🌴174. What I learnt after sleeping on concrete
Tonight, I’m not under the lights for footy or cricket. I’m at the Gabba — sleeping out under the stars with some phenomenal humans — all to help stamp out homelessness as part of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
In this episode, I chat with three legends doing incredible work:
💬 Steve Hodgson shares why mental health and homelessness are closely linked, and why this event is just the beginning of his commitment.
💬 Matt Kratiuk (who I call “the GOAT”) breaks down how fundraising becomes fun-draising — their team of 135 “Goats” ran 36+ events and raised close to $1 million (!!!). He shares his own story of homelessness and how St Vincent de Paul Society helps people reclaim a life of purpose.
💬 Cherie Canning, now a CEO Sleepout ambassador, offers heartfelt and practical advice (bring noise-cancelling headphones!), talks about her mindset shift around homelessness, and shares how storytelling — not stats — is what really moves people to donate.
This night is more than symbolic. It’s a powerful reminder that we’re all just one life event away from needing help — and that systemic change is possible.
❤️ Huge thanks to my community who supported this by joining my fundraising masterclass — we did this together.
👇 Want to donate or learn more?
Visit: https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/leannehughes
🎧 Tune in, and let this episode move you from awareness to action.
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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:
- Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.
- Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint.
Let's connect on all the channels:
Visit my website: leannehughes.com
Email me: hello@leannehughes.com
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