What makes good character? And how do we discover our character? Doing hard things is a place to start. Finding out what we are capable of and then asking ourselves what else can we do? I call it an explorer’s mindset. It’s why I take on big challenges - and you can too.  In this solosode I share updates, recommendations and explore the three pillars of kindness, curiosity and courage that we can demonstrate every day in our leadership actions.  Shownotes See more at  http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-character   Key Moments  What Makes Good Character? [00:00:01]  Zoë reflects on previous guests and shares her theory of character, which includes compassion, curiosity, and courage.   Training AI on Ethical Frameworks [00:00:42]  Zoë discusses a start-up that is training an AI assistant on ethical responses using documents like the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.   Personal News and Book Recommendations [00:02:48]  Zoë shares personal news about planning a hiking trip and progress on writing a book, as well as book recommendations including Running Deep by Commodore Peter Scott and Your Leadership Legacy by Lieutenant Colonel Ock McCollough.   Free eBook and Audiobook [00:09:34]  Zoë announces the release of her new book and offers a free eBook and audiobook to Bookish newsletter subscribers.  

314 How an explorer’s mindset helps build leadership character

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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.  Emerging from the addictive “dark and grubby and greedy and vile” underworld Paul was confronted with dismantling his own ego in the pursuit of forgiveness.  We delve into the importance of ethics, the power of humility and simple gratitude, and the role of support systems in personal growth. Paul’s candid leadership insights emphasise the need for self-reflection, accountability, and ethical decision-making frameworks and offers invaluable lessons for us all. Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-journey-paul-glover  Key Moments  Planet Human: A quick look at the fascinating concept of digital twins and AI technology as Reid Hoffman interviews ‘himself’! This is a theme that resonates deeply with my novels - imagine the possibilities and challenges as we interact with digital replicas of ourselves!   Planet Zoë: I'm bursting with excitement to share that my upcoming novel, Olympus Rising is nearing completion. If you're seeking a gripping tale that intertwines with leadership and the future, keep your eyes peeled for its release. In the meantime catch up with The Olympus Project, Olympus Bound and grab the prequel novella Terra Blanca for free.  Paul Glover's journey and challenges (00:05:01) Paul discusses his journey from being a trial attorney to getting involved in criminal activities and the impact on his life. Life in prison and aftermath (00:07:20) Paul shares the devastating impact of his imprisonment on his family and the emotional turmoil he faced. Self-reflection and transformation (00:09:16) Commitment to change, self-reflection, and the support Paul received from his wife during his transformation. Taming the ego and ethics (00:13:34) The role of ego in unethical behaviour and the importance of self-reflection. Insights on ethics and the law (00:16:09) Paul shares his perspective on ethics and the law, emphasising the importance of making black and white ethical decisions. Breaking free of ego and echo chamber (00:21:53) Zoe and Paul discuss breaking down the ego conversation justifying poor behaviour and breaking free from the echo chamber. Self-Reflection and Responsibility (00:22:29) Paul discusses the importance of creating one's self-image and the necessity of self-reflection for personal growth and transformation. Support and Environment (00:25:00) The impact of a supportive environment on individuals post-incarceration and the difficult choice of seeking and accepting support. Continuous Atonement and Gratitude (00:27:04) Paul emphasises the ongoing commitment to atonement and the practice of daily gratitude as part of his personal growth and transformation. Challenges in Reintegration (00:29:20) The challenges of finding employment post-release and the subsequent transition to coaching within distribution and manufacturing. Corporate Culture and Leadership (00:33:21) Insights on the shift in corporate culture post-pandemic and the need for a human-centric approach to leadership and team sustainability. Power and Toxic Leadership (00:36:01) Reflections on the destructive nature of power, the importance of humility in leaders, and the pressures that lead to toxic behaviour. Future Technology and Leadership (00:38:26) Paul's fascination with artificial intelligence and the anticipated shift in leadership roles from managerial to coaching and mentoring. The impact of environment and support (00:45:05) Discussion on the influence of environment and support on individuals' ability to break free from negative consequences and the need for new environments and support systems. The relationship between power and humility (00:45:05) Exploration of the relationship between power and humility, and the importance of humility, curiosity, and compassion in leadership. The role of the fool in leadership (00:46:21) The significance of having someone who can provide honest feedback and speak truth to power in leadership, drawing from the mediaeval concept of the fool. Ethical decision-making framework (00:46:21) Explanation of the "meaning, magnitude, and measure" framework for making ethical decisions, with a focus on consequences, universal principles, and values.

Paul Glover’s Incredible Journey from Incarceration to Leadership Legacy

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 fascinating lens to decode how people think and act. His insights into behavioural traits and communication styles are invaluable for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of leadership and personal development. JJ even puts your host under the microscope, assessing my behavioural traits using the DISC model. As a DiSC practitioner myself, it was an enlightening experience!  Shownotes See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-dynamics-brun   Key Moments  Planet Human: I’ve been watching Netflix show 3 Body Problem which sent me down a rabbit hole about the Fermi paradox. It is the identification that there is a high likelihood of existence of life somewhere out there in the universe. Fascinating stuff!  Planet Zoë: If you are in Canberra on 30 May consider coming along to my in-person book launch for Olympus Bound. It’s going to be a fun celebration at the Shine Dome - it’s free to attend, details and registration here JJ Brun's Journey to Becoming a Spy (00:05:43) JJ Brun shares his unexpected path to becoming a spy and his experiences in the military. Spy School Experience in the UK (00:09:50) JJ Brun recounts his surreal and challenging experience at a spy school in the UK. Understanding Self and Personal Traits (00:17:01) JJ Brun discusses his self-discovery and understanding of his traits in relation to his career as a spy. Sharing Knowledge and Mission (00:20:45) JJ Brun emphasises the importance of self-awareness and sharing knowledge for personal and professional growth. Decoding Human Capital (00:21:52) Discussion on decoding human capital, understanding pace and priority perspectives, and identifying leadership styles. Understanding Leadership Styles (00:24:02) Explanation of the four leadership styles and how leaders adapt their style to the environment for effective leadership. Personality Insights and Archetypes (00:27:13) Exploration of personality insights, style blends, and how hobbies can provide clues to preferred communication style. Brief mention of archetypes. Spying and Intelligence Work (00:32:31) Insights into the life of an intelligence officer, including building rapport, understanding and discerning human behaviour, and experiences in the field. Building Relationships in Espionage (00:39:42) A detailed case study of building a relationship with a challenging individual, using communication styles to navigate interactions, and learning to ask quality questions. Feel Good Icebreaking Questions (00:42:47) JJ Brun discusses the importance of memorising effective icebreaking questions and shares his mentor's influence. Personal Branding (00:43:40) JJ Brun explains how he branded himself as a retired spy and the importance of brand identity. Spy Museum Experience (00:46:20) JJ Brun shares his experience at a spy museum and the branding ideas he gained from it. Challenge Coin Business Card (00:47:33) JJ Brun discusses his unique business card and its military background. Fast Five Q&A; (00:48:39) Zoë Routh asks JJ Brun five rapid-fire questions on future technology, leadership, workplace problems, leaders, and favourite leadership book or podcast. Misconceptions About Spying (00:51:37) JJ Brun addresses misconceptions about spying and emphasises the difference between reality and Hollywood portrayals. Balancing Archetypes (00:54:51) Zoë Routh discusses the importance of balancing archetypes for leadership and team growth.

A retired spy’s leadership guide to understanding people

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 middle management, and moving beyond the hustle culture hangover with a leadership framework built around intention, growth and impact so that everyone can grow and thrive without the burden of burnout.  Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-framework-helen-young  Key Moments  Planet Human: SpaceX's Starship and its monumental leap towards lunar and Martian missions. As someone deeply fascinated by the prospects of a permanent human presence in space, I also touch upon my novel, Olympus Bound which explores this very theme. Planet Zoë: Leadership in the Wild - Currently, I'm in the rugged terrains of Western Australia, collaborating with Outback Initiatives on a leadership development program. Here, we're pushing boundaries through caving and bushwalking. Understanding burnout and communication (00:04:00) Zoe and Helen discuss the link between burnout and communication, sharing personal experiences and insights. Effective communication for middle management (00:12:36) Helen shares her perspective on effective communication, emphasising the importance of connectedness, clarity, and curiosity. Empowering through curiosity (00:19:40) The conversation explores the challenge of staying curious and avoiding the urge to solve problems, emphasising the importance of empowering others through communication. Collaboration in the Workplace (00:24:29) Challenges and solutions for effective collaboration among individuals of different status and influence. Obstacles to Collaboration (00:25:49) Identifying and addressing the obstacles to collaboration in the current work environment, including remote and hybrid work setups. Reactivity as an Indicator (00:29:25) Understanding reactivity as a red flag, using curiosity to diagnose and address issues before making changes. Future Technology and Workplace Wellness (00:32:44) Discussion about the potential benefits of technology for workplace wellness, including the concept of "pods" for virtual breaks. Leadership Book Recommendation (00:35:42) Recommendation of the book "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown, emphasising vulnerability and courage in leadership. The Future of Work (00:37:24) Envisioning a future workplace where mental health, learning, and well-being are top priorities for all individuals. Workplace Burnout and Values Alignment (00:38:53) Highlighting the impact of workplace burnout and the importance of aligning values with work to create a positive environment. Speaking Up as a Leader (00:41:51) Encouragement to speak up as a leader, overcoming biological urges for connection and safety to steer towards fulfilling potential.

The 3 Cs of beating burnout with Helen Young

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 a big believer that in our our overprescribed lives we need to seek fun where we can. We’re not talking about zany fun here, it’s finding pleasure in the everyday. It's not about the big milestones, but the small moments that build our rich tapestry of life. As leaders, creating an environment where fun is woven into the fabric of work can transform well-being and productivity. It's serious business to ensure our teams genuinely enjoy their work. Shownotes See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-fun-mike-rucker Key Moments  Planet Human: A big win for  carbon neutral cattle here in Australia. Planet Zoë: Olympus Bound has launched! It is out now, the advance reviews have been fantastic and I’m excited to see it getting in readers’ hands. Order your signed copy from my site, or get the paperback and ebook options on  Amazon. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!  The Importance of Fun at Work (00:03:28) Introduction to the concept of fun at work and its significance for workplace well-being. The Beginning of Fun as a Focus (00:04:38) Guest Dr. Mike Rucker shares how fun became a focus for him and its connection to positive psychology. Challenges with Pursuing Happiness (00:09:32) Discussion on the problematic pursuit of happiness as an outcome and its impact on emotional flexibility and comparison to others. The Role of Agency and Autonomy in Fun (00:14:10) Exploration of the importance of agency and autonomy in creating positive experiences and avoiding habituated routines. The Fun Habit Book Premise (00:18:30) Explanation of the premise of the book "The Fun Habit" and the importance of breaking habitual routines to incorporate joy into life. Defining and Incorporating Fun (00:21:40) Discussion on defining fun for oneself and strategies for incorporating it into the workday. The Valence of Fun (00:21:57) Mike explains the psychological concept of valence and its association with pleasure and enjoyment. The Misunderstood Concept of Fun at Work (00:24:17) Zoe and Mike discuss the misconception of fun at work, addressing the negative connotations and the need for a redefined understanding. Creating an Enjoyable Work Environment (00:29:11) Mike delves into the connection between meaningful work and enjoyment, emphasising the importance of creating an enjoyable environment. Future Technology and Work-Life Balance (00:33:44) Mike discusses a technology concept related to work-life balance and the potential benefits of AI in managing work communications. Transition Rituals in the Workplace (00:36:42) Mike highlights the need for transition rituals in the workplace to separate work and leisure life, promoting a healthier work-life balance. Parity and Reward for Work (00:38:35) Zoe and Mike touch on the topic of parity and reward for work, expressing their views on the unequal distribution of abundance resulting from labour. Reclaiming Control and Enjoying Work (00:41:42) Mike emphasises the importance of reclaiming control at work and finding enjoyment, particularly by reclaiming lunch breaks and other breaks in the workday. Enjoyment and Productivity (00:42:32) Focusing on the importance of enjoyment in pocket moments for increased productivity and creativity. Leadership and Interpersonal Dynamics (00:49:00) An excerpt from the novel Terra Blanca: Insurrection highlighting interpersonal dynamics in leadership.

The power of fun in leadership with author Dr Mike Rucker

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; challenging terrain and brutal weather. But we also had lots of joy; laughter, dancing and gratitude in the bush! And much like life and leadership, when things get too much we simply focus on putting one foot in front of the other.  Shownotes See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-adventure-zoe-routh  Key Moments  Planet Human: A biotech  breakthrough that has the potential to transform lives with the ability to grow a ‘mini liver’ in lymph nodes, rather than relying on a transplant.  Planet Zoë: 200km in two weeks - Zoë reflects on an amazing experience in the Australian bush. **Challenges and experiences during the trek (00:02:39)** Zoë shares the physical and emotional challenges faced during the bushwhack, including navigating off-track and encountering feral animals. **Leadership dynamics in the bush (00:04:52)** Zoë explores the leadership dynamics and decision-making processes involved in the intense bushwhack experience. **Factors contributing to successful teamwork (00:13:11)** Zoë discusses the factors that contributed to the successful teamwork during the trek, including shared responsibilities and collective decision-making. **Lessons for applying to the workplace (00:15:11)** Zoë draws parallels between the bush walking experience and workplace projects, highlighting the importance of a meaningful "why" and an energiser for the team. **Key points for project success (00:16:18)** Zoë emphasises the importance of relationships, setting parameters, and adapting as you go for project success. **Adapt as you go (00:20:25)** Importance of flexibility and adaptability in facing unexpected challenges during the adventure. **Practice appreciation and gratitude (00:21:32)** The significance of acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the experiences, company, and moments during the journey. **Have fun along the way (00:22:35)** Emphasising the necessity of incorporating enjoyment and fun into the leadership journey, even during challenging times.  

314 How an explorer’s mindset helps build leadership character

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