We explore the power of self-managing teams, innovation ecosystems, and the art of consensus-building with John Taylor McIntyre, the Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of Mutual Prosperity.

We discuss his unique upbringing in a multicultural home, his journey through theatre, and his experiences in Japan that shaped his leadership philosophy.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the challenge of breaking the ‘Curse of Babel’ in organisations, the importance of Nemawashi for effective decision-making, and how businesses can scale leadership while fostering autonomy.

SHOWNOTES are here:

http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-wisdom

Planet Human:

China creates world's first two-way brain-computer interface. https://interestingengineering.com/science/worlds-first-2-way-bci-china

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Key Quotes:

"When we align our language, we unlock collaboration." – John Taylor McIntyre

"Leadership is not about control; it’s about empowering others to make great decisions." – Zoë Routh

"True innovation happens when we create space for new ideas to take root." – John Taylor McIntyre

Questions Asked:

1. What does it take to build truly self-managing teams?

2. How can organisations break through communication barriers and align their language?

3. What is the Nemawashi principle, and how does it help organisations scale leadership?

4. How do we foster a culture of innovation while maintaining strong leadership?

5. What role does personal connection play in shaping high-performing teams?

Take Action:

1. Review your decision-making processes—are they inclusive and effective?

2. Reflect on the concept of Nemawashi: How can you better prepare your team for change?

3. Start a leadership journal to document key decisions and assess their long-term impact.

4. Encourage more open conversations about power, influence, and collaboration within your team.

Tip of the Week:

Align your team’s language to enhance collaboration. Conduct a ‘Language Audit’ in your organisation to identify jargon, miscommunications, and gaps in understanding.

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You’ll receive 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, plus a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff.

Key Moments

00:00 – Introduction and Weekly Question

00:20 – Breakthrough in Brain-Computer Interfaces

01:34 – Training for the Australian Alpine Walking Track

02:09 – Upcoming Book: Power Games

03:21 – Exploring the Concept of Power

06:44 – Interview with John Taylor McIntyre

23:40 – Servant Leadership and Innovation Ecosystems

24:16 – Understanding Technology Transfer

28:06 – Breaking the Curse of Babel

30:11 – The Nemawashi Principle

36:11 – Scaling Leadership and Autonomous Teams

41:23 – The Fast Three: Future Tech, Leadership Tips, and Current Reads

47:36 – The Importance of Personal Relationships in Business

49:52 – Conclusion and Additional Resources

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