How branding, books, and cricket are stealing my attention right now
A weekend update on procrastination, inspiration, and everything in between
Hey there!
It’s a weekend post coming to you from my couch, where my laptop is precariously propped up while the Test cricket hums along in the background. I’m buzzing about seeing Australia play India LIVE at the Gabba in a few weeks. The last time I went to a Test match, I “serendipitously” bumped into my favourite cricketer, Justin Langer* (I’ll spill the full story in the footnotes).
But today isn’t just about cricket—it’s about books. Specifically, the next one I’m meant to be writing.
Book writing (or lack thereof)
The past month has been jam-packed: hosting the Leanne Hughes’ Red Carpet Experience in Las Vegas, soaking up wisdom from Alan Weiss (on planning how to be spontaneous—cool topic!), speaking on panels, hosting sessions at The Happy Lawyer, Happy Life Retreat, co-facilitating the Get to the Point workshop with Sally Prosser, and running webinars.
Oh, and I filmed a shiny new speaker reel. Let me know what you think!
All valid distractions, sure, but let’s call them what they are: excuses.
I haven’t carved out intentional “BOOK FOCUS” time, and you know what?
That’s okay.
How my first book came to life
When I wrote The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint, the creative breakdown looked like this:
70% deciding on the topic
30% writing about the topic
(Side note: Book marketing isn’t included here, but let’s be real—choosing the right topic is, in itself, a marketing decision.)
For this next book, I’ve fallen into the same delightful rabbit hole I did last time: obsessing over titles, chapters, positioning, witty one-liners, and catchy phrases.
It’s my favourite part! I’m pretty sure I deliberately procrastinate here because it’s so much fun. It’s like I believe that once I find the phrase, the book will magically write itself. (It kind of did for the first one)
Exploration through branding
While the book hasn’t had my full attention, I’ve been deep in a branding overhaul. Think Leanne 2.0 transforming into Leanne 3.0.
The branding team I’m working with has been incredible, guiding me through the visuals, the verbals, and the vibe.
It’s been anything but linear—every day, a new shiny idea pops into my head, and I want to chase it at full sprint. I reckon I’m the client from hell.
Once everything’s ready to launch (soon!), I can’t wait to share the updated website, themes, and everything else we’ve been cooking up.
Recommended video: This is why most nonfiction is garbage
In between thinking about book topics, I also seem to enjoy listening to interviews about books, too..!
I really enjoyed watching this interview where Rob Fitzpatrick interviews Tendayi Viki, author of 3x award winning books about innovation, talking about the process, benefits, and blunders of writing nonfiction alongside a full-time job and young kids.
The standout moment for me? Tendayi admitting that his original writing was “too professional” and how he shifted to a more conversational style.
It’s a reminder that the best books often feel like a chat with a friend.
Rob’s book, Write Useful Books, was my ultimate guide for The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint.
I also joined his Help This Book community, which connected me with early readers who gave raw, unfiltered feedback on my first draft. They helped me cut the fluff, clarify ideas, and focus on what truly mattered to the reader.
So, while the next book is still in its infancy, I’m tinkering, learning, and—let’s be honest—procrastinating.
But hey, that’s part of the process, right?
What are your tips for pulling focus when inspiration’s scattered, I’d love to hear them!
Cheers,
Leanne
P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are four 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.
Red Carpet Campout: Inspire, Indulge, Invest. Let’s take your ideas outside in March 2025.
Corporate Box Coaching: Grab the best seat in the house.
P.P.S *Here’s the Justin Langer story and photo :)
I ticked an item off the business bucket list and snagged a private box for Day 3 of #AUSvWI !
Had some serendipity popcorn!!!
Sent a message to the legendary Justin Langer yesterday morning, just seeing if he’d “pop over” to our box in between his commentary.
Total long shot, didn’t even think he’d read the message.
But he read it… and he came to visit!!!
We spoke for about 15 mins on his meditation practice, how he literally grounded himself before a game (shoes off, walking the pitch), the power of simplicity, and how he was also relieved he didn’t have to wear a tie yesterday 🥵🥵🥵
He’s a fellow lefty, too. I’d love to start a left-handed leaders community, who’s keen? 😂 (so niche)
Just also so much fun sharing the experience with new and (very) old mates!! Cricket is the best sport to just chill and chirp away.
I love these experiences, and I want to put on more/create more of these fun moments.
Thanks to the Windies for showing up and playing some great cricket, too!!