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:

đź’¬ 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.

*New* You're invited to join Leanne's free community, Work Fame. (https://www.workfa.me/)

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. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9RyOeXZfW4)
2. Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint (https://2hourwork.shop/) . 

Let's connect on all the channels:

Leanne Hughes on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannehughes/)

Leanne Hughes on Instagram (https://instagram.com/leannehughes)

Visit my website: leannehughes.com (https://www.leannehughes.com)

Email me: hello@leannehughes.com

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