Hi Reader,
Thanks for reading! I was meant to be hosting the Red Carpet Campout today, but Cyclone Alfred turned the red carpet, brown, so we've had to pivot. We've rescheduled to June (one tent left), but while I'm at home, I wanted to pop in to share these three Ls with you today:
- Lessons from Leanne
- Links Leanne Loves
- Leanne's Live Events
Btw, I love reading your replies/thoughts, so feel free to hit that reply button and let me know what's happening with you, too.
Let's jump in.
1. Lessons from Leanne
Last weekend, I had a career highlight, hosting a panel for a football team I've followed since they kicked off 20 years ago (pun intended), Brisbane Roar FC.
I want to share some ideas to consider if you're hosting a panel. (btw, want more dets? Listen to the full episode 🌴56. Panel Party: Leanne’s secret 4Ps for hosting panel conversations
Most panels are forgettable. They follow the same predictable pattern:
- The moderator asks a question.
- Panelist A answers, Panelist B answers, Panelist C answers.
Rinse and repeat until time runs out.
By the end, the audience is checking emails, or thinking about the snacks outside (including the panellists!!)
A great panel sparks conversation, brings differing opinions to the table, and makes the audience feel like they’re part of something alive—not just watching a group of people nodding at each other.
If you’re hosting a panel, here’s how to make sure it’s the one people actually remember.
That’s why I’ve developed a simple framework: The Four P’s of Panel Hosting: Philosophy, Preparation, Pre-Briefing and Performance.
1. Philosophy
Before anything else, I like to set the vision for the panel. What’s the goal of the conversation? What kind of experience do I want to create? Who's coming along?
For the event I hosted, there were a broad group: Roar fans, business leaders, sponsors, so I wanted to to pick a theme that would resonate across all those groups (I landed on The Speed of Decision Making).
I also spend time thinking about what makes a panel engaging and, equally, what makes it dull:
- Over-talkative panelists who ramble without direction.
- Lack of audience input. If you’re not engaging with the room, what’s the point of being there live?
- Too much reliance on the host, and not enough inter-panel chats/dialogue. A good panel isn’t just a sequence of individual answers – it’s a conversation. The best panels are dynamic, where panelists interact with each other, challenge ideas, and build on each other’s responses.
2. Preparation
If you think you can just “wing it” as a host—think again.
Great moderators make it look effortless, but that’s because they’ve done the work prior.
Here’s how I like to prepare prepare:
- Research panelists like a stalker (the good kind... If that exists?). I check their past interviews, social media, and podcasts to get a feel for their energy and expertise.
- Craft intros that actually connect. Instead of reading a bland bio, I make it relevant to the moment. Example: “Matt McKay has played at Suncorp Stadium more times than anyone—so really, this event is just another home game for him.”
- Memorise key facts. I record my intros onto my own secret private podcast so I can listen back when I'm walking around / it helps me memorise their intro.
The goal? Be so prepared that you can improvise.
3. Pre-Briefing
I make sure my panelists know:
- How the panel will flow
- The key questions we’ll explore (while leaving room for spontaneity)
- That I won’t be throwing the same question to all three of them – I want a real conversation, not just a turn-based Q&A.
I also ask: “Is there a project or something you’d love me to mention in your intro?” Because let’s be honest – everyone appreciates a little plug!
I don't think you need to jump on a call with every panellist. A good email briefing / quick 2 min Loom video is enough.
4. Performance
As the host, you're juggling multiple roles:
- Keeping the conversation on track: Making sure we cover the big ideas without going off on too many tangents. Use the segue techniques I share in my book, The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint to help you out. If one panelist shares a great insight, I’ll pivot: “Jade, you’ve played in Korea. How did decision-making differ in that environment?” – tying it back to their personal experience.
- Reading the room: Do we need to bring in more energy? Should I steer the discussion in a different direction?
- Timekeeping: Making sure no one is dominating the discussion and that we wrap up on time.
I also make a point of checking in with the panelists before we go live. A quick “Hey, how are you feeling? Any last-minute questions?” goes a long way in making them feel comfortable.
Final thoughts
Panels should be unpredictable (in a good way)
If your panel feels too polished—if every answer is rehearsed, if no one challenges anyone else, if the discussion is just a series of carefully structured statements—you’ve lost the magic.
Next time you’re hosting one, ask yourself: Is this a real conversation, or just another echo chamber?
If you enjoy this read, forward it to a friend, and subscribe to my daily podcast, Leanne on Demand Daily.
2. Links Leanne Loves
3. Leanne's Live Events
🎤 1 April: Get to the Point workshop with Sally Prosser
Learn how to land your point in less time at our next Brisbane workshop. We'll share actionable strategies to ensure your message lands as intended in any context, every time.
Earlybird tickets end 18 March. Grab your spot.
(oh yes, and there's an after-party, too. That's a ritual we started after the last sesh that will continue...)
💻 21 May: The Secret Chapter: What I Left Out of The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint virtual masterclass *NEW*
I’m running a one-time-only, live masterclass to raise money for the St Vinnies CEO Sleepout, giving up my warm bed for one night to raise funds for Australians who don’t have a home.
100% , yes 100% of the proceeds from this masterclass go to fighting homelessness.
In this masterclass, I’m pulling back the curtain on:
- What never made the book (not because it wasn’t useful—just had to keep the book in scope!)
- New strategies and ideas I’ve brought into workshops recently
- Live Q&A—ask me anything about workshop design and delivery
Donate to claim your spot:
- Donate $50 AUD or more (fully tax-deductible in Australia... btw $50 AUD is approx $30 USD).
- I'll send you the secret masterclass calendar invite.
Can't make it live? You'll get the recording. Don't want to come along? You can also just donate!
This is a win-win—YOU get exclusive workshop insights, and together, we provide real support for people doing it tough.
Donate here, I'll love you forever!
🏕️ RESCHEDULED due to Cyclone Alfred: 16-18 June Red Carpet Campout: One tent left
Want to riff business, workshops, ideas, branding with me and 8 other dynamic founders? The best news is we've moved this to winter, so the morning hike will be crisp, campfire, red wine, conversations will be incredible... and there will be no chance of a cyclone!
Read the invitation letter and commit before the last tent disappears.
Thanks for being here!
Catch me on LinkedIn, Instagram , or just hit reply—I love hearing from you and I respond to every email.
Leanne "getting suuuper close to finalising her next book topic" Hughes
P.S. This is your last-chance reminder to book in your Roasted by Leanne spot. The offer expires tomorrow. Get my eyeballs and honest feedback on your work (you have up to 6 months to submit your roast materials).
