First Time Facilitator

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I 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:

1. Creating a Sense of Belonging in Workshops
   • Strategies and tools to foster an environment where everyone feels like they are a valued part of the conversation.
2. Going Beyond 'Tick and Flick'
   • Delving deeper than superficial diversity initiatives and truly embedding inclusive practices in the organization.
3. Standing in Your Value
   • Recognizing and appreciating your unique contribution to the workspace and the importance of every individual's perspective.
4. Workshop Structure and Participant Awareness
   • Insights into how Nancy designs her sessions to be most effective and how she ensures she remains attuned to participants' needs and responses.
5. Embracing Self-Worth and Belonging
   • The 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.com
Connect with Nancy 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!

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As 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:

1. We’re all gonna die: A reminder of our impermanence.
2. If you're feeling like a fish out of water, find a new pond: Adaptability is key.
3. Shake hands with your heroes, they probably have sweaty palms, too: We’re all human at the end of the day.
4. There is no glass ceiling: Limitations are often self-imposed.
5. Your clicking reveals your calling: Listen to what resonates with you.
6. Live regionally, work globally: Embrace the vast opportunities the world offers.
7. Be like Tom Cruise in the moments that matter: Show up and give it your best.
8. Find the pattern interrupter in your life: Break monotonies and spark creativity.
9. If you don’t have permission, get permission: Advocate for your own desires and goals.
10. Share your work in public: Be open and transparent in your endeavors.
11. Double click everyday moments: Find depth in daily occurrences.
12. 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 [email protected]

Links and Resources:

• Don Miller’s Hero on a Mission
• Kathy Oneto: Sustainable Ambition
• Jenny Blake: Free Time
• Alan Weiss
• Live in the regions! Check out Move to More

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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In 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 Skipper

Jeff 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 change
• Practical strategies for engaging people during times of disruption.
• How leaders can inspire trust and commitment in their teams
• The 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 Website
• Jeff Skipper's Book: "Dancing with Disruption"
• Connect with Jeff Skipper 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

Send Leanne a message

In 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 OAM

In 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 Award

Sophie’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 Facebook
• My new book is out: The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint: Design Fast. Deliver Strong. Without Stress.
• Grab it, then Write an Amazon review!

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 today's episode, I chat with Brendon Baker, a change leader I've had the pleasure of knowing for over a year and a half. Our professional relationship has grown from friendtorshop to active collaboration. 
We discuss the core of his workshops, how to deliver real value, and his personal experiences with business growth.

About Brendon Baker:

Brendon is dedicated to helping Change Leaders achieve tangible results. He's been at the helm of over $10 Billion in projects and programs, and from these ventures, he's gathered key insights:

1. Change is tough, so it needs to be worth the effort.
2. Simple solutions often yield the best results.
3. Traditional methods and 'best practices' don't always translate well into practical situations.

Brendon is the author of "Valuable Change" and "Creating High Value PMOs". He lives outside of Canberra, Australia.

What you'll learn:

• The story behind Brendan Baker's business growth and his journey towards helping leaders.
• The significance of understanding the "reality" in corporate scenarios.
• The essence and application of workshops in creating change.
• Perception of Last-minute Work: Reframing that last-minute preparation might be seen as scrappy or inadequate. 
• The value of being in communities to find your next career role model.

Quotes from the episode:

• "I've come to call that a point of arrogance... they think that what they're delivering is right and ultimately they don't know."
• "If you focus on what truly needs to matter, then you don't have to do as much work and you can focus on shifting the dial."
• "Workshops are for teaching people new things and for collaboratively solving problems."

Join us as we navigate the fascinating world of leadership, transformation, and the intricacies of creating meaningful change with Brendon Baker.

Connect with Brendon

• Visit Brendon’s website
• Connect with Brendon Baker 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

Send Leanne a message

Welcome 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 links

• Grab the book The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint: Design Fast. Deliver Strong. Without Stress: https://2hourwork.shop
• Website: https://www.leannehughes.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannehughes/

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 today's episode, your host Leanne Hughes delves deep into her journey as a participant and her experiences leading up to a world-class speaking conference in Hobart. She also touches upon the significance of mindset in the world of speaking, facilitation, and beyond.

She also touches upon the significance of mindset in the world of speaking, facilitation, and beyond.

What you will learn:

• The importance of setting the right pre-conference expectations and the art of crafting a powerful pre-event experience.
• How the location of an event can significantly shape a participant's experience and perspective.
• Dressing the Part: The Psychology of Becoming a World-Class Speaker
• The value of provoking thought, over disseminating information
• What does being "world-class" mean to you?
• What I get ready before I attend an event, and how I decide to choose my accommodation.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Check out the workshop hosts: Andrew Griffiths and Keith Abraham
• Jenny Blake's TED conference episode: 10+ Conference Networking Strategies with Alisa Cohn
• "The Referrable Speaker" by Michael Port
• Review my new book, The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint on Amazon 
• Send me an email: [email protected] or connect 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

Send Leanne a message

In today's episode, I’m delighted to welcome Sally Porteous, the esteemed Managing Director of a renowned event production company. Sally has a wealth of knowledge to share on how to lead transformative workshops and captivating events. Her experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the surprising parallels that exist within these arenas.

Sally will walk us through her unique journey into the vibrant world of event management, a journey that was as much about self-discovery as it was about realizing her inherent strengths and discovering her 'zone of genius'. She shares compelling anecdotes that illustrate how natural talents can often be things that others find challenging.

We'll be diving deep into the art of setting up the perfect environment for your events and workshops right from the get-go. Sally will share some unusual sources of inspiration, including the simple act of observing interactions at shopping centers or malls. Her perspectives will certainly open up new ways of thinking about event planning.

This episode is packed with valuable insights from Sally. She will share a set of powerful closing questions for your workshops that not only ease your workload but also ensure that participants fully engage with and remember the content. It's all about fostering a sense of co-creation.

About today’s guest
Sally Porteous is Managing Director of event production company Red Lanyard, where she produces festivals, conferences, events and meetings. She is the creator of the Event Planners Workshop, a series of training, coaching and mentoring products to bridge the gap between accredited education and learn-by-doing. She also coordinates and facilitates The Event Managers Network, a membership that connects, supports and networks suppliers and event managers.

Links and Resources:

• Connect with Sally Porteous on LinkedIn
• Attached is the questionnaire that Sally shares on the show.
• Credit to Michael Doneman, Founding Director of Edgeware Creative Entrepreneurship
• Link to Sally’s simple Pre-Event Checklist 

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

Today, I'm chatting to Andrew Hollo, Director and Principal Consultant at Workwell Consulting, who shares his unique insights on facilitation and strategic alignment. I've got to say, after we finished recording, I wanted to share this episode with absolutely anybody who runs a facilitation business!

What You'll Learn:

• The importance of organising and summarising information (and how you can get better at it)
• How feeling under-prepared can sometimes foster agility in facilitation
• The power of directing conversations with two or three key questions
• How to maintain visibility and engagement with potential clients
• Navigating challenging situations in a leadership development session

About the Guest:
Andrew Hollo is Australia’s leading expert in getting diverse interests to reach a strategically aligned position. As the Director and Principal Consultant at Workwell Consulting, he works with organisations that deliver societal benefits and are community-invested. 

Andrew has led over 1000 projects for clients who deliver substantial public value, including government and non-government bodies, privately held companies, and non-profits since 1999. His expertise lies in challenging existing paradigms and driving diverse views to clear, high-value conceptual agreements in the shortest possible time.

Links and Resources:

• Connect with Andrew on his website workwell.com.au and LinkedIn
• Grab Andrew's book "From Impossible to Possible"
• Sign up for Andrew's weekly newsletter
• Visit our website firsttimefacilitator.com for more resources
• Participate in our LinkedIn challenge and stand a chance to win a copy of our book!

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

Woo hoo! Fun, pop-up, unedited episode that I felt compelled to jump in and record on a beautiful Brisbane winter day.

Today, I share an exciting example from a conference she recently worked on and how we incorporated something unpredictable, based on a fairly predictable conversation :) 

What You Will Learn:

• How to find inspiration in everyday moments and translate them into your workshop design. Leanne shares her personal experiences and interesting anecdotes that sparked unique ideas.
• How to incorporate X-Factor ideas into your workshops to make them stand out. Leanne shares the example of a 'morning show' theme she implemented during a conference, which became a hit with the attendees.

Your invitation: The 4-Week Workshop Sprint
Let’s spend four weeks together, going beyond the pages of The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint to make your workshop the best, damn, thing ever, and something you’re incredibly proud to showcase, host, and share with the world.

This is a live program starting on the 7th of August, 2023, limited to 16 people, where Leanne offers personalised support and feedback for your program, to get you producing great workshops, with a bit of x-factor thrown in!

• Find out more about The 4-Week Workshop Sprint
• Grab a copy of Leanne's new book, The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint

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