Leanne Hughes Leanne Hughes

Facilitating audio only sessions to give your thoughts an audience with Ronsley Vaz (Episode 199)

Leanne Hughes interviews Ronsley Vaz about moderating audio-only workshops and sessions.

If I were to think of two words that describe this podcast's main themes, they would be "courage" and "preparation".

  • Preparation - so that we can feel ready to adapt to what happens in the room, a feeling of, "I/the group have got this -- Whatever happens!"

  • Courage is about taking the opportunity, saying yes to when we feel like we're not just ready yet. 

With the emergence of Clubhouse and launch of audio-only rooms across platforms like Twitter and Facebook, how do you create an environment where people have the courage to come off mute? How can you create an inclusive conversation, when you can't see people and pick up on their body language?

There's no one better to riff on this topic than the CEO of Australia's first audio agency. Yes, he loves audio more than I do!

My guest today is Ronsley Vaz. Ronsley is the reason I started this podcast.

I went to his We Are Podcast event in Brisbane in Nov 2017, without any intention of starting a podcast. Three months later, First Time Facilitator was launched into the world. 

This interview was a ton of fun to record, at Ronsley's home studio in Brisbane and I'm so glad I could share a full-circle moment with all of you.

Ronsley has recently started identifying himself as a facilitator but I placed him in that bucket a long time ago.  He has an insane ability to connect, bring people together, and make magic happen.

About my guest: Ronsley Vaz

Ronsley is the executive producer of The Psychology of Entrepreneurship, & host of Should I Start a Podcast. He is also the founder of the award-winning audio marketing agency Must Amplify. Must Amplify is best known for helping leading brands, personalities & businesses raise their voice through podcasting, while positioning their message to stand out in a crowded market place. These include some of the world's most impactful actors, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists & politicians. 

Ronsley is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience to those interested in adding a podcast to their business profile. It’s that very passion that helped build his vast network of podcasting professionals all over the planet. Along with his team at Must Amplify, Ronsley produces the unique audio docuseries The Psychology of Entrepreneurship,This innovative podcast dives deep into the minds of creatives using research and data to explore complicated concepts.

As the executive producer and host of the show Should I Start a Podcast, Ronsley offers tactical advice and information to podcasting newbies and those curious about the medium. Along with his first podcast, the mega-successful Bond Appetit, Ronsley has been downloaded more than 5 million times across 133 countries. His TEDx Talk which was made a TED talk in 2020, “The Perfect Recipe for a Deep Conversation”, touches on his passion of exploring the world through his voice, and the voices of others.

Cool tools available from Ronsley check them out!

In this episode you will learn:

  • Why it’s important to assess, and choose the people you spend the most time with

  • How Ronsley has successfully confidently navigated career changes

  • How to moderate audio-only conversations

  • Why it’s important to verbalise what’s on your mind

Questions Leanne asked Ronsley Vaz:

  • What do you think it is about your ability to connect with people?

  • How do you see the energy and the way you show up helps in the way you do your business?

  • What gives you the confidence to change careers?

  • How do you make a conscious decision of choosing the right reps?

  • What did you find from the experience when you can’t see people but are able to moderate that? 

Resources mentioned on this show

About your host: Leanne Hughes

Leanne Hughes is an international facilitator, speaker and coach who loves creating unpredictable workshop experiences, that predictably work.

She combines her experience in Marketing, with her education in Human Resources and Psychology, to help leaders create engaging everyday experiences - that are so contagious they scale across teams, functions and regions.

Leanne has facilitated leadership, onboarding and team-development workshops across Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, and Singapore and believes in a strengths-centred approach to learning and development.  She has over 14 years’ of experience across a range of industries including mining, government and tourism sectors.

She’s the host of the First Time Facilitator podcast and is the Winner (External) in the 2021 Australian Learning Impact awards for Learning Professional of the Year.

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