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 business strategies rather than politically charged mandates. She explores how organisations can move beyond performative initiatives by anchoring their diversity efforts in clear objectives—be it talent, innovation, or community alignment.

This conversation covers emotional and cultural intelligence, generational divides, psychological safety, and the systemic barriers to inclusion. Practical frameworks like Kelli’s seven inclusive leadership traits provide a tangible pathway to fostering a thriving, human-centred workplace.

SHOWNOTES are here: https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leading-through-difference

Planet Human: Robots in aged care boost retention by reducing carer injuries and burnout. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1069918

Kickstarter link: Support Power Games: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zoerouth/power-games-stop-toxic-power-in-the-workplace

Key Quotes: “Maps are helpful, but they are not the territory.” – Zoë Routh “Inclusive leadership is not just nice to have. It’s the future of leadership.” – Kelli Lester “Any time you don’t share your thoughts, you’re hurting the company.” – Kelli Lester “Just because someone’s pro-Black doesn’t mean they’re anti-white.” – Kelli Lester

Questions Asked:

1. Why is there so much resistance to DEI in today’s climate?

2. How can leaders reframe diversity as a business enabler?

3. What are the seven traits of inclusive leadership?

4. How do we build psychological safety and trust across generations?

5. What does it take to dismantle systemic bias in hiring and promotion?

Take Action:

• Self-Audit: Reflect on your own lens—what influences how you see the world, and how does that shape your leadership?

• Amplify Voices: In your next meeting, actively include perspectives from quieter or less-represented team members.

• Define It Clearly: Have a leadership-level conversation about what diversity, equity, and inclusion means in your context and why it matters.

Tip of the Week Facilitate a “Bias Interrupt” session: Identify where decisions are being made based on assumptions—hiring, promotions, even meeting invitations—and ask, “Who’s missing and why?”

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Question

00:15 Robots in Nursing Care Homes

02:07 Kickstarter Campaign for Power Games

03:48 Understanding Human Behavior and Categorization

07:27 Inclusive Leadership with Kelly Lester

08:26 Challenges and Misconceptions of DEI

28:48 America's Mythmaking and Cultural Conflicts

30:23 Polarization and Political Correctness

34:27 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Valuing Differences

37:49 Promoting Psychological Safety and Amplifying Voices

40:25 Emotional and Cultural Intelligence in Leadership

41:49 Managing Inclusively and Effective Mentoring

45:49 Fast Three Questions with Kelly

50:01 Book Recommendation: Why Are We Yelling?

51:05 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Changes

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 episode, Donna brings clarity to the often-misunderstood world of foresight work. She breaks down how mapping complexity, anticipatory thinking, and systems framing can shift the way leaders respond to crises, craft policy, and design for change. From Arctic policy to leadership development, this conversation unpacks how to lead with deeper awareness in an increasingly unpredictable world.

SHOWNOTES are here: https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/regenerating-teams-from-inside-out 

Planet Human: LoneStar’s moonshot: Data centres on the lunar surface by 2025 https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/lonestars-moonshot-firm-aims-place-data-center-lunar-surface-2025-01-21/

Power Games Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zoerouth/power-games-stop-toxic-power-in-the-workplace

Key Quotes: "Strategic foresight isn’t about predicting the future. It’s about preparing to act in it with intelligence and compassion." – Donna Dupont "When we slow down to map the system, we see possibilities we couldn’t before." – Zoë Routh "Every assumption is a doorframe some keep us safe, some keep us stuck." – Donna Dupont

Questions Asked:

1. What is strategic foresight, and why is it critical for future-ready leadership?

2. How can leaders build the capacity to map complex systems in times of uncertainty?

3. What role does anticipatory thinking play in solving today’s wicked problems?

4. How do we challenge deeply held assumptions that limit innovation and inclusive decision-making?

Take Action:

• Identify one system you’re part of (team, community, organisation) and begin mapping its inputs, outputs, and actors.

• Use Donna’s approach: define the system’s boundaries, identify the stakeholders, and uncover any blind spots.

• Bring this framework into your next strategic conversation and notice what shifts.

Tip of the Week: Host a “Future Now” workshop: Gather your team and spend 60 minutes exploring trends, weak signals, and strategic responses using foresight tools. Even one hour can unlock radically different insights.

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 individuals.

Then we dive into the conversation with Susannah, who brings over 30 years of HR and organisational design experience. She shares practical frameworks for rethinking job roles, enhancing collaboration, and resolving structural friction in organisations.

Together, we unpack what causes cultural breakdowns, the consequences of poorly implemented matrix structures, and why flatter hierarchies may not be the magic bullet many leaders believe they are.

SHOWNOTES are here: https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/organisational-design

Planet Human: Brain implant enables a paralysed woman’s thoughts to be streamed into speech https://singularityhub.com/2025/03/31/brain-implant-streams-a-paralyzed-womans-thoughts-as-if-shes-speaking-in-near-real-time

Kickstarter Campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zoerouth/power-games-stop-toxic-power-in-the-workplace

"When the person leaves the role, we finally take the lid off the pot and discover everything they were actually doing." – Susannah Robinson

"Leadership today isn’t just about giving direction, it's about managing your impact." – Susannah Robinson

"Collaboration needs good structure. Culture is the bridge." – Zoë Routh

1. What triggers the need for a redesign of organisational structures?

2. How can job design improve retention and employee engagement?

3. What are the common friction points in team handoffs and collaboration?

4. How do flatter hierarchies shift leadership expectations?

5. What structural patterns lead to power struggles and office politics?

6. How should leaders handle stonewalling behaviour in the workplace?

Take Action

• Audit your structure. When someone leaves, resist the urge to simply refill the role. Ask: could we do this differently?

• Map job design. Identify overlaps, friction points, and gaps in role clarity especially where handoffs occur.

• Assess your collaboration culture. Are your incentive systems and tools aligned with teamwork, or unintentionally rewarding lone wolves?

• Educate your teams. Use visual tools (like “five guys, one piano” teamwork analogy or org charts) to demystify structure and process.

• Normalise discomfort. Have the hard conversations about misalignment, underperformance, or mismatched roles with compassion and clarity.

Before you flatten your hierarchy or shift to team-based models, first ensure your systems (incentives, tools, contracts) are designed to support that culture. Otherwise, you’re simply rearranging the dysfunction.

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Question

00:16 Exciting Advances in Brain-Computer Interfaces

01:41 Introducing 'Power Games' Book Launch

04:11 Strategies for High-Performing Teams

06:21 Interview with Susanna Robinson on Organisational Design

19:42 Exploring Organisational Structures

20:16 The Concept of Hollow Organisations

21:27 Visualizing Organisational Models

23:00 Flattening Hierarchies: Pros and Cons

25:32 Encouraging Team-Based Environments

28:06 Barriers to Collaboration

29:44 Office Politics and Power Games

31:52 Quickfire Leadership Insights

33:15 Handling Employee Stonewalling

35:35 Conclusion and Resources

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 from economic systems.

Elle shares her journey from journalist to entrepreneurial writer, how she built multiple revenue streams on Substack, and why she believes ownership—not employment—is the real source of power. We unpack the risks and rewards of decentralising ownership, how employee-owned companies could transform wealth distribution, and what fiction can do to help us imagine better futures. This conversation dives deep into economic systems, leadership identity, and why utopian thinking is more urgent than ever.

SHOWNOTES are here: https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/utopian-concepts 

Planet Human: China enters the era of flying taxis with certified passenger drones. https://www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsinteresting/comments/1jojjqq/china_has_officially_entered_the_era_of_flying

Kickstarter Campaign: Power Games: Stop Toxic Power in the Workplace – Live now on Kickstarter! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zoerouth/power-games-stop-toxic-power-in-the-workplace

Key Quotes: 

“Ownership is power. If you own a business, you hold the levers of wealth creation.” - Elle Griffin

“We need stories that give us hope, not just warn us of collapse.” - Elle Griffin

“Leadership requires humility and curiosity—the antidote to hubris and manipulation.” - Zoë Routh

- What inspired Elle to move from journalism to entrepreneurial writing? - How do employee-owned companies shift the wealth equation? - Why are we so drawn to dystopian narratives, and what role does fiction play in shaping the future? - What are the practical steps to decentralise power and create more economic inclusion?

Take Action:

- Reflect on your own business or organisation: Who holds the power, and who shares in the rewards?

- Explore models of employee ownership or equity participation as part of your leadership strategy.

- Join conversations that imagine better futures—whether in your workplace or your community.

Start your own Future of Work conversation with your team:

-What could a more equitable and collaborative model look like for us? -How might we experiment with shared ownership, decision-making, or profit-sharing in small ways today?

Key Moments: 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:20 Flying Taxis in China

00:55 Bush Walk Adventures

01:53 Power Games Book Launch

03:06 Collaboration Challenges

07:37 Interview with Elle Griffin

09:16 Elle Griffin's Writing Journey

15:00 The Future of Capitalism

31:18 The Role of Influence in Politics and Wealth

32:24 Addressing Wealth Inequality

33:34 Employee Ownership and Regulatory Hurdles

38:13 Power Dynamics in Decentralized Systems

42:12 Fast Three: Quickfire Questions

43:56 Utopian vs. Dystopian Visions

51:04 Innovative Book Publishing Model

54:26 Book Recommendations and Closing Remarks

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 Morgan, creator of The Fight Languages. Lena unpacks how understanding our instinctive conflict responses can turn tension into connection. Drawing on her experience in high-stress environments, she shares how organisations can transform culture by decoding these ‘fight languages.’

This episode delves into how somatic intelligence, leadership presence, and emotional fluency are crucial in today’s polarised environments.

SHOWNOTES are here:

https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/conflict-resolution-fight-languages 

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

Zoë's Substack: https://substack.com/@zoerouth

Planet Human:

Edelman Trust Barometer reveals collapsing trust in key institutions, with growing class divides and despair.

https://www.edelman.com/trust-barometer

Key Quotes:

"Conflict is information—it tells us what matters most to people." – Lena Morgan

"Assume self-interest, not good intent. That’s how we keep eyes wide open and hearts open." – Zoë Routh

"We all stay in the fight too long. The real skill is knowing when to pause and pivot." – Lena Morgan

Questions Asked:

What are the five fight languages and how do they show up in teams?

How can leaders manage their own conflict response before addressing others’?

Why is somatic intelligence essential in high-stakes conversations?

How can we better support extinguishers, amplifiers, and analyzers in a workplace?

Take Action:

Notice your personal conflict pattern. Are you an igniter, amplifier, negotiator, analyzer, or extinguisher?

Use Lena’s techniques to pause and pivot—whether it’s through movement, silence, or strategic escape.

Open dialogue with your team about how they experience tension. Use the fight language framework to foster mutual understanding.

Tip of the Week

Create a “fight language map” with your team. Identify each member’s default response and explore ways to better support one another in high-tension moments.

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Theme

00:23 Edelman Trust Barometer Report

01:30 Restoring Trust in Systems

02:36 Positive Aspects in Australia

03:27 Personal Update and Upcoming Projects

04:24 Assuming Good Intent in Conflict

05:24 Exploring Power Games and Self-Interest

08:25 Interview with Lena Morgan: Fight Languages

16:25 Understanding Different Fight Languages

22:44 Understanding the Analyzer's Perspective

23:26 Introducing the Extinguishers

24:41 Navigating Mixed Fight Languages

26:10 Starting with Your Own Fight Language

27:22 Techniques for Managing Fight Responses

29:45 Handling Different Fight Languages

35:51 The Fast Three Questions

37:34 The Importance of Conflict in Relationships and Business

38:24 Conclusion and Resources

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-binary advocate Yenn Purkis, and highlight standout episodes across three categories: moving stories, practical leadership tools, and game-changing insights.

From ultra-endurance athlete Laura Marshall to leadership futurists like James Surwillo and Brett King, each guest has added a unique thread to this rich tapestry of leadership wisdom.

🎧 In this episode, you'll also hear:

-My reflections on how I’ve grown since launching the show back in 2016

-A heartfelt thank you to the long-standing listeners and clients who have sustained this podcast journey

-Five distilled takeaways from 400 episodes, including the enduring truth that leadership is still hard—and you matter.

KEY MOMENTS:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

04:24 Themes of the Podcast

04:54 Diversity and Eye-Opening Interviews

06:34 Highlighting Standout Episodes

07:35 Practical and Useful Interviews

08:10 Celebrating Notable Stories

🎙️ Honour Roll – Good Stories

Ep. 86 – Laura Marshall: Enduroman Arch to Arc 

https://zoerouth.short.gy/vixP29 

Ep. 173 – Rachel Robertson: Leadership in Antarctica

https://zoerouth.short.gy/NQx0Yx 

Ep. 209 – Jordan Kibukamusoke: Gen Y Leadership

https://zoerouth.short.gy/11xapl 

Ep. 312 – Iman Kibukamusoke: Gen Z Leadership

https://zoerouth.short.gy/tKdJAM 

Ep. 226 – Jeff Korzenik: Second Chance Hiring

https://zoerouth.short.gy/wm5wpT 

Ep. 283 – Manley Hopkinson: Sailing into the Hurricane

https://zoerouth.short.gy/Hia9lH 

Ep. 362 – Paul Glover: From Incarceration to Legacy

https://zoerouth.short.gy/YhrZNG 

Ep. 385 – John Graham: Good Samaritan Homes

https://zoerouth.short.gy/OL28lI

💡 Game-Changing Conversations

Ep. 119 – James Surwillo: Metamodern Leadership

https://zoerouth.short.gy/Emu9FV 

Ep. 175 – Dr Alan Watkins: Integrative Decision-Making

https://zoerouth.short.gy/BJlP3Y 

Ep. 199 – Ginny Whitelaw: Embodied Leadership

https://zoerouth.short.gy/NI38Xu 

Ep. 207 – Liz Wiseman: Multipliers and Accidental Diminishers

https://zoerouth.short.gy/LhqG72 

Ep. 224 – Carol Sanford: Regenerative Leadership

https://zoerouth.short.gy/L7qJ9T 

Ep. 225 – Brian Emerson: Polarity Thinking

https://zoerouth.short.gy/5IweFp 

Ep. 235 – Buster Benson: Productive Disagreement

https://zoerouth.short.gy/SzdsML 

Ep. 307 – Samantha Slade: Horizontal Leadership

https://zoerouth.short.gy/GHgWBb 

Ep. 308 – Brett King: Technosocialism and the Future

https://zoerouth.short.gy/VDgm5L 

Ep. 359 – Dr Mike Rucker: Redefining Fun in Leadership

https://zoerouth.short.gy/rZzM5L 

Ep. 45 - Dr. Maja Stanojevic-Andre - How To Develop Leadership Maturity

https://zoerouth.short.gy/jlVcrR

📚 Favourite Book Reviews

Ep. 67 – The Listening Society by Hansi Freinacht

https://zoerouth.short.gy/tZ93Tn

Ep. 89 – Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee

https://zoerouth.short.gy/dhyIvK 

🔧 Practical and Useful Tools

Ep. 42 & 104 – Alessandra Edwards: Executive Health

https://zoerouth.short.gy/bLVfqB 

https://zoerouth.short.gy/8MLPMt 

Ep. 34 – Stacey Barr: KPIs that Work

https://zoerouth.short.gy/ELRauv 

Ep. 256 – George Karseras: Build Better Teams

https://zoerouth.short.gy/EzdkLb 

Ep. 295 – Rachel Audigé: Busting Bias

https://zoerouth.short.gy/UQ3Nsq 

Ep. 322 – Laura Fredricks: The Art of the Hard Ask

https://zoerouth.short.gy/XKHtzQ 

Ep. 348 – Dr Ann Kowal Smith: The Power of Fiction

https://zoerouth.short.gy/uIrchg 

Ep. 140 – Charlene Li: Disruption Archetypes

https://zoerouth.short.gy/iv393Z 

Ep. 31, 84, 345 – Dermot Crowley: Productivity Mastery

https://zoerouth.short.gy/oTjnEA 

https://zoerouth.short.gy/7Hla8V 

https://zoerouth.short.gy/tOAH8k 

Ep. 254, 323 – Donna McGeorge: Simplifying Leadership

https://zoerouth.short.gy/i7Nxd4 

https://zoerouth.short.gy/AXoyzr 

Ep. 39 – Simon Dowling: Collaborative Style

https://zoerouth.short.gy/pOgvcc 

Ep. 138 – Colin Ellis: Culture is Leadership

https://zoerouth.short.gy/MpR8br 

Ep. 141 – Digby Scott: Changemaker Mindset

https://zoerouth.short.gy/f5tErY 

Ep. 228, 367 – Mark Butler: Preventing Burnout

https://zoerouth.short.gy/3m2mc3 

https://zoerouth.short.gy/SJRtHz 

Ep. 311, 377 – Rohit Bhargava: Future Trends

https://zoerouth.short.gy/wluNbL 

https://zoerouth.short.gy/NrnXjH 

🎧 Top 3 Most-Listened To

Ep. 234 & 328 – Peter Scott: Courage and Failure

https://zoerouth.short.gy/3Asvtr 

https://zoerouth.short.gy/Twfant 

Ep. 232 – Susie Walford: Happy Team Principles

https://zoerouth.short.gy/8jZ6b1 

Ep. 271 – Larapinta Trail: Fear, Conflict and Leadership

https://zoerouth.short.gy/SLaxdv 

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 biography of his father’s extraordinary journey through Nazi and Communist Hungary.

Rob shares the harrowing yet hopeful story of his father’s four-time escape from tyranny, how he rebuilt his life as a doctor in America, and why this story of resilience, compassion, and miracles needs to be told now more than ever.

Together, we explore the enduring impact of antisemitism, the challenge of confronting hate in all its forms, and the role of storytelling in forging empathy and leadership.

SHOWNOTES are here:

​​https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/truth-seeking-journalism  

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

My new Substack: https://substack.com/@zoerouth  

Planet Human:

Billionaire-owned media reshapes truth, trust, and narratives.

https://www.npr.org/2025/02/26/nx-s1-5309725/jeff-bezos-washington-post-opinion-section  

Key Quotes:

"Leadership will require us to ask: how do we craft a shared reality in a polarised world?" – Zoë Routh

"Leadership is from within. Lead by example... trust is a part of it. Integrity is a part of it." – Dr. Robert Wolf

"When people say, 'nobody cares about antisemitism', I say: then we must be the ones who do." – Dr. Robert Wolf

Questions Asked:

1. What compelled you to bring your father’s story into the world through this book?

2. How did your father’s story shift your own understanding of leadership, resilience, and legacy?

3. What does standing up to tyranny look like today?

4. How can we foster real change in how we teach empathy and history in classrooms and beyond?

Take Action:

1. Educate yourself on the history of antisemitism and its modern forms.

2. Seek stories that challenge your assumptions—especially those you might prefer to ignore.

3. Share stories of courage from your own heritage or community, and listen deeply to others.

4. Introduce discussion groups or reading circles around books like Not a Real Enemy to build cultural understanding and empathy in your workplace or community.

Tip of the Week

Reflect on the narratives that shaped your worldview. Whose voices were missing—and what can you do this week to listen for them?

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Theme

00:26 Billionaire-Owned Media and Truth

01:47 The Future of Independent Journalism

03:27 The Fragmentation of Shared Narratives

04:42 Personal Updates and Upcoming Adventures

05:14 Kickstarter Preview and Exclusive Offers

06:02 Addressing Antisemitism and Racism

08:01 Interview with Dr. Robert Wolf

10:11 Dr. Wolf's Father's Story of Survival

26:27 The Real Enemy: A Personal Reflection

27:07 Impact of the Book on Readers

27:36 Global Antisemitism and Islamophobia

28:26 The Role of Education in Combating Hate

34:07 Promoting the Book and Its Message

37:39 Fast Three: Quickfire Questions

42:45 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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 impact.

Emma brings a compelling perspective on how to scale businesses by bringing calm to chaos. She outlines the WAVE framework—Written Vision, Absolute Focus, Values-driven Future, and Execution Plan—and offers practical, transformative advice for any leader serious about delivering big ideas, sustainably and profitably. Together, they examine the future of AI in operations, culture-building through psychological safety, and why mentorship—not management—is the secret sauce of visionary success.

SHOWNOTES are here:

https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/operational-excellence

My new Substack: https://substack.com/@zoerouth

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

Planet Human:

Tesla owners are rebelling—not by selling their cars, but by disguising them. A lesson in knowing your audience, brand alignment, and leadership reputation.

https://www.fastcompany.com/91294552/tesla-owners-are-disguising-their-cars-with-fake-badges-as-a-form-of-resistance 

Key Quotes:

"Founders often have vision but no framework. That’s where chaos begins." – Emma Rainville

"Operational excellence means responding, not reacting." – Emma Rainville

"We shouldn't be 'shoulding' all over ourselves. Make conscious commitments." – Zoë Routh

Questions Asked:

1. What is the WAVE framework and how can it help you scale?

2. Why do visionary leaders struggle with management—and how can they overcome it?

3. What are the biggest mistakes founders make when launching new products?

4. How can we build a culture where failure becomes fuel for growth?

Take Action:

1. Define your own Written Vision. Where are you heading in 10 years?

2. Create a people development plan—not just for hiring, but for mentoring.

3. Test Emma’s approach: use ChatGPT to challenge your processes and find efficiencies.

4. Celebrate team members not just for solving problems, but for how they fix mistakes.

Tip of the Week

Explore AI as a co-pilot in your business. Delegate your drudgery. 

Ask: How might I make this repeatable, streamlined, or automated?

Join the community here:

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

You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff.

Join the Power Games advance notice here:

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

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Theme

00:32 Tesla Resistance and Marketing Missteps

03:30 Personal Updates from Zoe

04:27 Eliminating Drudgery with AI

05:40 Interview with Emma Rainsville: The Wizard of Ops

09:01 Defining Operational Excellence

10:03 Visionary Entrepreneurs and Business Challenges

16:22 People Development and Leadership

22:31 Exploring Commercial and Home Services

23:04 The Impact of AI on Operational Excellence

24:16 Incorporating AI and Automations

29:03 Building a Culture of Operational Excellence

32:14 The WAVE Operational Framework

35:07 The Fast Three: Quick Insights

37:05 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

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 Morning Herald and The Age.

Tim shares thoughtful insights from his latest book Work Backwards, which challenges conventional notions of success and offers a practical framework for aligning your life, money, and work. He explores emerging work trends including “coffee badging” and “conscious unbossing,” and reflects on how a personal turning point reshaped his entire approach to life and leadership. This conversation is an invitation to pause, reconsider what matters, and take deliberate action toward a more meaningful way of working.

SHOWNOTES are here:

https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/designing-work-and-money 

My new Substack: https://substack.com/@zoerouth 

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

Planet Human:

DARPA, the U.S. Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency, has turned its attention to space manufacturing—with plans to build 500-metre-long infrastructure in orbit using synthetic biology.

https://singularityhub.com/2025/03/10/darpa-wants-to-grow-enormous-living-structures-in-space/ 

Key Quotes:

1.  “Our systems of work are built on our values and beliefs. If we want new systems, we must start there.” – Zoë Routh

2. “If we don't answer the question of what is enough, we’ll never get there.” – Tim Duggan

3. “The future of work is personal, messy, and already here.” – Tim Duggan

Questions Asked:

1. What does it mean to “work backwards” and how can we apply it to our lives?

2. How are Gen Z’s values reshaping the workforce?

3. What can leaders do to foster trust, meaning, and motivation in the workplace?

4. How do we define “enough” when it comes to money, time, and success?

Take Action:

1. Reflect on your MAP: Meaning, Anchors (your core values), and Priorities.

2. Create a backwards budget: How much money do you actually need to live well?

3. Redefine success: Is it still about more—or is it about enough? Start the conversation in your team.

Tip of the Week:

Define your own “enough.” Take time this week to clarify what a well-lived life looks like for you. Then, make one small shift in your work or life to support that vision.

Join the community here:

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

You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff.

Join the Power Games advance notice here:

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

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Theme

00:23 Planet Human: DARPA's Space Ambitions

01:37 Planet Zoe: Alpine Adventure

02:36 Planet Zoe: Power Games and Substack

04:55 Exploring Life and Work on Our Own Terms

06:47 Interview with Tim Duggan: A Journey of Entrepreneurship

13:46 Tim Duggan's Insights on Modern Work Culture

24:20 Understanding Core Values and Priorities

24:52 Mapping Life and Money

26:05 Defining 'Enough' and Personal Fulfillment

29:46 Balancing Work, Mind, Body, and Relationships

31:37 The Future of Work and Its Challenges

33:27 Global Response to Work Backwards

37:19 Leadership Insights and Personal Tips

41:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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 it fosters curiosity and personal growth. He also provides practical advice for fostering intercultural sensitivity in the workplace. This episode dives deep into experiential education, leadership, and creating inclusive environments

SHOWNOTES are here: https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/legal-challenges-workplace-dynamics

Key Quotes: "When we expose ourselves to diverse perspectives, we expand our understanding of the world and ourselves." – Zoë Routh "Curiosity pushes us into spaces of discomfort, and that’s where we grow." – Scott Marshall "We can’t just assume that a one-day workshop on diversity will transform a workplace. It’s about a long-term commitment to embracing different perspectives." – Scott Marshall

Questions Asked: 1. How does Semester at Sea create a transformative learning experience? 2. What are the key leadership lessons from immersing in global cultures? 3. How can organisations foster curiosity and intercultural awareness in the workplace? 4. What are practical ways to develop a culture of inclusivity beyond traditional DEI programs?

Take Action: Reflect on your own leadership assumptions and challenge them with new perspectives. Explore ways to bring diverse perspectives into your workplace—whether through book clubs, travel experiences, or deeper engagement with different cultural narratives. Start small: Have your team research governance models in different countries or visit a restaurant from a culture they’re unfamiliar with and engage in meaningful conversations.

Tip of the Week Engage in a "curiosity challenge"—for one week, actively seek to learn something new about a culture, history, or perspective that is outside your usual sphere.

Join the community here: https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast-news

You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff.

Key Moments 00:00 Introduction and Challenging Assumptions 00:15 Exploring Regenerative Societies with Regen Software 00:50 Personal Connection to Regenerative Ecosystems and Mars 01:35 Upcoming Adventure on the Australian Alpine Walking Track 02:12 Power Games and Olympus Dawn Writing Updates 03:17 Bringing the World to the Workplace 05:17 Introducing Scott Marshall and Semester at Sea 06:25 Semester at Sea: Program Overview and Logistics 13:19 Impact and Benefits of Semester at Sea 22:54 Developing Intercultural Competence in the Workplace 26:41 Workplace Sensitivity and Global Awareness 28:30 The Importance of Experiential Education 28:57 Critique of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs 29:20 Leadership and Mental Models 30:24 Commitment to DEI Work 32:26 Personal Leadership Journey 33:58 Navigating Cultural Biases 42:19 Leadership Tips and Insights 48:47 Opportunities with Semester at Sea 50:48 Book Recommendation and Conclusion

#leadership #experientiallearning #curiosity #inclusivity #semesteratsea #futureofleadership