🌴263. From Surgeon to Facilitator: Dr Liz O’Riordan’s First Workshop (Weekend Rewind)

In this NEW episode of First Time Facilitator, I chat with Dr Liz O'Riordan (https://liz.oriordan.co.uk/)  about her leap from the operating theatre to the workshop room. 

After being diagnosed with cancer and leaving surgery, Liz turned to speaking, writing, and now — facilitation. With only days to prepare, she discovered my book The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint (https://2hourwork.shop/) , raided her kitchen cupboards for props, and built a session that participants called “brilliant — don’t change a thing.”

We unpack how she:

• Transformed complex cancer science into playful, prop-based learning (think Jenga and cupcakes 🍰).
• Used a simple structure to design a two-hour workshop in 72 hours.
• Sent pre-session videos that warmed up the room before she arrived.
• Managed nerves, energy, and the “silent moments” during activities.
• Built her social media presence to reach thousands with her message.

🎯 If you’re new to facilitation, or you’ve ever thought, “Where do I even start?”, Liz’s story will inspire you to pick a date, lower the bar, and just run the workshop.

🔗 Connect with Dr Liz O'Riordan on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/oriordanliz/)  and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-o%E2%80%99riordan-5640b4272/)  

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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 some 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/) . 

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Email me: hello@leannehughes.com

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