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

Join the Power Games advance notice here:

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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.

Join the community here:

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

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

#leadershipskills #leadershipdevelopment #leadershiplessons #leadershiptraining #innovation #selfmanagingteams #futureofleadership

Zoë Routh welcomes Candice DeVille, co-founder and CEO of AI CoPilot, to discuss the impact and practical applications of AI tools in personal and professional settings. They explore how AI can enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and create opportunities for business leaders. Candice shares insights into AI’s geopolitical landscape, the importance of diverse perspectives in AI development, and how leaders can implement AI to streamline business operations.

The conversation also covers the ethical considerations of AI, its evolving capabilities, and how businesses can develop a strategic AI roadmap. Additionally, Zoë recommends Tough Broad by Caroline Paul, an inspiring read on outdoor adventure for women.

SHOWNOTES are here.

https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/ai-power-practical-strategies-for-leaders

Key Quotes

“The challenge for leaders isn’t just keeping up with AI—it’s making smart, strategic choices about where to use it." – Zoë Routh

"The best use of AI is not to replace people, but to augment what they’re already doing." – Candice DeVille

"We have the opportunity to shape AI by how we use it, what we teach it, and how we engage with it." – Candice DeVille

"When using AI, start small. Automate the tasks that are repetitive, prone to human error, and the ones that people complain about the most." – Candice DeVille

Questions Asked

1. How can AI be used to expand our perspectives?

2. What is the role of AI in creating meaningful connections rather than just generating content?

3. How can leaders implement AI in a structured way without overwhelming their teams?

4. What are the key geopolitical considerations shaping AI development?

5. How do open-source AI models like DeepSeek compare to proprietary models?

6. What are the most effective ways for SMEs to start leveraging AI?

7. How can business leaders ensure AI adoption is ethical and effective?

Take Action

1. Identify repetitive tasks in your business – Make a list of time-consuming, error-prone processes that could be automated.

2. Ask AI how it can help – Use tools like ChatGPT to explore automation options tailored to your needs.

3. Develop an AI roadmap – Start with a small, low-risk AI project to test the benefits before scaling up.

4. Encourage AI education in your team – Provide training so employees can leverage AI effectively.

5. Set clear AI guardrails – Ensure AI tools align with ethical considerations and business values.

6. Explore free AI learning resources – Check out Candice DeVille’s AI CoPilot courses for business leaders.

Tip of the Week

Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only.

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.

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:18 Exploring AI Tools: Bordi on LinkedIn

01:59 Power Games and Upcoming Book Launch

02:54 Using AI to Expand Perspectives

04:53 Interview with Candice DeVille: AI CoPilot

06:00 Candice DeVille's Journey in Tech

08:04 AI's Impact and Future Directions

19:44 Practical AI Applications for Businesses

28:48 Candice DeVille's Free AI Program for Leaders

33:39 Book Recommendation: Tough Broad

35:15 Conclusion and Call to Action

Power Games Kickstarter Campaign, sign up here:

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MagicMind Nootropic:

They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code TFLPOD20 at checkout.

You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/TFLPOD

We explore the evolving conversation around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and whether its future is at risk. We dive into the backlash against DEI, what is driving these changes, and how leaders can approach this complex topic with a systemic lens.

We have also discussed the latest advancements in brain-computer interfaces, the concept of mental wealth, and strategies to enhance leadership effectiveness.

SHOWNOTES are here

Key Quotes
“More brains equal more magic. DEI is about systemic change, not just representation.” – Zoë Routh
“The real question isn’t whether DEI should exist but how it should evolve.” – Zoë Routh
“Bias exists. The question is: what systems are we creating to counteract it?” – Zoë Routh

Questions Asked
1. How can organisations ensure DEI initiatives drive real change rather than just optics?
2. How do we balance meritocracy with systemic fairness?
3. Are organisations addressing deep-rooted structural issues, or simply applying band-aid solutions?
4. How can we create more inclusive work environments without tokenism?
5. What are practical strategies to counteract cognitive biases in hiring and promotions?

Take Action
1. Evaluate your organisation’s DEI policies. Are they creating meaningful change or just checking boxes?
2. Experiment with bias-free recruitment. Anonymise applications and assess the impact.
3. Read Tim Urban’s book “What’s Our Problem?” to understand the broader political and social dynamics around DEI.

Tip of the Week

Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. 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.

Key Moments
00:00 - Welcome back to the show
00:45 - Brain-computer interfaces and the latest technology trends
05:30 - The concept of mental wealth and performance
09:45 - The growing backlash against DEI: What’s happening?
14:20 - The meritocracy debate: Does it hold up?
19:15 - How DEI initiatives can move beyond optics to systemic change
25:00 - The role of leadership in fostering truly inclusive workplaces
30:10 - Book recommendation: "What’s Our Problem?" by Tim Urban
35:00 - Closing thoughts and action steps

Power Games Kickstarter Campaign, sign up here:
www.zoerouth.com/power-games

MagicMind Nootropic:
They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with code TFLPOD20 at checkout.
You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/TFLPOD

#leadershiptips #DEI #leadershipdevelopment #futureofwork

We explore the future of leadership, focusing on cognitive levels, emotional intelligence, and trust with Todd Hollow Bist. We discuss the importance of self-awareness, using presence to regulate emotions, and fostering breakthrough conversations in challenging environments.

We consider the role of psychological age in leadership, how dialectic thinking can drive innovation, and practical techniques for building trust and enhancing team dynamics.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes

• "Our work begins with understanding, not judgment, seeking common ground through shared strengths." Zoë Routh

• "The brain wants to grow, but ambiguity and stress can push us down in cognitive levels." – Todd Hollow Bist

• "Presence is the muscle we use to stay at our best cognitive levels and resist being triggered into reactive behaviour." – Todd Hollow Bist

• "Leadership is about understanding people at a deeper level—not just what they say, but how they feel about it." – Todd Hollow Bist

Questions Asked

• How can leaders have breakthrough conversations in a polarised world?

• What are cognitive levels, and how do they shape leadership effectiveness?

• How does psychological age affect adult behaviour in leadership settings?

• What is dialectic thinking, and how can it lead to innovative conversations?

• What are practical ways to develop greater self-awareness as a leader?

Take Action

• Reflect on how ambiguity and stress influence your decision-making and emotional responses.

• Practise presence as a way to regulate emotions and maintain leadership effectiveness.

• Engage in dialectic thinking: next time you have a disagreement, focus on understanding the other person’s feelings, not just their argument.

• Observe how psychological age manifests in yourself and your team. Are you reacting from a mature, adult state or reverting to earlier behavioural patterns?

Tip of the Week

Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. 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.

Key Moments

00:00 - Welcome back to the show
00:28 - Reflections on the current political climate
01:07 - Personal updates and Magic Mind
06:39 - Introducing Todd Hollow Bist
07:45 - Todd’s journey into leadership
11:07 - Understanding cognitive levels
24:16 - Practical applications of cognitive levels
31:11 - Navigating emotional responses in leadership
32:10 - The role of empathy in building trust
34:45 - Recognising and testing trust in relationships
39:20 - Developing self-awareness and cognitive levels
49:52 - Dialectic thinking for innovative conversations
53:03 - Rapid-fire questions and leadership insights
58:43 - Book recommendation: Strongmen by Ruth Ben-Ghiat
59:47 - Closing thoughts and encouragement

Power Games Kickstarter Campaign, sign up here:

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

MagicMind Nootropic:

They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code TFLPOD20 at checkout.

You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/TFLPOD

In the episode, Zoë Routh engages with Sylvia Rhode-Liebenau to explore the multifaceted concept of power. They discuss ethical ways to gain power, the role of technology in enhancing democratic processes, and introduce the framework of Smart Power, which encompasses systemic thinking, merging resources, and authentic personal power.

The conversation provides insights into leadership challenges and the importance of adapting to a volatile world.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes

• "Smart Power is about understanding systems and merging resources." - Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau

• "Perspective is power." - Zoë Routh

• "If we do not use a certain degree of systems thinking, we don't understand anything." - Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau

Questions Asked

1. What would you do with more power?

2. What does a powerful person look like?

3. What does a powerless person look like?

4. How might we share power?

5. What might happen if we had more power as a group?

Take Action

• Reflect on your relationship with power by asking yourself the four key questions discussed in the episode.

• Explore ways to ethically share power within your organization or community to enhance collaboration and effectiveness.

Tip of the Week

Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. 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.

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction: The Power Question

00:18 Exploring Digital Democratic Innovations

01:36 Challenges and Solutions in Online Deliberation

02:35 The Role of Blockchain in Transparent Debates

03:57 Changing Our Relationship with Power

04:33 Four Key Questions About Power

07:25 Introducing Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau

12:47 Old Power vs. New Power

14:19 The Concept of Smart Power

15:31 Systemic Thinking and Merging Power

22:03 Authentic Personal Power

33:39 Exploring Smart Power in Leadership

49:15 Fast Three: Quick Insights and Recommendations

In this episode of the podcast, Zoë discusses enhancing leadership thinking through a recent article on transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and its implications for cognitive abilities. She introduces guest Dave Martin, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and author of "Mega Thinking," who outlines a four-step process to improve strategic thinking: capturing initial thoughts, socializing with trusted individuals, conducting focused research, and synthesizing final thoughts.

The conversation also touches on the role of AI in knowledge acquisition and concludes with leadership tips and resources for further learning.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes

1. You are what you think; your environment matters." Zoë Routh

2. "Thinking far deep and wide is essentially how you can fast track upscale, deepen, broaden, improve your strategic thinking." Zoë Routh

3. "It's important to select people who you respect and who have different views; this diversity can lead to new information that enhances your understanding of the topic." Dave Martin

4. "Going deep means analysing what the current situation looks like, which involves environmental scanning and understanding underlying causes rather than just seeking quick fixes." Dave Martin

Questions Asked

1. How might we improve our thinking as leaders?

2. What does 'Mega Thinking' actually mean?

3. What are the specific four steps of the Mega Steps process?

4. How do we select individuals to socialise our thoughts with?

Take Action

• Reflect on your current strategic thinking methods and identify areas for improvement.

• Engage with trusted colleagues or mentors to discuss your ideas and gather diverse perspectives.

• Explore the implications of AI in your leadership approach and consider how to integrate it effectively without over-reliance.

Tip of the Week

Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. 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.

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Question

00:15 Exploring Neuroplasticity and Brain Stimulation

01:18 Leadership and Environmental Influence

01:55 Personal Updates and Upcoming Projects

02:31 Improving Strategic Thinking

03:54 Deep and Wide Thinking Strategies

05:16 Introducing Dave Martin and Mega Thinking

06:05 The Concept of Mega Thinking

12:49 Steps to Achieve Mega Thinking

32:02 The Pitfalls of Overconfidence in Leadership

32:42 The Importance of Truth-Seeking in a Sea of Opinions

34:15 Exploring Perspectives and Finding General Principles

35:13 The Role of Books in Deepening Understanding

36:43 Simplifying Complex Topics with Mega Steps

38:49 The Value of Interpersonal Skills in Leadership

45:14 The Future of AI and Its Impact on Industries

48:20 Leadership Tips and Participative Leadership

49:56 The Fast Three: Technology, Leadership, and Reading

52:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the podcast, Zoë Routh engages with Damon Lembi, CEO of Learn It and host of the Learn It All podcast, to discuss the importance of fostering a learn-it-all mindset in leadership.

They emphasise the need for leaders to prioritise learning, encourage curiosity, and tailor learning experiences to individual needs.

Damon shares his personal journey from a front desk employee to a CEO, highlighting the transformative power of continuous learning and the evolving landscape of educational tools like VR and AI.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes

"Learning is tough. It takes consistency. You have to get out of your comfort zone." Damon Lembi

"You should put yourselves in a position where you can learn something from everyone." Damon Lembi

"We need to encourage curiosity... even a very simple thing that doesn't take a lot of time in your weekly standup could spark interest." Zoë Routh

Questions Asked

1. How can you learn more each day and become a learn-it-all?

2. What barriers do people face in their learning journeys?

3. How can leaders carve out time for learning amidst their busy schedules?

Take Action

• Encourage Curiosity: Implement a weekly "fact of the week" during team meetings to spark interest.

• Customize Learning: Adapt learning experiences based on individual preferences and needs.

• Remove Barriers: Streamline meetings and reduce workloads to create more space for learning.

Tip of the Week

Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. 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.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Introduction and Weekly Question

• 01:35 Integrating Learning into Leadership

• 04:07 Introducing Today's Guest: Damon Lembi

• 08:29 Overcoming Barriers to Learning

• 10:29 Strategies for Effective Learning

• 15:44 The Future of Learning and AI

• 27:29 Challenges for L&D Professionals

• 32:54 Leadership Tips and Feedback