We explore the courage to confront tyranny and the roots of empathy through personal legacy and historical insight. Zoë shares reflections on billionaire-owned media and the future of truth-seeking in journalism, and updates us on her Australian Alpine walking track adventure and upcoming Kickstarter for Power Games.

Then, we welcome Dr. Robert Wolf, author of Not a Real Enemy, a gripping biography of his father’s extraordinary journey through Nazi and Communist Hungary.

Rob shares the harrowing yet hopeful story of his father’s four-time escape from tyranny, how he rebuilt his life as a doctor in America, and why this story of resilience, compassion, and miracles needs to be told now more than ever.

Together, we explore the enduring impact of antisemitism, the challenge of confronting hate in all its forms, and the role of storytelling in forging empathy and leadership.

SHOWNOTES are here:

​​https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/truth-seeking-journalism

Power Games: https://www.zoerouth.com/power-games

My new Substack: https://substack.com/@zoerouth

Planet Human:

Billionaire-owned media reshapes truth, trust, and narratives.

https://www.npr.org/2025/02/26/nx-s1-5309725/jeff-bezos-washington-post-opinion-section

Key Quotes:

"Leadership will require us to ask: how do we craft a shared reality in a polarised world?" – Zoë Routh

"Leadership is from within. Lead by example... trust is a part of it. Integrity is a part of it." – Dr. Robert Wolf

"When people say, 'nobody cares about antisemitism', I say: then we must be the ones who do." – Dr. Robert Wolf

Questions Asked:

1. What compelled you to bring your father’s story into the world through this book?

2. How did your father’s story shift your own understanding of leadership, resilience, and legacy?

3. What does standing up to tyranny look like today?

4. How can we foster real change in how we teach empathy and history in classrooms and beyond?

Take Action:

1. Educate yourself on the history of antisemitism and its modern forms.

2. Seek stories that challenge your assumptions—especially those you might prefer to ignore.

3. Share stories of courage from your own heritage or community, and listen deeply to others.

4. Introduce discussion groups or reading circles around books like Not a Real Enemy to build cultural understanding and empathy in your workplace or community.

Tip of the Week

Reflect on the narratives that shaped your worldview. Whose voices were missing—and what can you do this week to listen for them?

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Theme

00:26 Billionaire-Owned Media and Truth

01:47 The Future of Independent Journalism

03:27 The Fragmentation of Shared Narratives

04:42 Personal Updates and Upcoming Adventures

05:14 Kickstarter Preview and Exclusive Offers

06:02 Addressing Antisemitism and Racism

08:01 Interview with Dr. Robert Wolfe

10:11 Dr. Wolfe's Father's Story of Survival

26:27 The Real Enemy: A Personal Reflection

27:07 Impact of the Book on Readers

27:36 Global Antisemitism and Islamophobia

28:26 The Role of Education in Combating Hate

34:07 Promoting the Book and Its Message

37:39 Fast Three: Quickfire Questions

42:45 Final Thoughts and Reflections

We dive into the world of operational excellence and visionary leadership with guest Emma Rainville, author of Scope and founder of Shockwave. Zoë shares updates on her Australian Alpine walking track adventure and the behind-the-scenes of the Power Games Kickstarter launch. On Planet Human, she explores the unfolding Tesla brand rebellion and the deeper lessons on leadership, marketing, and impact.

Emma brings a compelling perspective on how to scale businesses by bringing calm to chaos. She outlines the WAVE framework—Written Vision, Absolute Focus, Values-driven Future, and Execution Plan—and offers practical, transformative advice for any leader serious about delivering big ideas, sustainably and profitably. Together, they examine the future of AI in operations, culture-building through psychological safety, and why mentorship—not management—is the secret sauce of visionary success.

SHOWNOTES are here:

https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/operational-excellence

My new Substack: https://substack.com/@zoerouth

Power Games: https://www.zoerouth.com/power-games

Planet Human:

Tesla owners are rebelling—not by selling their cars, but by disguising them. A lesson in knowing your audience, brand alignment, and leadership reputation.

https://www.fastcompany.com/91294552/tesla-owners-are-disguising-their-cars-with-fake-badges-as-a-form-of-resistance

Key Quotes:

"Founders often have vision but no framework. That’s where chaos begins." – Emma Rainville

"Operational excellence means responding, not reacting." – Emma Rainville

"We shouldn't be 'shoulding' all over ourselves. Make conscious commitments." – Zoë Routh

Questions Asked:

1. What is the WAVE framework and how can it help you scale?

2. Why do visionary leaders struggle with management—and how can they overcome it?

3. What are the biggest mistakes founders make when launching new products?

4. How can we build a culture where failure becomes fuel for growth?

Take Action:

1. Define your own Written Vision. Where are you heading in 10 years?

2. Create a people development plan—not just for hiring, but for mentoring.

3. Test Emma’s approach: use ChatGPT to challenge your processes and find efficiencies.

4. Celebrate team members not just for solving problems, but for how they fix mistakes.

Tip of the Week

Explore AI as a co-pilot in your business. Delegate your drudgery.

Ask: How might I make this repeatable, streamlined, or automated?

Join the community here:

https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast-news

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.

Join the Power Games advance notice here:

https://www.zoerouth.com/power-games

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Theme

00:32 Tesla Resistance and Marketing Missteps

03:30 Personal Updates from Zoe

04:27 Eliminating Drudgery with AI

05:40 Interview with Emma Rainsville: The Wizard of Ops

09:01 Defining Operational Excellence

10:03 Visionary Entrepreneurs and Business Challenges

16:22 People Development and Leadership

22:31 Exploring Commercial and Home Services

23:04 The Impact of AI on Operational Excellence

24:16 Incorporating AI and Automations

29:03 Building a Culture of Operational Excellence

32:14 The WAVE Operational Framework

35:07 The Fast Three: Quick Insights

37:05 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes