Have you ever met someone you admired from afar only to find them a bit disappointing in person? Maybe they seem distracted, act stand-offish or have a limp handshake or squeaky voice. Well, there’s no let down when you meet Leo Babauta – he’s even better in real life than he is online. In case you haven’t already heard of Leo let me fill you in.
Leo Babauta has earned his place as one of the most successful and well-loved bloggers in the world for a reason. He’s brilliant – a gifted writer and a genuine, down-to-earth family man who likes helping people improve their lives. He’s also a modest man who’ll deny all this, but it’s true. With classic British reserve I don’t go in for effusive gushing but sometimes you can’t help it.
Leo started his blog Zen Habits in 2007 to chart his personal journey from unfit smoker to marathon runner. In a classic rags to riches story, blogging helped Leo completely turn his life around. Today Leo Babauta is no longer an underpaid employee, he runs a one-man blogging and publishing empire which includes the A-list Bloggers Boot Camp. Leo has paid off his debt and recently left Guam where he grew up, but he continues to lead a simple life with his family in San Francisco.
Leo Babauta is a leading expert on productivity and minimalism. His book The Power of Less and ebooks including Zen Habits, Zen to Done and The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life have all become international bestsellers and instant classics.
Leo Babauta’s Lifestyle, Blogging Tips and Undies
What I admire most about Leo is that he walks the walk when it comes to living a simple life. He’s a carless vegan who buys his clothes in Goodwill Stores – except for his undies.
I’m afraid my powers of investigative journalism failed to find out where Leo Babauta does buy his underpants, but I did discover a lot of top blogging and success tips during this inspiring interview.
How I Scored an Exclusive Interview With Leo Babauata
Me and Leo go way back – in social media years anyway. Here’s a potted history:
March 2009 – I discovered Zen Habits, loved it and started commenting on most of Leo’s posts.
June 2009 – Leo tweeted out Live Your Dream in a Material World a post by on my blog about how me, my husband and our three kids moved from New Zealand to Costa Rica. Leo’s recognition and the hundreds of visitors his recommendation sent to my blog made me ever more determined to stick with blogging.
November 2009 – Leo kindly hosted a guest post by me on Zen Habits – Low-Stress Ways To Move House and Declutter Your Life.
March 2010 – Leo added another of my guest posts to Zen Habits – 5 Ways To Travel More With Less.
October 2010 – I asked Leo if I could interview him during BlogWorld and he kindly agreed. What I didn’t tell Leo was that I’d never done an interview before, but we clicked and had a good laugh.
What’s the Interview About?
We cover a lot in eight minutes from the power of story-telling to why Leo wants to be a little kernel, and why failure may be the best step you can take.
I could grill Leo for days on end but we wanted to keep the interview short and limit it to three questions:
- What’s the secret of successful blogging?
- What do you spend most of your time doing during your working day?
- Where do you get your pioneering ideas like uncopyrighting and how do you find the confidence to follow through on them?
Enjoy the Video Interview with Leo Babauta
Sound Warning: sorry it sounds crackly – it’s because we were sitting near a waterfall. Please adjust your mind set, not your head set and transport yourself to the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas with Leo Babauta, me and the sound of water falling.
Viewing by email or in an RSS reader? Click here to see the interview.
Thank You
A huge shout out to Sid Savara who who gave up his precious BlogWorld time to help me out by videoing the interview and editing it. Sid writes a motivational personal development blog and is one of the clever, funny and handsome co-founders of BlogCastFM.
And of course many many thanks to the ever-inspiring Leo Babauta for being interviewed, supporting me with my blog writing and the launch of my book Successful Blogging in 12 Simple Steps, sharing his tips on blogging and business success with us and for being a good sport.
P.S. I’m an affiliate for all Leo’s products because he rocks and so do his products. I just signed up when I was writing this because I was going to recommend them anyway and if I make an income from my blog that helps me keep blogging, which helps you keep blogging. If you use the links here to buy Leo Babauta’s books or join the A-list Blogger Boot Camp I will get paid a referral fee so you, me and Leo all end up winning.
P.P.S. Leo agrees that you don’t have to be an A-list blogger with 200,000 subscribers like him to be a successful blogger. You just need to have a blog which achieves its goals and gets you the results you want. If you’re looking for fast, simple blogging tips please get started with my spanking new book Successful Blogging in 12 Simple Steps.
{ 51 comments… read them below or add one }
Great interview–I’m motivated to try doubly hard now at http://theclickstarter.com. And I’m going to subscribe to Leo’s blog too.
P.S. I’ve found a lapel mic helps with sound quality. Or if you wanna go overkill, record the audio separately and combine it with the video later
Hi David, I blame myself for chosing the waterfall location. I wanted to avoid recording it in the corridor with 4,000 bloggers watching but it is a bit noisy. Still you can hear us! Thanks for the microphone tips, I’ll try it sometime! And thanks for listening and being first to comment too.
GREAT TAKEAWAYS FROM LEO RE BLOGGING SUCCESS
* There are no secrets.
* Share what you learn – tell your powerful story.
* Start with the fabulous things you have done in your real life – then blog about them.
* Be passionate about what you do. Don’t just do it for the buck/views.
Thank you, Annabel. Really useful.
Best,
Robin
Helping YOU succeed in business.
Hi Robin, brilliant round up. Leo’s a great writer to – 3rd generation but we don’t have time to go into that. Plus he’s very smart with branding and spent years reading blogs and studying them before starting his own. Thank you for helping me succeed in business. You’re doing a great job and my success is growing – I’m excited by the way things are evolving.
Great interview Annable.
You know he has reminded me of the power of a good story. They say a picture tells a story, which is what Artists hope to achieve. But there’s a lot to be said for a narrative.
Great reminder
Thank you
Catherine
Hi Catherine, I know you call yourself a story-teller on one of your blogs and that’s intriguing:) It is interesting he cites the power of story-telling because you’d think it would be all about teaching and giving people tips fast because that’s what he does. Yes, a great lesson, thanks for bringing it up.
Really engaging interview – well done Annabel (and Leo). I was worried I wouldn’t make it through 8 minutes of video but it was so interesting to listen to Leo who is very down to earth yet full of wisdom. Your enthusiasm and love for what you do also shines through.
I particularly loved Leo’s attitude to sharing and building on ideas to make the final product even better than the original.
Thanks for sharing the interview and your hot tips in your ebook – loving it!
Suellen
Hi Suellen, yes the sharing and building on ideas to make the final product even better than the original is a brilliant concept too. All round inspiration on every front:) Hooray for Leo and you. So glad you’re enjoying the book!
Hey Annabel,
Awesome interview with Leo!
I’ve only seen Leo on his A-list blogging video and it’s really cool to see what he is like as a person, he seems very down-to-earth and relaxed.
I like how he says that you should bring your personal story into your blog.I don’t think I do that enough with my writing now that I think about it:)
Best of luck with your new product, not only is it cool, I think it includes everything that people should know about successful blogging and how to get started!
Cheers
Diggy
Hi Diggy, he is super mellow, walking round BlogWorld undetected. I’m the opposite. I worry about repeating my story so often people get bored with it! It’s hard pleasing the old readers who may love you for your story and also hooking new readers who don’t know your story.
Thanks so much for your support with the book and recommendation! I’m honored:)
HI Ana,
Firstly i love your Hot Spot T shirt
And the interview is amazing. Such simplicity in this man na….hmm
And you my dear are all gorgeous….
Lovely points to take always form this interview.
Thank you fro sharing your thoughts.
Much love,
Z~
Hi Zeenat, thank you! It’s lovely that me and Leo are all co-oordinated in our gray t-shirts:)
Haha yes! I love the Tshirt too
I think that you have done a wonderful job Annabel. The interview was simple and for the first time interiew I thnk that you have done great.
Hi Eddie, thank you!
Leo is an great guy..I been reading his blog for sometime now..great interview.. nice to see him doing an live interview with you guys..
“TrafficColeman “Signing Off”
Hi TrafficColeman, he really is GREAT:) Thanks for watching!
Hi Annabel,
The location of your interview with Leo did the trick- you both appear relaxed! I definitely think relaxed interviews reveal much more interesting information.
Leo’s attitude to failure and success is helpful to keep in mind… try and fail and learn to succeed is a great philosophy to live by.
Hi Scott, I loved the bit about how failure is a natural part of the process too. It puts everything in context:)
Wow how amazing to interview Leo.
Leo was the reason I created a twitter account in the beginning so I could read his tweets and when I did a light bulb came on that twitter was actually a great business marketing tool. I can still remember looking at my first twitter stream and it was just Leo’s tweets. I own a hard copy of Power of Less and love it also.
His message is so powerful as Robin mentioned to, be genuine and share your adventures dealing with tough challenges in life.
Once again bravo and I can’t wait to see what happens next with the very inspiring Annabel Candy!
Kind regards
Tony
Hi Tony, love your Leo story. He’s created a few social media monsters! I want to do more interviews. It’s such a great way to spread the inspiration and motivation. Thank you for hanging out with us, it’s great to have you:)
Annabel, incredible post! I had no idea about so much you write here about your guest posts on zen habits and also great job on the fantastic introduction and on making Leo so comfortable and special (which he is). I am proud of you Annabel – and really grateful you did this interview for us!
Hi Farnoosh, it was fun. Oprah better watch out!
I really enjoyed the interview. It confirms my belief that the bigger they are the nicer they are. You can’t achieve his kind of success, or Darren Rowse’s either, without being a genuinely nice person.
Well done, and congratulations.
Hi Barbara, Yes, they are the top two: Leo and Darren. Ah:) I must catch Darren on vid next.
Definitely a coup!
Looks like you’re really rocking out this launch. Congrats for that, and looking forward to more from you in the near future!
Great interview. I really liked how the questions succinctly gathered some of the most awesome nuggets of advice Leo had to offer.
Wonderful interview, Annabel. You captured Leo’s vibe perfectly. Great questions and great advice.
Great interview! Leo is a blogging inspiration for sure.
Thanks for sharing.
Really the most zen thing to do would be to forgo underwear all together. Love you Annabel
Hi Connie, I’ve been wondering if that’s possible too:) Lol!
Annabel! Penelope is right!!! You have soooo much to offer. There are two things I love about this post. First, you offer so much information outside the interview – who Leo is, how you felt before and after the interview, how you got the interview, you even let people know in advance about the waterfall…which wasn’t nearly as distracting as I think you imagine it to be. Then, the interview itself was great. Leo is so generous with his time and his thoughts and that, of course, makes any interview easier, but your introduction was equally generous and informative and the questions you asked gave him the perfect opportunity to share in the way he shares best. As someone who interviews people for a living, I am well aware that it is not always as easy as you BOTH made it look.
Great! Great! Great!
Thank you Leo, thank you Annabel.
Amy Parmenter
The ParmFarm.com
Hi Amy, thank you! I think it helped that he’s probably well used to doing interviews and was super relaxed. But I spent a lot of time thinking of three and only three questions which would really give us the info we wanted. I’m pretty pleased with it two – you’re the pro in this area and it’s great to be able to study how you do it and then practice, practice, practice. I loved talking to Leo though!
Hi Annabel,
You have such lovely candor on the silver screen. Great interview, Annabel!
I like your T-shirt.
I’ve loved watching your journey, Annabel. I think this must be a sign — I discovered YOU right about the time your discovered Leo. Hmm…and the hits just keep on coming. Have fun; I’ll be watching.
~xo
Hi Lori, glad you like the Tshirt – I got to start selling those. I can see you in one that says Seriously Hot:) I’m delighted to be associated with you and Leo!
Hi Annabel.
Great interview.
You guys seemed so relaxed and at ease, just the way an interview should be.
It was nice to see. Leo keeps things simple, which I really resonate with. This whole blogging and online business is a lot of fun, just a matter of taking action and creating.
Thanks for the post and the look back at Vegas. Gave me flashbacks of the Mandalay Bay where I really enjoyed myself.
Hi Jimi, love that summary: taking action and creating! Thank you:)
Hi, I just found your blog from problogger, and I am happy to be here. You have so many great diverse topics here.
I love Leo’s blog (who does not), congratulations on scoring an interview from him! He seems so down to earth and humble! More reasons to like him. Love your accents!
Hi Mike, brilliant and thanks for coming by and leaving a comment. Ah yes, Leo – he’s a big star in my book but he claims no one pays him any attention at BlogWorld. Glad I did:)
Your interview made me feel comfortable, like I was sitting next to you and getting to know both of you. Thanks for the relaxed, casual invitation. I’m curious, don’t you think it’s easier for people to live a “simpler” life when they’ve lived in a less developed part of the world? I know you lived in Costa Rica and Africa, and I also lived in Africa and Belize, and Leo lived in Guam. I’ve never been to Guam, however, I assume the lifestyle there is much simpler than in San Francisco. It’s interesting to me how those who’ve experienced travel and living in “third-world” countries, often find a desire to live a simpler lifestyle. I know I’m one of them myself. Annabel, when will you be back in the US?
Hi GutsyWriter, I agree, life is simpler if you have less options available. When you live in a developed world you can minimise it by avoiding TV and magazine adverts! Not sure when I’ll be back in the US – I have to visit my family in the UK next year so maybe a quick stopever then. I’d prefer to go to Costa Rica, Africa or Belize than the US or UK but I love my family and they’re not so keen on a reunion there!
HI Annabel,
Thanks for your response. I noticed Leo is going to be speaking at Chris Guillebeau’s event next June. Have you had him as a a guest blogger? I can totally relate to his message: “The Art of Non-Conformism.” I shall be in Paris and Copenhagen in January, not the best time of year to visit, especially when you don’t own any winter clothes, but time to be with my dad and my best friend. I wish you all the best with your new book to help us start or improve our blogging.
Inspiration at its very best. I enjoy Leo Babauta’s newsletters and read them with great pleasure. This interview was a bonus. I blog regularly, writing on several blogs – and I believe I’ve become more focused during the last few months. Thanks, Annabel. Such a treat.
Hi Vidya, thank you. Great to hear you’re blogging and getting more focused. Writing and blogging has really helped me a lot too. Great to see you here:)
Great interview. Doesn’t Leo live outside the US. How in the world did you get the exclusive. He’s an inspiration to us all!
Hi Jonathan, he used to live in Guam but now he’s in San Francisco:) We met in Vegas during BlogWorld.
Love the interview and Leo, too!
Hi Carolee, great to see you here. We should start a Leo fan club!
Thank you for sharing your interview of Leo. It is inspiring to know that one does not need to become a superman to become better in blogging – or simply sharing what you want the world to know.
Well done.
I think you have a knack for asking good questions and keeping things real and interesting.
Great interview Annabel. I love how it’s so simple—just tell your story so people can learn how you got from where you were to where you are now.
Thanks for sharing.
Annette