396 Semester at Sea: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Futures with Scott Marshall
Release Date: 03/30/2025
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...
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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...
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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...
info_outlineWe 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, leadership, and creating inclusive environments
SHOWNOTES are here:
https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/legal-challenges-workplace-dynamics
Key Quotes:
"When we expose ourselves to diverse perspectives, we expand our understanding of the world and ourselves." – Zoë Routh
"Curiosity pushes us into spaces of discomfort, and that’s where we grow." – Scott Marshall
"We can’t just assume that a one-day workshop on diversity will transform a workplace. It’s about a long-term commitment to embracing different perspectives." – Scott Marshall
Questions Asked:
1. How does Semester at Sea create a transformative learning experience?
2. What are the key leadership lessons from immersing in global cultures?
3. How can organisations foster curiosity and intercultural awareness in the workplace?
4. What are practical ways to develop a culture of inclusivity beyond traditional DEI programs?
Take Action:
Reflect on your own leadership assumptions and challenge them with new perspectives.
Explore ways to bring diverse perspectives into your workplace—whether through book clubs, travel experiences, or deeper engagement with different cultural narratives.
Start small: Have your team research governance models in different countries or visit a restaurant from a culture they’re unfamiliar with and engage in meaningful conversations.
Tip of the Week
Engage in a "curiosity challenge"—for one week, actively seek to learn something new about a culture, history, or perspective that is outside your usual sphere.
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 Challenging Assumptions
00:15 Exploring Regenerative Societies with Regen Software
00:50 Personal Connection to Regenerative Ecosystems and Mars
01:35 Upcoming Adventure on the Australian Alpine Walking Track
02:12 Power Games and Olympus Dawn Writing Updates
03:17 Bringing the World to the Workplace
05:17 Introducing Scott Marshall and Semester at Sea
06:25 Semester at Sea: Program Overview and Logistics
13:19 Impact and Benefits of Semester at Sea
22:54 Developing Intercultural Competence in the Workplace
26:41 Workplace Sensitivity and Global Awareness
28:30 The Importance of Experiential Education
28:57 Critique of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs
29:20 Leadership and Mental Models
30:24 Commitment to DEI Work
32:26 Personal Leadership Journey
33:58 Navigating Cultural Biases
42:19 Leadership Tips and Insights
48:47 Opportunities with Semester at Sea
50:48 Book Recommendation and Conclusion
#leadership #experientiallearning #curiosity #inclusivity #semesteratsea #futureofleadership