Future-Ready Leadership: Building High-Performance Teams with Graham Wilson
Release Date: 12/08/2024
409: The Leadership Blind Spot No One Is Talking About with Dan Pontefract
The Future of Leadership
Leadership thinker and author Dan Pontefract joins Zoë to explore the demographic forces reshaping the future of work. With ageing populations and declining birth rates, the question is simple: are organisations ready? Drawing on The Future of Work Is Gray, Dan reframes ageing as a strategic advantage, not a liability. The conversation explores ageism, longevity, and outdated career ladders, offering practical alternatives like phased retirement, career “canvases,” and new ways to value experience at work. Kickstarter link: Key Quotes “Demographics isn’t ideology, it’s just...
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408: Leadership at the Edge of Humanity: AI, Mars, and Moral Choice
The Future of Leadership
In this episode of The Future of Leadership, host Zoë Routh reflects on the idea of place, how where we are shapes who we become, prompted by Australia Day and the launch of Olympus Dawn, the final book in her Gaia series. Go to the Kickstarter campaign here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zoerouth/olympus-dawn-the-complete-gaia-series-finale Zoë is joined by Richard Anderson, a microbiologist and science-fiction author whose work sits at the intersection of evolution, ethics, and humanity’s future beyond Earth. Richard shares his journey from writing about the origins of life...
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407: Leadership Transitions: When Success, Identity & Purpose Begin to Shift
The Future of Leadership
Leadership change isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet, disorienting, and deeply personal. In this episode, Zoë Routh returns to the podcast after a six-month break to explore what she calls The Chrysalis Concept, a leadership transition phase where old identities dissolve before new ones take shape. This conversation is for leaders navigating: -career transitions later in life -burnout after success -identity shifts beyond titles and roles -uncertainty about “what’s next” -redefining retirement, contribution, and purpose Zoë reflects on stepping back from work that no longer...
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406 How to make see and make use of your end of year reflection
The Future of Leadership
I'm back! After a crazy half year of transition, adventure, and being in the murky mess of a 'chrysalis' experience, I've surfaced for some insights for you to wrap up 2025. Here's what's up for you: A process for reflection that uses visual representation of your last twelve months A reflective practice that will surface insights for next year How to make use of these insights in a practical way. My own updates: Travel, adventure, heartbreak, moving house: it's the bitter sweetnes of not yet and not anymore. Enjoy! Zoë
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405 Leading Through Difference: Practical Tools for Inclusive Teams with Kelli Lester
The Future of Leadership
We explore the future of inclusive leadership with Kelli Lester, co-founder of Onyx Rising. Zoë opens with reflections on ageing, robotics in aged care, and the value of connection. And introduces Kelli, who shares insight on navigating today’s polarised workplace and equipping leaders for diverse, resilient teams. Kelli unpacks the backlash against DEI programs, reframing them as essential business strategies rather than politically charged mandates. She explores how organisations can move beyond performative initiatives by anchoring their diversity efforts in clear objectives—be it...
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404 Futurist Thinking at Work: Regenerating Teams from the Inside Out with Donna Dupont
The Future of Leadership
We explore the power of systems thinking and strategic foresight with futurist Donna Dupont, as we challenge assumptions about leadership, innovation, and our collective future. Zoë shares an exciting update on her new book Power Games launching on Kickstarter, and we dive into the emerging vision of a moon-based data centre and what it means for the future of digital infrastructure. In this episode, Donna brings clarity to the often-misunderstood world of foresight work. She breaks down how mapping complexity, anticipatory thinking, and systems framing can shift the way leaders respond to...
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403 Organisational Design and the Future of Work with Susannah Robinson
The Future of Leadership
We explore the vital intersection of organisational design, leadership culture, and power dynamics with special guest Susannah Robinson, author of Beyond the Boxes and Lines. Zoë kicks off the episode with exciting updates on the Power Games Kickstarter campaign and a groundbreaking Planet Human segment on brain-computer interfaces that enable near real-time speech interpretation for paralysed individuals. Then we dive into the conversation with Susannah, who brings over 30 years of HR and organisational design experience. She shares practical frameworks for rethinking job roles, enhancing...
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402 Utopian Concepts and Entrepreneurial Writing with Elle Griffin
The Future of Leadership
We explore the future of ownership, wealth, and rewriting the rules of capitalism with Elle Griffin, founder of The Elysian and author of the upcoming book We Should Own the Economy. Zoë shares updates on her recent bushwalking adventure and the exciting Kickstarter launch for her new book Power Games. Then, she welcomes Elle, a visionary writer reshaping the conversation on who truly benefits from economic systems. Elle shares her journey from journalist to entrepreneurial writer, how she built multiple revenue streams on Substack, and why she believes ownership—not employment—is the...
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401 What's Your Fight Language with Lena Morgan
The Future of Leadership
We explore the future of communication through the lens of conflict, with Lena Morgan, former midwife turned conflict resolution specialist. Zoë shares updates from Planet Human, reflecting on the scathing insights from the Edelman Trust Barometer and her return from the Australian Alpine Walking Track. The Kickstarter for her latest book, Power Games, is on the horizon. Then we welcome Lena Morgan, creator of The Fight Languages. Lena unpacks how understanding our instinctive conflict responses can turn tension into connection. Drawing on her experience in high-stress environments, she...
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Episode 400: Leadership Lessons from Nine Years of Podcast Interviews
The Future of Leadership
In this milestone 400th episode, I reflect on nine years of podcasting and the extraordinary leadership lessons I’ve gathered along the way. I explore the show's enduring themes—wise leadership, effective teamwork, and self-mastery—and celebrate the voices that have challenged and expanded my thinking. I revisit pivotal interviews, including a profoundly perspective-shifting conversation with non-binary advocate Yenn Purkis, and highlight standout episodes across three categories: moving stories, practical leadership tools, and game-changing insights. From ultra-endurance athlete Laura...
info_outlineWe 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
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"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
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What are the trends that you're paying attention to in leadership and business right now?
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How do you see the pace of change affecting leaders today?
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What does it mean for leaders to unlearn outdated beliefs and practices?
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How can leaders foster collaboration in an environment where teamwork may be viewed as "cheating"?
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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