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...