The Future of Leadership
The Future of Leadership explores how emerging trends and global events will shape the way we lead. Host Zoe Routh talks with experts about what the future might hold, asking 'what if' and 'how might we' questions. Each episode includes book recommendations and tangible insights listeners can put into action right away.
Episodes
422: Influence Without Authority: Lessons on Power From Women of Ancient Rome with Kate J. Armstrong
Women's history podcaster and author Kate J. Armstrong joins Zoë to explore how women exercised power and influence in Ancient Rome, despite being excluded from formal political authority. Drawing on the stories of Livia, Fulvia, Servilia, and Cleopatra, Kate J. reveals how women navigated patriarchal systems through strategic relationships, political alliances, public influence, and personal ambi
421: The Hidden Rules of Power: Leadership Lessons from Ancient Rome with Fiona Forsyth
Historical fiction author Fiona Forsyth joins Zoë to explore how power, political ambition, and cultural context shaped leadership in Ancient Rome. Through the stories of Ovid, Cicero, Julius Caesar, and Augustus, Fiona reveals why some leaders reshaped political systems while others struggled to protect them. Zoë and Fiona discuss the role of military loyalty, strategic alliances, and hidden infl
420: Why Some Leaders Rise and Others Fall: Lessons from Ancient Rome with L.J. Trafford
Ancient Rome author and historian L.J. Trafford joins Zoë to explore how personality, power, and political influence shaped leadership during one of Rome's most turbulent periods, the Year of the Four Emperors. Drawing from her Four Emperors historical fiction series and extensive research into Roman history, L.J. unpacks how four very different leaders rose to power following Nero's death, and wh
419: The Great Man, Hidden Hands and Buried Code - What Ancient Rome Teaches Us About Power
What do you do when you feel powerless inside a system? In this episode, Zoë Routh returns for a new season of The Future of Leadership with a big question: how can we exercise power and influence when the systems around us seem bigger than we are? Drawing on ancient Rome, organisational leadership and her own fascination with power, Zoë introduces three lenses for understanding how power operates
418: The Long Game: Time, Meaning, and Living Beautifully in a Finite World
In this reflective solo episode, Zoë Routh explores one of the biggest questions leaders and humans face: how should we think about time, and what does it mean for how we live and lead? Drawing from her Chrysalis workshops on late-career transitions, Sarah Wilson's book I Eat the Stars, and her own experiences of writing, rebranding, and reconnecting with readers, Zoë invites us into a wider persp
417 Aging Workforce & Second Acts: Purpose, Identity, and Energy with Mel Kettle
Sustainable success strategist and communication expert Mel Kettle joins Zoë Routh to explore the opportunities and challenges of an aging workforce, second-act careers, and designing a meaningful later chapter of life and work. Together they discuss why many experienced leaders no longer want traditional retirement, how identity and purpose evolve beyond job titles, and why creating social connec
416 Midlife Identity Shifts: Creating a Meaningful Late-Career Chapter with Dan Gregory
Leadership strategist and behavioral expert Dan Gregory joins Zoë to explore identity, reinvention, and the challenges of creating a meaningful late-career chapter. Drawing on psychology, systems thinking, and personal transformation, Dan explains why deep change must happen at the identity level before behavior and culture can truly shift. Together they unpack midlife transitions, career reinvent
415 Moral Courage in Leadership: Lessons from Dag Hammarskjöld with Sara Causey
Leadership futurist and author Sara Causey joins Zoë to explore the moral courage and leadership legacy of Dag Hammarskjöld, the second Secretary-General of the United Nations. Drawing from her books Decoding the Unicorn and the forthcoming Simply Dag, Sara unpacks why Hammarskjöld's leadership during the Cold War remains deeply relevant today. The conversation explores ethical leadership in compl
414: Living the Good Life: Meaning, Community, and Flourishing in Late Career
In this solo episode, Zoë Routh explores a timeless question: what does it mean to live a good life? Drawing on Dan Coyle's Flourish, she describes flourishing as "joyful, meaningful growth shared with others," built on two foundations: meaning-making and community. Through stories like the Chilean miners who survived 69 days underground and her own experience navigating IVF after cancer, Zoë refl
413: Stepping Back, Stepping Into: Identity Recalibration in Late Career
In this solo reflection, Zoë Routh explores the tender, unsettling terrain of midlife and late-career transitions, a season where identity fractures, ambition recalibrates, and something new begins to form. Drawing on her own move to Newcastle, scaled-back alpine hiking plans due to injury, and the creative emergence of her new Chrysalis program, Zoë names what many leaders are feeling: exhaustion
Mattering in Midlife: Finding Significance Through Life's Transitions
In this solo reflection, Zoë Routh explores what it means to matter in midlife and late career, sparked by transitions, reinvention, and Jennifer Breheny Wallace's book, Mattering. Against the backdrop of career shifts, empty nests, relocation, illness, and unrealised dreams, Zoe reflects on how our sense of significance can wobble and how it can be rebuilt. Drawing on ennifer Breheny Wallace's fi
411: The Quiet Crisis Facing Today's Leaders with Digby Scott
Leadership thinker and author Digby Scott joins Zoë Routh for a deep, reflective conversation on leadership transitions, success, and what it truly means to matter. As leaders move into later stages of their careers, familiar formulas begin to lose their power. Hustle becomes exhausting. Achievement feels hollow. The question shifts from What more can I do? to How do I contribute differently now?
410: One Wild and Precious Life: Leadership Reflections in Uncertain Times
In this solo reflection, Zoë Routh explores leadership and what it means to live a life well lived, inspired by This One Wild and Precious Life by Sarah Wilson and Mary Oliver's The Summer Day. Against a backdrop of ecological, political, and personal uncertainty, Zoe reflects on languishing, disconnection, and the chrysalis moments of change. Drawing on minimalist living, nature, art, spiritualit
409: The Leadership Blind Spot No One Is Talking About with Dan Pontefract
Leadership thinker and author Dan Pontefract joins Zoë to explore the demographic forces reshaping the future of work. With ageing populations and declining birth rates, the question is simple: are organisations ready? Drawing on The Future of Work Is Gray, Dan reframes ageing as a strategic advantage, not a liability. The conversation explores ageism, longevity, and outdated career ladders, offer
408: Leadership at the Edge of Humanity: AI, Mars, and Moral Choice
In this episode of The Future of Leadership, host Zoë Routh reflects on the idea of place, how where we are shapes who we become, prompted by Australia Day and the launch of Olympus Dawn, the final book in her Gaia series. Go to the Kickstarter campaign here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zoerouth/olympus-dawn-the-complete-gaia-series-finale Zoë is joined by Richard Anderson, a microbiolog
407: Leadership Transitions: When Success, Identity & Purpose Begin to Shift
Leadership change isn't always loud. Sometimes it's quiet, disorienting, and deeply personal. In this episode, Zoë Routh returns to the podcast after a six-month break to explore what she calls The Chrysalis Concept, a leadership transition phase where old identities dissolve before new ones take shape. This conversation is for leaders navigating: -career transitions later in life -burnout after s
406 How to make and use of your end of year reflection
I'm back! After a crazy half year of transition, adventure, and being in the murky mess of a 'chrysalis' experience, I've surfaced for some insights for you to wrap up 2025. Here's what's up for you: A process for reflection that uses visual representation of your last twelve months A reflective practice that will surface insights for next year How to make use of these insights in a practical way
405 Leading Through Difference: Practical Tools for Inclusive Teams with Kelli Lester
We explore the future of inclusive leadership with Kelli Lester, co-founder of Onyx Rising. Zoë opens with reflections on ageing, robotics in aged care, and the value of connection. And introduces Kelli, who shares insight on navigating today's polarised workplace and equipping leaders for diverse, resilient teams. Kelli unpacks the backlash against DEI programs, reframing them as essential busine
404 Futurist Thinking at Work: Regenerating Teams from the Inside Out with Donna Dupont
We explore the power of systems thinking and strategic foresight with futurist Donna Dupont, as we challenge assumptions about leadership, innovation, and our collective future. Zoë shares an exciting update on her new book Power Games launching on Kickstarter, and we dive into the emerging vision of a moon-based data centre and what it means for the future of digital infrastructure. In this episo
403 Organisational Design and the Future of Work with Susannah Robinson
We explore the vital intersection of organisational design, leadership culture, and power dynamics with special guest Susannah Robinson, author of Beyond the Boxes and Lines. Zoë kicks off the episode with exciting updates on the Power Games Kickstarter campaign and a groundbreaking Planet Human segment on brain-computer interfaces that enable near real-time speech interpretation for paralysed ind
402 Utopian Concepts and Entrepreneurial Writing with Elle Griffin
We explore the future of ownership, wealth, and rewriting the rules of capitalism with Elle Griffin, founder of The Elysian and author of the upcoming book We Should Own the Economy. Zoë shares updates on her recent bushwalking adventure and the exciting Kickstarter launch for her new book Power Games. Then, she welcomes Elle, a visionary writer reshaping the conversation on who truly benefits fro
401 What's Your Fight Language with Lena Morgan
We explore the future of communication through the lens of conflict, with Lena Morgan, former midwife turned conflict resolution specialist. Zoë shares updates from Planet Human, reflecting on the scathing insights from the Edelman Trust Barometer and her return from the Australian Alpine Walking Track. The Kickstarter for her latest book, Power Games, is on the horizon. Then we welcome Lena Morga
Episode 400: Leadership Lessons from Nine Years of Podcast Interviews
In this milestone 400th episode, I reflect on nine years of podcasting and the extraordinary leadership lessons I've gathered along the way. I explore the show's enduring themes—wise leadership, effective teamwork, and self-mastery—and celebrate the voices that have challenged and expanded my thinking. I revisit pivotal interviews, including a profoundly perspective-shifting conversation with non-
399 Holocaust, Racism and Kindness in Humans - a personal story with Dr. Robert Wolf
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 biograph
398 AI, Automations, and the Future of Business Operations with Emma Rainville
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 impac
397 Life First: Designing Work and Money to Serve You with Tim Duggan
We explore the revolutionary idea of designing your work life by starting with what matters most—your life. Zoë shares updates on her Australian Alpine walking track adventure, her latest developments with the Power Play game based on her book Power Games, and her new home for content on Substack. Then, we welcome Tim Duggan—award-winning author, media entrepreneur, and columnist for The Sydney Mo
396 Semester at Sea: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Futures with Scott Marshall
We explore the power of challenging assumptions and building regenerative societies with innovative software called Regen. I also share updates on my upcoming Australian Alpine walking track adventure and my latest novels. Then, I welcome Scott Marshall, President and CEO of the Semester at Sea. Scott shares insights into the program's impact on students' understanding of global cultures and how i
395 Navigating Workplace Dynamics: Legal Challenges, AI, and Decision-Making with David Dilger
We dive into the evolving landscape of workplace expectations, legal challenges, and leadership dynamics with HR legal specialist David Dilger. We explore the rise of corporate paternalism, the increasing recognition of psychosocial hazards, and the importance of transparency in decision-making. The conversation covers the changing nature of workplace disputes, the growing demand for psychologica
394 Leading with Connection with John Taylor McEntire
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, incl
393 Unlocking AI's Power: Practical Strategies for Leaders with Candice DeVille
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
392 Mental Toughness, Leadership & Resilience with Adam Smith
This episode explores the power of mental toughness, high-performance leadership, and resilience with Adam Smith, a retired Special Forces Commando and former Special Operations Group officer. Hosted by Zoë Routh, the conversation delves into what it takes to maintain focus under pressure, lead in extreme conditions, and push beyond personal limits. The discussion covers a range of topics, includi
391 The Future of DEI: Evolution or Extinction?
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 leadershi
390 Engaging with Values: Balancing Tradition and Progress in Leadership
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 techniqu
389 Navigating Power: Balancing Influence and Integrity with Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau
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 a
388 Mega Thinking: The Art of Strategic Decision-Making for Leadership with Dave Martin
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
387 Beyond Know-It-Alls: Cultivating Curiosity and Learning in Leadership with Damon Lembi
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
386 Developing a Disruptive Mindset: A Conversation with Kumar Parakala
In this episode, Zoe Routh discusses what it takes to become a disruptive leader with Kumar Parakala, author of Lead to Disrupt: Seven Keys to Success in a Changing World. The conversation explores digital disruption, self-powered wearables, transhuman technologies, and the balance between innovation and preserving ethical values. Kumar shares his insights on leadership transformation, the importa
385 Leading with Compassion and Innovation: Insights from John Graham | Future of Leadership 2025
Join Zoë Routh in this exciting episode of the Future of Leadership as she explores how much failure we can handle and introduces a groundbreaking agricultural innovation called Electro Agriculture. Zoë discusses the importance of leading with compassion and reflects on the societal issues of homelessness and mental health. The highlight of the episode is an inspiring interview with John Graham,
384 2024 in Retrospect: Setting the Stage for Leadership in 2025
In the final episode of the year, Zoë reflects on 2024's global and business trends, including ongoing conflicts, economic pressures, and a heightened focus on workforce wellbeing. She shares insights on what leaders should anticipate for 2025, discussing economic challenges, workforce welfare, cybersecurity, and ethical ecosystems. Zoë also recounts her personal experiences in leadership developm
Future-Ready Leadership: Building High-Performance Teams with Graham Wilson
We look at the essential skills for future leadership. Zoë recounts a gripping rescue mission in Tasmania, highlighting the significance of collaboration and trust within teams. Guest Graham Wilson, dubbed 'The Leadership Wizard,' discusses the need to unlearn outdated leadership practices and emphasizes authentic, purpose-driven leadership. The conversation also covers team dynamics and practical
Nordic Leadership Wisdom with Anders Indset
This week, we delve into redefining leadership through the lens of interdependence and the Viking Code with Anders Indset. We discuss the significance of embracing vulnerability, fostering collective success, and shifting from hierarchical to collaborative power structures in organisations. The conversation encompasses a range of topics, including the philosophy behind the Viking Code, the importa
Navigating Workplace Dynamics with Brenda Neckvatal: Strategies for Addressing Difficult Behaviors
This week, we dive into the complexities of workplace dynamics with Brenda Neckvatal, an expert in human behaviour and crisis management. Our discussion focuses on the challenges of addressing difficult behaviors in the workplace, exploring the impact of technology on communication, and the evolving expectations of leadership. Brenda shares insights on common behavioural patterns, such as entitlem
Challenging Assumptions: The Art of Inquiry and Future Thinking in Leadership with Ralph Mercer
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 understandi
Leadership Insights from the US Election
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 matur
How to Lead in Exponential Times
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 generati
Non-Obvious Thinking: Navigating Future Trends with Rohit Bhargava
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. Lear
Kind Business Revolution: How Values Create Value
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 achievi
Fighter Pilot Wisdom for Better Leadership
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 ar
Business for Good: Globally Conscious Leadership
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
The Future of Work: Culture or Community?
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 organi
Revolutionising Leadership: Systems for the Next Era
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 triang
Thinking Rituals for Future-Fit Leadership
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
370 Decoding Creativity: Stages of Thoughtful Design for the Future
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. Togeth
How to overcome power struggles in collaboration
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 pow
Future-Proofing: A Guide to Futures Tools
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 Leader
Preventing Burnout: Strategies for Leaders and Organisations with Mark Butler
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: Ti
A leadership framework for continuous improvement
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 han
Be useful: A leadership strategy for getting unstuck
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
Elias Kanaris' Extraordinary Journey of Resilience and Leadership
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
The art of leadership negotiation with Sam Trattles
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
Paul Glover's Incredible Journey from Incarceration to Leadership Legacy
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. Emergi
A retired spy's leadership guide to understanding people
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 fasc
The 3 Cs of beating burnout with Helen Young
This week I'm joined by the remarkable Helen Young-McLaughlin, CEO and founder of the Leverage Academy and a leadership coach based in Maryland, USA. Helen opens up about her personal battle with burnout and the transformative power of empathetic communication in the workplace. Her story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required of leaders today. Helen is passionate about mindful
The power of fun in leadership with author Dr Mike Rucker
Do you think fun has a place at work? I do! I think it's vital in fact and in this episode we are exploring the power of fun with my guest Dr Mike Rucker, author of The Fun Habit. Mike has spent much of his career in service to workplace wellbeing and performance, as an organisational psychologist, behavioral scientist, and charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association. He's
7 leadership tips for self-organising groups
I'm just back from a two-week epic hike along the Australian Alpine Walking Track and reflecting on the fact that the heart of any expedition is its people. Drawing on these recent experiences for this solo episode, I explore the importance of nurturing relationships, understanding individual drives, and creating a supportive environment that empowers your team. We had some tough times on the trek
Mastering the leadership message with ghostwriter Rhiannon D'Averc
Words matter and my guest this week is an accomplished author and ghostwriter with over 100 books to her name - averaging around one book a month! Rhiannon D'Averc shares her writing process, her experience ghostwriting in various voices, and the importance of detailed outlines. Many leaders are charged with translating complex ideas into compelling narratives and Rhinannon's insights into how she
Ajay Malik's leadership principles for getting started with AI
My guest today has an incredible track record in technology and innovation, is a 2 x author and entrepreneur who bridges the gap between hardware and software. Ajay Malik is the driving force behind Secomind, a forward-thinking company dedicated to incorporating AI seamlessly into products, workflows, and customer support processes. In our far reaching conversation we attempt to answer the questi
Leadership insights from the intersection of HR and AI
This week I have two guests on the podcast: Jason Walker and Rey Ramirez, the innovative minds behind Thrive HR Consulting. Jason has a background in re-engineering workforces and Rey comes from the world of mergers and acquisitions, together they are at the vanguard of using AI to streamline HR. We dive deep into the intersection of artificial intelligence and human resources, exploring cutting-
Leadership strategies for boosting happiness at work with Lori-Ann Duguay
We are all about the pursuit of workplace happiness this week with my guest Lori-Ann Duguay. LorAnn is the owner and founder of People Powered Solutions, and the author of The Happiness Factor, a delightful book filled with actionable insights for creating happy cultures drawn from Lori-Ann's extensive experience in the HR space. She shines a light on the 10 fundamental needs of employees that
Unleashing your inner leader with innovation expert Nadeem Ahmad
My guest this week, Nadeem Ahmad, believes that mindset is everything. He's a testament to how shedding limiting beliefs can unlock our true potential and provides powerful insights into how we can create a growth mindset. Nadeem is a visionary tech leader who has taken his extensive experience as a CTO and pivoted to helping entrepreneurs and start-ups to embrace innovation and technology. He sha
Harnessing Somatic Leadership with Dr. Pavini Moray
Are you listening to what your body is telling you? And what has that got to do with how you show up as a leader? My guest, somatic leadership expert and educator Dr. Pavini Moray, and I explore how tuning into the body's signals can guide better decision-making, boost leadership empathy and prevent burnout. Our conversation also covers the significance of creating trauma-informed workplaces and d
Leveraging leadership impact through relationships
My guest this week is the insightful Russel Lolacher, a fellow Canadian with a background steeped in communications and leadership before an employee experience epiphany in 2018 ultimately led to the creation of his fantastic podcast, Relationships at Work. Russel shares his wisdom on fostering better organisations through stronger relationships. He takes us on his personal journey into the realm
Seven early warning signs of power abuse
In this solosode I'm advocating for reading fiction to enhance and broaden our leadership perspectives - and then using this new outlook to increase curiosity and creativity in our leadership. It's not just about thinking outside the box; it's about reshaping the box entirely. By developing fresh ideas, we can tackle the challenges that come our way with a renewed vigour and rigour. This segues in
Navigating the Complex World of Leadership Narcissism
Have you ever encountered someone in your professional life who seemed charming at first, but turned out to be a bit too self-centred for comfort? This week on the podcast we're diving deep into the world of narcissism with my guest, the insightful Lindsay Ruiz who has deep experience in this area and focused her doctorate in organisational development and change around narcissistic behaviour. Tog
Reading fiction: leadership change through stories with Dr Ann Kowal Smith
My guest this week is a former lawyer turned empathy guru, and she's here to share her secret sauce for creating a more connected workplace: storytelling. Dr. Ann Kowal Smith and I explore how stories aren't just for entertainment—they're powerful tools for challenging our assumptions, widening our circles of empathy, and sparking those "aha" moments that bring us closer to our colleagues. We delv
The changing shape of leadership power structures
Do you want more influence? What about more power? It doesn't feel quite the same to pursue power does it? Power and power structures don't have a great reputation, and history is littered with abuses of power, but what if we reframe our understanding of power and use it to make us better leaders? That's interesting, that's exciting! We can dismantle the 'power pyramid' and turn it into something
Conversations and Goodwill: The Heart of Leadership Change with Benny Callaghan
This is a conversation that's close to my heart as I first met Benny Callaghan way back in 1999 when he joined Outward Bound as a trainee and I was his first trainer. His potential was obvious from day one and I couldn't be more thrilled at his trajectory since then and to have him on the podcast! Benny is a leadership coach and facilitator extraordinaire who excels at seeing complexity and the d
Leadership Strategies for Building Highly Productive Teams with Dermot Crowley
We are welcoming back for the third time on the podcast, because he's just that good, Dermot Crowley - a maestro of efficiency and author of several productivity books including his latest, Lead Smart. This episode is chock full of productivity and prioritisation insights that will especially appeal to busy leaders looking to build highly productive teams. Dermot explains the different productivi
Arrested, jailed in Burma: Nisha Anand on how to turn enemies into allies
My guest this week has evolved from punk rock protester to common ground champion, she is a fearless Indian American activist and a beacon of hope for racial justice. Meet the truly inspiring Nisha Anand as she shares her remarkable story, from being arrested in Burma for her pro-democracy efforts to leading transformative change with DreamOrg, a social justice nonprofit where she is CEO. We learn
Trailblazing leadership - 7 areas ripe for reform
Happy new year and welcome to the first episode of the Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast for 2024! In this solosode I explore seven critical areas for leadership reform: democracy, healthcare, food production, education, wealth distribution, climate change, and urbanisation. Additionally, I identify three key trends that leaders need to navigate this year: redefining the employee work contract, incor
