Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast Zoe Routh

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.

Words matter and my guest this week is an accomplished author and ghostwriter with over 100 books to her name - averaging around one book a month! Rhiannon D’Averc shares her writing process, her experience ghostwriting in various voices, and the importance of detailed outlines. Many leaders are charged with translating complex ideas into compelling narratives and Rhinannon’s insights into how she organises her research and removing roadblocks are not just applicable to writing but to any leadership role: it's all about efficiency and clarity. We also talk about how Rhiannon embodies a client's voice through interviews and written materials and discuss some of the challenges of editing and finally publishing a book. All of which is extremely top of mind for me as I prepare to launch Olympus Bound! 
Shownotes
See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-communication-rhiannon-daverc

Key Moments 
Planet Human: Discussion about the Australian Research Council's investment in space agriculture and its relevance to future space exploration.
Planet Zoë: Back from an epic adventure on the Australian Alpine walking trail and focused on the upcoming launch of Olympus Bound. 
Getting Started as an Author and Ghostwriter (00:05:32) Rhiannon D’Averc’s journey into writing and ghostwriting, and her prolific output of over 100 published books.
Writing Process (00:07:08) Insights into Rhiannon's streamlined writing process and her approach to removing roadblocks.
Ghostwriting Process (00:08:34) Discussion of the process of getting into someone else's head and embodying their voice in ghostwriting.
Managing Ego as a Ghostwriter (00:10:01) Rhiannon's perspective on dialling down her ego as a ghostwriter and dealing with edits.
Capturing Ideas of Future Experts (00:11:32) Exploration of capturing future-oriented ideas, including using sci-fi as a medium to reach wider audiences.
Marketing Efforts and Impact (00:17:07) Rhiannon’s marketing efforts for her own books and the challenges of balancing writing and marketing.
The importance of innovative messaging (00:20:21) Discussion on using science fiction for broader audience reach and interesting ideas and perspectives worked with different clients.
Exploring future technology in finance (00:21:01) Working with a financial expert on future finance vision, linking it to technology, and discussing the future of social media.
Social media and blockchain technology (00:22:00) Exploring decentralised social media through blockchain technology and its implications.
Cherry-picking stories for nonfiction books (00:24:04) Helping authors select stories to bring their ideas to life and the significance of storytelling in nonfiction books.
Insights about people and leadership (00:26:17) Rhiannon's observations about human nature and leadership, emphasising shared experiences and fallibility.
The fast five with Rhiannon (00:27:30) A series of quick questions covering future technology, leadership tips, workplace issues, political leadership, and favourite leadership book.
Writing and editing process for books (00:33:16) Discussion on the phases and timeline of writing a book, including the research, interview, writing, and editing phases.
 

My guest today has an incredible track record in technology and innovation, is a 2 x author and entrepreneur who bridges the gap between hardware and software. Ajay Malik is the driving force behind Secomind, a forward-thinking company dedicated to incorporating AI seamlessly into products, workflows, and customer support processes. 
In our far reaching conversation we attempt to answer the question of, where do leaders start with AI? We’re exploring general principles and good practices, how to identify where AI can have an impact in business and what that might look like. We’re not talking about job elimination, but instead exciting things like efficiency, exploration and experimentation! 
Shownotes
See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-principles-ajay-malik
 
Key Moments 
Planet Human: Exciting developments in the realm of ‘space farming’ happening in Melbourne right now! 
Planet Zoë: Bali, Olympus Bound - pre-orders available now - and hitting the Australian Alps trail. 
Getting Started with AI in Business (00:02:24)
Addressing the question of how to start integrating AI into business practices.
Ajay Malik's Journey into Computer Science and AI (00:04:11)
Ajay Malik shares his journey into computer science and AI.
Principles for Integrating AI into Business (00:05:58)
Discussion about the principles to consider when integrating AI into business practices.
Avoiding a Cost-Cutting Approach to AI (00:07:01)
Exploring the misconception of starting AI integration with a focus on job elimination.
Selecting AI Solutions for Business (00:10:48)
Guidelines for curating and finding the right AI solutions for specific business needs.
Platform Approach for AI Integration (00:11:36)
Emphasising the importance of a platform approach for AI integration and data security.
Centralised AI Platform (00:16:40)
Discussion about the need for a centralised AI platform to manage multiple tools and applications.
Future of Centralised AI Solutions (00:19:01)
Exploring the potential for centralised AI solutions and the development of such platforms.
Security Concerns with Centralised AI (00:20:15)
Addressing the security concerns associated with centralised AI platforms and the need for encryption.
Barriers to AI Adoption (00:22:54)
Challenges leaders face in adopting AI, including fear of job elimination, scepticism, and uncertainty about where to start.
Starting with Small AI Projects (00:27:18)
Advises starting with small AI projects, using the "t-shirt sizing" approach, and ensuring measurable benefits.
Examples of AI Implementation (00:29:52)
Real-life examples of AI implementation in customer support, operations, and product improvement.
Leadership Tip: Enabling Team Success (00:36:41)
The importance of enabling team success and serving as a reverse boss to support and empower team members.
Future Technology: Brain-Computer Interface (00:35:13)
Desire for a brain-computer interface for communication and control, leveraging brainwaves for interaction.
Leadership Book Recommendation (00:39:05)
Recommendation of "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek as a favourite leadership book.
The future of AI and its accessibility (00:40:55)
Discussion on the impact of AI on society, concerns about the accessibility of AI technology to all individuals.
Technology and its impact on society (00:42:49)
Exploration of the impact of technology on society, considerations for ensuring technology benefits all individuals.
The potential of AI to improve productivity and efficiency (00:44:25)
Discussion on how AI can enhance productivity, efficiency, and reduce costs, with a focus on reaching individuals at all socio-economic levels.
Considerations when implementing AI (00:47:25)
Exploration of criteria for evaluating AI solutions, including centralised platforms, privacy, security, explainability, and ethical principles.
 

This week I have two guests on the podcast: Jason Walker and Rey Ramirez, the innovative minds behind Thrive HR Consulting. Jason has a background in re-engineering workforces and Rey comes from the world of mergers and acquisitions, together they are at the vanguard of using AI to streamline HR. 
We dive deep into the intersection of artificial intelligence and human resources, exploring cutting-edge tools that are reshaping how we approach everything from employee engagement surveys to recruitment processes. Imagine AI providing real-time data analysis and creating interactive survey experiences – it's happening now, and we're discussing the implications.
If you’re looking for actionable insights on responsibly harnessing AI - this is the place. 
Shownotes
See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-perspectives-thrive-HR

Key Moments 
Planet Human: Reflecting on We Work’s Adam Newman’s erratic journey now he’s in the news again wanting to buy back his co-working business. 
Planet Zoë: As you listen to this, Zoe is busy bushwalking the Australian Alpine Walking Trail, a 15 day hike of 240km! While that’s happening there’s goodies galore for those who pre-order Olympus Bound - get the paperback or the eBook on Amazon (please email your receipt to get your goodies). 
Introduction of Jason Walker and Rey Ramirez (00:03:56) Zoe introduces Jason Walker and Rey Ramirez, co-founders of Thrive HR Consulting, and their expertise in AI tools for HR processes.
Getting Started in HR Processes with AI (00:05:03) Jason and Rey talk about their backgrounds and transition into consulting, focusing on innovation and client satisfaction.
The Latest Tools and Strategies in HR and AI (00:08:27) Discussion on the current excitement around AI in HR and the challenges of implementing AI tools in organisations.
Interactive Employee Engagement Surveys with AI (00:16:07) The benefits of AI-enabled surveys, including interactive and empathetic interactions with employees, and the potential for use in various organisational functions.
Security Concerns Related to AI Voice Technology (00:20:52) Discussion about security issues, including the potential for deepfake voice cloning and the need for robust security features in AI tools.
Hurdles and Considerations for AI Implementation (00:21:55) Obstacles and considerations for leaders when selecting and implementing AI tools, including planning and ethical use.
AI Strategy and Employee Impact (00:22:13) Planning an AI strategy, ethical considerations, and addressing employee displacement concerns.
Guardrails and HR Leadership in AI Implementation (00:24:30) The importance of setting policies, piloting AI tools, and HR leadership in implementing AI for efficiency and profitability.
Independent Review and Certification for AI Tools (00:33:44) The need for independent review and certification of AI tools to ensure ethical and responsible use.
HR Leaders and AI Technology (00:44:29) The importance of having an honest discussion with the c-suite about AI and building a strategy around AI technology.
Considerations Before Implementing AI (00:46:43) Advice for HR leaders on hypothetical scenarios, guardrails, and staying informed about technology trends.
Future of Leadership and Technology (00:48:21) Recommendations for blogs, podcasts, and discussions on the intersection between technology and humans in the workplace.

We are all about the pursuit of workplace happiness this week with my guest Lori-Ann Duguay.  
LorAnn is the owner and founder of People Powered Solutions, and the author of The Happiness Factor, a delightful book filled with actionable insights for creating happy cultures drawn from Lori-Ann’s extensive experience in the HR space. 
She shines a light on the 10 fundamental needs of employees that are key to fostering a joyful and productive work environment. We discuss how effective communication and a robust onboarding process are not just nice-to-haves but essential for long-term success. The heart of our conversation centred on the importance of purpose, how as leaders we demonstrate and communicate purpose in a way that resonates across the organisation. That’s a big ask but Lori-Ann’s insights make it feel achievable for all. Press play for a hit of happiness! 
 
Shownotes
See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-strategies-lori-ann-duguay

Key Moments 
Planet Human: The Intersection of Social Responsibility and Free Speech on Twitter/X
Planet Zoë: Zoë is still in Bali, writing away making good progress on her fourth novel, tentatively called Olympus Rising. Olympus Bound is available for pre-order now. 
**Lori-Ann Duguay's Career Journey (00:04:48)**
Lori-Ann Duguay discusses her transition from a large organisation to HR consultancy and her mission to create happy and productive workplaces.
**Choosing Happiness as a Focus (00:07:17)**
Discussion on why happiness was chosen as the main focus in Lori-Ann's book and business.
**Research for the Ten Happiness Factors (00:09:54)**
Insight into the research process and the identification of the ten fundamental needs for employee happiness.
**Importance of Effective Communication (00:13:11)**
The essential role of communication in ensuring message interpretation and understanding in the workplace.
**Secrets to Successful Onboarding (00:14:56)**
The significance of a successful onboarding process and the impact on employee retention and success.
**Maintaining Purpose in the Organisation (00:20:34)**
Discussion on the importance of maintaining purpose in the organisation and making new employees feel welcomed and part of the team.
**Purpose-driven leadership (00:20:58)**
Discussion on keeping purpose at the forefront of daily tasks and how it drives motivation and resilience.
**Conveying purpose (00:22:10)**
Specific ways to convey purpose, such as storytelling, visual displays, and involving the team in the process.
**Growth plans (00:26:13)**
The importance of growth plans in mapping out career trajectory and skill development within the organisation.
**Vertical and horizontal development (00:32:54)**
Exploring the significance of both vertical and horizontal development in leadership and skill enhancement.
**Use of AI in business (00:34:36)**
Leveraging AI for administrative tasks and maintaining brand consistency in content creation.
**Best leadership tip (00:36:56)**
The importance of being human as a leader, emphasising vulnerability and empathy.
**Lack of accountability in the workplace (00:37:22)**
Highlighting the challenge of lack of accountability and its impact on organisational culture.
**Thumbs up for a remarkable leader (00:38:11)**
Acknowledgment of an exceptional leader's approach to employee engagement and visibility.
**Favourite leadership book (00:39:52)**
Recommendation of "Five Dysfunctions of a Team" for understanding high-performing team behaviours.
**Starting workplace culture transformation (00:42:30)**
The need to assess the current state using tools like the "Happiness Factor" culture check.
**The 10 needs assessment (00:42:55)**
Understanding the 10 needs and their delivery within the company, identifying areas for improvement and investment.
**Assessing the employee experience (00:42:55)**
Evaluating the current employee journey, touchpoints, and fulfilment of the 10 nee

My guest this week, Nadeem Ahmad, believes that mindset is everything. He's a testament to how shedding limiting beliefs can unlock our true potential and provides powerful insights into how we can create a growth mindset. Nadeem is a visionary tech leader who has taken his extensive experience as a CTO and pivoted to helping entrepreneurs and start-ups to embrace innovation and technology. He shares his leadership journey, from burnout to bouncing back, and insights from his fantastic book, Becoming an Innovation Navigator. We explore how innovation isn't just for products or services – it's for personal growth too. 
So, are you ready to foster a culture of innovation, embrace a growth mindset, and navigate the exciting journey of curiosity and learning? 
 
Shownotes
See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-innovation-nadeem-ahmad

 
Key Moments 
Planet Human: Democracies have been shrinking and authoritarianism has been on the rise - this is problematic because abuse of power is rife. 
Planet Zoë: I’m on a writer’s retreat in Bali as my husband takes part in his company’s conference. A change of scene is so inspiring! 
**Introduction to Nadeem Ahmad (00:03:29)**
Nadeem Ahmad, with three decades of experience in technology, discusses innovation and leadership, and his book "Becoming an Innovation Navigator."
**Nadeem's journey to innovation (00:04:33)**
Nadeem shares his career journey, burnout, and transition to the entrepreneurial world, offering insights into his personal and professional experiences.
**Challenges of embracing innovation (00:07:21)**
Leaders struggle with innovation due to limiting beliefs and the need for a growth mindset.
**Innovation as a personal journey (00:11:10)**
Nadeem emphasises that innovation is not just about business and technology; it's about personal growth and human interactions.
**Unlocking your inner leader (00:12:23)**
The importance of leadership in driving innovation, focusing on inspiring and understanding human needs to facilitate smoother innovation processes.
**Overcoming uncertainty in innovation (00:15:43)**
Nadeem discusses the need to balance innovation and uncertainty, emphasising the importance of a growth mindset, informed decisions, diversified projects, and a culture that embraces failure as a learning opportunity.
**Curiosity and innovation (00:18:53)**
Exploring the role of curiosity in innovation, drawing parallels with children's curiosity and its potential to alleviate uncertainty in the business context.
**The evolution of innovation (00:19:47)**
Discussion on fostering a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and rewarding failure in businesses.
**Understanding innovation (00:20:28)**
Comparison of large-scale organisational transformation and small-scale mindset-based innovation.
**Consolidation vs. constant improvement (00:23:32)**
Debate on the need for stability versus continuous improvement in organisations.
**AI's growth and impact (00:26:35)**
Explanation of the reasons behind the booming growth of AI, including Moore's Law, global data expansion, plummeting training costs, and increased global investments.
**Approach to AI and experimentation (00:28:51)**
Advice on approaching AI, understanding customer needs, aligning with business goals, and keeping up with trends.
**The guardian archetype (00:40:03)**
Explains the role of the guardian archetype in maintaining traditions and balancing innovation in leadership.
**The herald and threshold guardian (00:40:03)**
Describes the roles of the herald and threshold guardian in Joseph Campbell's hero's journey and their relevance in contemporary workplaces.
**Guardians as catalysts for achievements (00:42:19)**
Discusses how guardians can serve as catalysts for great achievements and the importance of preserving values whilst being cautious in innovation and progress.