394 Leading with Connection with John Taylor McEntire
Release Date: 03/16/2025
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outline
399 Holocaust, Racism and Kindness in Humans - a personal story with Dr. Robert Wolf
The 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_outlineWe explore the power of self-managing teams, innovation ecosystems, and the art of consensus-building with John Taylor McIntyre, the Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of Mutual Prosperity.
We discuss his unique upbringing in a multicultural home, his journey through theatre, and his experiences in Japan that shaped his leadership philosophy.
The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the challenge of breaking the ‘Curse of Babel’ in organisations, the importance of Nemawashi for effective decision-making, and how businesses can scale leadership while fostering autonomy.
SHOWNOTES are here:
http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-wisdom
Planet Human:
China creates world's first two-way brain-computer interface. https://interestingengineering.com/science/worlds-first-2-way-bci-china
Join the Power Games advance notice here:
https://www.zoerouth.com/power-games
Key Quotes:
"When we align our language, we unlock collaboration." – John Taylor McIntyre
"Leadership is not about control; it’s about empowering others to make great decisions." – Zoë Routh
"True innovation happens when we create space for new ideas to take root." – John Taylor McIntyre
Questions Asked:
1. What does it take to build truly self-managing teams?
2. How can organisations break through communication barriers and align their language?
3. What is the Nemawashi principle, and how does it help organisations scale leadership?
4. How do we foster a culture of innovation while maintaining strong leadership?
5. What role does personal connection play in shaping high-performing teams?
Take Action:
1. Review your decision-making processes—are they inclusive and effective?
2. Reflect on the concept of Nemawashi: How can you better prepare your team for change?
3. Start a leadership journal to document key decisions and assess their long-term impact.
4. Encourage more open conversations about power, influence, and collaboration within your team.
Tip of the Week:
Align your team’s language to enhance collaboration. Conduct a ‘Language Audit’ in your organisation to identify jargon, miscommunications, and gaps in understanding.
Join the community here:
https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast-news
You’ll receive 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, plus a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff.
Key Moments
00:00 – Introduction and Weekly Question
00:20 – Breakthrough in Brain-Computer Interfaces
01:34 – Training for the Australian Alpine Walking Track
02:09 – Upcoming Book: Power Games
03:21 – Exploring the Concept of Power
06:44 – Interview with John Taylor McIntyre
23:40 – Servant Leadership and Innovation Ecosystems
24:16 – Understanding Technology Transfer
28:06 – Breaking the Curse of Babel
30:11 – The Nemawashi Principle
36:11 – Scaling Leadership and Autonomous Teams
41:23 – The Fast Three: Future Tech, Leadership Tips, and Current Reads
47:36 – The Importance of Personal Relationships in Business
49:52 – Conclusion and Additional Resources
#leadershipskills #leadershipdevelopment #leadershiplessons #leadershiptraining #innovation #selfmanagingteams #futureofleadership