Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast

This week, we engage in a thought-provoking discussion on leadership and the philosophy of inquiry with Ralph Mercer.  We examine the significance of challenging our assumptions and fostering robust thinking in collaborative environments. Ralph shares insights from his diverse background, including his experiences in the military and academia, to illustrate how our worldviews shape our understanding of the future.  We discuss the role of technology in shaping human experiences, the concept of gray swans in foresight, and practical methods for analyzing literature through causal layered analysis. Join us as we unpack these ideas and consider how they can enhance our leadership practices and decision-making processes. SHOWNOTES are here. Key Quotes "Better leadership needs better thinking. If we can think about what our common drivers are, our common drivers create connection." Zoë Routh "When we have connection, we can actually create a path forward. That is the magical thinking that we're after." Zoë Rou

In this special episode, Zoe, a leadership futurist and Canadian Australian in Canberra, dives deep into the implications of the US election results. Despite living outside the US, she reflects on the global ripple effects of American democracy and economy, discusses the division between political sides, and explores the values and stories driving these reactions. Zoe examines the leadership maturity framework and emphasizes the importance of curiosity, compassion, and systemic thinking in bridging political divides. She also stresses the necessity of supporting security and education initiatives to build a better future. Full Shownotes here.  Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to the U.S. Election Solo Sode 00:15 Why the U.S. Election Matters Globally 01:26 Diverse Reactions to the Election Results 02:26 Understanding Moral Outrage 03:30 Analyzing Values in the Election 06:00 The Power of Compelling Stories 07:07 Leadership Maturity and Election Dynamics 11:01 Elon Musk: Genius or Power Player? 12:49 Moving Fo

This week, we explore the future of leadership, focusing on exponential thinking and futures literacy with Charlotte Kemp. We discuss the importance of developing a flexible mindset, utilising strategic foresight tools, and adopting iterative learning methods to navigate an increasingly complex world.    The conversation covers various topics, including SpaceX's innovations, the impact of generative AI on creativity, and practical techniques for intelligence gathering and scenario planning.   SHOWNOTES are here   Key Quotes: 1.  "Exponential thinking is about understanding that we have to change our thinking for the pace and the time that we're in; the world is so much faster and more complex."  Zoë Routh 2.  "Futures thinking gives us the tools to anticipate change, allowing us to be more agile and flexible in how we respond to whatever happens next."  Charlotte Kemp 3.  "As leaders, we must get really good at asking genius questions and creating unusual connections, as that is where our true value lies."  

In this episode, we explore the importance of recognizing non-obvious trends  and their implications for leadership and innovation with Rohit Bhargava, a 3-time Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author.   We discuss Norway's electric vehicle advancements, the preparation for the Leadership Conclave, and methods for effective trend spotting, including the Haystack method and scenario planning.   Learn how to spot the next big thing and position yourself for success. SHOWNOTES are here. Key Quotes "We can't solve the whole problem with just one part of the problem; we need to think in systems." - Zoe Routh "Leaders must create mental space to uncover insights." - Rohit Bhargava "Embrace the obvious insights; they often hold the key to broader understanding." - Rohit Bhargava Questions Asked: What are you paying attention to? How can leaders prepare for emerging trends? What role does creativity play in recognizing patterns? Take Action: Practice non-obvious thinking by observing everyday trends. Engage in s

We explore the transformative potential of kindness in business with Dr. David Cooke, former Managing Director of Konica Minolta Australia. Dr. Cooke shares his journey from traditional hierarchical leadership to a more inclusive, kind approach that drove significant cultural and commercial success. Practical examples and heartfelt stories illustrate how kindness can be a powerful force in achieving both profit and social good. Don't miss out on an inspiring conversation that challenges conventional business practices and offers a vision for a more compassionate future. #FutureOfLeadership #ESG #KindBusiness #Ethics Become a Podcast Insider! For subscriber only bonuses including an implementation checklist, discussion questions, water cooler factoids, and special subscriber-only offers. Join us here: Podcast Insider Full shownotes here. Planet Human: Neuralink aims to cure blindness Join us at the Leadership Conclave here. Summary The potential future of human augmentation through technological advances lik

Zoë Routh sits down with Christian "Boo" Boucousis, a former fighter pilot turned entrepreneur, to discuss leadership transformation through the lens of the fighter pilot mindset.

We dive deep into what it means to be a globally conscious leader with John Lamy.

Which is more critical, culture or community? With the ever-evolving workplace dynamics, particularly in the era of remote and hybrid work, this episode dives into how leaders can create environments that foster true connection and belonging. Zoë is joined by Lauren Buckley, founder of The Hush Collaborative, who shares her insights on the distinctions between culture and community, and how organizations can move beyond outdated cultural models to build thriving, resilient communities. *CORRECTION: I introduce Lauren as the founder of The Hush Collective, when it should be HUSH COLLABORATIVE. Full shownotes: The Future of Work: Culture or Community Key Topics Covered: The future of humanoid robots and their role in society. Updates on Zoë's latest projects, including her upcoming book "Power Games." The balance between autonomy and connection in the workplace. The difference between culture and community in organizational contexts. How building community can drive better business outcomes and suppor

I love systems. And I love systems for leadership even more.  We want a reliable way of building leadership capability that inoculates against power abuse and tyranny. How can we embrace new systems to bring leadership alive across the entire organisation? We need a systemic change in how we think about encouraging leadership. It starts with reimagining the geometry of an organization: from triangles we need to move to circles. Then working on expanding the power of the individual. My guest for T-TOK (Tea Time in the Office Kitchen) is Paul McCarthy, author of The F.I.R.E.D. Leader and he is on a mission to reshape the conversation about ​​, and how we need to shift how we recruit, train, and practice leadership if we are to normalise disruption and survive the era of exponential change. --- Become a Podcast Insider for subscriber only bonuses including an implementation checklist, discussion questions, water cooler factoids, and special subscriber-only offers. Join us here: Podcast Insider Full shownotes are

Zoë Routh announces the rebranding of her podcast from 'Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast' to 'The Future of Leadership.' We have a new format, including new artwork, a theme-based approach, practical guest segments called 'T TOK: Tea Time in the Office Kitchen,' and subscriber-only materials. We finish the final episode with a deep dive into THINKING RITUALS: conscious practices we hold sacrosanct so we can lead better for the future. Become a podcast insider: You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff. Sign up here. SHOWNOTES are here. Planet Zoë: Early Bird ending soon 31 July 2024 for, Grace Under Fire Help me with my research: complete the Power Games Survey - survey closes 31 July 2024 Key Moments  00:00 Introduction and Big Announcement 00:12 Rebranding to 'The Future of Leadership' 00:47 New Podcast Format and Features 02:31 Today's Topic: Thinking Rituals for Future Fit Leadership 0

How can we be more creative, together? While collaboration has plenty of issues, creative imagining in teams is also challenging. Both are essential skills for the future of leadership: we need to harness as much collective brain power as possible to address future challenges, and find innovative solutions. Dr. Amy Climer, an experiential educator and creativity specialist and TEDx speaker. Together we explore the process of creative problem-solving and how leaders can implement creativity in their teams by working through the four stages: clarify, ideate, develop, and implement. Amy dispels common myths about creativity, and how we might integrate generative AI tools like ChatGPT in the creative process. SHOWNOTES are here.   Creativity is an essential leadership skill now and for the future. And it’s not just drawing!   Why you should listen: how creativity is a codified process that follows our natural instincts The importance of creativity in leadership and team dynamics. Stages of the creative proce

Collaboration is HARD. There are leadership maturity hurdles as well as culture and systemic challenges to overcome. As leaders, we need to manage the polarity of individual achievement and collective success. In this way we might overcome power struggles for effective collaboration. SHOWNOTES are here.  The future of leadership relies on collaboration.  Why you should listen: at the source of power struggles are leadership maturity and systems The tension is a polarity to manage, not a problem to resolve.  We explore the dynamics of polarity management to mitigate power struggles Benefits of individual achievement and its cultural roots Benefits of collective success and its collaboration imperative Avoid the pitfalls of too much of or the other: it’s not an either/or choice but an AND.  Take action Make sure your KPIs have both individual and collective measures and results. Establish rituals for acknowledging individual contributions AND collective outcomes. Make sure your reporting is tr

We welcome author and futurist Louise Mowbray, who shares her profound insights on systems thinking and managing complexity in leadership. Louise delves into the pivotal roles of creativity, curiosity, and compassion in effective leadership, exploring how technology, including AI, can both aid and challenge leaders today. We also discuss my favourite futurist book,  'Relevant Future Focused Leadership,' and the need for a modern renaissance in the arts. This episode is packed with forward-thinking ideas designed to inspire and equip leaders for the future. Tune in to expand your leadership toolkit with these invaluable insights. SHOWNOTES are here. Key Moments  00:00 Introduction to the Zoe Routh Leadership Podcast 00:29 Exciting Innovations: MIT's Future Self Chatbot 03:13 Personal Updates and Upcoming Projects 05:19 Introducing Louise Mowbray: Future Focused Leadership 07:16 Louise Mowbray's Journey into Futurism 13:12 Understanding Conscious Leadership 23:41 Navigating Complexity and Systems Thinking 34:0

In this episode, we sit down with mental health expert Mark Butler to explore critical issues impacting workplaces today. Mark delves into: Mental Health Challenges in the Workplace: Understanding common issues and their impacts. Trauma-Informed Leadership: Why it's crucial for modern leaders. Recent Legislative Changes in Australia: What you need to know. Strategies to Prevent Burnout: Tips to promote mental well-being. Emotional Intelligence and Self-Care: Creating supportive environments. Reducing Mental Health Stigma: Empowering employees to take charge of their well-being. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on creating healthier, more supportive workplaces. Shownotes 00:00 Introduction to the Zoe Routh Leadership Podcast 00:29 Exciting Developments in Space Exploration 01:10 Impact of Space Tourism on Business 02:58 Personal Reflections and Upcoming Program 05:18 Introducing Today's Guest: Mark Butler 06:46 Mental Health Responsibilities in the Workplace 15:40 Understanding Burnout: Ca

My guest this week is an engineer turned systems productivity expert and author. Lauren Jones is a specialist in continuous improvement and her book, 10% Better, focuses on strategies to improve business processes and performance incrementally. Lauren shares how small, consistent improvements can lead to significant gains over time and how growth in both personal and professional realms can go hand-in-hand.  We talk about the significance of inspiring and empowering people, overcoming the challenges of micromanagement and fostering trust within teams. Lauren’s practical and pragmatic insights will inspire reflection and change - 100%!  Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-framework-lauren-jones Key Moments  Planet Human: GPT is moving on in leaps and bounds - with a new voice feature that is fun to play with!  Planet Zoë: The manuscript for Olympus Rising is complete which is very exciting. My focus now shifts to non-fiction and research for my next leadership book, tentatively ti

It’s a solosode week and I am delving into the intricacies of leadership and personal development and exploring the idea of feeling stuck. I’ve got four practical steps that will help to get you moving in the right direction.   Feeling stuck is a natural part of the leadership journey, but it doesn't have to be a permanent state. By reframing your mindset, setting clear goals, seeking feedback and support, embracing change, and prioritising self-care, you can navigate through stagnation and become more effective in your role. Remember to live with grace, approaching each challenge with compassion and resilience. Let’s navigate this challenging state together! Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-strategy-stuck-zoe-routh Key Moments  Planet Human: China’s Change’s-6 spacecraft landed on the dark side of the moon.  Planet Zoë: I’m all about creative reinvention right now! Olympus Rising, which is the third book in the Gaia series, is with the editor. I'm working on my non-fiction bo

Elias Kanaris joined me to share his incredible journey from his upbringing in Libya to his leadership development work as a CEO. His story is one of influence, resilience, and the power of values instilled early in life. Elias's international background and his ability to navigate cultural nuances offer a rich perspective on leadership that transcends borders. Elias's experience during the tragic events of 11 September 2001 serves as a stark reminder of the need for adaptability in leadership. Stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, for five days, he learned invaluable lessons about self-care, the importance of community, and the necessity to rewrite the rules in the face of change. His insights are a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the capacity for leaders to emerge stronger from adversity. Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/elias-kanaris-leadership-journey Key Moments  Planet Human: Inspired by Mary Beard’s SPQR The History of Ancient Rome, reflecting on the 2000 year history

We are exploring the important but often overlooked art of negotiation with expert Sam Trattles, who shares her journey to loving something that many people hate. We explore Sam’s uniquely Australian APEC method and discuss the nuances of high-stakes negotiations, such as those in international conflicts. Our conversation covers managing emotions, understanding motivations, and the impact of power dynamics. Sam imparts wisdom on engaging with senior leaders and the importance of mindset in seeking fair outcomes. Whether you're navigating boardroom battles or seeking to resolve complex conflicts, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will elevate your negotiation game. Shownotes See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-framework-sam-trattles Key Moments  Planet Human: Exploring the little incremental changes add up to a big change in society - from telehealth and e-scripts to identify theft and proving we are human!  Planet Zoë: Enjoying a period of routine at home before it’s ti

This is a profound conversation with Paul Glover, an ex-lawyer and leadership legacy coach, who shares his remarkable journey from incarceration, after being indicted by a federal grand jury on 33 counts of corruption, to redemption. Paul’s time in prison was a period of intense self-reflection and transformation, driven by a commitment to his family and a desire to become a better person.  Emerging from the addictive “dark and grubby and greedy and vile” underworld Paul was confronted with dismantling his own ego in the pursuit of forgiveness.  We delve into the importance of ethics, the power of humility and simple gratitude, and the role of support systems in personal growth. Paul’s candid leadership insights emphasise the need for self-reflection, accountability, and ethical decision-making frameworks and offers invaluable lessons for us all. Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-journey-paul-glover Key Moments  Planet Human: A quick look at the fascinating concept of digital t

Ever wondered how a spy hones the skill to read people with precision? Our guest this week shares his riveting journey from the military to mastering human intelligence. Retired spy and a three-time award-winning speaker, JJ Brun's story is not just about espionage; it's a masterclass in understanding human dynamics that every leader can learn from. JJ's expertise in the DiSC®  model offers a fascinating lens to decode how people think and act. His insights into behavioural traits and communication styles are invaluable for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of leadership and personal development. JJ even puts your host under the microscope, assessing my behavioural traits using the DISC model. As a DiSC practitioner myself, it was an enlightening experience!  Shownotes See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-dynamics-brun   Key Moments  Planet Human: I’ve been watching Netflix show 3 Body Problem which sent me down a rabbit hole about the Fermi paradox. It is the identification that