Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast

This week I’m joined by the remarkable Helen Young-McLaughlin, CEO and founder of the Leverage Academy and a leadership coach based in Maryland, USA. Helen opens up about her personal battle with burnout and the transformative power of empathetic communication in the workplace. Her story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required of leaders today. Helen is passionate about mindful middle management, and moving beyond the hustle culture hangover with a leadership framework built around intention, growth and impact so that everyone can grow and thrive without the burden of burnout.  Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-framework-helen-young Key Moments  Planet Human: SpaceX's Starship and its monumental leap towards lunar and Martian missions. As someone deeply fascinated by the prospects of a permanent human presence in space, I also touch upon my novel, Olympus Bound which explores this very theme. Planet Zoë: Leadership in the Wild - Currently, I'm in the rugged t

Do you think fun has a place at work? I do! I think it’s vital in fact and in this episode we are exploring the power of fun with my guest Dr Mike Rucker, author of The Fun Habit.  Mike has spent much of his career in service to workplace wellbeing and performance, as an organisational psychologist, behavioral scientist, and charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association. He’s a big believer that in our our overprescribed lives we need to seek fun where we can. We’re not talking about zany fun here, it’s finding pleasure in the everyday. It's not about the big milestones, but the small moments that build our rich tapestry of life. As leaders, creating an environment where fun is woven into the fabric of work can transform well-being and productivity. It's serious business to ensure our teams genuinely enjoy their work. Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-fun-mike-rucker Key Moments  Planet Human: A big win for carbon neutral cattle here in Australia. Planet Z

I’m just back from a two-week epic hike along the Australian Alpine Walking Track and reflecting on the fact that the heart of any expedition is its people. Drawing on these recent experiences for this solo episode, I explore the importance of nurturing relationships, understanding individual drives, and creating a supportive environment that empowers your team. We had some tough times on the trek; challenging terrain and brutal weather. But we also had lots of joy; laughter, dancing and gratitude in the bush! And much like life and leadership, when things get too much we simply focus on putting one foot in front of the other.  Shownotes See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-adventure-zoe-routh Key Moments  Planet Human: A biotech breakthrough that has the potential to transform lives with the ability to grow a ‘mini liver’ in lymph nodes, rather than relying on a transplant.  Planet Zoë: 200km in two weeks - Zoë reflects on an amazing experience in the Australian bush. **Challenges and ex

Words matter and my guest this week is an accomplished author and ghostwriter with over 100 books to her name - averaging around one book a month! Rhiannon D’Averc shares her writing process, her experience ghostwriting in various voices, and the importance of detailed outlines. Many leaders are charged with translating complex ideas into compelling narratives and Rhinannon’s insights into how she organises her research and removing roadblocks are not just applicable to writing but to any leadership role: it's all about efficiency and clarity. We also talk about how Rhiannon embodies a client's voice through interviews and written materials and discuss some of the challenges of editing and finally publishing a book. All of which is extremely top of mind for me as I prepare to launch Olympus Bound!  Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-communication-rhiannon-daverc Key Moments  Planet Human: Discussion about the Australian Research Council's investment in space agriculture and its

My guest today has an incredible track record in technology and innovation, is a 2 x author and entrepreneur who bridges the gap between hardware and software. Ajay Malik is the driving force behind Secomind, a forward-thinking company dedicated to incorporating AI seamlessly into products, workflows, and customer support processes.  In our far reaching conversation we attempt to answer the question of, where do leaders start with AI? We’re exploring general principles and good practices, how to identify where AI can have an impact in business and what that might look like. We’re not talking about job elimination, but instead exciting things like efficiency, exploration and experimentation!  Shownotes See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-principles-ajay-malik   Key Moments  Planet Human: Exciting developments in the realm of ‘space farming’ happening in Melbourne right now!  Planet Zoë: Bali, Olympus Bound - pre-orders available now - and hitting the Australian Alps trail.  Getting Started

This week I have two guests on the podcast: Jason Walker and Rey Ramirez, the innovative minds behind Thrive HR Consulting. Jason has a background in re-engineering workforces and Rey comes from the world of mergers and acquisitions, together they are at the vanguard of using AI to streamline HR.  We dive deep into the intersection of artificial intelligence and human resources, exploring cutting-edge tools that are reshaping how we approach everything from employee engagement surveys to recruitment processes. Imagine AI providing real-time data analysis and creating interactive survey experiences – it's happening now, and we're discussing the implications. If you’re looking for actionable insights on responsibly harnessing AI - this is the place.  Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-perspectives-thrive-HR Key Moments  Planet Human: Reflecting on We Work’s Adam Newman’s erratic journey now he’s in the news again wanting to buy back his co-working business.  Planet Zoë: As you lis

We are all about the pursuit of workplace happiness this week with my guest Lori-Ann Duguay.   LorAnn is the owner and founder of People Powered Solutions, and the author of The Happiness Factor, a delightful book filled with actionable insights for creating happy cultures drawn from Lori-Ann’s extensive experience in the HR space.  She shines a light on the 10 fundamental needs of employees that are key to fostering a joyful and productive work environment. We discuss how effective communication and a robust onboarding process are not just nice-to-haves but essential for long-term success. The heart of our conversation centred on the importance of purpose, how as leaders we demonstrate and communicate purpose in a way that resonates across the organisation. That’s a big ask but Lori-Ann’s insights make it feel achievable for all. Press play for a hit of happiness!    Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-strategies-lori-ann-duguay Key Moments  Planet Human: The Intersection of So

My guest this week, Nadeem Ahmad, believes that mindset is everything. He's a testament to how shedding limiting beliefs can unlock our true potential and provides powerful insights into how we can create a growth mindset. Nadeem is a visionary tech leader who has taken his extensive experience as a CTO and pivoted to helping entrepreneurs and start-ups to embrace innovation and technology. He shares his leadership journey, from burnout to bouncing back, and insights from his fantastic book, Becoming an Innovation Navigator. We explore how innovation isn't just for products or services – it's for personal growth too.  So, are you ready to foster a culture of innovation, embrace a growth mindset, and navigate the exciting journey of curiosity and learning?    Shownotes See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-innovation-nadeem-ahmad   Key Moments  Planet Human: Democracies have been shrinking and authoritarianism has been on the rise - this is problematic because abuse of power is rife.  Planet

Are you listening to what your body is telling you? And what has that got to do with how you show up as a leader? My guest, somatic leadership expert and educator Dr. Pavini Moray, and I explore how tuning into the body's signals can guide better decision-making, boost leadership empathy and prevent burnout. Our conversation also covers the significance of creating trauma-informed workplaces and developing skills to process triggers. I love this idea of the body as a continuous source of wisdom and insights. Helping us to process what’s going on internally and giving us little external signals - a tightening of the shoulders, a clench of the jaw, a shallow breath.  What’s happening below our necks? Let’s find out!   Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/somatic-leadership-pavini-moray Key Moments  Planet Human: What does Microsoft’s market capitalisation valuation of $3 trillion tell us about where wealth and power - unelected - really lives?  Planet Zoë: Embarking on an outdoor experiential

My guest this week is the insightful Russel Lolacher, a fellow Canadian with a background steeped in communications and leadership before an employee experience epiphany in 2018 ultimately led to the creation of his fantastic podcast, Relationships at Work.  Russel shares his wisdom on fostering better organisations through stronger relationships. He takes us on his personal journey into the realm of relationship building at work, highlighting the power of personalisation, connecting work to value, and empowerment. It's all about creating a workplace culture that thrives on positive connections. We delve deep into how power dynamics and leadership styles influence workplace relationships and culture. Russel underscores the responsibility that comes with power, advocating for leaders to be more accessible and engaged. It's a call for intentional and meaningful interactions—something every leader should hear. Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-relationships-russel-lolacher Key Mome

In this solosode I’m advocating for reading fiction to enhance and broaden our leadership perspectives - and then using this new outlook to increase curiosity and creativity in our leadership. It's not just about thinking outside the box; it's about reshaping the box entirely. By developing fresh ideas, we can tackle the challenges that come our way with a renewed vigour and rigour. This segues into the seven early warning signs of power abuse - a slippery slope in any organisation. I walk us through the red flags and how to mitigate them, from the complicity of organisational systems to speaking truth to power.  Shownotes See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-power-abuse-zoe-routh Key Moments  Planet Human: Intuitive Machines recent moon landing, its underwhelming broadcast, and how art and life collide.  Planet Zoë: Olympus Bound is with the typesetter and Zoe is looking for advance readers email zoe@zoerouth.com with ARC in the subject line and you could be getting an early look at the e

Have you ever encountered someone in your professional life who seemed charming at first, but turned out to be a bit too self-centred for comfort? This week on the podcast we're diving deep into the world of narcissism with my guest, the insightful Lindsay Ruiz who has deep experience in this area and focused her doctorate in organisational development and change around narcissistic behaviour. Together, we unravel the complexities of narcissistic behaviour and its impact on the workplace. It's a conversation filled with personal stories and research that will arm you with the knowledge to navigate these tricky waters.  Press play for a thoughtful exploration of the human psyche, the complexities of workplace dynamics and the nuances of narcissism.  Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-systems-lindsay-ruiz   Key Moments  Planet Human: NASA's discovery of building blocks of life on the asteroid Bennu in the Osiris-REx mission and the use of artificial intelligence to decode chicken

My guest this week is a former lawyer turned empathy guru, and she's here to share her secret sauce for creating a more connected workplace: storytelling. Dr. Ann Kowal Smith and I explore how stories aren't just for entertainment—they're powerful tools for challenging our assumptions, widening our circles of empathy, and sparking those "aha" moments that bring us closer to our colleagues. We delve into the magic of literature, from short stories to essays, and how they create safe spaces for us to share and grow together. Imagine expanding your imagination, seeing the world through different lenses, and finding common ground in the most unexpected places. That's the power of storytelling in action, and Dr. Smith is here to guide us through it. It feels counterintuitive, but we can make our workplaces more ‘real’ through fiction.  Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-stories-ann-kowal-smith   Key Moments  Planet Zoë: Zoë has swapped skiing for running as she settles back into her r

Do you want more influence? What about more power? It doesn’t feel quite the same to pursue power does it? Power and power structures don’t have a great reputation, and history is littered with abuses of power, but what if we reframe our understanding of power and use it to make us better leaders? That’s interesting, that’s exciting! We can dismantle the ‘power pyramid’ and turn it into something much more organic and collaborative with humanity at its heart. This is something I’ll be exploring in depth this year, so let’s get started!  Shownotes See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-power-zoe-routh Key Moments  Planet Human: Zoë is just back from Japan, where they have just landed a spacecraft on the moon - which is exciting news! Another development is the ability to create virtual loved ones that we’ve lost - that’s happening over at Project December  Planet Zoë: After a blissful time skiing, Zoë is back writing, thinking and delivering. The  Leadership Conclave is fast approaching and O

This is a conversation that's close to my heart as I first met Benny Callaghan way back in 1999 when he joined Outward Bound as a trainee and I was his first trainer. His potential was obvious from day one and I couldn’t be more thrilled at his trajectory since then and to have him on the podcast!  Benny is a leadership coach and facilitator extraordinaire who excels at seeing complexity and the dynamics at play between human relationships. We discuss the challenges of leadership and organisational dynamics, the difficulty of breaking down silos within organisations and how high workloads can prevent leaders from engaging in crucial relationship-building.  It’s a time travelling episode where we reflect on our shared past and ponder the future of leadership and what that means today. We tackle some tough questions about power dynamics, the challenges of organisational systems, and how to maintain trust and collaboration in complex environments. Benny shares a powerful story about overcoming competing prioriti

We are welcoming back for the third time on the podcast, because he’s just that good, Dermot Crowley - a maestro of efficiency and author of several productivity books including his latest, Lead Smart. This episode is chock full of productivity and prioritisation insights that will especially appeal to busy leaders looking to build highly productive teams.  Dermot explains the different productivity types that exist within our teams – and how each brings a unique flavour to how work gets done. Understanding this will be a game-changer for reducing friction and boosting team synergy. We also tackle the ever-present challenge of maintaining personal productivity boundaries as a leader. Dermot shares some golden nuggets on how to protect and honour your time, and we explore a subtle yet powerful shift in prioritisation.  Shownotes See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-prioritisation-dermot-crowley Key Moments  Planet Human: We continue to be mired in conflict and that weighs heavily. In better

My guest this week has evolved from punk rock protester to common ground champion, she is a fearless Indian American activist and a beacon of hope for racial justice. Meet the truly inspiring Nisha Anand as she shares her remarkable story, from being arrested in Burma for her pro-democracy efforts to leading transformative change with DreamOrg, a social justice nonprofit where she is CEO. We learn about the pivotal moment that changed Nisha’s relationship to power and get her insights into building inclusive solutions and finding the all important common ground that can turn perceived enemies into unlikely allies. Collaboration is a must-have leadership skill and Nisha’s unique experiences and wisdom will help you approach it from a fresh perspective.  Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-collaboration-nisha-anand Key Moments  Planet Human: Reflecting on the current unrest and remembering to look for the good in the world.  Planet Zoë: Olympus Bound is with the editor and the cover

Happy new year and welcome to the first episode of the Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast for 2024!   In this solosode I explore seven critical areas for leadership reform: democracy, healthcare, food production, education, wealth distribution, climate change, and urbanisation. Additionally, I identify three key trends that leaders need to navigate this year: redefining the employee work contract, incorporating AI in leadership, and shifting from command-based to collaborative power dynamics. These topics offer a roadmap for leaders to effectively traverse challenges and build leadership capabilities that are fit for the future. Are you ready? Let’s go… Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-revolution-zoe-routh   Key Moments  00:02:28 Planet Human: Advancements in science: lab-grown human organs and protein production from air. Check out the Future Normal end of year reflection and prediction article.  00:04:41 Planet Zoë: Updates on Zoë's book projects and forthcoming event, The Leader

We have made it to the end of the year! And this is the wrap up episode for the Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast. I'm going to do my best to summarise the highlights, the insights and the awesomeness that was this year's show. We did a lot of great interviews and I'm really keen to showcase some of the awesome highlights from the year.  Of course I’m already planning and recording interviews for 2024 and we will continue our journey of leadership exploration, musing on the future of leadership, the intersection of leadership and technology and how we can expand our perspectives to be the leaders we need right now and in the future. I’m also thinking a lot about leadership power and the power structures we cling to. Do they really serve us? This also ties in with culture, teamwork and the workforce of the future - we need to think more creatively about all these aspects of work. Thank you for listening in 2023 and we’ll be back with a new episode on January 16th 2024!  Shownotes See more at: http://www.zoerouth.co

Grayson James is a former CEO, author of Full Contract Performance The Internal Art of Organizational Collaboration and he's a sixth Dan black belt in Aikido - a particular interest of mine as I often use the term emotional Aikido in my programs to help people master the difficult conversations that are part of leadership.  Together we go deep on the embodied experience of leadership and especially how that applies to working effectively with others. We explore somatic awareness in leadership - paying attention to our physical intention and interactions. Expanding our field of vision, checking our blind spots - there is so much we can be better aware of and utilise for enhanced collaboration.   Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-framework-grayson-james Key Moments    Planet Human: The self-checkout falls from favour - sometimes the human touch is best.   Planet Zoë: I’m taking a fresh perspective on 2024 with the Leadership Conclave, a beautiful day of reflection and connectio