393 Unlocking AI’s Power: Practical Strategies for Leaders with Candice DeVille
Release Date: 03/09/2025
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
info_outlineThe 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...
info_outlineThe 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...
info_outlineThe 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...
info_outlineThe 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...
info_outlineThe 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...
info_outlineThe 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_outlineThe Future of Leadership
We explore the courage to confront tyranny and the roots of empathy through personal legacy and historical insight. Zoë shares reflections on billionaire-owned media and the future of truth-seeking in journalism, and updates us on her Australian Alpine walking track adventure and upcoming Kickstarter for Power Games. Then, we welcome Dr. Robert Wolf, author of Not a Real Enemy, a gripping biography of his father’s extraordinary journey through Nazi and Communist Hungary. Rob shares the harrowing yet hopeful story of his father’s four-time escape from tyranny, how he rebuilt his life as a...
info_outlineThe Future of Leadership
We dive into the world of operational excellence and visionary leadership with guest Emma Rainville, author of Scope and founder of Shockwave. Zoë shares updates on her Australian Alpine walking track adventure and the behind-the-scenes of the Power Games Kickstarter launch. On Planet Human, she explores the unfolding Tesla brand rebellion and the deeper lessons on leadership, marketing, and impact. Emma brings a compelling perspective on how to scale businesses by bringing calm to chaos. She outlines the WAVE framework—Written Vision, Absolute Focus, Values-driven Future, and Execution...
info_outlineThe Future of Leadership
We explore the revolutionary idea of designing your work life by starting with what matters most—your life. Zoë shares updates on her Australian Alpine walking track adventure, her latest developments with the Power Play game based on her book Power Games, and her new home for content on Substack. Then, we welcome Tim Duggan—award-winning author, media entrepreneur, and columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Tim shares thoughtful insights from his latest book Work Backwards, which challenges conventional notions of success and offers a practical framework for aligning your...
info_outlineZoë 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.
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