Episodes

I love this product SO MUCH that I had to find out more behind the brand and business… cue this conversation! In this episode, I chat with Chris Caley, co-founder of No Pong, about their natural deodorant success story. Chris shares how the company started from a surf trip in Java, Indonesia, where he first tried his wife Melanie's homemade deodorant. What began as a back-of-napkin business idea has now grown into a successful 10-year-old company with 21 employees. Here's what we cha...

Today, I want to talk about a concept I shared last year called the "Hesitation Station" - a place we all know too well. It's that metaphorical waiting room where ideas get stuck and potential goes unrealised Imagine a dark, dreary station with trains coming and going, but you have no idea which direction they're heading. There are no vending machines, everything's running behind schedule. This station can exist for a few minutes, months, or even years. And the longer you stay, the harder it ...

Had a fantastic chat in the Brisbane Botanical Gardens with Liz Heathwood, a global Principal Advisor for learning experience at Rio Tinto who's passionate about disrupting traditional leadership development. With native birds as our backdrop, we dove into the future of learning and development. In this episode, we explore: Why traditional leadership development programs often stay stuck in the past How Rio Tinto approaches learning across diverse global locations (including voice recordings...

Just worked on my latest podcast episode about niching in business - a topic that came up during a great chat with Sophia and Jade in the Corporate Box Coaching sesh on Friday. In this episode, I break down: Why the "you must have a niche" advice isn't one-size-fits-all How I used hyper-niching with my "2 Hour Workshop Blueprint" book while maintaining broader business focus The concept of being your own niche (like my personal brand at leannehughes.com) My 90/10 split between B2B work (lea...

Bringing you this weekend rewind, based on a conversation I had with Alex and Scott during Corporate Box Coaching on Friday. In this episode, I'm joyfully bringing you a conversation with the author of the book “Belonging: The Ancient Code of Togetherness”, Owen Eastwood. Btw, you can watch the YouTube conversation here. Have you been in work situations where you might have started in a company and you just didn’t feel like you belonged, which then led to a lot of stress and tension? Join us a...

In this Talk the Walk replay from yesterday, I riff with the prolific author and consulting expert Alan Weiss, who has written over 60 books on consulting. We dive deep into popular business phrases and challenge their validity. Alan shares his candid thoughts on sayings like 'the customer is always right,' 'work smarter, not harder' and 'failure is not an option.' You'll hear practical advice and thought-provoking perspectives on these commonly accepted truths. Join us for a lively discussi...

Today, I share an intriguing off-the-record conversation with Steven Bleistein, a brilliant consultant based in Japan. Before the official podcast began ,we delve into the raw and unfiltered insights on disruption. Steve asserts that 'there is no soft, evolutionary, respectful disruption,' emphasising the boldness required to truly effect change. You'll uncover thought-provoking discussions on the courage to ruffle feathers, the pitfalls of playing it safe, and the necessity of provocative le...

Look, as a solo business owner, I spend heaps of time in my own head—and I enjoy it! But here’s the thing: nothing speeds up clarity and fresh thinking like being around people who just get it. This episode is a little different. I recorded it straight after a strategy session with my friends Petra Zink and Dr Maike Neuhaus. We meet up every 40–50 days in what’s become a bit of a ritual. It’s two hours of weird Post-it notes, provocative questions, and brainstorming, followed by two hours of g...

In today's episode, I share an off-brand adventure she embarked on by attending a Luke Combs concert. Despite initially disliking the artist, grew to love his music over time. This episode highlights the power of live events, the joy of pursuing passions, and the importance of seizing spontaneous opportunities. Discover what makes Luke Combs stand out (according to Leanne). Links Mentioned: Luke Combs & Tracy Chapman Grammy Performance NY Times piece about the performance P.S. Ready to take...

I share my unexpected journey from a 5G upgrade hiccup to discovering an AI tool that's revolutionisng how I research and make decisions. Learn how Perplexity AI saved me hours of research time and why it might be your new favourite digital assistant. What you'll learn The difference between Perplexity AI and ChatGPT How to use Perplexity for smarter product research Real-world example: Using AI to choose a 5G-compatible smart speaker Why this tool might be the future of online search 🔍 Reso...

In today’s episode of Leanne on Demand, we’re shaking things up—starting with my coffee order. While being predictable and “on brand” has its perks (hello, efficiency!), it can also make life feel a bit... well, boring. That’s why I’m challenging myself—and you—to step outside the usual routine and try something a little off brand. We explore how making small, low-risk changes—whether it’s switching up your coffee, saying no without justification, or wearing a bold accessory—can help you discov...

In today's Weekend Rewind, I talk to Julian Treasure. Julian is a sought-after and top-rated international sound and communication expert. He is a gripping speaker with 5 TED talks online which have been viewed around 40 million times. His vision is to transform the world by inspiring people to listen consciously and speak powerfully. Julian’s speech ‘How to speak so people want to listen’ is my favourite TED speech. It’s also in the top-10 of most watched TED speeches of all time, with over 65...

Travelling soon? Prepare well! Listen to this week's episode, where I've gathered together 35 Travel Hacks to Help You Hit the Tarmac Running! It features was recorded shortly after re-entry post-Covid, but the majority of these hacks stand the test of time (from restocking the mini bar on your morning walk, to the best luggage to cart your stuff around). Thanks to those of you who contributed to this episode! P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are four ways I can help: Watch My 2025...

Omg I've just met an ICON. MOO DENG!!! The baby pygmy hippopotamus who went viral last year. We travelled all the way to Sriracha just to see her, and believe me, she's even more cuter IRL. Moo Deng's fame brought about surprising economic benefits, not just for the zoo but for the entire Chonburi region. Plus, I'll introduce you to Atapon Bendnandi, the 31-year-old zookeeper who masterminded this worldwide sensation. His story is a remarkable testament to how one person's idea can generate m...

Join Leanne in Sriracha, Thailand, as she discusses one of President Donald Trump's executive orders with a focus on the federal hiring process and merit reform. Leanne emphasises the importance of communication during job applications, drawing from her experiences and highlighting new mandates to decrease hiring times to under 80 days and improve feedback to candidates. Reflect on how these changes could reduce anxiety for job seekers and consider how private companies might adopt similar pra...

What does a DIY music masterpiece, a haunting trumpet sample from the 1930s, and a bassline that practically argues with the melody have in common? They all come together in one of the most surprising songs ever written: Your Woman by White Town. Why does it hit so hard? And what does it have to teach us about creativity, unpredictability, and even life? Let’s find out. Thanks to Joel Birch for sharing your expertise on this episode! Why You Can’t Miss This Episode Are you a music fan who lov...

If you're like me, you probably love the idea of journaling but struggle to keep it consistent. Some days I’m on fire, scribbling away, and others... well, my notebook collects dust. So when I heard my friend Michael Bungay Stanier (MBS) was releasing a new journaling tool, I knew I had to pick his brain about it. Michael is the brilliant mind behind The Coaching Habit, and now, he’s created The Do Something That Matters Journal. I was lucky enough to get my hands on an early copy, and wow—i...

Join me as I reflect on my experiences as a tourist in Krabi, Thailand. I examine the irony and self-serving bias we often exhibit when criticising others for behaviours we display ourselves. What you will learn: the impact of selective empathy, recognising self-serving bias, and practical reflections on being more mindful in your daily life. P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are four ways I can help: Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event. Get My Book: Design yo...

In this episode, Leanne Hughes chats with Kathy Oneto, branding expert and host of the Sustainable Ambition podcast. Kathy shares her philosophy of crafting fulfilling work while living a meaningful life, using a decade-to-decade lens. She challenges the concept of work-life balance and offers a more sustainable framework for aligning career ambitions with personal values. Kathy reflects on her own career transitions, explores why curiosity matters more than passion, and explains how tuning in...

In this previously unreleased episode of Talk the Walk, Leanne Hughes and Alan Weiss dive into the provocative topic of training versus education. They unpack why the training industry often falls short of delivering measurable outcomes and explore the deeper distinction between teaching skills and fostering intrinsic motivation. Alan shares his unique perspective on the inefficacies of the training industry, critiques common practices like "one-day resilience sessions," and provides actionable...

When I was thinking about creating my 2025 speaker video reel, I really didn't want to create a video that looked like every other speaker. So, here's the ideation process! Get behind the scenes and listen to a behind-the-scenes brainstorming call I had with Sean Robert Smith to create a fresh and unique speaker reel for my brand in 2025. Discover practical tips on collecting footage for your own speaker reel and enjoy the playful experimentations led by AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean is awesom...

I’m sharing an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at an exciting new initiative I’m co-creating with Clifford Morgan: Corporate Box Coaching. Together, we’re blending coaching insights with the energy of live football to create a unique, immersive experience. In this episode, I share a behind the scenes look at how we’ve structured the event, from the ideation phase to the activities on the night, with a focus on challenging the status quo, setting bold goals, and using sport as a metaphor for g...

Join me as I podcast from Bangkok as I talk all things SCAMS. (Not just Bangkok scams... societal scams!0 🎧 Listen now for a mix of curiosity, fun, and a few challenges to conventional thinking! 💡 Think about it: What’s one everyday behaviour you follow just because everyone else does? Are there “scams” you’ve noticed in your life that you’ve never questioned before? P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are four ways I can help: Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next ev...

How can 'lesser goals' actually be more challenging and beneficial in the long run? In this one, I share my experiences,including planning an adventurous trip to Egypt in 2025 and my journey from running a marathon to now focusing on improving on half that distance. Let her know your thoughts on social media! P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are four 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...