395 Navigating Workplace Dynamics: Legal Challenges, AI, and Decision-Making with David Dilger
Release Date: 03/23/2025
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
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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
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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...
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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...
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398 AI, Automations, and the Future of Business Operations with Emma Rainville
The 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...
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397 Life First: Designing Work and Money to Serve You with Tim Duggan
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396 Semester at Sea: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Futures with Scott Marshall
The Future of Leadership
We explore the power of challenging assumptions and building regenerative societies with innovative software called Regen. I also share updates on my upcoming Australian Alpine walking track adventure and my latest novels. Then, I welcome Scott Marshall, President and CEO of the Semester at Sea. Scott shares insights into the program’s impact on students’ understanding of global cultures and how it fosters curiosity and personal growth. He also provides practical advice for fostering intercultural sensitivity in the workplace. This episode dives deep into experiential education,...
info_outlineWe dive into the evolving landscape of workplace expectations, legal challenges, and leadership dynamics with HR legal specialist David Dilger.
We explore the rise of corporate paternalism, the increasing recognition of psychosocial hazards, and the importance of transparency in decision-making.
The conversation covers the changing nature of workplace disputes, the growing demand for psychological safety, and the role of leaders in balancing empathy and directness. We also examine the future of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, the push for workplace flexibility post-COVID, and the impact of AI on leadership and communication.
SHOWNOTES are here:
http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/navigating-workplace-dynamics-legal-challenges
Planet Human:
Avride's autonomous robots now deliver Uber Eats orders.
https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/13/avride-launches-sidewalk-delivery-bots-on-uber-eats-in-jersey-city/
Key Quotes:
"When decision-making is transparent, assumptions die in a dirty ditch." – Zoë Routh
"We don’t have a productivity problem; we have a visibility problem." – David Dilger
"Psychosocial hazards are not a legal tick box – they directly impact performance and retention." – David Dilger
"Avoiding conflict doesn’t make it disappear – it just turns into something worse." – Zoë Routh
Questions Asked:
1. Have we gone too far with corporate paternalism?
2. How has workplace conflict evolved, and what can leaders do to manage it effectively?
3. What are psychosocial hazards, and why should leaders take them seriously?
4. Is there a growing backlash against DEI initiatives?
5. How do we balance workplace flexibility with organisational needs?
6. Can we achieve conflict-free communication in leadership?
Take Action:
1. Reflect on your leadership approach – Are you fostering transparency in decision-making?
2. Assess psychosocial risks in your workplace – Understand the hazards that impact mental well-being.
3. Re-evaluate workplace flexibility – Consider whether in-office mandates are about productivity or visibility.
4. Enhance communication skills – Be direct on the issue, but empathetic towards the person.
Tip of the Week:
Check out the Workplace Conflict Resolution Guide – available for subscribers only.
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Key Moments:
00:00 – Introduction: Have we gone too far with corporate paternalism?
00:20 – Robots in Jersey City: The Future of Food Delivery
00:58 – Preparing for the Australian Alpine Walking Track
01:39 – Writing Olympus Dawn and Power Games
02:53 – Transparent Decision-Making in the Workplace
03:43 – Interview with HR Legal Specialist David Dilger
05:56 – The Rise of Workplace Mental Health Issues
17:43 – The Debate on DEI and Remote Work
26:43 – Conflict-Free Communication: Myth or Reality?
31:46 – Fast Three with David Dilger
37:49 – Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes