In this episode of the podcast, Zoë Routh engages with Damon Lembi, CEO of Learn It and host of the Learn It All podcast, to discuss the importance of fostering a learn-it-all mindset in leadership.

They emphasise the need for leaders to prioritise learning, encourage curiosity, and tailor learning experiences to individual needs.

Damon shares his personal journey from a front desk employee to a CEO, highlighting the transformative power of continuous learning and the evolving landscape of educational tools like VR and AI.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes

"Learning is tough. It takes consistency. You have to get out of your comfort zone." Damon Lembi

"You should put yourselves in a position where you can learn something from everyone." Damon Lembi

"We need to encourage curiosity... even a very simple thing that doesn't take a lot of time in your weekly standup could spark interest." Zoë Routh

Questions Asked

1. How can you learn more each day and become a learn-it-all?

2. What barriers do people face in their learning journeys?

3. How can leaders carve out time for learning amidst their busy schedules?

Take Action

• Encourage Curiosity: Implement a weekly "fact of the week" during team meetings to spark interest.

• Customize Learning: Adapt learning experiences based on individual preferences and needs.

• Remove Barriers: Streamline meetings and reduce workloads to create more space for learning.

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

• 01:35 Integrating Learning into Leadership

• 04:07 Introducing Today's Guest: Damon Lembi

• 08:29 Overcoming Barriers to Learning

• 10:29 Strategies for Effective Learning

• 15:44 The Future of Learning and AI

• 27:29 Challenges for L&D Professionals

• 32:54 Leadership Tips and Feedback

In this episode, Zoe Routh discusses what it takes to become a disruptive leader with Kumar Parakala, author of Lead to Disrupt: Seven Keys to Success in a Changing World.

The conversation explores digital disruption, self-powered wearables, transhuman technologies, and the balance between innovation and preserving ethical values. Kumar shares his insights on leadership transformation, the importance of a higher purpose, and navigating comfort zones to foster radical accountability and resilience.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes:

1. “Leadership is all about inspiring and guiding others and leading by example.” Kumar Parakala

2. “Disruptive thinking starts with challenging the sacred rules and embracing the values that push for the greater good.” Kumar Parakala

3. “Ethics without technological advancement is stagnation, but technology without ethics is disaster.” – Kumar Parakala

4. “Embracing a disruptive mindset requires leaders to let go of old certainties and structures, stepping confidently into the unknown.” Zoë Routh

5. “The tension between disruption and preservation is an opportunity to shape a future that honours our values while embracing necessary change.” Zoë Routh

Questions Asked:

1. What does it take to be a disruptive leader today?

2. How can we balance pioneering innovation with preserving valuable lessons from the past?

3. What is the role of ethics in the innovation agenda?

4. How can leaders prepare for technological disruptions like AI?

5. What are the seven principles of effective leadership in a disruptive world?

Take Action:

• Reflect on your higher purpose and how it drives your daily actions.

• Evaluate your comfort zone and set a goal to challenge it this week.

• Foster ethical conversations within your team about emerging technologies.

• Begin networking outside your immediate circle to build alliances that support growth and innovation.

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 (timestamp)

00:00 – Introduction and the concept of a disruptive leader
00:15 – Emerging self-powered wearables and transhuman technologies
02:12 – The balance between pioneers and guardians in leadership
05:51 – Kumar Parakala’s leadership insights and philosophy
22:08 – The critical role of ethics in innovation
27:03 – The necessity of personal accountability in leadership
39:28 – Kumar’s personal reflections and the Fast Three questions

Join Zoë Routh in this exciting episode of the Future of Leadership as she explores how much failure we can handle and introduces a groundbreaking agricultural innovation called Electro Agriculture. Zoë discusses the importance of leading with compassion and reflects on the societal issues of homelessness and mental health.

The highlight of the episode is an inspiring interview with John Graham, founder of the Good Samaritan Home, who shares his compelling story of going from homeless to business owner. Learn about his impactful work in providing second chances and the importance of mercy in leadership. Lastly, Zoë recommends John’s award-winning novel, 'Running as Fast as I Can,' a tale of survival, forgiveness, and hope. Tune in for an inspiring journey through leadership, compassion, and innovation!

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes:

• "It takes a lot of courage to look down the ladder as opposed to looking up the ladder at where we could go." - John Graham

• "What if we could live based on compassion? What if we led with compassion at the heart of our approach?" - John Graham

• "The solution isn't just a quick fix; it's about tending to our societal issues with compassion and systemic change." - Zoë Routh

Questions Asked:

• How much failure can you handle?

• What does a compassionate response look like?

• What made you think about helping those worse off than you?

Take Action:

• Reflect on their capacity for compassion in daily interactions.

• Support local agencies that assist homeless individuals.

• Consider how they can lead with mercy in their own leadership roles.

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 (timestamp):

00:00 Welcome to 2025: The Future of Leadership

00:23 Handling Failure: A Key to Success

00:38 Breakthrough in Agriculture: Electro Agriculture

02:54 Living with Compassion: A Personal Reflection

05:21 Interview with John Graham: From Homeless to Business Owner

06:30 John Graham's Journey: Overcoming Adversity

09:15 The Good Samaritan Home: A Beacon of Hope

23:56 Writing a Novel: The Story of Second Chances

35:24 Leadership Insights: Power, Mercy, and New Projects

39:30 Conclusion: Live with Grace, Lead in Service

In the final episode of the year, Zoë reflects on 2024's global and business trends, including ongoing conflicts, economic pressures, and a heightened focus on workforce wellbeing. She shares insights on what leaders should anticipate for 2025, discussing economic challenges, workforce welfare, cybersecurity, and ethical ecosystems. Zoë also recounts her personal experiences in leadership development and offers practical reflection tips for planning a successful year ahead.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes:

• "Work shouldn't be a place that is detrimental to your health; we need to protect our people at work."

• "There's been a devaluing of the purpose of work, leading to a disconnection between employees and the outcomes of their contributions."

• "Leadership development is about creating community and connection, which has become even more vital post-COVID."

• Reflection on 2024: Zoë discusses the significant global events of the year, including ongoing conflicts and economic pressures that have shaped leadership challenges.

• Experiential Leadership Programs: She shares insights from her outdoor leadership programs, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions post-COVID.

• Upcoming Works: Zoë announces her upcoming books, including Olympus Rising, Power Games, and a box set launch on Kickstarter.

• Personal Achievements: Highlights include completing a 200-kilometer trek on the Australian Alpine Walking Track and launching her sequel, Olympus Bound, which has won several awards.

1. How can leaders effectively navigate the uncertainties brought on by global conflicts and economic challenges?

2. What strategies can be implemented to enhance workforce wellbeing in the face of rising pressures?

3. How can leaders reconnect their teams with the purpose and value of work to combat disconnection?

4. What role does innovation in technology and renewable energy play in shaping future business strategies?

5. How can leaders foster a culture of open communication and connection within their organisations?

Take Action

• Reflect on your leadership journey in 2024 and identify areas for improvement.

• Consider implementing practices that prioritise workforce wellbeing in your organization.

• Engage with peers or mentors to discuss strategic planning for 2025.

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 (timestamps)

• 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

• 01:04 Reflecting on 2024: Global and Business Insights

• 06:10 Personal Experiments and Business Ventures

• 14:29 Looking Ahead to 2025: Plans and Predictions

• 19:47 Reflection Tips for Leaders

• 22:30 How I Can Help You in 2025

• 23:51 Upcoming Episodes and Final Thoughts

We look at the essential skills for future leadership. Zoë recounts a gripping rescue mission in Tasmania, highlighting the significance of collaboration and trust within teams. Guest Graham Wilson, dubbed 'The Leadership Wizard,' discusses the need to unlearn outdated leadership practices and emphasizes authentic, purpose-driven leadership. The conversation also covers team dynamics and practical strategies for enhancing performance.

Quotes

• "The secret ingredient to preventing a toxic culture is transparency around decision-making." Zoë Routh

• "We were educated for a world that doesn't exist anymore." Graham Wilson

• "Collaboration and teamwork should not be seen as cheating; they are essential for effective leadership." Graham Wilson

Questions Asked

1. What are the trends that you're paying attention to in leadership and business right now?

2. How do you see the pace of change affecting leaders today?

3. What does it mean for leaders to unlearn outdated beliefs and practices?

4. How can leaders foster collaboration in an environment where teamwork may be viewed as "cheating"?

5. What strategies can leaders implement to create an empowered workforce?

Take Action

• Reflect on your own leadership style and identify any outdated beliefs you may need to unlearn.
• Implement at least one collaboration tool discussed in the episode to enhance team dynamics.
• Read recommended leadership books to deepen your understanding of effective leadership practices.

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 (timestamps)

00:00 Welcome to the Future of Leadership

00:38 A Riveting Rescue Story

02:16 Lessons from the Rescue

06:04 Upcoming Adventures and Book Releases

06:40 Exploring Organizational Culture

09:42 Introducing Graham Wilson

11:38 The Future of Leadership Trends

17:41 Unlearning Old Leadership Patterns

23:10 Building Human Connection in Teams

29:00 Creating Certainty in Uncertain Times

29:44 The Concept of Taking the Knee

30:31 Lessons from Racing and Business

31:48 The Importance of Slowing Down

34:40 Collaboration Tools and Techniques

39:50 Future of Work and Leadership

44:50 The Fast Three Questions

46:32 Final Thoughts on Leadership

52:09 Where to Find More About Graham Wilson

53:19 Book Recommendation and Closing Remarks

This week, we delve into redefining leadership through the lens of interdependence and the Viking Code with Anders Indset. We discuss the significance of embracing vulnerability, fostering collective success, and shifting from hierarchical to collaborative power structures in organisations.

The conversation encompasses a range of topics, including the philosophy behind the Viking Code, the importance of micro ambitions for personal and team growth, and practical strategies for building trust and enhancing team dynamics in the workplace.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes

• "When we share power, we all grow stronger." - Zoë Routh

• “If we don't have friction, we cannot progress. And if we don't have trust, we cannot solve the friction." - Anders Indset

• "We are very resilient when we are intrinsically motivated to do something. We are high performers per nature. But if everything is a reactive performance, then it becomes very exhausting." - Anders Indset

Questions Asked

1. How might a Declaration of Interdependence change our leadership?

2. What is the Viking Code, and how does it relate to modern leadership?

3. How can organisations incorporate aspects of the Viking Code for high performance?

Take Action

• Reflect on your own leadership style and consider how you can foster interdependence within your team.

• Explore the principles of the Viking Code and think about how they can be applied to enhance collaboration in your organisation.

• Engage in conversations about vulnerability and trust within your workplace to build a more supportive culture.

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 to the Future of Leadership

00:26 Exploring Interdependence in Leadership

00:41 Innovations and Inspirations: 3D Printed Hotel

02:03 Personal Updates and Travel Plans

02:53 Rethinking Power Structures in the Workplace

05:08 Interview with Anders Inset: The Viking Code

06:40 The Philosophy Behind the Viking Code

26:27 Applying the Viking Code to organisations

31:40 Challenges of Returning to the Office

32:04 Core Leadership Skills for Thriving Teams

34:14 The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership

35:44 Building Self-Trust Through Vulnerability

37:56 Exploring Future Technologies

40:08 Leadership Tips and Reading Recommendations

42:58 The Role of Fiction in Understanding the Future

50:03 Anticipating Future Scenarios

54:32 Conclusion and Resources

This week, we dive into the complexities of workplace dynamics with Brenda Neckvatal, an expert in human behaviour and crisis management. Our discussion focuses on the challenges of addressing difficult behaviors in the workplace, exploring the impact of technology on communication, and the evolving expectations of leadership.

Brenda shares insights on common behavioural patterns, such as entitlement and the influence of changing family dynamics on workplace interactions. We also discuss practical strategies for fostering healthy communication and managing pushback effectively, ensuring that leaders can navigate these challenges with confidence and clarity. Tune in for valuable tactics that can help create a more harmonious work environment.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes

• "Technology has given people an outlet to hide behind the things that they don't want to do." - Brenda Neckvatal

• "Entitlement tends to bubble up as a result of changing family dynamics and cultural norms." - Brenda Neckvatal

• "If we had a map of power and the human territory of power, how might we build better teams?" - Zoë Routh

Questions Asked

1. What are the current trends affecting behavior in the workplace?
2. How does technology contribute to feelings of entitlement among employees?
3. What practical tools can leaders use to address difficult behaviors?
4. How can leaders navigate generational shifts in expectations and communication styles?

Take Action

• Reflect on your own leadership style and consider how you can foster open communication within your team.

• Identify one difficult behavior you’ve encountered at work and apply one of Brenda's suggested strategies to address it.

• Explore resources on managing workplace dynamics and consider how they might apply to your organization.

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 Workplace Trends

• 00:21 Exploring Digital Twins

• 01:12 Proving Humanity in the Digital Age

• 01:56 Olympus Rising Book Launch

• 06:51 Interview with Brenda Neckvatal

• 16:34 Generational Shifts in Leadership

• 27:06 Understanding Polarized Conversations

• 30:52 Leadership and Managing Expectations

• 32:33 Effective Communication Strategies

• 35:17 Handling Difficult Conversations

• 41:48 The Fast Three Questions

• 44:45 Free Resources and Final Thoughts

• 46:59 Conclusion and Podcast Promotion

This week, we engage in a thought-provoking discussion on leadership and the philosophy of inquiry with Ralph Mercer.

We examine the significance of challenging our assumptions and fostering robust thinking in collaborative environments. Ralph shares insights from his diverse background, including his experiences in the military and academia, to illustrate how our worldviews shape our understanding of the future.

We discuss the role of technology in shaping human experiences, the concept of gray swans in foresight, and practical methods for analyzing literature through causal layered analysis. Join us as we unpack these ideas and consider how they can enhance our leadership practices and decision-making processes.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes

1. "Better leadership needs better thinking. If we can think about what our common drivers are, our common drivers create connection." Zoë Routh

2. "When we have connection, we can actually create a path forward. That is the magical thinking that we're after." Zoë Routh

3. "Our understanding of ourselves and the world around us defines how we see the present and the future, and very much how we deal with our problems every day." Ralph Mercer

4. "Causal layered analysis became a very good way for me to take apart the book and look at what was hoping to psychologically motivate me to believe this way." Ralph Mercer

5. "If you're reading something to develop yourself or to understand the bigger picture, then you've really being human to yourself and to those that you're going to be dealing with." Ralph Mercer

Questions Asked

1. How can we effectively challenge our thinking and develop robust perspectives in leadership?

2. In what ways do metaphors and underlying philosophies shape our understanding of leadership literature?

3. What tangible benefits arise from deep reading and analyzing texts to enhance our leadership capabilities?

Take Action

1. Challenge Your Worldview: Regularly reflect on beliefs and engage with diverse perspectives and consider how they influence your leadership style.

2. Join a Book Club: Participate in discussions analyzing literature on societal issues.

3. Practice Deep Reading: Analyze metaphors and philosophies in leadership literature for deeper understanding.

4. Engage in Reflective Dialogue: Initiate conversations to find common values and foster empathy.

5. Commit to Lifelong Learning: Seek diverse information sources to continuously expand your knowledge base.

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

00:20 Google's Nuclear Power Deal

01:14 Zoe's Personal Updates

02:06 Understanding Different Perspectives

06:08 Tea Time with Ralph Mercer

07:03 Exploring Leadership and Technology

11:37 Analyzing Books with Causal Layered Analysis

15:46 The Importance of Deep Reading

21:49 Challenges in Technology and Society

25:34 Envisioning the Future: Who Stands Next to You?

26:26 Post Humanism and Ethical Technology

27:31 Rethinking Our Relationship with Technology

28:31 The Importance of an Evolving Worldview

29:18 Quantum Social Sciences and New Perspectives

30:35 Books That Shift Worldviews

34:20 Leadership: Understanding Power Dynamics

36:33 The Fast Three: Future Tech, Leadership Tips, and Reading Recommendations

40:19 The Gray Swan Guild Book Club

43:53 Fiction Books on the Future

46:23 Conclusion: Stretching Our Brains and Changing Worldviews