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

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 importance of a higher purpose, and navigating comfort zones to foster radical accountability and resilience.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes: 

1. “Leadership is all about inspiring and guiding others and leading by example.” Kumar Parakala

2. “Disruptive thinking starts with challenging the sacred rules and embracing the values that push for the greater good.” Kumar Parakala

3. “Ethics without technological advancement is stagnation, but technology without ethics is disaster.” – Kumar Parakala

4. “Embracing a disruptive mindset requires leaders to let go of old certainties and structures, stepping confidently into the unknown.” Zoë Routh

5. “The tension between disruption and preservation is an opportunity to shape a future that honours our values while embracing necessary change.” Zoë Routh

Questions Asked: 

1. What does it take to be a disruptive leader today?

2. How can we balance pioneering innovation with preserving valuable lessons from the past?

3. What is the role of ethics in the innovation agenda?

4. How can leaders prepare for technological disruptions like AI?

5. What are the seven principles of effective leadership in a disruptive world?

Take Action:

• Reflect on your higher purpose and how it drives your daily actions.

• Evaluate your comfort zone and set a goal to challenge it this week.

• Foster ethical conversations within your team about emerging technologies.

• Begin networking outside your immediate circle to build alliances that support growth and innovation.

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 (timestamp)

00:00 – Introduction and the concept of a disruptive leader 00:15 – Emerging self-powered wearables and transhuman technologies 02:12 – The balance between pioneers and guardians in leadership 05:51 – Kumar Parakala’s leadership insights and philosophy 22:08 – The critical role of ethics in innovation 27:03 – The necessity of personal accountability in leadership 39:28 – Kumar’s personal reflections and the Fast Three questions

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, founder of the Good Samaritan Home, who shares his compelling story of going from homeless to business owner. Learn about his impactful work in providing second chances and the importance of mercy in leadership. Lastly, Zoë recommends John’s award-winning novel, 'Running as Fast as I Can,' a tale of survival, forgiveness, and hope. Tune in for an inspiring journey through leadership, compassion, and innovation!

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes:

• "It takes a lot of courage to look down the ladder as opposed to looking up the ladder at where we could go." - John Graham

• "What if we could live based on compassion? What if we led with compassion at the heart of our approach?" - John Graham

• "The solution isn't just a quick fix; it's about tending to our societal issues with compassion and systemic change." - Zoë Routh

Questions Asked:

• How much failure can you handle?

• What does a compassionate response look like?

• What made you think about helping those worse off than you?

Take Action:

• Reflect on their capacity for compassion in daily interactions.

• Support local agencies that assist homeless individuals.

• Consider how they can lead with mercy in their own leadership roles.

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 (timestamp):

00:00 Welcome to 2025: The Future of Leadership

00:23 Handling Failure: A Key to Success

00:38 Breakthrough in Agriculture: Electro Agriculture

02:54 Living with Compassion: A Personal Reflection

05:21 Interview with John Graham: From Homeless to Business Owner

06:30 John Graham's Journey: Overcoming Adversity

09:15 The Good Samaritan Home: A Beacon of Hope

23:56 Writing a Novel: The Story of Second Chances

35:24 Leadership Insights: Power, Mercy, and New Projects

39:30 Conclusion: Live with Grace, Lead in Service

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 development and offers practical reflection tips for planning a successful year ahead.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes: 

• "Work shouldn't be a place that is detrimental to your health; we need to protect our people at work."

• "There's been a devaluing of the purpose of work, leading to a disconnection between employees and the outcomes of their contributions."

• "Leadership development is about creating community and connection, which has become even more vital post-COVID."

• Reflection on 2024: Zoë discusses the significant global events of the year, including ongoing conflicts and economic pressures that have shaped leadership challenges.

• Experiential Leadership Programs: She shares insights from her outdoor leadership programs, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions post-COVID.

• Upcoming Works: Zoë announces her upcoming books, including Olympus Rising, Power Games, and a box set launch on Kickstarter.

• Personal Achievements: Highlights include completing a 200-kilometer trek on the Australian Alpine Walking Track and launching her sequel, Olympus Bound, which has won several awards.

1. How can leaders effectively navigate the uncertainties brought on by global conflicts and economic challenges?

2. What strategies can be implemented to enhance workforce wellbeing in the face of rising pressures?

3. How can leaders reconnect their teams with the purpose and value of work to combat disconnection?

4. What role does innovation in technology and renewable energy play in shaping future business strategies?

5. How can leaders foster a culture of open communication and connection within their organisations?

Take Action

• Reflect on your leadership journey in 2024 and identify areas for improvement.

• Consider implementing practices that prioritise workforce wellbeing in your organization.

• Engage with peers or mentors to discuss strategic planning for 2025.

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 (timestamps)

• 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

• 01:04 Reflecting on 2024: Global and Business Insights

• 06:10 Personal Experiments and Business Ventures

• 14:29 Looking Ahead to 2025: Plans and Predictions

• 19:47 Reflection Tips for Leaders

• 22:30 How I Can Help You in 2025

• 23:51 Upcoming Episodes and Final Thoughts

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 strategies for enhancing performance.

Quotes

• "The secret ingredient to preventing a toxic culture is transparency around decision-making." Zoë Routh

• "We were educated for a world that doesn't exist anymore." Graham Wilson

• "Collaboration and teamwork should not be seen as cheating; they are essential for effective leadership." Graham Wilson

Questions Asked

1. What are the trends that you're paying attention to in leadership and business right now?

2. How do you see the pace of change affecting leaders today?

3. What does it mean for leaders to unlearn outdated beliefs and practices?

4. How can leaders foster collaboration in an environment where teamwork may be viewed as "cheating"?

5. What strategies can leaders implement to create an empowered workforce?

Take Action

• Reflect on your own leadership style and identify any outdated beliefs you may need to unlearn.
• Implement at least one collaboration tool discussed in the episode to enhance team dynamics.
• Read recommended leadership books to deepen your understanding of effective leadership practices.

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 (timestamps)

00:00 Welcome to the Future of Leadership

00:38 A Riveting Rescue Story

02:16 Lessons from the Rescue

06:04 Upcoming Adventures and Book Releases

06:40 Exploring Organizational Culture

09:42 Introducing Graham Wilson

11:38 The Future of Leadership Trends

17:41 Unlearning Old Leadership Patterns

23:10 Building Human Connection in Teams

29:00 Creating Certainty in Uncertain Times

29:44 The Concept of Taking the Knee

30:31 Lessons from Racing and Business

31:48 The Importance of Slowing Down

34:40 Collaboration Tools and Techniques

39:50 Future of Work and Leadership

44:50 The Fast Three Questions

46:32 Final Thoughts on Leadership

52:09 Where to Find More About Graham Wilson

53:19 Book Recommendation and Closing Remarks

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 importance of micro ambitions for personal and team growth, and practical strategies for building trust and enhancing team dynamics in the workplace.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes

• "When we share power, we all grow stronger." - Zoë Routh

• “If we don't have friction, we cannot progress. And if we don't have trust, we cannot solve the friction." - Anders Indset

• "We are very resilient when we are intrinsically motivated to do something. We are high performers per nature. But if everything is a reactive performance, then it becomes very exhausting." - Anders Indset

Questions Asked

1. How might a Declaration of Interdependence change our leadership?

2. What is the Viking Code, and how does it relate to modern leadership?

3. How can organisations incorporate aspects of the Viking Code for high performance?

Take Action

• Reflect on your own leadership style and consider how you can foster interdependence within your team.

• Explore the principles of the Viking Code and think about how they can be applied to enhance collaboration in your organisation.

• Engage in conversations about vulnerability and trust within your workplace to build a more supportive culture.

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 to the Future of Leadership

00:26 Exploring Interdependence in Leadership

00:41 Innovations and Inspirations: 3D Printed Hotel

02:03 Personal Updates and Travel Plans

02:53 Rethinking Power Structures in the Workplace

05:08 Interview with Anders Inset: The Viking Code

06:40 The Philosophy Behind the Viking Code

26:27 Applying the Viking Code to organisations

31:40 Challenges of Returning to the Office

32:04 Core Leadership Skills for Thriving Teams

34:14 The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership

35:44 Building Self-Trust Through Vulnerability

37:56 Exploring Future Technologies

40:08 Leadership Tips and Reading Recommendations

42:58 The Role of Fiction in Understanding the Future

50:03 Anticipating Future Scenarios

54:32 Conclusion and Resources