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Leanne Hughes from the First Time Facilitator blog reveals all of her group facilitation, training and workshop tips and tricks so you can be ahead of the curve the next time you step out in front of a group.Discover how you can tweak elements of your facilitation style, or incorporate new techniques to engage your audience and leave with lasting impact (and 5-star feedback). Icebreakers, leadership, group interaction, preparation, games, conflict, props, flip-charts, delivery, voice, body language, confidence, discussions and everything that works (and doesn’t work) to help you better understand how to deliver and connect with your audience, every single time.
I wrote this article this after being on a group call where one person dominated the airtime. You know the ones, right?
As facilitators, it’s our job to respect the room, the time, and the energy of everyone there. And sometimes, that means stepping in. Yes, interrupting can feel awkward — but if you do it with care, it can completely transform the vibe of your sessions.
In this episode, I share:
This one's all about giving you permission to run a tight, purposeful room — and boost your Work Fame while you’re at it.
🧠 Mentioned:
🎧 And hey, if you’re into more short, punchy episodes like this, check out my daily podcast Leanne On Demand.
Let’s keep the room moving. Enjoy the episode!
If you're nodding along to today's First Time Facilitator episode, you're going to love my written companion: Work Fame — a weekly Spublication designed to help you stand out in your work, build your reputation, and get the opportunities others don’t.
📝 Subscribe for free at work.fa.me
See you in your inbox.
Hey, thanks for tuning in today. I just wrapped up a webinar for a long-time client — an organization that delivers live, critical, and completely anonymous support via webinars.
That’s right. No faces. No names. Just silence... and a flurry of comments in the chat.
So how do you respond when the comments start rolling in — especially when the stakes are high and the people on the other side might be feeling overwhelmed, unseen, or unheard?
Today, I share the 4 archetypes I’ve created to explain the choices we have when responding to chat — in real-time, whether you're on a livestream, hosting a masterclass, or even navigating in-person Q&A.
🌀 The Fog – You miss the moment
👀 The Birdwatcher – You see it, let it fly
👂 The Listener – You acknowledge, but don’t fix
🗺 The Guide – You go there, with intention
We also talk:
If you ever find yourself juggling incoming comments with a tight run sheet, this one’s for you.
Let me know which archetype you default to — and if you’ve found any hacks for managing emotional or high-stakes chat in live sessions.
Speak tomorrow!
Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.
Tune in over here!
(Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).
I’m so excited to take you behind the scenes of my rebranding journey—aka Leanne 3.0. In this replay, I chat with Jason Knight, the brilliant mind behind my new brand.
Watch our conversation on YouTube to see the brand!
Jason and I first connected on my First Time Facilitator podcast back in 2019, and five years later, I finally brought him on board to reimagine how I show up in the world.
But this episode isn’t just about the shiny new website (even though I love it)—it’s about the process.
Rebranding wasn’t even on my radar this year, but during my Radical Reboot on the Gold Coast, I realised my old brand was... fine.
But “fine” isn’t what I want to offer my clients.
Jason and I dive into the messy middle of branding—balancing tensions like approachability vs. luxury, identifying my essence (hello, “Tropical Courage”), and figuring out how to reflect me through visuals, words, and vibes. If you’ve ever thought about rebranding or just need a confidence boost, this one’s for you.
10 key insights:
Why this matters to you:
If you’re thinking about rebranding, or you’re stuck in the “good but not great” phase, here’s what I’ve learned:
A challenge for you:
Jason asked me this question early on: How would you explain what you do to a seven-year-old? It was harder than I thought! Try it yourself—simplifying your message is a game-changer.
This was such a fun journey, and I hope it gives you some ideas for your own brand evolution.
And hey, if you’ve checked out my new website and found any bugs, send me a screenshot (hello@leannehughes.com), and I’ll
Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.
Tune in over here!
(Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).
Fresh off a Las Vegas red carpet experience, Leanne Hughes sits down with legendary consultant Alan Weiss for a candid conversation about career risks, professional reinvention, and the art of strategic decision-making.
Drawing parallels between Vegas gambling and career moves, this episode delivers unexpected insights about when to hold steady and when to make bold moves in your professional life.
Whether you're contemplating a career pivot or looking to level up your impact, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on professional risk-taking.
What You'll Learn:
Key Quote: "You need to pursue what you love doing that can make you money... The ideal thing is you should be making money to support the lifestyle to which you aspire and loving what you do every day." - Alan Weiss
Whether you're an independent consultant, corporate professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers practical wisdom for making strategic career moves without gambling away your future.
Want to connect?
Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.
Tune in over here!
(Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).
In this episode of the First Time Facilitator podcast, host Leanne Hughes welcomes Mary-Louise (ML) Huppatz, CEO of the Association for Tertiary Education Management (ATEM), to discuss her unique approach to conferences, leading change, and facilitation.
ML's passion for people and creating meaningful learning experiences comes through as she shares insights into how she transforms conferences from routine events into transformative experiences.
Abut today's guest: ML Huppatz
ML is CEO for the Association for Tertiary Education Management (ATEM) - a job that she describes as being the #1 cheerleader for people working in the sector. She is passionate about people with a capital P - and focuses on creating learning experiences which support self mastery and confidence, development of an individual's leadership, and helping people to thrive in their own career journeys.
On a Thursday night you will find her moonlighting as Rakali - a Joey leader at 5th Brunswick Scouts, and loving nurturing the next generation of leaders."
Episode Highlights:
The Delegate Experience: Redefining Conferences:
ML discusses the importance of creating meaningful networking opportunities and how ATEM designs conference spaces to encourage organic connections.
Key Strategies for Crafting Unforgettable Conferences
Innovating the Role of the MC: The Conference Catalyst
ML’s Personal Leadership Journey
Key Takeaways:
Connect with ML Huppatz
Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.
Tune in over here!
(Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).
In this episode of the First Time Facilitator podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Steve Demedio to the show. Steve shares his inspiring journey from a career in sales leadership to becoming a passionate facilitator obsessed with creating engaging and memorable learning experiences.
Join us for our retreat: The Red Carpet Campout
Psst.. Come along to our Red Carpet Campout 10-12 March, 2025, only 90 mins from Brisbane, Australia. Only six tents remain!
What You'll Learn:
About Steven Demedio
Steve Demedio is an entrepreneur, facilitator, travel consultant, and home-made pizza and camping enthusiast, but above all, a devoted father and husband. His career is built upon a foundation of roles in sales, management, learning, and facilitation across the travel, IT, and corporate services sectors.
Steve’s career has been full of unexpected twists, yet his clear purpose has always been rooted in people, connection, and communication.
Recently, Steve joined forces with his long-time friend Mark Hodgson, who founded Mind & Body Travel in 2019. Together, they’ve created a unique synergy between travel, training, and events.
As Director of Mind & Body Group, Steve curates and facilitates inspiring retreats and training programs that bring teams together, unlocking deeper levels of authentic connection and collaboration.
Connect with Steven Demedio:
Every day in 2025, Leanne is podcasting on her new show, Leanne on Demand.
Tune in over here!
(Otherwise, enjoy the back catalogue of First Time Facilitator episodes).
Host Leanne Hughes takes you behind the scenes of the recent "How to Face Change" event she co-hosted with Michael Bungay Stanier (MBS).
From brainstorming ideas, locking in the perfect venue, to manufacturing demand for tickets, Leanne spills all the details on how they turned a bold idea into an unforgettable experience.
Expect candid reflections, actionable tips, and a whole lot of fun as Leanne shares the highs, challenges, and big wins from this Brisbane-based event.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Episode Highlights:
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Upcoming Events with Leanne:
Join the Conversation: What resonated with you from today’s episode? Let us know! Share your thoughts on social media and tag Leanne and Michael.
In this episode, we're joined by Hitomi Whitlock, Organizational Change Manager at the University of Washington's Housing and Food Services, and an experienced real estate investor.
Hitomi shares her journey from moving to the U.S. as a child to leading change at one of the nation's top universities—all while managing a successful real estate business.
🔍 What You’ll Learn:
About Hitomi Whitlock
Hitomi is an Organizational Change Manager at the University of Washington's Housing and Food Services and a real estate investor, co-owning a property management business in the Seattle area since 2005. She attributes her success to her customer-centric focus and effective communication, always thinking about how to best serve her customers. Hitomi loves making new connections and friends while nurturing existing relationships. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, attending concerts, and exploring new restaurants/bars with family and friends.
📌 Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Come along to our event! https://lu.ma/rooftopbne
In this episode, host Leanne Hughes chats with Michael Bungay Stanier on their upcoming event in Brisbane together on 3 Sep 2024, and the art of co-facilitation.
Reflecting on their first podcast experience in Brisbane, they dive into topics such as managing facilitation dynamics, preparing for keynotes, and what makes their upcoming event in Brisbane unique.
They also share personal anecdotes and practical tips for successful facilitation, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in leadership and change management.
Welcome and Introduction
Reflecting on Past Collaborations
Upcoming Event: How to Face Change
The Art of Co-Facilitation
Why You Should Attend
Closing Remarks and Excitement
In this episode, host Leanne Hughes provides an update on her activities as a solopreneur and content creator, sharing insights from her recent experiences and projects.
She provides an update on her book, some of the work she's delivered this year, including a recent innovative conference presentation focused on flexibility.
She also shares upcoming events like a rooftop workshop in Brisbane with Michael Bungay Stanier and a small group workshop in Las Vegas.
You'll also hear the first episode of Talk the Walk with Alan Weiss, a bi-monthly broadcast coming to you on LinkedIn and YouTube!
Cool events: