Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast Zoe Routh

Elias Kanaris joined me to share his incredible journey from his upbringing in Libya to his leadership development work as a CEO. His story is one of influence, resilience, and the power of values instilled early in life. Elias's international background and his ability to navigate cultural nuances offer a rich perspective on leadership that transcends borders.
Elias's experience during the tragic events of 11 September 2001 serves as a stark reminder of the need for adaptability in leadership. Stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, for five days, he learned invaluable lessons about self-care, the importance of community, and the necessity to rewrite the rules in the face of change. His insights are a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the capacity for leaders to emerge stronger from adversity.
Shownotes
See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/elias-kanaris-leadership-journey
Key Moments 
Planet Human: Inspired by Mary Beard’s SPQR The History of Ancient Rome, reflecting on the 2000 year history of Rome and what it tells us about society - and leadership - today. From savagery to community we’ve come a long way! 
Planet Zoë: I'm focused on Power Games, which is my next non-fiction book. I'm drilling into what happens at workplaces when we play these power games. And how can we navigate that? 
Elias Kanaris' background (00:06:15) Elias Kanaris talks about his upbringing in Libya, values instilled by his parents, and how it led him to leadership.
Elias Kanaris' experience on 9/11 (00:09:46) Elias Kanaris shares his experience of being on a diverted flight during the events of 9/11 and spending five days in Gander, Newfoundland, Canada.
Lessons learned from the experience (00:15:08) Elias Kanaris discusses the lessons he learned during the 9/11 experience, including the importance of self-care, looking after others, and adapting to changing rules.
The power of language and communication (00:18:35) Elias Kanaris talks about the significance of words, shares a study on the impact of positive and negative words, and provides recommendations for leaders to use language wisely.
Filtering Out the Negative (00:22:37) Discussion on the danger of filtering out negative aspects and the need to maintain positivity amidst destruction.
Balanced View of Life (00:23:10) Importance of having a balanced view of life, considering personal faith, and applying transparency to received information.
Emotional Maturity and Forgiveness (00:26:07) Exploration of Nelson Mandela's forgiveness as a reflection of emotional maturity and the impact of forgiveness on personal growth.
The Power of Forgiveness (00:28:42) Discussion on forgiveness, the impact of holding grudges, and the concept of atonement versus forgiveness.
Adapting to Change (00:30:59) Adapting to change, evaluating decisions, and the importance of seeking alternative perspectives and mentorship.
Leadership Insights and Fast Five (00:33:36) Insights on leadership tips, challenges in the workplace, and a fast-paced Q&A session with Elias Kanaris.
Balancing Past Wrongs (00:38:36) Exploration of balancing past wrongs from an indigenous perspective and the need for leaders to accept responsibility for historical failings.
The Power of Forgiveness and Courage (00:39:16) Reflection on the power of forgiveness, separating individuals from their deeds, and the story of Malala Yousafzai as a model of forgiveness and positive focus.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.