First Time Facilitator Leanne Hughes

 Watch our conversation on YouTube!

My experience with luck has been, you can actually optimize for luck. So, what is this got to do with workshops and facilitation and hosting group events?

I think it has a lot to do with it. If your goal is next year to create more workshops, to work with really great clients, to be more aligned with the work that you do-- yhere's an element of intentionality around that and making a decision and making a choice. And I'm currently going through that at the moment.

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Christian Busch, the author of the book “The Serendipity Mindset: The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck”. He’s the Director of Global Economy Program at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs where he teaches on purpose-driven leadership, impact, entrepreneurship, innovation, and emerging markets. 
He’s been featured on many TEDx Talks. I recently watched one of the TEDx Talks he was in, and it was so fantastic; I’ve decided to invite him here. Join me as we learn from what Christian has to share today.
  In this conversation, you’ll hear Dr. Christian discuss:
What it actually means to cultivate a serendipity mindsetThe difference between blind luck and smart luckThe fear of missing outThe contrast between planning and being open to opportunitiesThe dynamics between being an introvert and an extrovertHow introverts can cultivate more serendipity in their lifeRapid Round Conversation moments:
The difference between blind luck and smart luck How to balance FOMO while cultivating serendipity in your life -- the hook strategy It’s great to have a milestone but why would you limit yourself to that?How to bring serendipity as a mindset in your day-to-dayCultivating serendipity when you’re an introvertConnect with Dr. Christian Busch here:
Dr. Christian’s websiteDr. Christian on LinkedInDr. Christian on Twitter Rapid Round Recommendations:
Book: “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. FranklTool: HeadspaceSong: “Beautiful Day” by U2Quote: “We cannot always control the situation we’re in, but we can always control our response to it.” – Viktor E. FranklConnect with Leanne Hughes on all the platforms:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter
For suggestions, collaborations and queries, email me hello@leannehughes.com. Support this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review, it would mean a lot!
Thanks for being here. See you next week.


Thanks to our sponsor, Voltage ControlWhile I share tips and tricks on the podcast, Douglas Ferguson's facilitation certification programs give you a true deep dive into the world of facilitation + what it takes to drive those outcomes for your group.
It’s like an MBA for facilitation!
Dive in to find out more:
Voltage Control's Facilitation Certification
Support the show

How do you personally POWER YOURSELF UP to host a workshop when you're sleep deprived? That's the topic Leanne riffs off in this solo episode, where she shares ideas on:

* * Insights from her personal story on powering up after facing challenges like jet lag and disrupted routines.
* How personal energy significantly impacts workshop facilitation and the need to show up as your best self.
* Exploring various power-up routines, including environment shifts, the magic of music, and tailored playlists for different workshop vibes.
* Quick strategies for resetting and refocusing, such as gratitude practices, journaling, and the benefits of movement.

Join Leanne's free community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/firsttimefacilitator
Grab her book, The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint: https://2hourwork.shop
Thanks to our sponsor, Voltage ControlWhile I share tips and tricks on the podcast, Douglas Ferguson's facilitation certification programs give you a true deep dive into the world of facilitation + what it takes to drive those outcomes for your group.
It’s like an MBA for facilitation!
Dive in to find out more:
Voltage Control's Facilitation Certification
Support the show

Welcome back to another episode with your host, Leanne Hughes. I received a listener question from my friend, Juraj Holub and thought I'd share my thoughts on the show.

Here's the question:
I'm thinking about the flow of a session.

Let me share more details. 

Goal: I'd like the workshop participants to practice and learn "how to open a presentation."

Option A:
- Participants go first and deliver their opening to their current best capabilities. 
- We debrief each opening (What went well? What could be improved?)
- After that, I'll share and add additional tips on how to best open a presentation.

Option B:
- We start with a group brainstorming about the best ways to open a presentation.
- Only then do participants get the chance to step on stage and deliver their opening.
- We debrief each opening

What are your thoughts?
What factors would you consider in your response?

Resources Mentioned:
The Two Hour Workshop Blueprint (Leanne Hughes)Slido (Polling App)Remote People (Juraj's  New Business)Connect with JurajConnect with Leanne:
Instagram: @LeanneHughesLinkedIn: [Leanne Hughes's LinkedIn]Email: hello@leannehughes.comClosing Thoughts:
Leanne encourages listeners to stay subscribed for upcoming episodes, and welcomes feedback and questions through her social media and email.
Thanks to our sponsor, Voltage ControlWhile I share tips and tricks on the podcast, Douglas Ferguson's facilitation certification programs give you a true deep dive into the world of facilitation + what it takes to drive those outcomes for your group.
It’s like an MBA for facilitation!
Dive in to find out more:
Voltage Control's Facilitation Certification
Support the show

What does it mean to truly have the character of a leader? Is culture really something we can influence in an organisation?
 Watch our conversation on YouTube!
Shane Hatton is an author, trainer, coach, and speaker who is passionate about developing remarkable leaders and cultures. He works with organizations to close the leadership gap between mid and senior level leaders.
 Aside from being the author of the books “Let’s Talk Culture – The Conversations You Need to Create the Team You Want” and “Lead The Room – Communicate a Message That Counts in Moments That Matter”, Shane is also a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, a member of the Forbes Global Coaches Council, and is the Founder of the People Leaders Network.
 I met Shane on the Clubhouse app, where we had various conversations around various topics, but it was when I attended his book launch earlier this year in Sydney that we finally got to meet in real life.
 In this conversation, you’ll hear Shane discuss:
His book, “Let’s Talk Culture – The Conversations You Need to Create the Team You Want”The insights of culturePractical things leaders can do to build and reinforce their cultureHis personal insights on how he handles his energyHow he manages the contrast of being the person in front of the room and while also thriving behind the scenesRapid Round Connect with Shane Hatton here:
Shane’s websiteShane on InstagramShane on FacebookShane on TwitterShane on LinkedInShane on YouTubeRapid Round Recommendations:
Book: The Moment of Lift by Melinda GatesTool/App: ClickUpSong: Bohemian Rhapsody by QueenQuote: “The moment we begin to think we have all the answers, we forget all the questions.” – Madeleine L’EngleQuote: “You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a man is wise by his questions.” – Naguib MahfouzConnect with Leanne Hughes on all the platforms:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter
For suggestions, collaborations and queries, email me hello@leannehughes.com. Support this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review, it would mean a lot!
Thanks for being here. See you next week.
Thanks to our sponsor, Voltage ControlWhile I share tips and tricks on the podcast, Douglas Ferguson's facilitation certification programs give you a true deep dive into the world of facilitation + what it takes to drive those outcomes for your group.
It’s like an MBA for facilitation!
Dive in to find out more:
Voltage Control's Facilitation Certification
Support the show

Welcome to another episode of the First Time Facilitator podcast, where your host, Leanne Hughes, goes solo, diving deep into the Keep section of the SPARK framework, a crucial element of her book, "The Two Hour Workshop Blueprint," now available on Audible.
Key Takeaways:
Continuous Improvement: Learn about the importance of reflecting on what worked well in your past workshops and what didn't, to continuously improve and design more effectively for future sessions.Personal Organisation: Leanne shares her personal system of organising facilitator materialsLeveraging the Keep Method: Understand the intricacies of the Keep method in workshop desigSmart Resource Management: Learn about innovative ways to manage your resources, including using cloud services, books, and Post-it notes, to bookmark and quickly access your favorite workshop activities.Efficient Post-Workshop Practices: Find out why sending workshop show notes within 24 hours is crucial, and learn a practical approach to preparing and disseminating these resources promptly.Building a Resource Bank: Learn how to proactively compile and categorize a variety of resources, from books and podcasts to videos and articles, for easy access and reference.Thanks to our sponsor, Voltage ControlWhile I share tips and tricks on the podcast, Douglas Ferguson's facilitation certification programs give you a true deep dive into the world of facilitation + what it takes to drive those outcomes for your group.
It’s like an MBA for facilitation!
Dive in to find out more:
Voltage Control's Facilitation Certification
Support the show

Can you use space to create contrast, even in a virtual call? Today’s guest proves that you can!
We have an absolute world-leader in the field of nonverbal communication joining us on the show this week, Michael Grinder.
Michael has over 40 years of experience training thousands of groups. Known as the pioneer of nonverbal communication, Michael helps executives and educators assess people more accurately, connect with others more deeply, and build their charisma.
We explore how to use his famous model, the House of Communication in our workshops.
During this conversation, I picked up so many incredibly nuanced things you can do to boost the clarity of my communication in both virtual and face-to-face workshop environments.
The beauty of this conversation is how Michael talks about the large and the small, the micro and the macro, the philosophy around what you do, and then the micro: what type of chair you need, in order to do that.
We also delve into using space, and how to segment space within our environments.
About today’s guest: Michael Grinder
Michael Grinder has over 40 years of experience training thousands of groups. Known as the pioneer of nonverbal communication, Michael helps executives and educators assess people more accurately, connect with others more deeply, and build their charisma.
Two well-known experts personally trained Michael in the field of communication: Carl Rogers, the father of humanistic psychology, and Michael’s brother, Dr. John Grinder, co-founder of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. 
Over his career, Michael has written 14 books, which have been translated into seven languages. He’s a sought-after speaker for national and international events and has presented on seven continents. Some of Michael’s additional achievements include:
National Director of NLP for EducationTeacher of the year at three different schools in California, Washington, and Oregon.Recipient of the 2019 DACH “Mediator of the Year.”Today, Michael continues to train individuals and companies, and volunteers with community organizations. He lives in Washington State with Gail, the love of his life.
In this episode you will learn:
Importance of non-verbal elements in virtual workshopTips to better utilise our voice in a workshopHow you can “block/anchor” elements of the room during face-to-face and virtual workshopsHow to be confident during in-person and online workshops How to use your hands effectively, anytime you communicateThe difference between Intellectual safety vs. Emotional safety ABC's of conveying a message for in-person or virtual facilitationResources mentioned in the show:
Learn more about Michael Grinder on his website5 Circles of HumannessLearn more about non-verbal communications tips by Michael Grinder on House of CommunicationsConnect with Michael Grinder on LinkedInWatch more non-verbal comThanks to our sponsor, Voltage ControlWhile I share tips and tricks on the podcast, Douglas Ferguson's facilitation certification programs give you a true deep dive into the world of facilitation + what it takes to drive those outcomes for your group.
It’s like an MBA for facilitation!
Dive in to find out more:
Voltage Control's Facilitation Certification
Support the show