Episodes

  • Non-Obvious Thinking: Navigating Future Trends with Rohit Bhargava

    Non-Obvious Thinking: Navigating Future Trends with Rohit Bhargava
    Nov 3 2024

    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 scenario planning to anticipate future developments.
    • Read Rohit Bhargava's book, Non-Obvious Thinking, for deeper insights.

    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 and Weekly Question
    00:17 Electric Vehicle Revolution in Norway
    01:38 Leadership Conclave Preparation
    02:28 Reflecting on the Past and Future
    05:43 Introducing Rohit Bhargava
    06:50 Discussing Non-Obvious Trends
    21:37 Breaking the Rules of Book Publishing
    22:54 Time Horizons in Non-Obvious Thinking
    25:37 Scenario Planning and Trend Prediction
    28:39 The Haystack Method for Pattern Recognition
    30:46 Surprising Insights in Non-Obvious Thinking
    36:32 The Fast Three: Quickfire Questions
    39:56 Podcast Wrap-Up and Listener Engagement
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    42 mins
  • Kind Business Revolution: How Values Create Value

    Kind Business Revolution: How Values Create Value
    Oct 20 2024
    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 like Neuralink. Zoe shares personal updates: Upcoming book Olympus Rising (Book 3 of the Gaia Enterprises series). Nonfiction project Power Games, exploring leadership and ethics. Ethical questions in leadership, focusing on: The balance between personal responsibility and system regulation. Preventing leaders from slipping into unethical behaviors. Dr. David Cooke reflects on: Embedding kindness into corporate leadership. The importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles in business. His experience at Konica Minolta and how kindness-driven leadership leads to business success. Key Quotes "What if we started to evaluate businesses on their contribution to social good and not just their accumulation of wealth?" Zoë Routh "None of them really believe they are the villain. And yet we can show up and have villainous behaviour." Dr David Cooke "Leadership isn't being aloof and distant. Leadership is working with people." Dr David Cooke "Once you know, you can't unknow. Once you've seen, you can't unsee." Dr David Cooke "I just want us all to work together to build a company that cares." Dr David Cooke Questions Explored Can kindness really be a force for good in business, or do nice guys finish last? Will there be two streams of humans, the natural and the amplified humans? What would society look like if businesses were evaluated on social good? How do we avoid slipping into unethical behavior while believing we are doing the right thing? How did kindness as a business philosophy help transform your company? Take Action Consider the role of kindness in leadership and how it can positively impact business outcomes. Engage in big-picture thinking by joining the Leadership Conclave to stay ahead of trends for 2025. Reflect on how systems within organizations can promote ethical leadership and prevent negative behaviors. Explore Power Games, Zoe’s upcoming book, for deeper insights on leadership and ethics. Tip of the Week: Evaluate your business not just by financial success but by its contributions to social good. This approach, as exemplified by companies like B Corps, can enhance both your company culture and long-term success. Key Moments 00:00 Introduction and Question of the Week 00:20 Neuralink's Ambitious Vision 01:15 Ethical Implications of Amplified Humanity 02:00 Updates from Planet Zoe 02:56 Leadership Conclave and Future Trends 03:54 Evaluating Business for Social Good 04:49 Self-Regulation and System Regulation 06:25 Introducing Dr. David Cooke 08:07 David Cooke on Kind Business 10:53 Challenges in Leadership and Cultural Change 29:11 Seeking Feedback and Leadership Balance 30:27 Implementing Cultural Change 35:15 Addressing Everyday Sexism 39:25 Promoting Ethical Sourcing and Human Rights 43:59 The Power of Kindness in Business 49:15 Fast Three: Quick Insights 52:50 Final Thoughts and Reflections 59:31 Podcast Wrap-Up and Listener Engagement Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights on the future of leadership! About Dr David Cooke Dr Cooke is the Executive Director of ESG Advisory, a consultancy dedicated to helping organizations challenge their leadership to think more broadly and responsibly about environmental, social, and governance practices. With over 35 years of corporate experience, including serving as Chair and Managing Director of Konica Minolta Australia, David brings a wealth of knowledge to his advisory role. He is a sought-after speaker and facilitator, offering keynotes, workshops, and panel participation on topics such as Kind Business, Business as a Force for Good, Building Strong Corporate Cultures, Ethical Decision Making, Business and Human Rights, and Fostering Successful Non-profit and For-profit Relationships. With a deep understanding of how to build strong, engaged corporate cultures and achieve ethical, sustainable business outcomes, Dr David Cooke is a passionate advocate for the values ...
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    58 mins
  • Fighter Pilot Wisdom for Better Leadership

    Fighter Pilot Wisdom for Better Leadership
    Oct 6 2024

    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.

    👉 Become a Podcast Insider for more insights on evolving leadership for the future, with free implementation tip sheets and other Insider bonuses each episode: https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast-news

    👉The full shownotes are here: Boo Boucousis

    Boo shares his journey of continuous reinvention, from flying jets to founding businesses, and how the disciplined, methodical thinking of a fighter pilot can be applied to leadership and business. Together, they explore how iterative thinking, structured collaboration, and intentional leadership can help leaders create high-performing teams, drive results, and maintain credibility.

    👉 Join us at the Leadership Conclave. Canberra, Nov 8th, 2024.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The power of deliberate collaboration and face-to-face interactions in achieving team success.

    • How to use the plan-brief-execute-debrief cycle to build agility and continuously improve performance.

    • The importance of credibility and why it takes years to earn but only seconds to lose.

    Tip of the Week:
    Iterate for Success: Just as fighter pilots improve through continuous iteration, your leadership can evolve by making small, consistent changes. Debrief regularly with your team, reflect on gaps, and make actionable improvements.

    Key Moments

    00:00 Introduction and Main Question

    00:42 Neuralink and Brain-Computer Interfaces

    02:06 Ethical Challenges of Amplified Humans

    02:18 Book Writing and Upcoming Projects

    03:25 Ethical Implications and Leadership

    07:14 Tea Time with Christian Boo Boucousis

    08:27 Boo's Journey from Fighter Pilot to Entrepreneur

    19:07 Fighter Pilot Mindset and Leadership

    31:24 Diagnosing Business Dysfunction

    31:47 The Illusion of Freedom in Business

    32:31 The Myth of Overnight Success

    33:22 Technology and Dysfunctional Behaviors

    34:51 Iterative Planning and Execution

    37:33 The Power of Debriefing

    41:15 Leadership Traits and Credibility

    43:47 Introducing the Afterburner Effect

    47:31 The Fast Three Questions

    52:04 Finding Your Purpose

    54:45 Book Recommendations and Conclusion

    #Leadership #FutureOfLeadership #FighterPilotMindset #Collaboration #ChristianBoucousis #ZoeRouth #Afterburner #GrowthMindset
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    53 mins
  • Business for Good: Globally Conscious Leadership

    Business for Good: Globally Conscious Leadership
    Sep 27 2024
    We dive deep into what it means to be a globally conscious leader with John Lamy. 🌱 John discusses the power of businesses to lead the fight against climate change, balancing profitability with responsibility. From building inner resilience through meditation and personal practices to creating businesses that serve both people and the planet, this episode is packed with insights. 🌏💼 ✨ "Businesses can be a force for good while remaining profitable" - John Lamy Join the conversation and learn how conscious leadership can shape a better world. Planet Human: Birth rates are not greater than they were than in 1950, in every country of the world. Event: Join us at the Leadership Conclave, Nov 8th in Canberra. Become a Podcast Insider for tip sheets, discussion questions, and other insider perks. Summary Conscious Leadership and Inner Practices John Lamy emphasizes that solving climate change requires more than technical knowledge—it demands inner strength and consciousness. He connects leadership practices such as meditation, journaling, and yoga with building resilience and the emotional resources needed to face the significant challenges ahead. “You’re going to have to have inner resources... it’s not going to be easy.” Business as a Force for Good Businesses can be a powerful force in addressing climate change. John advocates for companies to go beyond profit-making and be forces for social and environmental good. He encourages them to maintain integrity, engage employees in sustainability efforts, and foster values alignment with customers. “Business could be, should be, and can be an actual force to be reckoned with.” Challenges of Changing Mindsets John discusses how difficult it is to shift the prevailing mindset from profit-first to a more sustainable, globally conscious approach. He stresses that businesses need to own up to their environmental impacts and treat sustainability as a strategic priority. “Integrity. We’ve got to be honest... you will have expenses you didn’t have previously.” Six Principles of Conscious Leadership John shares six guiding principles for globally conscious leaders: Love the Earth Take interconnection to heart Be kind Treat all people equally Respect our life’s journeys Own our externalities (environmental and social impacts) These principles emphasize the ethical and moral responsibility leaders have towards people and the planet. “It sounds easy, but we have to raise it to consciousness.” Practical Steps for Businesses John offers practical steps for businesses to begin addressing climate change while still remaining profitable, from adopting eco-friendly products and services to engaging employees and customers in sustainability efforts. “It’s not just the leaders, but also the people who will appreciate a climate-friendly approach.” Key Quotes: “This is not going to be easy. There’s a lot of pushback... You’re going to have to have inner resources.” “Businesses can be forces for good. It’s not about sacrificing profits but aligning them with what matters for the future.” “What do we want for our grandchildren? This is about their future too.” Questions Explored: How does leadership consciousness relate to addressing climate change? Can businesses balance profitability with sustainability, and how? What principles can guide leaders towards becoming globally conscious? Take Action: Reflect on the six principles of conscious leadership in your own workplace. Implement interior practices like meditation or journaling to build emotional resilience for facing global challenges. Tip of the Week:Encourage business leaders to move from a profit-first mindset to a globally conscious leadership model by focusing on sustainability, integrity, and employee engagement. Key Moments 00:00 Introduction and Altruism in Business 00:20 Global Fertility Rates and Social Implications 01:34 Personal and Professional Updates from Zoë 02:23 Olympus Bound: Book Achievements 03:33 Leadership Conclave Announcement 04:46 Daily Questions for Global Consciousness 06:44 Interview with John Lamy: Introduction 07:47 Conscious Leadership and Climate Crisis 12:21 Business as a Force for Good 21:19 Steps to Solve the Climate Crisis 21:51 Principles for a Sustainable Future 22:31 The Importance of Interconnection 23:17 Making Personal Development Okay 25:10 Exploring the Six Principles 29:47 Rapid Fire Questions 34:07 Building a Community of Leaders 38:39 Book Recommendation: For Love and Money 39:55 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
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    38 mins
  • The Future of Work: Culture or Community?

    The Future of Work: Culture or Community?
    Sep 8 2024

    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 support growth.

    • Power dynamics, collaboration challenges, and the importance of shared leadership.

    Key Quotes:

    • "Culture requests assimilation. Community requests relationship." — Lauren Buckley

    • "Collaboration is a skill, but most organizations assume we just inherently know how to do it." — Lauren Buckley

    • "The biggest shift we need is to move from a power-over model to a power-with model in leadership." — Zoë Routh

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Culture Eats Strategy for Lunch by Kurt Coffman and Kathy Sorenson

    • Upcoming Leadership Conclave event in Canberra on November 8th

    Connect with Us:

    • Subscribe to the podcast on [iTunes/Spotify].

    • Visit zoerouth.com for more insights and resources.

    • Follow Zoë on LinkedIn and Twitter.

    Subscribe for Exclusive Content: Sign up at zoerouth.com/podcast to receive insider access to bonus materials, implementation sheets, and discussion questions for every episode.

    Closing Thought: As Zoë says, "Live with grace, lead in service." Take a moment to reflect on how you can build a sense of community within your organization today.

    Questions Explored:

    • What if the disjointed workplace continues into the future?

    • How do we balance autonomy and connection in a hybrid work environment?

    • What's the difference between building culture and building community in organizations?

    Take Action:

    • Reflect on how you can foster genuine community within your organization.

    • Consider joining our Leadership Conclave event in Canberra on November 8th for an immersive strategic experience. 🌟

    Tip of the Week:

    • Dive into Kurt Coffman and Kathy Sorenson’s book Culture Eats Strategy for Lunch for a deep understanding of how to create a thriving organizational culture. 📚

    Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights on the future of leadership!

    Key Moments

    00:00 Introduction: Community vs. Culture

    00:15 Exploring Humanoid Robots

    00:55 Updates from Planet Zoe

    02:25 The Disjointed Workplace

    03:00 Building Community in the Workplace

    04:10 Interview with Lauren Buckley

    26:32 Fast 3: Quickfire Questions

    29:34 The Hush Collaborative

    33:13 Read to Lead: Book Recommendation

    35:03 Conclusion and Insider Extras

    About Lauren Buckley

    Lauren Buckley is the founder of The Hush Collaborative, an organization dedicated to transforming businesses through the power of community. With a background in communications, brand strategy, and political advisory, Lauren brings a wealth of experience in helping organizations navigate complex challenges through innovative and inclusive approaches.

    #FutureOfWork #FutureOfLeadership #culture #corporateculture
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    34 mins
  • Revolutionising Leadership: Systems for the Next Era

    Revolutionising Leadership: Systems for the Next Era
    Aug 25 2024

    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 here.

    ---

    Systemic Leadership: Circles Before Triangles

    Why you should listen: how we visualise leadership shapes its outcomes

    • We must focus on building the capability, autonomy, and delivery capacity of each person. This cellular approach fosters flexibility, responsiveness, and a collaborative spirit essential for modern leadership.

    • Goretex solutions: Combining individual and collective accountability ensures comprehensive leadership development and system-wide success.

    • How to normalise disruption instead of dysfunction

    Questions Explored:

    • What are the F.I.R.E.D. leadership attributes we need? (F – Fresh Thinking, I – Inquisitive Nature, R – Real and Accountable, E – Expressive and Challenging, )D – Direct and Transparent

    • What gets in the way of open honest conversations?

    • What are the systems that need to change?

    Take action

    Think about how you exercise power in your organisation: is it top down or bottom up or a mix?

    How can you grow the abilities of the people around you?.

    Key Moments

    00:00 Welcome to the Future of Leadership

    00:22 Introducing the Show's Format and Today's Topic

    01:09 Planet Human: Contrasting Leadership Examples

    03:16 Planet Zoe: Personal Updates and Upcoming Projects

    05:54 Exploring Leadership Systems for the Future

    10:40 Interview with Paul McCarthy: The Fired Leader

    25:42 The Role of Fear in Leadership Games

    27:20 The Cost of Leadership Turnover

    27:58 Ego-Based Leadership and Its Consequences

    28:44 Designing Future Organizations

    30:20 Holacracy and Horizontal Leadership

    32:19 Overcoming Leadership Challenges

    33:00 From Fear to Awakening and Courage

    37:11 The Fast Three Questions

    42:28 Paul's Vision for Future Leaders

    43:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    About Paul McCarthy

    Paul McCarthy, author of "The Fired Leader." Paul has had a remarkable journey, having been fired from four senior executive roles, which led him to question and ultimately redefine leadership for the future. His insights into fresh thinking, inquisitiveness, being real and accountable, expressive and challenging, and being direct and transparent are invaluable. These qualities, encapsulated in the acronym FIRED, are pivotal for evolving leadership in modern organizations.

    https://www.paulmacleadership.com/
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    42 mins
  • Thinking Rituals for Future-Fit Leadership

    Thinking Rituals for Future-Fit Leadership
    Jul 28 2024

    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

    03:11 Reflecting on Recent Events

    05:28 Personal Updates and Tech Challenges

    06:54 Winter Plans and Book Writing

    07:39 Power Dynamics and Upcoming Programs

    08:51 Exploring Brain-Computer Interfaces

    09:49 Thinking Rituals for Effective Leadership

    18:01 Read to Lead: Book Recommendations

    21:43 Conclusion and Farewell
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    24 mins
  • 370 Decoding Creativity: Stages of Thoughtful Design for the Future

    370 Decoding Creativity: Stages of Thoughtful Design for the Future
    Jul 22 2024
    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 process: clarify, ideate, develop, implement. Overcoming creative blocks and fostering a culture of innovation. We explore future technologies to assist leaders Using tools like Climer Cards to enhance creativity and team cohesion. Integrating technology and tools like ChatGPT in the creative process. Questions Explored: Why do leaders and teams often overlook creativity? How can we be more creative together in the workplace? What are the key elements needed for teams to be creative? Take action Reflect on how you can incorporate creativity into your leadership and team dynamics. Explore ways to foster an environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. Tip of the week Creativity is essential for future-fit leadership. Understanding and using a structured creative process can significantly enhance team innovation. Tools like Climer Cards and ChatGPT can be valuable aids in sparking creativity. Key Moments 00:47 Reviving the Woolly Mammoth: Science or Science Fiction? 02:21 Artificial Wombs: The Future of Birth? 03:40 Updates from Planet Zoe: Novels and New Programs 05:49 Creativity and Collaboration in Leadership 06:12 Interview with Amy Clymer: Exploring Creativity in Teams 29:31 Sparking New Ideas Through Imagery 30:14 Overcoming Creativity Blocks 32:16 Leveraging Technology for Creativity 35:42 Using AI in Writing and Creativity 39:35 The Flow Cycle and Creativity 42:40 Fast Five: Quickfire Leadership Insights 50:59 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Planet Human: Wooly mammoth being brought back to life Planet Zoë: Early Bird closing for Pilot Program 31 July 2024, Grace Under Fire Help me with my research into Power Games - survey open until 31 July About Amy Climer Dr. Amy Climer is a thought leader in innovation, team development, and experiential learning. She teaches research-based practices, tools, and techniques to forward-thinking organizations such as the Mayo Clinic, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the University of Wisconsin. Amy holds a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University. Her research led to the Deliberate Creative Team Scale, designed to measure the three critical dimensions of team creativity. Her TEDx talk The Power of Deliberate Creative Teams explains her research and philosophies on innovation and her book on this topic will be out in early 2025. Amy is the host of The Deliberate Creative™ Podcast. She is the designer of Climer Cards, a creativity and teambuilding tool used by thousands to deepen conversations and generate ideas. In 2016 she won the Karl Rhonke Creativity Award from the Association for Experiential Education. Amy lives in Asheville, North Carolina in the U.S. Related episodes on Leadership Creativity 132 Creativity is a leadership skill that you can learn with Kieran Flanagan 208 Leadership skills and creativity with Mark Simmonds 140 The four archetypes of disruptive leadership with author Charlene Li
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    59 mins