Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast

Brace yourself! Here's a bold statement: Sometimes, simplicity is the secret ingredient for long-term success in strategic planning. That is just one of the leadership insights from my guest, entrepreneur, author and master of the quick iteration, Brandon White.  We talk about how we can make strategic planning easier and faster, the importance of exceptional customer service and simplifying the process of writing a business plan, as per Brandon’s book series: Back of the Napkin.  We also get into the misconceptions surrounding AI in business, the future potential of technology, the complicated genius of Elon Musk and how to get busy being a problem-solving leadership role model! Shownotes See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-principles-brandon-white Key Moments  Planet Human: China's progress in wind and solar energy [00:00:29] Planet Zoë: On the slopes [00:01:17] Brandon White’s winding journey and entrepreneurial ventures [00:03:12] From being a fisherman to starting a magazine, transit

Want to hear two passionate Canadians riffing about the systems that are not designed to support parity, equity or inclusion? You got it! My guest this week, Katherine Lazarus, shares her leadership journey from teaching music and singing opera to becoming an executive coach. We delve into the concept of executive presence - what it is and whether it is still relevant in today's world. We discuss the meaning of feeling empowered (and why that can be a cringeworthy word), the importance of balanced leadership and responsible exercise of power.  This is a conversation that illuminates hidden challenges manifest in the changing dynamics of leadership and why we need a new leadership paradigm that embraces diversity and authenticity. We also touch on the challenges faced by leaders in adapting to these changes and the power of vulnerability in creating a supportive and inclusive workplace. It’s a truly fascinating way to look at the evolution of leadership!  Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/l

  This is a deeply reflective episode where I consider my 53 years on this planet and share some non-obvious introspective questions that will help you to look at where you are, where you came from and where you want to go next. As well as contemplating what the book of your life would be titled! I also get into the importance of addressing long-term strategic questions and not just focusing on urgent priorities. That's my mission as a leader - to help others navigate both the present and the future. I have an upcoming event around strategic conversations where I encourage leaders to ask those challenging questions and find solutions. Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/future-leadership-reflections Key Moments  Luminaries App and Copyright Concerns [00:01:14]   AI Avatars and the Future of Service Professionals  [00:04:48]   The tactical overrides the strategic and leadership priorities [00:10:27]   Asking challenging questions for personal reflection [00:11:40]   Identity and aspirations

In this episode I get to geek out with my guest, Jonathan Green, an author and celebrity ghostwriter. We delve into the use of AI tools in writing and productivity. I share my experience using AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance my writing process, while Jonathan talks about his experience with Descript and his interest in AI. We discuss the benefits of AI tools in improving productivity, managing teams, and generating creative ideas. We also touch on the importance of asking specific questions and setting context for AI tools to provide relevant information. Jonathan emphasises the affordability and accessibility of AI tools and the potential shift in how technology is used. From Jonathan’s perspective, AI is not just a buzzword; it's a game-changer. Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-ai-jonathan-green   Key Moments  Planet Human [00:00:04] Discussing the growing pay gap between CEOs and workers, with statistics from 1978 to 2021.   Planet Zoë  [00:01:34] Using AI tools for writing

Constance Dierickx, PhD, professionally known as The Decision Doctor®, and author of Meta Leadership, joins me for a discussion about the fascinating topic of leadership decision-making processes.  We make hundreds of decisions every day, from the inconsequential to the major, transformational ones. But how often do we stop to consider how and why we made our decisions? In this episode we dive into the importance of reflecting on decision-making processes and look at the organisational habits that influence decisions. Constance and I explore the relationship between discomfort, emotion, and strategy, and even venture into using scepticism as a positive. With practical applications and high-level leadership concepts, Constance shares valuable insights for leaders looking to improve their decision-making skills.  Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-decisions-constance-dierickx Key Moments  00:00:05 Innovative protein made from air and water. 00:04:15 Discovering decision science, st

After we bond over our love of canoeing and the wonder of wide open water, technologist and author Jeff Ton and I go on a leadership journey from the future, to the past and back again! We explore the impact of technology and culture on the future of work, including the potential  impact of generative AI platforms, the pandemic, and virtual reality in changing the way we work. We also touch on the importance of blockchain and transparency in creating a more inclusive and equitable world. We also delve into the power of journaling as a leadership tool, the challenge of keeping up with rapidly changing technology, and we have fun reimaging - and repurposing - office buildings. This is a conversation to pique curiosity and expand leadership perspectives with our exploratory ‘could’ questions about how we lead in a way that is fit for the future.   Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-future-jeff-ton   Key Moments  Planet Human  [00:00:04] Discussion on the banning of certain education

We’ve introduced some new features to the podcast which kick-off this week for my interview with Rob Crispe, general manager of IP Australia. I start with ‘Planet Human’ - what’s having an impact on our life and leadership this week? Then moving swiftly on to ‘Planet Zoe’ - writing, program and events updates from your truly. My fascinating chat with Rob is paused for ‘Fast Five’ - a quick fire question and answer round which Rob navigates with aplomb!  Rob is honest and open about what it takes to cultivate leadership that’s fit for the future and build a sustainable culture. We traverse honestly, authenticity, vulnerability, learning from failure by way of maintaining our leadership values in a toxic environment and, ultimately, deciding: are we part of the problem or part of the solution? Be inspired by the story of courageous leadership and knowing when to leave a toxic environment. Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-values-rob-crispe   Key Moments  Planet Human: AI Integrati

What makes good character? And how do we discover our character? Doing hard things is a place to start. Finding out what we are capable of and then asking ourselves what else can we do? I call it an explorer’s mindset. It’s why I take on big challenges - and you can too.  In this solosode I share updates, recommendations and explore the three pillars of kindness, curiosity and courage that we can demonstrate every day in our leadership actions.  Shownotes See more at  http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-character   Key Moments  What Makes Good Character? [00:00:01]  Zoë reflects on previous guests and shares her theory of character, which includes compassion, curiosity, and courage.   Training AI on Ethical Frameworks [00:00:42]  Zoë discusses a start-up that is training an AI assistant on ethical responses using documents like the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.   Personal News and Book Recommendations [00:02:48]  Zoë shares personal news about planning a hiking trip and progress on writing a boo

Whatever is happening in the exciting world of technological development, it is being done by, for and to humans, so I immediately loved the title of my guest Kamales Lardi’s book: The Human Side of Digital Business Transformation. Kamales is a global thought leader in digital transformation who is passionate about shining a light on the human ecosystems at the heart of all things digital. We get into the overwhelming nature of digital transformation and the perennial question of ‘where to start’. With her positive and pragmatic outlook, Kamales highlights the transformative potential of blockchain technology beyond finance, such as providing transparency and traceability in the supply chain, creating identities for undocumented people, and free travel across regions. This is grounded in the importance of businesses embracing ethical practices and strategic thinking to transform their businesses and make a bigger impact. Technology can transform - but we must also transform our leadership.  Shownotes See more

Full disclosure, my guest this week is my niece Iman Kibukamusoke so I am already a huge fan! I think you will be too when you hear about the remarkable breadth and depth of experience Iman has accrued in her 23 years and how she is using it to shape the future of work from the inside. Iman is a consultant at EY in Canberra, a student, a volunteer and an active participant in her community. She has some whip-smart observations about workplace structures, leadership styles, what young people bring to the table and where they are not being given a voice.  We talk about generational differences, identity, diversity, and equity, as well as Iman’s experiences with different types of leaders. Iman shares her aspirations for a workplace that values the individual and prioritises creating a psychologically safe environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. If you thought Gen Z has nothing to add to the leadership conversation, this interview will make you think again! Shownotes See more at: http://ww

Rohit Bhargava, entrepreneur, speaker, author, and founder of the Non-Obvious Company, has, with fellow trendwatcher Henry Coutinho-Mason, put a new book out into the world that aims to provide the opposite of outlandish predictions. The Future Normal instead focuses on trends related to human needs and inclusivity. Rohit brings a pragmatic approach to the future of leadership. He highlights the importance of leaders experiencing things first hand to help with understanding the strengths and limitations of AI and to focus on the human needs that cannot be replaced by technology. He also talks about the need for leaders to consider the ethics and inclusivity of the products and technologies they create and shares habits that leaders can adopt to be nimble, agile, ethical, and inclusive. Shownotes See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-trends-rohit-bhargava   Key Moments  Human needs and inclusivity [00:08:04] Discussion of trends related to human needs and how successful innovations will becom

Welcome to this solosode that wraps up the current season and its theme of Leading Culture. I’m moving past the term meta-modern leadership (because, how helpful is that really?) and instead considering leadership in terms of how can we be more compassionate? How can we be more inclusive in our leadership thinking? And how can we navigate diversity, complexity, and ambiguity better? Thinking strategically, as a team, as an organisation, is one way to make sure we move forward in the right direction but this is a huge challenge for leaders. The response to my recent Fit For The Future event was a clear indication that this is a major struggle for many. So, I share my insights into common blockers to thinking strategically and offer some practical things to help you and your team move past them. Plus, book reviews, guest previews, a Coronation and colonisation conversation, and more - to remind us of the rich tapestry of this life that we get to live!    Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/lea

Reading is a passport to the world! And nobody is more well-travelled when it comes to books than Dr Danny Brassell - former teacher, founder of The Reading Habit , a global reading engagement platform, and author of 16 business and education titles. Danny believes in the power of books for not just learning and development but also for connection and inspiration. He has strategies and insights for everything from getting kids excited about reading to helping leaders prioritise reading and using books to supercharge presentations and leadership perspectives. Being a book lover does not preclude embracing technology - Danny shares ways to use technology to help build reading habits and track progress. We can read for entertainment, education, empathy, empowerment… in the words of Danny: read, lead, succeed!  Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-reading-danny-brassell Key Moments  Getting kids excited about reading [00:04:47] Strategies for getting kids excited about reading based

Are you curious - worried even - about the future of technology and its implications for leadership? Brett King, author of The Rise of Techno-Socialism and host of The Futurists podcast, has some insights for you about, among other things, the impact of AI on the labour market, and the potential of cryptocurrency. A true global citizen, Brett has lived and worked in Australia, Hong Kong, Dubai, and the United States and travels the world talking about the future of technology and humanity. In this episode, he proposes the idea of "optimal humanity," where humans have a collective mission to compete for the future of humanity and accelerate advances in technology and exploration. Ultimately optimistic about the future, Brett believes that with the right leadership mindset and an adaptable approach, we can create better outcomes for all and take advantage of all the opportunities the future holds. Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-future-brett-king Key moments Rise of Techno-Socia

Has our pursuit of professionalism usurped our innate social abilities to work collectively and creatively for the greater good?  Samantha Slade, author, social designer and cultural anthropologist, believes so and is working with organisations and teams to help them rebalance their leadership paradigms and flatten their hierarchies. While this is not a ‘perfect or easy journey’, Sam taps into what she sees as our core human instincts of care and togetherness that have been smothered by corporate structures. Making her work both hopeful and insightful is the way it braids the three strands of past, present and future paradigms  into a new way of leading, teaming and performing.  Shownotes See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-paradigm-sam-slade Key moments 3:13  An amazing origin story - revolution and kidnapping! 10:10  Deep change is required to get horizontal 12:20  Our innate abilities - we know how to be together 14:00  Straddling two leadership paradigms 16:10  Join us in Amplifiers Ac

  We are a third of the way through the year! How does that make you feel? In this solsode I’m confronting the lingering sense of malaise that I’m noticing this year. It’s being sustained by ongoing uncertainty and as leaders we need to have strategies to navigate through difficult times by assessing both the known and the unknown. In this episode I explore three leadership truisms that will help you balance risk and opportunity with a sense of possibility - because even when times are tough, it’s important to expand our leadership perspective and remember we are all part of the bigger, beautiful picture! Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-perspective-truisms    Key moments 1:00 Personal update: connection, comedy and writing progress 3:30 The leadership pendulum swings with uncertainty 4:20 Self-aware leadership principles 5:00 AI reality check 5:50 Establishing values to protect humanity and the planet 6:55 Looking for opportunities - previous guests help show the way 8:55 Thr

Former Navy SEAL and a previous guest on the podcast, Marty Strong, is back with more insightful leadership thinking and a new book: Be Visionary: Strategic Leadership in the Age of Optimization. Marty continues to challenge received wisdom and shines a light on what he describes as the forgotten leadership skill of creativity. With habits that will open our minds and broaden our horizons, Marty’s approach envisages a leadership future full of humility, creative exploration, collaboration and innovation that solidifies into successful strategy and execution. It is a delight to have Marty’s unique perspective back on the podcast! Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/visionary-leadership-marty-strong   Key moments 3:00 The forgotten creative brain 8:20 Flicking the creative switch 12:00 The difference between visionary and strategic leadership 16:16 Qualities, values and mindset 18:45 Join us in Amplifiers Academy 19:20 Spotting trends as a leader 25:15 Sourcing diverse inputs - stay curious!

Josh Tyson works at the intersection of AI and UX (user design), specialising in high-level content design and storytelling. He’s also an author and podcaster (broadcasting ‘from the future’!) with extensive experience in the practical application of artificial intelligence, in particular chat-based interfaces. Josh sees possibilities everywhere he looks, but is highly pragmatic about the capacity of organisations and leaders to break through the fear of the unknown and embrace emerging technologies to improve their businesses. Passionate about liberating creativity through technology, he holds the hands of those willing to experiment and, in Josh’s words, first fall on their faces. It’s both a lightning fast and long leadership journey and in this episode Josh shares how we can navigate it with optimism. Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-skills-josh-tyson Key moments 3:00  The biggest leadership insight: being open and flexible 4:50  First, fall on your face 6:00  The investmen

If you’re ready for a refreshing burst of optimism and excitement amid all the doom scrolling, look no further than Justin Bean. Justin is the author of a call to arms for possibilities over problems. His book What Could Go Right? is the culmination of his research and work at the intersection of sustainability, tech, and innovation for impact. Justin believes we can envision our ideal world and empower ourselves with practical approaches to build it. In this episode Justin shares the six key trends for the future that will impact how we work, what we value and why we do what we do. He reminds us that change is incremental, we’re capable of more than we realise and that there is a way for the future to meet all of our needs - from profit to purpose and everything in between.   Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-thinking-justin-bean   Key moments Reframing fear of the future  [4:00] Developing a values mindset  [8:10] A perspective on the past  [10:15] Disrupting cultural norms  [

In this week’s solosode I’m reflecting on how lovely it is when loose or lost connections come back into our lives - so let’s put ourselves out there! Then it’s a deep dive into meta modern leadership, the three hallmarks of a meta modern leader and three practical exercises that will help develop these characteristics. Plus two book recommendations and a reminder of balance in all things - we can be both sensible and sensitive, wise and compassionate. There’s always more than one pathway to choose.   Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/meta-modern-leadership   Key moments   The three characteristics of meta modern leadership  [4:00] Three practical exercises to develop them  [8:40] Book recommendation: Derek Sivers -  How To Live [14:20] Book recommendation: Tim Urban - What’s Our Problem?  [18:00] A leadership blind spot  [20:00] Register for the Fit for the Future webinar  [25:10] Join us in the Amplifiers Academy  [26:00]