🌴126. Lessons from a 5am workshop

Last week I ran two virtual workshops for a global client—one at a beautiful 1:00 PM time slot (bless), and the second... at 5:00 AM. Yep. Coffee was very involved.In this episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of how I prepped and delivered these sessions—specifically when you're working across time zones, with translators, in hybrid tech ecosystems (read: Zoom vs Teams drama), and with super smart internal collaborators.Some key things we dive into:Why I insisted we run it on Zoom (and the meme that went viral because of it)How I briefed translators and slowed my pace for clarity (yes, I needed a post-it to remind me to slow down)The exact run sheet I shared, and why it was 70% fixed / 30% “go with the flow”How I collaborated with an internal legend (shoutout to Liz!) through voice notes to redesign the experience completelyWhy I believe the best facilitators are editors firstThe magic of having a Zoom producer who’s been in your corner for yearsHow I used an AI tool (Sora) to create character-based case studies for the workshopI also threw participants in the deep end with a live challenge: What if your CEO emailed you to say they’re attending your workshop next week? Would you redesign it? (Spoiler: You probably would.)If you’re designing any kind of learning experience—especially for a global audience—I hope this gives you some useful ideas to bring more clarity, connection, and creativity to your sessions.Catch you tomorrow!Sign up for free for my best articles every week: Work Fame.Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.comP.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. Let's connect on all the channels:Leanne Hughes on LinkedInLeanne Hughes on InstagramVisit my website: leannehughes.comEmail me: [email protected] you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.