The Future of Leadership

Zoe Routh
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The Future of Leadership

We explore the future and ask what this means for your leadership. We tackle the big issues, ask 'what if' and 'how might we'. We bring observations of trends and events around the world, talk to leading experts in their field about a topic on the future of leadership, give book recommendations, and offer tangible insights you can put into action right away.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    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 are here: Boo Boucousis Boo shares his journey of continuous reinvention, from flying jets to founding businesses, and how the disciplined, methodical thinking of a fighter pilot can be applied to leadership and business. Together, they explore how iterative thinking, structured collaboration, and intentional leadership can help leaders create high-performing teams, drive results, and maintain credibility. 👉 Join us at the Leadership Conclave. Canberra, Nov 8th, 2024. Key Takeaways: The power of deliberate collaboration and face-to-face interactions in achieving team success. How to use the plan-brief-execute-debrief cycle to build agility and continuously improve performance. The importance of credibility and why it takes years to earn but only seconds to lose. Tip of the Week: Iterate for Success: Just as fighter pilots improve through continuous iteration, your leadership can evolve by making small, consistent changes. Debrief regularly with your team, reflect on gaps, and make actionable improvements. Key Moments  00:00 Introduction and Main Question 00:42 Neuralink and Brain-Computer Interfaces 02:06 Ethical Challenges of Amplified Humans 02:18 Book Writing and Upcoming Projects 03:25 Ethical Implications and Leadership 07:14 Tea Time with Christian Boo Boucousis 08:27 Boo's Journey from Fighter Pilot to Entrepreneur 19:07 Fighter Pilot Mindset and Leadership 31:24 Diagnosing Business Dysfunction 31:47 The Illusion of Freedom in Business 32:31 The Myth of Overnight Success 33:22 Technology and Dysfunctional Behaviors 34:51 Iterative Planning and Execution 37:33 The Power of Debriefing 41:15 Leadership Traits and Credibility 43:47 Introducing the Afterburner Effect 47:31 The Fast Three Questions 52:04 Finding Your Purpose 54:45 Book Recommendations and Conclusion #Leadership #FutureOfLeadership #FighterPilotMindset #Collaboration #ChristianBoucousis #ZoeRouth #Afterburner #GrowthMindset

    53 min

  2. 27 SEPT

    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 can be a force for good while remaining profitable" - John Lamy Join the conversation and learn how conscious leadership can shape a better world.  Planet Human: Birth rates are not greater than they were than in 1950, in every country of the world. Event: Join us at the Leadership Conclave, Nov 8th in Canberra. Become a Podcast Insider for tip sheets, discussion questions, and other insider perks.  Summary Conscious Leadership and Inner Practices John Lamy emphasizes that solving climate change requires more than technical knowledge—it demands inner strength and consciousness. He connects leadership practices such as meditation, journaling, and yoga with building resilience and the emotional resources needed to face the significant challenges ahead. “You’re going to have to have inner resources... it’s not going to be easy.” Business as a Force for Good Businesses can be a powerful force in addressing climate change. John advocates for companies to go beyond profit-making and be forces for social and environmental good. He encourages them to maintain integrity, engage employees in sustainability efforts, and foster values alignment with customers. “Business could be, should be, and can be an actual force to be reckoned with.” Challenges of Changing Mindsets John discusses how difficult it is to shift the prevailing mindset from profit-first to a more sustainable, globally conscious approach. He stresses that businesses need to own up to their environmental impacts and treat sustainability as a strategic priority. “Integrity. We’ve got to be honest... you will have expenses you didn’t have previously.” Six Principles of Conscious Leadership John shares six guiding principles for globally conscious leaders: Love the Earth Take interconnection to heart Be kind Treat all people equally Respect our life’s journeys Own our externalities (environmental and social impacts) These principles emphasize the ethical and moral responsibility leaders have towards people and the planet. “It sounds easy, but we have to raise it to consciousness.” Practical Steps for Businesses John offers practical steps for businesses to begin addressing climate change while still remaining profitable, from adopting eco-friendly products and services to engaging employees and customers in sustainability efforts. “It’s not just the leaders, but also the people who will appreciate a climate-friendly approach.”  Key Quotes: “This is not going to be easy. There’s a lot of pushback... You’re going to have to have inner resources.” “Businesses can be forces for good. It’s not about sacrificing profits but aligning them with what matters for the future.” “What do we want for our grandchildren? This is about their future too.”  Questions Explored: How does leadership consciousness relate to addressing climate change? Can businesses balance profitability with sustainability, and how? What principles can guide leaders towards becoming globally conscious?  Take Action: Reflect on the six principles of conscious leadership in your own workplace. Implement interior practices like meditation or journaling to build emotional resilience for facing global challenges. Tip of the Week: Encourage business leaders to move from a profit-first mindset to a globally conscious leadership model by focusing on sustainability, integrity, and employee engagement. Key Moments  00:00 Introduction and Altruism in Business 00:2

    38 min

  3. 8 SEPT

    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 organizations can move beyond outdated cultural models to build thriving, resilient communities. *CORRECTION: I introduce Lauren as the founder of The Hush Collective, when it should be HUSH COLLABORATIVE. Full shownotes: The Future of Work: Culture or Community Key Topics Covered: The future of humanoid robots and their role in society. Updates on Zoë's latest projects, including her upcoming book "Power Games." The balance between autonomy and connection in the workplace. The difference between culture and community in organizational contexts. How building community can drive better business outcomes and support growth. Power dynamics, collaboration challenges, and the importance of shared leadership. Key Quotes: "Culture requests assimilation. Community requests relationship." — Lauren Buckley "Collaboration is a skill, but most organizations assume we just inherently know how to do it." — Lauren Buckley "The biggest shift we need is to move from a power-over model to a power-with model in leadership." — Zoë Routh Resources Mentioned: Culture Eats Strategy for Lunch by Kurt Coffman and Kathy Sorenson Upcoming Leadership Conclave event in Canberra on November 8th Connect with Us: Subscribe to the podcast on [iTunes/Spotify]. Visit zoerouth.com for more insights and resources. Follow Zoë on LinkedIn and Twitter. Subscribe for Exclusive Content: Sign up at zoerouth.com/podcast to receive insider access to bonus materials, implementation sheets, and discussion questions for every episode. Closing Thought: As Zoë says, "Live with grace, lead in service." Take a moment to reflect on how you can build a sense of community within your organization today. Questions Explored: What if the disjointed workplace continues into the future? How do we balance autonomy and connection in a hybrid work environment? What's the difference between building culture and building community in organizations? Take Action: Reflect on how you can foster genuine community within your organization. Consider joining our Leadership Conclave event in Canberra on November 8th for an immersive strategic experience. 🌟 Tip of the Week: Dive into Kurt Coffman and Kathy Sorenson’s book Culture Eats Strategy for Lunch for a deep understanding of how to create a thriving organizational culture. 📚 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights on the future of leadership! Key Moments  00:00 Introduction: Community vs. Culture 00:15 Exploring Humanoid Robots 00:55 Updates from Planet Zoe 02:25 The Disjointed Workplace 03:00 Building Community in the Workplace 04:10 Interview with Lauren Buckley 26:32 Fast 3: Quickfire Questions 29:34 The Hush Collaborative 33:13 Read to Lead: Book Recommendation 35:03 Conclusion and Insider Extras About Lauren Buckley Lauren Buckley is the founder of The Hush Collaborative, an organization dedicated to transforming businesses through the power of community. With a background in communications, brand strategy, and political advisory, Lauren brings a wealth of experience in helping organizations navigate complex challenges through innovative and inclusive approaches. #FutureOfWork #FutureOfLeadership #culture #corporateculture

    34 min

  4. 25 AUG

    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 triangles we need to move to circles. Then working on expanding the power of the individual. My guest for T-TOK (Tea Time in the Office Kitchen) is Paul McCarthy, author of The F.I.R.E.D. Leader and he is on a mission to reshape the conversation about ​​, and how we need to shift how we recruit, train, and practice leadership if we are to normalise disruption and survive the era of exponential change. --- Become a Podcast Insider for subscriber only bonuses including an implementation checklist, discussion questions, water cooler factoids, and special subscriber-only offers. Join us here: Podcast Insider Full shownotes are here. --- Systemic Leadership: Circles Before Triangles Why you should listen: how we visualise leadership shapes its outcomes We must focus on building the capability, autonomy, and delivery capacity of each person. This cellular approach fosters flexibility, responsiveness, and a collaborative spirit essential for modern leadership. Goretex solutions: Combining individual and collective accountability ensures comprehensive leadership development and system-wide success. How to normalise disruption instead of dysfunction Questions Explored: What are the F.I.R.E.D. leadership attributes we need? (F – Fresh Thinking, I – Inquisitive Nature, R – Real and Accountable, E – Expressive and Challenging, )D – Direct and Transparent What gets in the way of open honest conversations? What are the systems that need to change? Take action Think about how you exercise power in your organisation: is it top down or bottom up or a mix?  How can you grow the abilities of the people around you?. Key Moments  00:00 Welcome to the Future of Leadership 00:22 Introducing the Show's Format and Today's Topic 01:09 Planet Human: Contrasting Leadership Examples 03:16 Planet Zoe: Personal Updates and Upcoming Projects 05:54 Exploring Leadership Systems for the Future 10:40 Interview with Paul McCarthy: The Fired Leader 25:42 The Role of Fear in Leadership Games 27:20 The Cost of Leadership Turnover 27:58 Ego-Based Leadership and Its Consequences 28:44 Designing Future Organizations 30:20 Holacracy and Horizontal Leadership 32:19 Overcoming Leadership Challenges 33:00 From Fear to Awakening and Courage 37:11 The Fast Three Questions 42:28 Paul's Vision for Future Leaders 43:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About Paul McCarthy Paul McCarthy, author of "The Fired Leader." Paul has had a remarkable journey, having been fired from four senior executive roles, which led him to question and ultimately redefine leadership for the future. His insights into fresh thinking, inquisitiveness, being real and accountable, expressive and challenging, and being direct and transparent are invaluable. These qualities, encapsulated in the acronym FIRED, are pivotal for evolving leadership in modern organizations. https://www.paulmacleadership.com/

    42 min

  5. 28 JULY

    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 we can lead better for the future. Become a podcast insider: You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff. Sign up here. SHOWNOTES are here. Planet Zoë: Early Bird ending soon 31 July 2024 for, Grace Under Fire Help me with my research: complete the Power Games Survey - survey closes 31 July 2024 Key Moments  00:00 Introduction and Big Announcement 00:12 Rebranding to 'The Future of Leadership' 00:47 New Podcast Format and Features 02:31 Today's Topic: Thinking Rituals for Future Fit Leadership 03:11 Reflecting on Recent Events 05:28 Personal Updates and Tech Challenges 06:54 Winter Plans and Book Writing 07:39 Power Dynamics and Upcoming Programs 08:51 Exploring Brain-Computer Interfaces 09:49 Thinking Rituals for Effective Leadership 18:01 Read to Lead: Book Recommendations 21:43 Conclusion and Farewell

    24 min

  6. 22 JULY

    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. Together we explore the process of creative problem-solving and how leaders can implement creativity in their teams by working through the four stages: clarify, ideate, develop, and implement. Amy dispels common myths about creativity, and how we might integrate generative AI tools like ChatGPT in the creative process. SHOWNOTES are here.   Creativity is an essential leadership skill now and for the future. And it’s not just drawing!   Why you should listen: how creativity is a codified process that follows our natural instincts The importance of creativity in leadership and team dynamics. Stages of the creative process: clarify, ideate, develop, implement. Overcoming creative blocks and fostering a culture of innovation. We explore future technologies to assist leaders Using tools like Climer Cards to enhance creativity and team cohesion. Integrating technology and tools like ChatGPT in the creative process.   Questions Explored: Why do leaders and teams often overlook creativity? How can we be more creative together in the workplace? What are the key elements needed for teams to be creative? Take action Reflect on how you can incorporate creativity into your leadership and team dynamics. Explore ways to foster an environment that encourages innovation and collaboration.   Tip of the week  Creativity is essential for future-fit leadership. Understanding and using a structured creative process can significantly enhance team innovation. Tools like Climer Cards and ChatGPT can be valuable aids in sparking creativity.   Key Moments  00:47 Reviving the Woolly Mammoth: Science or Science Fiction? 02:21 Artificial Wombs: The Future of Birth? 03:40 Updates from Planet Zoe: Novels and New Programs 05:49 Creativity and Collaboration in Leadership 06:12 Interview with Amy Clymer: Exploring Creativity in Teams 29:31 Sparking New Ideas Through Imagery 30:14 Overcoming Creativity Blocks 32:16 Leveraging Technology for Creativity 35:42 Using AI in Writing and Creativity 39:35 The Flow Cycle and Creativity 42:40 Fast Five: Quickfire Leadership Insights 50:59 Final Thoughts and Takeaways   Planet Human: Wooly mammoth being brought back to life Planet Zoë: Early Bird closing for Pilot Program 31 July 2024, Grace Under Fire Help me with my research into Power Games - survey open until 31 July About Amy Climer  Dr. Amy Climer is a thought leader in innovation, team development, and experiential learning. She teaches research-based practices, tools, and techniques to forward-thinking organizations such as the Mayo Clinic, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the University of Wisconsin. Amy holds a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University. Her research led to the Deliberate Creative Team Scale, designed to measure the three critical dimensions of team creativity. Her TEDx talk The Power of Deliberate Creative Teams explains her research and philosophies on innovation and her book on this topic will be out in early 2025. Amy is the host of The Deliberate Creative™ Podcast. She is the designer of Climer Cards, a creativity and teambuilding tool used by thousands to deepen conversations and generate ideas. In 2016 she won the Karl Rhonke Creativity Award from the Association for Experiential Education. Amy lives in Asheville, North Carolina in the U.S.   Related episodes on Leadership Creativity 132 Creativity is a leadership skill that you can learn with Kieran Flanagan 208 Leadership skills and creativity with Mark Simmonds 140 The four archet

    59 min

  7. 14 JULY

    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 power struggles are leadership maturity and systems The tension is a polarity to manage, not a problem to resolve.  We explore the dynamics of polarity management to mitigate power struggles Benefits of individual achievement and its cultural roots Benefits of collective success and its collaboration imperative Avoid the pitfalls of too much of or the other: it’s not an either/or choice but an AND.  Take action Make sure your KPIs have both individual and collective measures and results. Establish rituals for acknowledging individual contributions AND collective outcomes. Make sure your reporting is transparent for both individuals and the collective.   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 Overview 00:26 AI and Health Coaching - Arianna Huffington and Open AI partner for Thrive A.I. Health 03:44 Personal Updates and Projects: Olympus Rising, Power Games, Grace Under Fire 05:42 Challenges in Collaboration 09:40 Balancing Individual and Collective Success: a polarity to manage 18:10 Read to Lead: Book Recommendation - Rohot Baharva’s Non-Obvious Thinking - How to see what others don’t 20:26 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview Planet Human: MIT Future self Planet Zoë: New Pilot Program: Grace Under Fire Help me with my research: complete the Power Games Survey

    20 min

  8. 7 JULY

    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 Leadership,' and the need for a modern renaissance in the arts. This episode is packed with forward-thinking ideas designed to inspire and equip leaders for the future. Tune in to expand your leadership toolkit with these invaluable insights. SHOWNOTES are here. Key Moments  00:00 Introduction to the Zoe Routh Leadership Podcast 00:29 Exciting Innovations: MIT's Future Self Chatbot 03:13 Personal Updates and Upcoming Projects 05:19 Introducing Louise Mowbray: Future Focused Leadership 07:16 Louise Mowbray's Journey into Futurism 13:12 Understanding Conscious Leadership 23:41 Navigating Complexity and Systems Thinking 34:05 The Power of the Futures Triangle 34:35 AI and Systems Thinking 38:23 The Fast Five Questions 38:34 Future Technologies and Leadership Tips 50:52 The Importance of Ethics in Leadership 58:15 Concluding Thoughts and Takeaways

    1h 3m
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4.8
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

We explore the future and ask what this means for your leadership. We tackle the big issues, ask 'what if' and 'how might we'. We bring observations of trends and events around the world, talk to leading experts in their field about a topic on the future of leadership, give book recommendations, and offer tangible insights you can put into action right away.

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