Work Fame with Leanne Hughes

Just wrapped a long 10-kilometre hike, and I’m sitting in a warm tea house in Ache feeling a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. Today’s episode is about making the most of what you’ve already got, staying organized at altitude, and finding small ways to refresh your day even when resources are limited.

From icy tracks that demanded every ounce of focus to passing a memorial for trekkers who never made it back, I reflect on what really matters on the trail. I talk about the little victories, discovering the true value of my gear, reshuffling my duffle bag, and turning what I packed into fresh outfits and routines each day.

Plus, the everyday surprises no one warns you about: missing socks, harder to close bags, and the mental effort of keeping everything in order while moving higher. It’s a reminder that even small adjustments can make a big difference.

Takeaways

Limited resources can spark creativity and fresh perspectives.

Value the items that truly make a difference; not everything is replaceable.

Small changes, swapping buffs, hats, socks, or layers, can feel like a reset.

You don’t always need something new to feel inspired; sometimes innovation comes from what’s already in your bag.

Pour yourself a warm drink and join me as I catch my breath, appreciate the views, and experiment with the little ways we can refresh our days without adding anything new.

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Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

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I sat down in Brisbane with my friend and fellow facilitator, Steph Clarke, to dig into team coaching—what it is, how it differs from facilitation, and why letting a little chaos reign can be the catalyst a dysfunctional team actually needs. Steph shared what she learned during her accreditation, including how a coach intervenes with questions (not directives), works with the team in situ, and helps teams build the vocabulary to talk about tension, purpose, decision-making, and accountability in real time.

We also geek out on visual facilitation—running sessions with no slides, using the room intentionally, and creating artifacts people actually keep. Steph’s honest stories (including the “we’re honest… until the break-time side chats” moment) show how tiny shifts—language, posture, and what we notice—change team behavior far beyond a retreat.

Key takeaways

• Team coaching ≠ facilitation: coaches hold space for discomfort and coach the team-as-a-system, not individuals.
• Don’t rush to “accountability.” Start with clear commitments people make to themselves and the support they need from others.
• Use the room: no tables, no default “front,” more movement, more ownership. Visuals beat dense slides.
• Purpose first: “Why do we exist, who do we serve, and how are we greater than the sum of our parts?”

Memorable lines

• “You have to let the chaos reign—then intervene with the right question.” —Steph
• “We’re ‘honest’ until the break… then the real honesty happens in side conversations.” —Me (calling out what I saw)

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Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

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Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

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Email me: [email protected]

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When you meet someone who’s genuinely passionate about PowerPoint, you know it’s going to be a great conversation. My guest today is Thomas Krafft, co-founder of Blue Box Data Storytelling, and honestly, I think of him as “Mr. Toastmaster.” He’s a speaker, MC, PowerPoint strategist, and all-round presentation geek who loves helping people communicate more clearly and confidently.

In this episode, we dive into the art and science of PowerPoint—why “death by PowerPoint” isn’t the software’s fault, and how to design slides that actually support your message rather than distract from it. Thomas shares his golden rule for every slide (“what can I remove and still make sense?”), and we talk about how simple, visual storytelling beats walls of text every time.

We also explore how his aviation background, his partnership with Kate Norris, and their combined introvert/extrovert dynamic make for powerful workshop facilitation. Thomas talks about routines, music, and energy management before stepping on stage, and why he believes nerves and excitement are the same thing—just labelled differently.

• Why “death by PowerPoint” is a user error, not a software flaw
• How to “show what you can’t tell”
• The best question to ask when designing slides: what can I remove?
• Structuring workshops and keynotes visually
• Co-facilitation dynamics: how Thomas and Kate tag-team strengths
• The importance of knowing your audience and having clear “know” and “do” outcomes
• Using music to shift energy and engagement in workshops
• Turning nervousness into excitement before a presentation

• “You wouldn’t blame Toyota for bad drivers—PowerPoint isn’t the problem.”
• “Show me what you can’t tell me.”
• “If it’s worth speaking about, it’s worth being excited about.”
• “Your slides come after your script.”

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Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

Let's connect on all the channels:

Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

Leanne Hughes on Instagram

Visit my website: leannehughes.com

Email me: [email protected]

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I’m coming to you from high in the Himalayas at around 4,400 meters, absolutely exhausted but strangely proud after one of the toughest days of this trek. Today’s episode is all about the reality of hitting altitude, running on zero sleep, and somehow joining the 5,000 Meter Club after a three-hour climb straight uphill.

From steep trails to thin air to the kind of exhaustion that makes you question all of your life choices, I share what it’s really like to trek in the Himalayas when your body is screaming for rest. I also talk about a beautiful moment of calm at a monastery, how grounding it felt to sit in stillness, and why these tiny pockets of peace matter more than ever out here.

Plus, I open up about the challenges no one warns you about: freezing mornings, no heating, unpredictable sleep, and the mental discipline of putting one foot in front of the other when everything feels hard.

Takeaways:

Altitude is no joke: Even “acclimatization hikes” can be brutal.

Rest when you can: Insomnia is common at this height, so prioritizing recovery matters.

Find stillness: Even a few minutes of meditation can reset everything.

Stay present: Focus on the next step, not the next few days.

Respect the mountains: EBC is beautiful, but it’s tough — way tougher than most people admit.

Grab your warm drink and join me as I catch my breath, soak in the mountains, and get ready for another day on this wild adventure.

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Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

Let's connect on all the channels:

Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

Leanne Hughes on Instagram

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Email me: [email protected]

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Today, I hit a wall. Not the usual “this is hard but I’ll push through” kind, but a full, unexpected breakdown in the middle of a mountain trail.

I’ve done marathons, brutal training sessions, and long endurance days, but this felt different. It wasn’t the altitude or the terrain that got me. It was this strange, overwhelming wave of exhaustion that left me sitting on a rock, crying for the first time mid-hike. It caught me completely off guard.

In this episode, I share what it felt like to disconnect from my body, how music didn’t save me this time, and what I learned from being the person at the back of the group, holding on to trekking poles for dear life.

It’s about more than a tough day. It’s about listening when your body says enough, learning to pause without guilt, and realising that even in breakdowns, there’s a quiet kind of strength.

Takeaways:

• Your body whispers before it screams. Pay attention.

• Food is fuel, even when you have no appetite.

• Don’t look too far ahead. One small step is enough.

• Slowing down isn’t failure. It’s survival.

• Sometimes a good cry is part of the climb.

Thanks for walking this path with me — tears, sweat, and all.

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Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

Let's connect on all the channels:

Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

Leanne Hughes on Instagram

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Email me: [email protected]

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I’m checking in from the stunning mountain town of Namche Bazaar, and wow, what a place. It’s full of cafés, shops, and even nightclubs, which feels kind of wild this high up. We had an acclimatization day yesterday, which sounds chill… but it was definitely not. Every step uphill was a challenge, but when I reached the top and saw Mount Everest for the first time, it honestly took my breath away in more ways than one.

Afterward, I treated myself to a massage, a hair wash, and even wood-fired pizza, because who knows when I’ll find those luxuries again. Today we’re off on another 10K trek, climbing another 400 meters toward our next stop. I’m feeling good overall, just a little congested from the cold air and dust.

In this quick check-in, I share:

• What an “acclimatization hike” really feels like 😅

• How I’m managing mild altitude symptoms

• My switch from coffee to lemon-ginger-honey tea

• Thoughts on Diamox and why I haven’t started it yet

• My mini obsession with tracking oxygen levels

• Why going slow and steady is my motto up here

It’s all about taking it one step at a time, literally. Feeling grateful, grounded, and ready for the next climb. Thanks for listening, and I’ll catch you again from higher up the trail. 🌄

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Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

Let's connect on all the channels:

Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

Leanne Hughes on Instagram

Visit my website: leannehughes.com

Email me: [email protected]

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Hey friends! I’m recording from MHA Bizarre, 3,400 meters above sea level, so if I sound a little breathless… well, that’s why. 😅

Day one and two were epic. We flew into Lukla Airport in Nepal, often called one of the world’s most dangerous airports due to its short runway, steep drop‑off, and mountain terrain. The views of the Himalayas were absolutely breathtaking. From the airport, we hiked nine kilometers over uneven terrain and windy conditions to our tea house. Hiking poles were lifesavers, and I learned the importance of going slow and being present with every step. I even tried Sherpa bread for the first time—so good!

Day one also had me facing a fear of suspension bridges, with a guide backing me up. Day two was a whole new level of intensity—three kilometers of uphill hiking that felt harder than a marathon. My oxygen saturation and readiness score were low, but slowing down allowed me to fully soak in the surreal scenery. Being forced to focus on each step made me feel completely in the moment.

Despite the exhaustion, the magical views, warm hospitality, and a wood‑fire pizza at 3,440 meters made every step worth it.

Takeaways:

• Slow is powerful – Taking it step by step protects your body and lets you absorb the experience.
• Stay present – When you focus on each step you’re grounded and less distracted.
• Face fears – That suspension bridge moment reminded me growth happens outside comfort zones.
• Prep matters – Good gear, hiking poles, pacing… make a big difference at altitude.
• Beauty is everywhere – From views to bread to pizza, every moment has something to treasure.
• Know your body – At high altitude, logging oxygen, pacing yourself and listening matter.

Pre-order my new book WORK FAME and get featured on the Wall of Work Fame

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Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

Let's connect on all the channels:

Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

Leanne Hughes on Instagram

Visit my website: leannehughes.com

Email me: [email protected]

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I’m recording this from Kathmandu — my last night before the trek begins! 🏔️

It’s Friday afternoon, the bags are (mostly) packed, and I’ve just wrapped up our group briefing with Matt Stewart from Experience Not Felt Possible. Tomorrow, we fly into one of the most challenging airports in the world before starting our Everest Base Camp adventure. The excitement (and a few nerves) are definitely real.

In this episode, I share:

✨ What it feels like to be in Kathmandu right before the trek kicks off

✨ The story behind this year’s trip theme — G.O.O.Y.W: Get Out Of Your Way — and why it’s already changing how I think

✨ My plan to go slow, take photos, and actually enjoy the journey

✨ How a shopping detour with my new friend Bianca made me late to the briefing (and how that turned into a laugh)

✨ My favorite gear finds — including the most perfect $50 blue North Face jacket

✨ And a quick message from my performance coach, Kyle Mooney, reminding me to keep it simple: “Don’t be shit.”

It’s a mix of anticipation, reflection, and honesty — that moment before stepping into something unknown. Thanks for listening — next time, I’ll be somewhere on the trail. 🌏✨

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Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

Let's connect on all the channels:

Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

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Visit my website: leannehughes.com

Email me: [email protected]

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I loved this conversation with Andrew Tarvin—the world’s first “humor engineer.” Andrew trained as a computer science engineer, worked at Procter & Gamble as an IT project manager, and then discovered a powerful truth: you can’t be efficient with humans; you have to be effective. He started sneaking tiny moments of humor into meetings and emails and watched engagement, memory, and relationships skyrocket. Today he runs Humor That Works, helping teams use humor deliberately to get better results at work.

In this episode, Andrew breaks down how to start (even if you’re not “the funny one”), why humor is a learnable skill, and a practical framework—MAP (Medium, Audience, Purpose)—to choose the right kind of humor for your context. We talk subject-line puns, image-rich slides, “shepherding” humor when you’re not ready to create your own, how improv reps make facilitation easier, and why sustained, light-touch humor changes behavior over time (people actually look forward to your meetings!).

• Efficient vs effective: why humor saves time in the long run
• The Humor MAP: Medium, Audience, Purpose—pick your humor on purpose
• Easy starters: open with an interesting question; hide a playful image “Easter egg” in slides; end emails with a themed pun
• Online delivery: use visuals + association to keep attention and boost recall
• Building the habit: keep a humor notebook, apply the “Rule of 90,” and test ideas in low-stakes ways (tweets, friends, stand-up, improv)
• Facilitator edge: improv as the best practice for thinking on your feet

• Tiny, consistent humor shifts expectations and attendance: people opt in because your sessions feel human and enjoyable.
• You don’t have to be a comedian—be a shepherd of humor: curate images, stories, or clips that fit your message and audience.

• “You can’t be efficient with humans—you have to be effective.”
• “Humor is a skill. That means it can be learned.”

• Andrew Tarvin / Humor That Works (training + newsletter)
• TEDx talks by Andrew Tarvin (Ohio State; Texas A&M)
• Podcasts for studying comedic craft: WTF with Marc Maron, Comedy Bang! Bang!, Bill Burr’s Monday Morning Podcast
• Book: Humor That Works (500+ ways to use humor at work)

Pre-order my new book WORK FAME and get featured on the Wall of Work Fame

Sign up for free for my best articles every week: Work Fame.

Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

Let's connect on all the channels:

Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

Leanne Hughes on Instagram

Visit my website: leannehughes.com

Email me: [email protected]

Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

I loved this conversation with my former WA colleague, Sherell Whitney—facilitator, inventor, and founder of Lift Performance Solutions. Sherell has hopped across industries (law, tourism, health, consulting) and brings that breadth to the room. We dig into how to create a genuinely safe training environment fast, why those first three minutes matter so much, what to pack in your “Mary Poppins” facilitation bag, and how to respond when tricky behaviors show up. We also explore team roles (Belbin), the courage to create, and how failure can become an asset.

• Trust is won in the first three minutes. Be yourself, name the purpose/outcomes, and—if needed—name the elephant in the room.
• “The wisdom is in the room.” Ask more than you tell; you’re there to facilitate, not to impress.
• Ground rules are gold. Co-create them early so you can call them in (not people out) when energy dips or disruptions pop.
• Pack like Mary Poppins. Extra icebreakers/energizers, paper, pens, Blu Tack, and a beach ball with prompt questions—be ready to flex.
• Design for time. Know your run sheet and stay adaptable.
• Use strengths smartly. Belbin reveals how people behave in teams (complements tools like MBTI/DISC).
• Failure ≠ finale. Treat it as paid-for learning you can reuse.

• Belbin Team Roles, DISC, MBTI
• Books:
• The Other F Word — John Danner & Mark Coopersmith
• Smart Leaders, Smart Teams — Roger Schwarz
• The Five Dysfunctions of a Team — Patrick Lencioni
• The Art of Facilitation and The Zen of Groups — Dale Hunter

Pre-order my new book WORK FAME and get featured on the Wall of Work Fame

Sign up for free for my best articles every week: Work Fame.

Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

Let's connect on all the channels:

Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn

Leanne Hughes on Instagram

Visit my website: leannehughes.com

Email me: [email protected]

Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.