40 Leadership expert Zoe Routh on the causes and challenges of entitlement

My guest this week is the insightful Russel Lolacher, a fellow Canadian with a background steeped in communications and leadership before an employee experience epiphany in 2018 ultimately led to the creation of his fantastic podcast, Relationships at Work. 

Russel shares his wisdom on fostering better organisations through stronger relationships. He takes us on his personal journey into the realm of relationship building at work, highlighting the power of personalisation, connecting work to value, and empowerment. It's all about creating a workplace culture that thrives on positive connections.

We delve deep into how power dynamics and leadership styles influence workplace relationships and culture. Russel underscores the responsibility that comes with power, advocating for leaders to be more accessible and engaged. It's a call for intentional and meaningful interactions—something every leader should hear.

Shownotes

See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-relationships-russel-lolacher

Key Moments 

Planet Human: OpenAI has showcased Sora, a text to video tool that looks like it has huge potential to democratise media production.

Planet Zoë: Reflecting on the Leadership Conclave and already thinking about the next event. Subscribe to the Monthly Round-Up to be the first to know about future events and get a free People Stuff ebook. Or if fiction is more your thing, please apply for an Advanced Reader Copy of Olympus Bound. 

Introduction to Russel Lolacher (00:05:26) A diverse background and powerful personal leadership journey

Impact of Negative Leadership Experiences (00:09:42) Discussion of the long-lasting impact of negative leadership experiences on individuals and consultants.

Leadership Behaviour and Impact on Culture (00:10:53) Exploration of how leaders get away with bad behaviour and the focus on results over leadership development.

Shift in Leadership Perspective (00:12:06) The impact of the global pandemic on leadership perspectives and the need for self-awareness among leaders.

Surviving and Influencing Toxic Cultures (00:14:12) Strategies for leaders to survive and influence toxic cultures, focusing on what they can control and building relationships.

Building Relationships at Work (00:18:31) The importance of relationships in workplace culture and the similarity between building relationships at work and in personal life.

Professionalism and Its Impact (00:20:06) Challenging the notion of professionalism and its potential impact on diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

Ageism and Gender Bias (00:20:42) Discussion on ageism, gender bias, and the changing expectations of employees in the workplace.

Power and Responsibility (00:21:46) Exploration of the impact of power on leadership, responsibilities, and the disconnect between executives and employees.

Accountability and Leadership (00:22:57) Analysis of the lack of accountability in leadership roles and the shifting perspectives on power among new generations.

Remote Work and Office Return (00:25:33) Debate on the push for employees to return to the office and the impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Remote Work Challenges (00:27:56) Discussion on balancing remote work flexibility with the desire for connection and community in the workplace.

Intent in Digital Leadership (00:28:43) Importance of intention and meaningful efforts in building a digital culture and fostering connections in a hybrid or digital model.

Purposeful Gathering (00:31:14) Emphasis on purposeful gatherings, whether virtual or in-person, and the need for intentional interactions.

Redesigning Meetings (00:32:10) Approach to redesigning work practices with relationship-based principles and tips for intentional and meaningful meetings.

Understanding Impact as a Leader (00:34:41) Insight into understanding the impact of leadership on employees and the importance of self-awareness and situational awareness.

Future Technology and Leadership (00:37:50) Desire for advanced AI technology to support and enhance leadership capabilities.

Leadership Tips and Decisiveness (00:38:21) The universal tip of listening and the importance of decisiveness in leadership.

Checkbox Mentality in Leadership (00:38:58) Frustration with the checkbox mentality in leadership and the lack of follow-up and understanding of the impact of actions.

Effective Leadership and Onboarding (00:40:13) Discussion on the frustration with ineffective onboarding processes and the missed opportunity to support new employees.

Leadership Assessment (00:35:04) Insight into assessing leadership impact through the perspectives of the environment, work culture, and self-awareness.

Leadership Role Model (00:41:14) Recognition of a leader doing something right

Russel Lolacher's Leadership Experience (00:41:26) Russel's transformation from a poor leader to a compassionate one, learning from past mistakes.

Shift from Top-Down Leadership (00:46:04) Discussion on the need to move away from top-down leadership and the potential challenges in global politics.

In this solosode I’m advocating for reading fiction to enhance and broaden our leadership perspectives - and then using this new outlook to increase curiosity and creativity in our leadership. It's not just about thinking outside the box; it's about reshaping the box entirely. By developing fresh ideas, we can tackle the challenges that come our way with a renewed vigour and rigour. This segues into the seven early warning signs of power abuse - a slippery slope in any organisation. I walk us through the red flags and how to mitigate them, from the complicity of organisational systems to speaking truth to power. 

Shownotes

See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-power-abuse-zoe-routh

Key Moments 

Planet Human: Intuitive Machines recent moon landing, its underwhelming broadcast, and how art and life collide. 

Planet Zoë: Olympus Bound is with the typesetter and Zoe is looking for advance readers email zoe@zoerouth.com with ARC in the subject line and you could be getting an early look at the ebook version of Olympus Bound

The Importance of Developing Perspective (00:04:23)

Discussion of creativity, problem-solving, and the role of perspective in leadership.

Expanding Perspective Through Reading Fiction (00:05:20)

Exploration of how reading fiction can enhance perspective and strategic thinking.

Technical Skills for Developing Perspective (00:10:43)

Tips for developing perspective and problem-solving skills, focusing on hypothesising and examining situations from multiple perspectives.

Early Warning Signs of Power Abuse (00:12:02)

Identification and discussion of seven early warning signs of power abuse in organisations and leadership.

The Lack of Diversity in Leadership (00:21:07)

The importance of diverse perspectives in leadership teams and the impact on decision-making and technology implementation.

The Impact of Technology on Prosperity (00:22:24)

Exploration of the hypothesis that technological advancements do not always lead to greater freedom and prosperity, and the need for control of the narrative.

The Need for Diverse Perspectives in Decision-Making (00:23:30)

Highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in decision-making, especially in considering the negative impacts of solutions like AI implementation.

The Importance of New Blood in Leadership (00:27:02)

Emphasising the significance of new leadership perspectives and the impact of limited turnover on organisational vitality.

Addressing Power Traps in Systems (00:28:08)

Exploration of power traps within organisational systems and the potential solutions to counter abuses of power.

Developing Independence, Interdependence, and Influence (00:30:38)

Discussion on empowering individuals to be independent agents of power, encouraging interdependence, and expanding the narrative in decision-making.

 

Have you ever encountered someone in your professional life who seemed charming at first, but turned out to be a bit too self-centred for comfort? This week on the podcast we're diving deep into the world of narcissism with my guest, the insightful Lindsay Ruiz who has deep experience in this area and focused her doctorate in organisational development and change around narcissistic behaviour. Together, we unravel the complexities of narcissistic behaviour and its impact on the workplace. It's a conversation filled with personal stories and research that will arm you with the knowledge to navigate these tricky waters. 

Press play for a thoughtful exploration of the human psyche, the complexities of workplace dynamics and the nuances of narcissism. 

Shownotes

See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-systems-lindsay-ruiz

 

Key Moments 

Planet Human: NASA's discovery of building blocks of life on the asteroid Bennu in the Osiris-REx mission and the use of artificial intelligence to decode chicken speech and its potential impact on understanding animal communication.

 

Planet Zoë: Apply for an Advanced Reader Copy of Olympus Bound!  

 

Introduction to Lindsay Ruiz (00:04:42)

And her background in dealing with narcissism in the workplace.

 

Understanding Narcissism and Narcissistic Abuse (00:07:13)

Explanation of narcissism as a personality disorder and the impact of narcissistic abuse on individuals.

 

Causes and Traits of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (00:10:24)

Discussion on potential causes and traits of narcissistic personality disorder, including environmental, genetic, and neurobiological factors.

 

Emotional World of Narcissists (00:13:47)

Insight into the emotional world of narcissists and the lack of self-awareness and empathy.

 

Narcissists' Pursuit of Power and Control (00:16:50)

Explanation of how narcissists seek power, manipulate their environment, and get away with their behaviour, especially in the workplace.

 

Comparison of Narcissism, Psychopathy, and Machiavellianism (00:19:35)

Comparison of narcissism, psychopathy, and machiavellianism as part of the "dark triad" of personalities.

 

Institutional Complicity and Betrayal in Narcissistic Abuse (00:21:52)

Discussion on how institutions contribute to the thriving and protection of narcissists, and the lack of support for victims of narcissistic abuse in organisational settings.

 

Systemic Issues in Workplace (00:24:37)

Exploring how competitiveness and political environments contribute to promoting narcissistic leaders.

 

Speaking Truth to Power (00:28:31)

The difficulties in creating environments for dissent and constructive conversations with leaders.

 

Narcissistic Clusters (00:35:56)

Exploring how narcissists attract and enable each other in power structures.

 

Enabling Narcissistic Behaviour (00:38:20)

Discussion on the rewards and motivations for being an enabler of narcissistic behaviour.

 

Preventing Abusive Behaviour (00:40:04)

Suggestions for systemic changes, personal empowerment, and redefining ethical leadership.

 

Leadership Crisis (00:46:44)

Reflection on the current leadership crisis and the difficulty in finding exemplary public leaders.

 

Favourite Leadership Podcast (00:49:20)

Lindsay recommends "The Path," a podcast showcasing non-linear success stories.

 

Impact of Narcissistic Abuse (00:52:31)

Discussion on the pervasive and systemic nature of narcissistic abuse and the need for awareness.

 

Creating Safe Cultures (00:54:12)

Reflection on creating safe cultures in workplaces and communities to prevent emotional wounds.

 

Dealing with Narcissists (00:55:19)

Zoë's tips on identifying and dealing with narcissists in the workplace.

My guest this week is a former lawyer turned empathy guru, and she's here to share her secret sauce for creating a more connected workplace: storytelling.

Dr. Ann Kowal Smith and I explore how stories aren't just for entertainment—they're powerful tools for challenging our assumptions, widening our circles of empathy, and sparking those "aha" moments that bring us closer to our colleagues. We delve into the magic of literature, from short stories to essays, and how they create safe spaces for us to share and grow together.

Imagine expanding your imagination, seeing the world through different lenses, and finding common ground in the most unexpected places. That's the power of storytelling in action, and Dr. Smith is here to guide us through it. It feels counterintuitive, but we can make our workplaces more ‘real’ through fiction. 

Shownotes

See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-stories-ann-kowal-smith

 

Key Moments 

Planet Zoë: Zoë has swapped skiing for running as she settles back into her routine, plus exciting developments as the launch of Olympus Bound gets ever nearer. If you would like to get an advance eBook copy and write a review before the launch, Zoë would be thrilled! You can do so here.

Building a More Empathetic Workplace (00:02:26)

Zoë introduces the topic of building a more empathetic and connected workplace.

Using Stories to Build Connection and Empathy (00:03:41)

Dr Ann Kowal Smith discusses using stories to build connection and empathy in the workplace.

The Genesis of the Work (00:05:44)

Dr Smith shares the genesis of using stories to create genuine, engaging conversations in the workplace.

Encouraging Engagement with Literature (00:07:01)

Dr Smith discusses overcoming resistance to engaging in literature-based conversations in the workplace.

The Power of Stories to Expand Imagination (00:13:35)

Dr Smith explains the power of stories to expand imagination and push people beyond their comfort zones.

Deriving Personal Connections from Stories (00:16:51)

Dr Smith and Zoë discuss how individuals derive personal connections and lessons from stories.

Using Written Word for Interpretation (00:19:04)

Dr Smith explains the use of written word to allow participants to visualise and interpret stories without external influence.

The Importance of Stories in Unpacking Assumptions (00:20:01)

Discussion on how stories can reveal cultural biases and unpack assumptions.

Curating Stories for Building Connections (00:21:37)

The process of curating stories with specific parameters to spark meaningful conversations.

Duration and Frequency of Reflection Point Assignments (00:25:38)

The ideal duration and frequency of sessions with a team for building the muscle of connection and empathy.

Facilitation and Structure of Conversations (00:28:27)

The facilitation methodology, emphasising process-oriented facilitation and the importance of open-ended conversations.

The Intersection of Fiction and Workplace Practices (00:38:27)

Zoë and Dr Smith discuss the integration of fiction into workplace practices and its impact on leadership and connection.

The Power of Stories in the Workplace (00:39:50)

Using stories to unite communities and improve workplace collaboration.

 

Do you want more influence? What about more power? It doesn’t feel quite the same to pursue power does it? Power and power structures don’t have a great reputation, and history is littered with abuses of power, but what if we reframe our understanding of power and use it to make us better leaders? That’s interesting, that’s exciting! We can dismantle the ‘power pyramid’ and turn it into something much more organic and collaborative with humanity at its heart. This is something I’ll be exploring in depth this year, so let’s get started! 

Shownotes

See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-power-zoe-routh

Key Moments 

Planet Human: Zoë is just back from Japan, where they have just landed a spacecraft on the moon - which is exciting news! Another development is the ability to create virtual loved ones that we’ve lost - that’s happening over at Project December 

Planet Zoë: After a blissful time skiing, Zoë is back writing, thinking and delivering. The  Leadership Conclave is fast approaching and Olympus Bound is now available for pre-order - via Zoë’s site and on Amazon. 

Reflection on Power and Influence (00:08:39)

The impact of power on individuals and society.

Conception of Power as Structures (00:09:43)

Exploration of the traditional model of power and its impact on leadership.

Triangle vs. Circle Concept of Power (00:12:29)

Comparison of the traditional triangle model and the proposed circle model of power.

Impact of Power Conceptualisation (00:15:08)

Discussion on the energising and enduring aspects of power conceptualization.

Takeaway Tips for Power Reflection (00:21:11)

Reflection questions and tips for individuals to consider their perception of power.

This is a conversation that's close to my heart as I first met Benny Callaghan way back in 1999 when he joined Outward Bound as a trainee and I was his first trainer. His potential was obvious from day one and I couldn’t be more thrilled at his trajectory since then and to have him on the podcast! 

Benny is a leadership coach and facilitator extraordinaire who excels at seeing complexity and the dynamics at play between human relationships. We discuss the challenges of leadership and organisational dynamics, the difficulty of breaking down silos within organisations and how high workloads can prevent leaders from engaging in crucial relationship-building. 

It’s a time travelling episode where we reflect on our shared past and ponder the future of leadership and what that means today. We tackle some tough questions about power dynamics, the challenges of organisational systems, and how to maintain trust and collaboration in complex environments. Benny shares a powerful story about overcoming competing priorities within an organisation, and it's a tale that's sure to resonate with many of you.

Shownotes

See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-change-benny-callaghan

Key Moments 

Benny Callaghan’s Leadership Journey (00:03:22)

Benny discusses his career journey, including his experience at Outward Bound and founding the School for Social Entrepreneurs.

Interest in Social Entrepreneurship (00:05:14)

Benny explains his interest in social entrepreneurship and the challenges of blending purpose with a commercial mindset.

Leadership and Systems in Disaster Recovery (00:10:16)

The Regenerate programme, focusing on leadership and system dynamics in disaster recovery, particularly in the context of bushfires.

Power Dynamics in Organisational Systems (00:13:47)

Delving into power dynamics within organisations, particularly in emergency services, and the challenges of integrating diverse voices.

Maintaining Relationships and Agency in Organisations (00:18:48)

Exploring the difficulty of maintaining relationships and a sense of agency in organisations, especially when dispersed, and the need for discipline and deliberate attention.

Fostering Individual Agency (00:16:25)

The importance of recognising and addressing inherent blind spots and power privilege, particularly in empowering younger individuals within organisations.

Designing Organisational Systems (00:21:12)

Challenges in breaking down silos, leadership maturity, and workload impact on cross-functional collaboration.

Confronting Reality and Collaboration (00:23:50)

Addressing competing priorities, implementing incentive systems, and fostering collaboration through frank conversations.

Systems Thinking and Organisational Design (00:30:05)

Leaders' lack of systems thinking, understanding organisations as systems, and mapping relationships and interconnectivity.

Facilitating Conversations and Relationship Clarity (00:36:48)

Importance of external facilitation, role clarity, and relationship clarity in building a powerful system.

Feedback Loops and Co-location (00:40:17)

Informal communication, feedback loops, and the value of spending time in co-location for understanding challenges.

We are welcoming back for the third time on the podcast, because he’s just that good, Dermot Crowley - a maestro of efficiency and author of several productivity books including his latest, Lead Smart.

This episode is chock full of productivity and prioritisation insights that will especially appeal to busy leaders looking to build highly productive teams. 

Dermot explains the different productivity types that exist within our teams – and how each brings a unique flavour to how work gets done. Understanding this will be a game-changer for reducing friction and boosting team synergy. We also tackle the ever-present challenge of maintaining personal productivity boundaries as a leader. Dermot shares some golden nuggets on how to protect and honour your time, and we explore a subtle yet powerful shift in prioritisation. 

Shownotes

See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-prioritisation-dermot-crowley

Key Moments 

Planet Human: We continue to be mired in conflict and that weighs heavily. In better news, Sam Altman returns to OpenAI, and ChatGPT moves forward so I’ll be watching that with interest. 

Planet Zoë: From the ski-fields of Japan to the production cycle for my next beek, Olympus Bound, I’m managing both work and play! I now have a pre-order page for Olympus Bound and a cover that I love! Check it out. 

Meet Dermot Crowley (00:02:19) Zoë introduces Dermot Crowley, a productivity expert, and discusses his latest book "Lead Smart."

A Productivity Lifestyle (00:03:05) Dermot shares his lifestyle changes during COVID and how it has impacted his productivity.

Evolution of Dermot's Book Series (00:04:50) Dermot explains the evolution of his book series from personal productivity to productivity cultures and leadership.

Productivity Types and Cultures (00:08:48) Dermot discusses different productivity types and their impact on building a productive culture.

Resolving Power Struggles (00:13:07) Dermot and Zoë discuss resolving conflicts and power struggles between different productivity styles.

Challenges in Setting Boundaries (00:18:29) Exploring the challenges leaders face in setting boundaries and protecting their time for priorities.

Managing Fixed and Flexible Activities (00:20:22) The difference between fixed and flexible activities and their impact on productivity.

The importance of time management (00:21:42) Explains the difference between priorities and tasks and the impact of urgency on productivity.

Protecting and honouring time (00:22:51) Discusses the importance of protecting time for important tasks and honouring that protection to maintain productivity.

Personalising priorities (00:24:45) Suggests personalising priorities with avatars to prevent dismissing important tasks for less urgent matters.

Challenging urgency-driven prioritisation (00:26:20) Challenges the flawed prioritisation based solely on urgency and advocates for a more nuanced approach.

Developing a prioritisation framework (00:27:32) Discusses the importance of developing a prioritisation framework beyond urgency and due dates and the equation for priority determination.

Importance-driven culture (00:30:01) Advocates for building a culture focused on importance rather than urgency to avoid reactivity and drowning in urgency.

Balanced approach to prioritisation (00:32:25) Emphasises the need for a balanced approach to prioritisation and the importance of being responsive while also prioritising important tasks.

Executive and EA relationship (00:34:44) Discusses the dynamics of the executive and executive assistant relationship and the importance of visibility and shared planning routines.

Weekly planning routine (00:39:23) Highlights the significance of a joint weekly planning routine for executives and their assistants to align priorities and improve productivity.

Leadership and productivity insight (00:41:10) Shares the concept of "above the line" leadership and its impact on productivity and leadership effectiveness.

Meeting cultures in organisations (00:42:25) Expresses the need to decompress schedules and protect time for important work due to overwhelming meeting cultures in organisations.

My guest this week has evolved from punk rock protester to common ground champion, she is a fearless Indian American activist and a beacon of hope for racial justice. Meet the truly inspiring Nisha Anand as she shares her remarkable story, from being arrested in Burma for her pro-democracy efforts to leading transformative change with DreamOrg, a social justice nonprofit where she is CEO. We learn about the pivotal moment that changed Nisha’s relationship to power and get her insights into building inclusive solutions and finding the all important common ground that can turn perceived enemies into unlikely allies. Collaboration is a must-have leadership skill and Nisha’s unique experiences and wisdom will help you approach it from a fresh perspective. 

Shownotes

See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-collaboration-nisha-anand

Key Moments 

Planet Human: Reflecting on the current unrest and remembering to look for the good in the world. 

Planet Zoë: Olympus Bound is with the editor and the cover is primed for a reveal soon! 

Meet Nisha Anand (00:02:10) 

Zoe introduces Nisha Anand, an Indian American activist, and her background.

An activist arrested (00:03:17) 

Nisha shares her experience of being arrested and sentenced to hard labor in a Burmese prison.

Activism and bridge-building (00:04:26) 

Nisha discusses her activism and the role of being a bridge builder between different worlds and causes.

Changed perspective on power and common ground (00:06:27) 

Nisha talks about her transformation in viewing power and finding common ground with influential figures.

Experience in Burmese jail (00:08:33) 

Nisha describes her experience in a Burmese jail and the emotional impact on her and her family.

Changed relationship with power (00:12:37) 

Nisha explains her previous anarchist views and how her perspective on power has evolved over time.

Determining the just cause (00:18:05) 

Nisha discusses the complexity of determining the just cause and the importance of acknowledging blind spots.

Building the biggest table for solutions (00:20:10)

Nisha talks about the approach to creating inclusive solutions by considering diverse perspectives and unlikely allies.

Belief in Dignity and Freedom for Everybody (00:22:19) 

Emphasis on the desire for a future with dignity, freedom, and justice for all, and the importance of not marginalising any group.

The Power of Collective Will and Collaboration (00:24:33) 

A story about the success of collective will and collaboration in passing bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation.

Influence of Individual Leaders and Rise of Authoritarianism (00:28:16) 

The impact of individual leaders on a country's behavior and the danger of the rise of authoritarianism and strongmen around the world.

Democracy at Scale and Leadership Style (00:32:52)

Discussion on the importance of democracy at scale, the influence of individual leaders, and the leadership style focused on embracing love.

Fast Five: Leadership Tips and Recommendations (00:36:16) 

Nisha's responses to leadership and future tech, leadership tip, workplace problem, leaders deserving thumbs up, and a favorite leadership book.

Challenges of Collective Decision Making (00:43:13)

The effort and time required to consider diverse perspectives and the limitations of picking a single solution.

Happy new year and welcome to the first episode of the Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast for 2024!  

In this solosode I explore seven critical areas for leadership reform: democracy, healthcare, food production, education, wealth distribution, climate change, and urbanisation. Additionally, I identify three key trends that leaders need to navigate this year: redefining the employee work contract, incorporating AI in leadership, and shifting from command-based to collaborative power dynamics. These topics offer a roadmap for leaders to effectively traverse challenges and build leadership capabilities that are fit for the future. Are you ready? Let’s go…

Shownotes

See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-revolution-zoe-routh

 

Key Moments 

00:02:28

Planet Human: Advancements in science: lab-grown human organs and protein production from air. Check out the Future Normal end of year reflection and prediction article. 

00:04:41

Planet Zoë: Updates on Zoë's book projects and forthcoming event, The Leadership Conclave, a small, intimate session with deep individual reflection and some group strategising. Find out more

00:08:51

Ripe for Reform or Revolution: Democracy.

00:10:56

Ripe for Reform or Revolution: Healthcare.

00:12:00

Ripe for Reform or Revolution: Food production.

00:13:12

Ripe for Reform or Revolution: Education.

00:14:19

Ripe for Reform or Revolution: Wealth, property, economies, and taxation.

00:15:33

Ripe for Reform or Revolution: Climate change politics.

00:16:40

Ripe for Reform or Revolution: Ongoing urbanisation.

00:17:51

Central leadership question and three trends to manage.

00:18:51

Revisiting the work contract value proposition with employees.

00:20:06

Experiment: Purposeful gathering.

00:21:12

Trend: AI-assisted everything and corresponding experiment.

00:22:35

Power and Collaboration: Discussing the dangers of wielding power alone and the need for collaborative leadership.

00:23:50

Collective Decision Making: Exploring the importance of collective decision-making processes and recommending resources for implementing them.

00:26:18

Leadership Constants: Highlighting the unchanging needs of leaders, including self-care, safety, belonging, status, autonomy, and fairness.

00:29:40

Complexity and Perspective: Emphasising the necessity for leaders to navigate complexity by developing perspective, understanding diversity, and honing futurist skills.

00:31:57

Reading and Emotional Intelligence: Promoting the use of fiction to develop empathy and emotional intelligence in leaders, with a book example.

00:33:02

Book Discussion: Analysing the science fiction book "Children of Memory" and its implications on human experiences and connections.

We have made it to the end of the year! And this is the wrap up episode for the Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast. I'm going to do my best to summarise the highlights, the insights and the awesomeness that was this year's show. We did a lot of great interviews and I'm really keen to showcase some of the awesome highlights from the year. 

Of course I’m already planning and recording interviews for 2024 and we will continue our journey of leadership exploration, musing on the future of leadership, the intersection of leadership and technology and how we can expand our perspectives to be the leaders we need right now and in the future. I’m also thinking a lot about leadership power and the power structures we cling to. Do they really serve us? This also ties in with culture, teamwork and the workforce of the future - we need to think more creatively about all these aspects of work. Thank you for listening in 2023 and we’ll be back with a new episode on January 16th 2024! 

Shownotes

See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-highlights-zoe-routh

Key Moments 

Planet Human: There has been a prototype built and tested for nuclear fusion, not fission. So nuclear power is generally when they split the atom and they harness the energy for that. Nuclear fusion is when they smash two atoms together and harness that energy, and the result is a clean energy, potentially a near infinite source of clean energy. This is big news. And in the UK, Rolls-Royce has a prototype lunar nuclear fission machine; a modular type of traditional nuclear reactor. 

Planet Zoë: Olympus bound is with the editor and I’ve already started to dabble with the next book in the series, which is exciting. You can also get a free e-book version of my award-winning People Stuff book, just by signing up to my monthly newsletter. 

Interview Highlights

The war in Ukraine (00:08:18) Zoë recaps an interview with Oksana about her family's memoir on the war between Ukraine and Russia, highlighting the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

AI and its impact (00:12:05) How will ChatGPT and AI change how we work? Two guests share their experiences.

The future of leadership (00:21:56) Discussion on moving towards regenerative practices, the shift to an experience economy, and the integration of AI in business.

The new leadership skills (00:23:08) Exploration of the skills of creativity, collaboration, and compassion as essential capabilities for future leadership.

The future of power (00:24:21) Focus on changing the relationship to power, elevating others, and wielding power responsibly for the betterment of more people.