Episodes

Not all great business ideas start from scratch—some of the smartest entrepreneurs simply bolt onto existing products and services to create something even better. Think about Jibbitz (the Crocs charms that sold for $10M) or the countless AirPods cases and accessories that piggyback off Apple’s products. In this episode, I explore the power of piggyback innovation (also called derivative innovation), sharing examples of people who’ve turned small, complementary ideas into massive businesses. F...

This 46 page book proposal word doc has just sat on my desktop since 2022... today's the day I share it with you! As I revisit some of its core concepts, I reflect on why it didn't materialise and what might still be relevant today. The proposed book, tentatively titled 'Discoverability' or 'Charismatic Change', aims to revolutionise change management by promoting swift, effective, and charismatic change rather than traditional, slow approaches. I'll share a few key chapters and ideas, such a...

Let's tip (pun intended) typical tipping practices on its head. I'll share with you my personal journey, from working in pubs in the UK to how a hefty tip changed my own service approach. Learn why pre-tipping can act as an insurance policy for great service, how it flips the power dynamic in your favour, and why this rare strategy will make you stand out. I'll also touch on the importance of showing respect and generosity, especially in challenging times for the hospitality industry. Tune in...

Thanks for tuning in! If you're wondering whether great leadership can truly transform someone's career and life trajectory, this episode is for you. What you'll learn: How a bold, unconventional CEO shaped a 25-year-old's entire approach to business and creativity The power of asking "why not?" instead of "why?" Why pushing boundaries and taking immediate action can lead to extraordinary results Join me as I share my experience working at Wicked Campers, a company that threw traditional bu...

In this Weekend Rewind, host Leanne Hughes shares an enriching conversation with Jenny Blake, an influential figure in her career. Join Jenny Blake's incredible Substack: Rolling in D'Oh. Jenny, a renowned author and career strategist, discusses her experience working at Google and her transition to consulting. They dive into Jenny's latest book 'Free Time: Lose the Busy Work, Love Your Business' and the impactful concepts from her previous book 'Pivot'. You’ll discover Jenny’s practical tip...

We often talk about confidence, success, and reaching our full potential, but there's a hidden force that quietly undermines all of that: low self-esteem. In this Talk the Walk livestream, Alan Weiss and I explore the unspoken impact low self-esteem has on your career, relationships, and personal growth. We'll explore how this silent saboteur shows up in everyday decisions, keeps you playing small, and robs you of opportunities you might not even realise you're missing. But it’s not all doom ...

Let me introduce a new concept I coined - 'confirmation culture.' We'll delve into the rise of this phenomenon, comparing it to the well-known cancel culture, though it's quite different at its core. You’ll hear about my personal experiences with excessive appointment confirmations, and how this mirrors the rise of 'ghosting' in our society. I'll also share insights on how confirmation culture impacts everything from job applications to business operations, and propose solutions like smarter ...

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...