375 episodes

Weekly leadership insights and interviews with CEOs, Senior Execs, Experts and Leaders in teams and culture where we ask 'what if?' to explore the future of leadership.

“Thoughtful, well researched, heart felt, professional and brimming with passion and enthusiasm. Zoë Routh - you are AS GOOD (maybe better) as some of the other big names on our podcast list including Tim Ferris and Peter Diamandis.” ~ Kate Billing, Co-Founder at Blacksmith

Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast Zoe Routh

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 1 Rating

Weekly leadership insights and interviews with CEOs, Senior Execs, Experts and Leaders in teams and culture where we ask 'what if?' to explore the future of leadership.

“Thoughtful, well researched, heart felt, professional and brimming with passion and enthusiasm. Zoë Routh - you are AS GOOD (maybe better) as some of the other big names on our podcast list including Tim Ferris and Peter Diamandis.” ~ Kate Billing, Co-Founder at Blacksmith

    The art of leadership negotiation with Sam Trattles

    The art of leadership negotiation with Sam Trattles

    We are exploring the important but often overlooked art of negotiation with expert Sam Trattles, who shares her journey to loving something that many people hate. We explore Sam’s uniquely Australian APEC method and discuss the nuances of high-stakes negotiations, such as those in international conflicts. Our conversation covers managing emotions, understanding motivations, and the impact of power dynamics. Sam imparts wisdom on engaging with senior leaders and the importance of mindset in seeking fair outcomes. Whether you're navigating boardroom battles or seeking to resolve complex conflicts, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will elevate your negotiation game.
    Shownotes
    See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-framework-sam-trattles

    Key Moments 
    Planet Human: Exploring the little incremental changes add up to a big change in society - from telehealth and e-scripts to identify theft and proving we are human! 
    Planet Zoë: Enjoying a period of routine at home before it’s time to hit the powder. Olympus Rising is almost ready to go to the editor and then the focus will be on on Zoë’s first non-fiction book in four and a half years, tentatively called Power Games. 
    Introduction to Negotiation and Sam Trattles (00:04:32)
    Zoë Routh introduces Sam Trattles, an expert in negotiation, and sets the stage for the discussion on negotiation.
    Sam Trattles' Journey into Negotiation (00:06:00)
    Sam Trattles discusses her background in negotiation and her transition into negotiation training and development.
    Corporate Negotiation Experiences (00:07:42)
    Sam shares her experiences negotiating contracts, sponsorships, and leadership challenges in corporate roles.
    The Enjoyment of Negotiation and Healthy Debate (00:08:30)
    Sam explains her love for problem-solving and the importance of healthy debate in negotiation.
    The APEC Method of Negotiation (00:12:36)
    Introducing the APEC method, emphasising the significance of preparation and the steps involved in the negotiation process.
    Complex Negotiations (00:19:28)
    Discussion on handling high-stakes, complex negotiations with different ideologies and emotional baggage.
    Dealing with Difficult People (00:20:10)
    Considerations for negotiating with difficult individuals, understanding motivations, and seeking fair outcomes.
    Emotions in Negotiation (00:22:24)
    Addressing emotional influences in negotiations, managing emotions, and facilitating problem-solving.
    Managing Emotions in Negotiations (00:26:54)
    Strategies for managing emotions in difficult conversations and high-stakes negotiations.
    Power Dynamics in Negotiations (00:28:33)
    Exploring real versus perceived power, and strategies for cutting through power dynamics in negotiations.
    Negotiation Mindset (00:36:15)
    Encouraging a change in mindset by reframing negotiation as conversations and consciously observing negotiation opportunities.
    Emotional Aikido Skills (00:39:44)
    Explanation of five emotional aikido skills to manage emotions during high-tension situations in negotiation.

    • 43 min
    Paul Glover’s Incredible Journey from Incarceration to Leadership Legacy

    Paul Glover’s Incredible Journey from Incarceration to Leadership Legacy

    This is a profound conversation with Paul Glover, an ex-lawyer and leadership legacy coach, who shares his remarkable journey from incarceration, after being indicted by a federal grand jury on 33 counts of corruption, to redemption. Paul’s time in prison was a period of intense self-reflection and transformation, driven by a commitment to his family and a desire to become a better person.  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 ne

    • 49 min
    A retired spy’s leadership guide to understanding people

    A retired spy’s leadership guide to understanding people

    Ever wondered how a spy hones the skill to read people with precision? Our guest this week shares his riveting journey from the military to mastering human intelligence. Retired spy and a three-time award-winning speaker, JJ Brun's story is not just about espionage; it's a masterclass in understanding human dynamics that every leader can learn from. JJ's expertise in the DiSC®  model offers a 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.

    • 57 min
    The 3 Cs of beating burnout with Helen Young

    The 3 Cs of beating burnout with Helen Young

    This week I’m joined by the remarkable Helen Young-McLaughlin, CEO and founder of the Leverage Academy and a leadership coach based in Maryland, USA. Helen opens up about her personal battle with burnout and the transformative power of empathetic communication in the workplace. Her story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required of leaders today. Helen is passionate about mindful 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.

    • 44 min
    The power of fun in leadership with author Dr Mike Rucker

    The power of fun in leadership with author Dr Mike Rucker

    Do you think fun has a place at work? I do! I think it’s vital in fact and in this episode we are exploring the power of fun with my guest Dr Mike Rucker, author of The Fun Habit. 
    Mike has spent much of his career in service to workplace wellbeing and performance, as an organisational psychologist, behavioral scientist, and charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association. He’s 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.

    • 51 min
    7 leadership tips for self-organising groups

    7 leadership tips for self-organising groups

    I’m just back from a two-week epic hike along the Australian Alpine Walking Track and reflecting on the fact that the heart of any expedition is its people. Drawing on these recent experiences for this solo episode, I explore the importance of nurturing relationships, understanding individual drives, and creating a supportive environment that empowers your team. We had some tough times on the trek; 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.

    • 23 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
1 Rating

1 Rating

Grazia87 ,

Inspiring and empowering

If you’re new to the world of Leadership, Culture and all that’s people stuff, then you don’t want to miss this podcast. Broken down to tackle an aspect at the time, yet never failing to tie them to the bigger picture, Zoë is going to provide you not only useful insights, but most importantly some applicable tools you can experiment with. Her commitment to showcasing the best, and make other leaders thrive is tangible..and honestly, the contributions from her guests are priceless!!

Top Podcasts In Business

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
DOAC
The Property Academy Podcast
Opes Partners
Where's My Money?
rova
The Curve
The Curve
Shared Lunch
Sharesies
Prof G Markets
Vox Media Podcast Network

You Might Also Like