As many of you know, Bangkok is my favourite city in the world. I love it so much my car number plate even says Bangkok. So when I saw Bangkok AirwaysâThailandâs boutique airlineâmaking headlines this week, I knew I had to share it.
This is the kind of small-but-mighty change that makes me want to high-five an entire organisation: Bangkok Airways is swapping out cabin crewâs traditional footwear for brand-new white sneakers. And not just any sneakersâthese are a collaboration with PUMA, built for both men and women, made with 30% recycled materials, and designed under the concept âMove for Better Together.â
Why does this matter? Because cabin crew spend long hours on their feet, moving quickly through cramped spaces. Comfortable, supportive shoes arenât just a perkâtheyâre essential. And yes, they can still look sharp and professional (these Puma Romas do exactly that).
In this episode, I explore:
⢠Why this move is more than a fashion statementâitâs about employee well-being.
⢠The broader shift in airline uniform culture (and who else is already on board).
⢠How footwear affects performance, whether youâre at 35,000 feet or facilitating in a corporate boardroom.
⢠My own rules for comfort vs. style in professional settings.
⢠What JJ Peterson from StoryBrand told me about the most underrated tool in a facilitatorâs kit.
AlsoâyesâI now want a pair of these sneakers myself.
If youâve ever spent a whole day standing, moving, or running workshops, youâll get why this matters. And maybe, just maybe, this trend will inspire other workplaces to think differently about what âprofessionalâ looks like.
*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 some ways I can help:
1. Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel:Â 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/) .Â
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
Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio (https://helloaudio.fm?fpr=leanne17) .
