Libsyn Directory

399 Holocaust, Racism and Kindness in Humans - a personal story with Dr. Robert Wolf

Release Date: 04/20/2025

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

More Episodes

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 doctor in America, and why this story of resilience, compassion, and miracles needs to be told now more than ever.

Together, we explore the enduring impact of antisemitism, the challenge of confronting hate in all its forms, and the role of storytelling in forging empathy and leadership.

SHOWNOTES are here:

https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/truth-seeking-journalism

Power Games: https://www.zoerouth.com/power-games

My new Substack: https://substack.com/@zoerouth

Planet Human:

Billionaire-owned media reshapes truth, trust, and narratives.

https://www.npr.org/2025/02/26/nx-s1-5309725/jeff-bezos-washington-post-opinion-section

Key Quotes:

"Leadership will require us to ask: how do we craft a shared reality in a polarised world?" – Zoë Routh

"Leadership is from within. Lead by example... trust is a part of it. Integrity is a part of it." – Dr. Robert Wolf

"When people say, 'nobody cares about antisemitism', I say: then we must be the ones who do." – Dr. Robert Wolf

Questions Asked:

1. What compelled you to bring your father’s story into the world through this book?

2. How did your father’s story shift your own understanding of leadership, resilience, and legacy?

3. What does standing up to tyranny look like today?

4. How can we foster real change in how we teach empathy and history in classrooms and beyond?

Take Action:

1. Educate yourself on the history of antisemitism and its modern forms.

2. Seek stories that challenge your assumptions—especially those you might prefer to ignore.

3. Share stories of courage from your own heritage or community, and listen deeply to others.

4. Introduce discussion groups or reading circles around books like Not a Real Enemy to build cultural understanding and empathy in your workplace or community.

Tip of the Week

Reflect on the narratives that shaped your worldview. Whose voices were missing—and what can you do this week to listen for them?

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Theme

00:26 Billionaire-Owned Media and Truth

01:47 The Future of Independent Journalism

03:27 The Fragmentation of Shared Narratives

04:42 Personal Updates and Upcoming Adventures

05:14 Kickstarter Preview and Exclusive Offers

06:02 Addressing Antisemitism and Racism

08:01 Interview with Dr. Robert Wolf

10:11 Dr. Wolf's Father's Story of Survival

26:27 The Real Enemy: A Personal Reflection

27:07 Impact of the Book on Readers

27:36 Global Antisemitism and Islamophobia

28:26 The Role of Education in Combating Hate

34:07 Promoting the Book and Its Message

37:39 Fast Three: Quickfire Questions

42:45 Final Thoughts and Reflections

TOPICS