🌴124. The career power of saying, “Hey, I’ll run that” feat. Maria McDonald (Weekend Rewind)

In this episode, I chat with the absolutely brilliant Maria McDonald, a Learning + Development Manager at Geocaching HQ. Maria’s story is one of those that starts in social work, pivots into office management, and then—thanks to the power of facilitation—lands in a dream career in L&D. 💥

We explore how facilitation is way more than running a workshop—it’s a mindset and a life skill. Maria shares how she built her internal reputation, pitched herself into opportunities, and created magic using tools like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Oh—and we geek out on nervous system regulation, group energy, AND secret handshakes. You’ll walk away inspired to use your facilitator skills in ways you didn’t even realise.

About today’s guest: Maria McDonald

As a Learning & Development Consultant, Maria is dedicated to helping leaders, businesses, and entrepreneurs intentionally shape effective, impactful, and empowered company cultures.

Through customized consulting practices, Maria’s innovative and energizing techniques support you in achieving your business goals while proactively developing your people. Her vision is to shift each business into effective paradigms that inspire people at every level of your organization.

Maria is also the Learning and Development Manager for Geocaching, where she formulates learning and development strategy based on organizational needs, and creates a culture in which continuous learning and improvement are encouraged, and where employees are equipped with the tools for self-help and empowered to teach and learn from each other.

Resources

• Visit Maria McDonald’s website
• Connect with Maria on LinkedIn and send her a message, letting her know your favourite takeaway!

• Geocaching: Join the world’s largest treasure hunt

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

P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are three ways I can help:

1. Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.
2. Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 
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Visit my website: leannehughes.com

Email me: hello@leannehughes.com

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