra push or courage to stand at the front of the room.

* How she’s able to fill the room with immense energy while presenting.

* Key skills you need to learn so as to engage people in a workshop.

* Skills she’s improved over the years and how she did it.

* How she’s able to communicate in different styles to different types of audiences.

* Best way to embed learning after a workshop.

* The biggest challenge in the leadership space.

* Why you should read Sonia’s new book, ‘Just Rock It’, and the motivation behind writing it.

* Best advice to a first time facilitator.

* Her go-to icebreaker.

RESOURCES 

* Video: Your body language may shape who you are by Amy Cuddy

* Websites: Leadership HQ and Sonia McDonald

* Book: Just Rock It by Sonia McDonald

SHOW TRANSCRIPT

Leanne: Hi I’m Leanne, and I live in Brisbane Australia. I’ve created this podcast to really help those of you who are experts –  or look if you don’t like that word, you’re pretty good at what you do, and now you wanna take that leap, and share your skills and knowledge with others. From my experience, I remember that it’s difficult taking that first step to become a facilitator. So through this show, I’ll be interviewing some amazing guests who will share their tips, tricks, and give you actionable advice. Also from time to time I’ll record some solo episodes that really hone in on specific training, and facilitation skills.

Interviews and links that we talk about on the show can be found at firsttimefacilitator.com, and I’d love you to support the podcast by subscribing to it in iTunes. Now let’s move on to our very first guest Sonia McDonald from Leadership HQ. She’s an absolute power house. And I hope you feel inspired to take the leap into f...

Welcome to the first ever episode of the First Time Facilitator podcast.

This podcast is for those of you that are experts and want to share your knowledge and skills with others.  In my experience, it can be difficult taking that first step to become a facilitator.

Today’s guest, and our very first, Sonia McDonald, will share some amazing advice and some tips and tricks on facilitation and training.

Sonia was recently named in the top 250 influential women across the globe by Richtopia. She’s an entrepreneur, though leader, a keynote speaker, executive coach, board advisor, and author. She’s the CEO and founder of Leadership HQ and is launching her latest book ‘Just Rock It’ in February.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT:

* Sonia’s response when someone asked if she knew anything about leadership.

* How she was unprepared for what was to come when founding Leadership HQ.

* Her success expectation after she created the leadership blog.

* An insightful piece of advice to people that need that extra push or courage to stand at the front of the room.

* How she’s able to fill the room with immense energy while presenting.

* Key skills you need to learn so as to engage people in a workshop.

* Skills she’s improved over the years and how she did it.

* How she’s able to communicate in different styles to different types of audiences.

* Best way to embed learning after a workshop.

* The biggest challenge in the leadership space.

* Why you should read Sonia’s new book, ‘Just Rock It’, and the motivation behind writing it.

* Best advice to a first time facilitator.

* Her go-to icebreaker.

RESOURCES 

* Video: Your body language may shape who you are by Amy Cuddy

* Websites: Leadership HQ and Sonia McDonald

* Book: Just Rock It by Sonia McDonald

SHOW TRANSCRIPT

Leanne: Hi I’m Leanne, and I live in Brisbane Australia. I’ve created this podcast to really help those of you who are experts –  or look if you don’t like that word, you’re pretty good at what you do, and now you wanna take that leap, and share your skills and knowledge with others. From my experience, I remember that it’s difficult taking that first step to become a facilitator. So through this show, I’ll be interviewing some amazing guests who will share their tips, tricks, and give you actionable advice. Also from time to time I’ll record some solo episodes that really hone in on specific training, and facilitation skills.

Interviews and links that we talk about on the show can be found at firsttimefacilitator.com, and I’d love you to support the podcast by subscribing to it in iTunes. Now let’s move on to our very first guest Sonia McDonald from Leadership HQ. She’s an absolute power house. And I hope you feel inspired to take the leap into f...