The Future of Leadership

Zoe Routh
  • 5.0 (8)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
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. 1D AGO

    396 Semester at Sea: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Futures with Scott Marshall

    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

    50 min

  2. MAR 23

    395 Navigating Workplace Dynamics: Legal Challenges, AI, and Decision-Making with David Dilger

    We dive into the evolving landscape of workplace expectations, legal challenges, and leadership dynamics with HR legal specialist David Dilger.  We explore the rise of corporate paternalism, the increasing recognition of psychosocial hazards, and the importance of transparency in decision-making. The conversation covers the changing nature of workplace disputes, the growing demand for psychological safety, and the role of leaders in balancing empathy and directness. We also examine the future of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, the push for workplace flexibility post-COVID, and the impact of AI on leadership and communication.   SHOWNOTES are here: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/navigating-workplace-dynamics-legal-challenges   Planet Human: ​Avride's autonomous robots now deliver Uber Eats orders. https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/13/avride-launches-sidewalk-delivery-bots-on-uber-eats-in-jersey-city/   Key Quotes: "When decision-making is transparent, assumptions die in a dirty ditch." – Zoë Routh "We don’t have a productivity problem; we have a visibility problem." – David Dilger "Psychosocial hazards are not a legal tick box – they directly impact performance and retention." – David Dilger "Avoiding conflict doesn’t make it disappear – it just turns into something worse." – Zoë Routh   Questions Asked: 1. Have we gone too far with corporate paternalism? 2. How has workplace conflict evolved, and what can leaders do to manage it effectively? 3. What are psychosocial hazards, and why should leaders take them seriously? 4. Is there a growing backlash against DEI initiatives? 5. How do we balance workplace flexibility with organisational needs? 6. Can we achieve conflict-free communication in leadership?   Take Action: 1. Reflect on your leadership approach – Are you fostering transparency in decision-making? 2. Assess psychosocial risks in your workplace – Understand the hazards that impact mental well-being. 3. Re-evaluate workplace flexibility – Consider whether in-office mandates are about productivity or visibility. 4. Enhance communication skills – Be direct on the issue, but empathetic towards the person.   Tip of the Week: Check out the Workplace Conflict Resolution Guide – available for subscribers only.   Join the community here: https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast-news   You'll gain access to 40 book summaries on Leading Strategy and Performance, plus an exclusive audio from People Stuff.   Join the Power Games advance notice here: https://www.zoerouth.com/power-games   Key Moments: 00:00 – Introduction: Have we gone too far with corporate paternalism? 00:20 – Robots in Jersey City: The Future of Food Delivery 00:58 – Preparing for the Australian Alpine Walking Track 01:39 – Writing Olympus Dawn and Power Games 02:53 – Transparent Decision-Making in the Workplace 03:43 – Interview with HR Legal Specialist David Dilger 05:56 – The Rise of Workplace Mental Health Issues 17:43 – The Debate on DEI and Remote Work 26:43 – Conflict-Free Communication: Myth or Reality? 31:46 – Fast Three with David Dilger 37:49 – Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

    40 min

  3. MAR 16

    394 Leading with Connection with John Taylor McEntire

    We explore the power of self-managing teams, innovation ecosystems, and the art of consensus-building with John Taylor McIntyre, the Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of Mutual Prosperity. We discuss his unique upbringing in a multicultural home, his journey through theatre, and his experiences in Japan that shaped his leadership philosophy. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the challenge of breaking the ‘Curse of Babel’ in organisations, the importance of Nemawashi for effective decision-making, and how businesses can scale leadership while fostering autonomy. SHOWNOTES are here: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-wisdom Planet Human: China creates world's first two-way brain-computer interface. https://interestingengineering.com/science/worlds-first-2-way-bci-china Join the Power Games advance notice here: https://www.zoerouth.com/power-games Key Quotes: "When we align our language, we unlock collaboration." – John Taylor McIntyre "Leadership is not about control; it’s about empowering others to make great decisions." – Zoë Routh "True innovation happens when we create space for new ideas to take root." – John Taylor McIntyre   Questions Asked: 1. What does it take to build truly self-managing teams? 2. How can organisations break through communication barriers and align their language? 3. What is the Nemawashi principle, and how does it help organisations scale leadership? 4. How do we foster a culture of innovation while maintaining strong leadership? 5. What role does personal connection play in shaping high-performing teams?   Take Action: 1. Review your decision-making processes—are they inclusive and effective? 2. Reflect on the concept of Nemawashi: How can you better prepare your team for change? 3. Start a leadership journal to document key decisions and assess their long-term impact. 4. Encourage more open conversations about power, influence, and collaboration within your team.   Tip of the Week: Align your team’s language to enhance collaboration. Conduct a ‘Language Audit’ in your organisation to identify jargon, miscommunications, and gaps in understanding.   Join the community here: https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast-news   You’ll receive 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, plus a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff.   Key Moments 00:00 – Introduction and Weekly Question 00:20 – Breakthrough in Brain-Computer Interfaces 01:34 – Training for the Australian Alpine Walking Track 02:09 – Upcoming Book: Power Games 03:21 – Exploring the Concept of Power 06:44 – Interview with John Taylor McIntyre 23:40 – Servant Leadership and Innovation Ecosystems 24:16 – Understanding Technology Transfer 28:06 – Breaking the Curse of Babel 30:11 – The Nemawashi Principle 36:11 – Scaling Leadership and Autonomous Teams 41:23 – The Fast Three: Future Tech, Leadership Tips, and Current Reads 47:36 – The Importance of Personal Relationships in Business 49:52 – Conclusion and Additional Resources   #leadershipskills #leadershipdevelopment #leadershiplessons #leadershiptraining #innovation #selfmanagingteams #futureofleadership

    48 min

  4. MAR 9

    393 Unlocking AI’s Power: Practical Strategies for Leaders with Candice DeVille

    Zoë Routh welcomes Candice DeVille, co-founder and CEO of AI CoPilot, to discuss the impact and practical applications of AI tools in personal and professional settings. They explore how AI can enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and create opportunities for business leaders. Candice shares insights into AI’s geopolitical landscape, the importance of diverse perspectives in AI development, and how leaders can implement AI to streamline business operations. The conversation also covers the ethical considerations of AI, its evolving capabilities, and how businesses can develop a strategic AI roadmap. Additionally, Zoë recommends Tough Broad by Caroline Paul, an inspiring read on outdoor adventure for women. SHOWNOTES are here.  https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/ai-power-practical-strategies-for-leaders Key Quotes “The challenge for leaders isn’t just keeping up with AI—it’s making smart, strategic choices about where to use it." – Zoë Routh "The best use of AI is not to replace people, but to augment what they’re already doing." – Candice DeVille "We have the opportunity to shape AI by how we use it, what we teach it, and how we engage with it." – Candice DeVille "When using AI, start small. Automate the tasks that are repetitive, prone to human error, and the ones that people complain about the most." – Candice DeVille Questions Asked 1. How can AI be used to expand our perspectives? 2. What is the role of AI in creating meaningful connections rather than just generating content? 3. How can leaders implement AI in a structured way without overwhelming their teams? 4. What are the key geopolitical considerations shaping AI development? 5. How do open-source AI models like DeepSeek compare to proprietary models? 6. What are the most effective ways for SMEs to start leveraging AI? 7. How can business leaders ensure AI adoption is ethical and effective? Take Action 1. Identify repetitive tasks in your business – Make a list of time-consuming, error-prone processes that could be automated. 2. Ask AI how it can help – Use tools like ChatGPT to explore automation options tailored to your needs. 3. Develop an AI roadmap – Start with a small, low-risk AI project to test the benefits before scaling up. 4. Encourage AI education in your team – Provide training so employees can leverage AI effectively. 5. Set clear AI guardrails – Ensure AI tools align with ethical considerations and business values. 6. Explore free AI learning resources – Check out Candice DeVille’s AI CoPilot courses for business leaders. Tip of the Week Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only.  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 Welcome 00:18 Exploring AI Tools: Bordi on LinkedIn 01:59 Power Games and Upcoming Book Launch 02:54 Using AI to Expand Perspectives 04:53 Interview with Candice DeVille: AI CoPilot 06:00 Candice DeVille's Journey in Tech 08:04 AI's Impact and Future Directions 19:44 Practical AI Applications for Businesses 28:48 Candice DeVille's Free AI Program for Leaders 33:39 Book Recommendation: Tough Broad 35:15 Conclusion and Call to Action   Power Games Kickstarter Campaign, sign up here:  https://www.zoerouth.com/power-games   MagicMind Nootropic: They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code TFLPOD20 at checkout. You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/TFLPOD

    36 min

  5. MAR 2

    392 Mental Toughness, Leadership & Resilience with Adam Smith

    This episode explores the power of mental toughness, high-performance leadership, and resilience with Adam Smith, a retired Special Forces Commando and former Special Operations Group officer. Hosted by Zoë Routh, the conversation delves into what it takes to maintain focus under pressure, lead in extreme conditions, and push beyond personal limits. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the influence of military and police training on decision-making, strategies for performing under high stress, and the mindset shifts necessary to overcome adversity—whether in combat, business, or personal challenges. SHOWNOTES are here. Join the Power Games advance notice here. MagicMind Nootropic: They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with code TFLPOD20 at checkout. You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/TFLPOD Key Quotes “The way you respond under pressure is a direct reflection of the preparation you’ve put in.” — Zoë Routh “Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about building the capacity to handle uncertainty and make decisions under stress.” — Zoë Routh “Leadership in high-pressure environments isn’t about individual heroics—it’s about trust, discipline, and teamwork.” — Adam Smith “Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about how you train yourself to respond when it inevitably comes.” — Adam Smith Questions Asked What does it take to stay calm and effective in high-pressure situations? What are the key factors that make high-performance teams work under stress? What leadership lessons did you learn from your time in Special Forces and the Special Operations Group? How do you develop mental resilience to push through physical and psychological barriers? How do you build and maintain trust in high-pressure teams? Take Action Develop a resilience framework by implementing structured training for stress management. Strengthen team trust through clear communication and shared challenges. Adopt self-reflection practices to improve decision-making under pressure. Invest in mental wealth initiatives that foster creativity, focus, and performance. Tip of the Week Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff. Key Moments 00:00 Introduction and Weekly Question 00:17 Deep Seek: The AI Revolution 01:12 AI Magic and Energy 01:49 Business Takeaways from AI 02:28 Updates on Power Games Book 03:45 Magic Mind: Boosting Mental Clarity 05:48 Exploring Mental Wealth in the Workplace 09:17 Interview with Adam Smith: Resilience and Mindset 23:28 Finding Purpose and Mindset for Ultra Marathons 24:03 Starting the Journey: From Zero to 100 Kilometers 26:49 Training and Preparation for the Big Run 29:04 Lessons from Military Experiences 34:43 Building Trust and Team Dynamics 39:08 The Hardest Challenge: Self-Reflection 41:11 Fast Three: Future Tech, Leadership Tips, and Current Reads 44:31 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Resources 47:43 Read to Lead: A City on Mars 50:48 Conclusion and Reflections

    48 min

  6. FEB 23

    391 The Future of DEI: Evolution or Extinction?

    We explore the evolving conversation around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and whether its future is at risk. We dive into the backlash against DEI, what is driving these changes, and how leaders can approach this complex topic with a systemic lens. We have also discussed the latest advancements in brain-computer interfaces, the concept of mental wealth, and strategies to enhance leadership effectiveness. SHOWNOTES are here Key Quotes “More brains equal more magic. DEI is about systemic change, not just representation.” – Zoë Routh “The real question isn’t whether DEI should exist but how it should evolve.” – Zoë Routh “Bias exists. The question is: what systems are we creating to counteract it?” – Zoë Routh Questions Asked 1. How can organisations ensure DEI initiatives drive real change rather than just optics? 2. How do we balance meritocracy with systemic fairness? 3. Are organisations addressing deep-rooted structural issues, or simply applying band-aid solutions? 4. How can we create more inclusive work environments without tokenism? 5. What are practical strategies to counteract cognitive biases in hiring and promotions? Take Action 1. Evaluate your organisation’s DEI policies. Are they creating meaningful change or just checking boxes? 2. Experiment with bias-free recruitment. Anonymise applications and assess the impact. 3. Read Tim Urban’s book “What’s Our Problem?” to understand the broader political and social dynamics around DEI. Tip of the Week Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff. Key Moments 00:00 - Welcome back to the show 00:45 - Brain-computer interfaces and the latest technology trends 05:30 - The concept of mental wealth and performance 09:45 - The growing backlash against DEI: What’s happening? 14:20 - The meritocracy debate: Does it hold up? 19:15 - How DEI initiatives can move beyond optics to systemic change 25:00 - The role of leadership in fostering truly inclusive workplaces 30:10 - Book recommendation: "What’s Our Problem?" by Tim Urban 35:00 - Closing thoughts and action steps Power Games Kickstarter Campaign, sign up here: www.zoerouth.com/power-games MagicMind Nootropic: They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with code TFLPOD20 at checkout. You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/TFLPOD #leadershiptips #DEI #leadershipdevelopment #futureofwork

    31 min

  7. FEB 16

    390 Engaging with Values: Balancing Tradition and Progress in Leadership

    We explore the future of leadership, focusing on cognitive levels, emotional intelligence, and trust with Todd Hollow Bist. We discuss the importance of self-awareness, using presence to regulate emotions, and fostering breakthrough conversations in challenging environments. We consider the role of psychological age in leadership, how dialectic thinking can drive innovation, and practical techniques for building trust and enhancing team dynamics. SHOWNOTES are here.  Key Quotes "Our work begins with understanding, not judgment, seeking common ground through shared strengths." Zoë Routh "The brain wants to grow, but ambiguity and stress can push us down in cognitive levels." – Todd Hollow Bist "Presence is the muscle we use to stay at our best cognitive levels and resist being triggered into reactive behaviour." – Todd Hollow Bist "Leadership is about understanding people at a deeper level—not just what they say, but how they feel about it." – Todd Hollow Bist Questions Asked How can leaders have breakthrough conversations in a polarised world? What are cognitive levels, and how do they shape leadership effectiveness? How does psychological age affect adult behaviour in leadership settings? What is dialectic thinking, and how can it lead to innovative conversations? What are practical ways to develop greater self-awareness as a leader? Take Action Reflect on how ambiguity and stress influence your decision-making and emotional responses. Practise presence as a way to regulate emotions and maintain leadership effectiveness. Engage in dialectic thinking: next time you have a disagreement, focus on understanding the other person’s feelings, not just their argument. Observe how psychological age manifests in yourself and your team. Are you reacting from a mature, adult state or reverting to earlier behavioural patterns? Tip of the Week Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff. Key Moments 00:00 - Welcome back to the show 00:28 - Reflections on the current political climate 01:07 - Personal updates and Magic Mind 06:39 - Introducing Todd Hollow Bist 07:45 - Todd’s journey into leadership 11:07 - Understanding cognitive levels 24:16 - Practical applications of cognitive levels 31:11 - Navigating emotional responses in leadership 32:10 - The role of empathy in building trust 34:45 - Recognising and testing trust in relationships 39:20 - Developing self-awareness and cognitive levels 49:52 - Dialectic thinking for innovative conversations 53:03 - Rapid-fire questions and leadership insights 58:43 - Book recommendation: Strongmen by Ruth Ben-Ghiat 59:47 - Closing thoughts and encouragement   Power Games Kickstarter Campaign, sign up here:  https://www.zoerouth.com/power-games   MagicMind Nootropic: They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code TFLPOD20 at checkout. You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/TFLPOD

    56 min

  8. FEB 9

    389 Navigating Power: Balancing Influence and Integrity with Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau

    In the episode,  Zoë Routh engages with Sylvia Rhode-Liebenau to explore the multifaceted concept of power. They discuss ethical ways to gain power, the role of technology in enhancing democratic processes, and introduce the framework of Smart Power, which encompasses systemic thinking, merging resources, and authentic personal power. The conversation provides insights into leadership challenges and the importance of adapting to a volatile world. SHOWNOTES are here. Key Quotes "Smart Power is about understanding systems and merging resources." - Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau "Perspective is power." - Zoë Routh "If we do not use a certain degree of systems thinking, we don't understand anything." - Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau Questions Asked What would you do with more power? What does a powerful person look like? What does a powerless person look like? How might we share power? What might happen if we had more power as a group? Take Action Reflect on your relationship with power by asking yourself the four key questions discussed in the episode. Explore ways to ethically share power within your organization or community to enhance collaboration and effectiveness. Tip of the Week Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff. Key Moments 00:00 Introduction: The Power Question 00:18 Exploring Digital Democratic Innovations 01:36 Challenges and Solutions in Online Deliberation 02:35 The Role of Blockchain in Transparent Debates 03:57 Changing Our Relationship with Power 04:33 Four Key Questions About Power 07:25 Introducing Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau 12:47 Old Power vs. New Power 14:19 The Concept of Smart Power 15:31 Systemic Thinking and Merging Power 22:03 Authentic Personal Power 33:39 Exploring Smart Power in Leadership 49:15 Fast Three: Quick Insights and Recommendations

    49 min
See All (408)

    5
    out of 5
    8 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.

    Information

    You Might Also Like

    Content Restricted

    This episode can’t be played on the web in your country or region.

    To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

    Stay up to date with this show

    Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
    Select a country or region

    Africa, Middle East, and India

    Asia Pacific

    Europe

    Latin America and the Caribbean

    The United States and Canada