The Future of Leadership
Business & Finance
About
We explore the future and ask what this means for your leadership. We tackle the big issues, ask 'what if' and 'how might we'. We bring observations of trends and events around the world, talk to leading experts in their field about a topic on the future of leadership, give book recommendations, and offer tangible insights you can put into action right away.
Episodes
- 415 Moral Courage in Leadership: Lessons from Dag Hammarskjöld with Sara Causey
Sara Causey discusses Dag Hammarskjöld's moral courage and leadership legacy, drawing parallels to contemporary challenges in ethical leadership and complex systems. The episode explores his role during the Congo Crisis and lessons on list…
- 414: Living the Good Life: Meaning, Community, and Flourishing in Late Career
In this solo episode, Zoë Routh explores the concept of living a good life, defining flourishing as "joyful, meaningful growth shared with others." Drawing on various thinkers, she discusses the foundations of meaning-making and community,…
- 413: Stepping Back, Stepping Into: Identity Recalibration in Late Career
In episode 413, Zoë Routh reflects on midlife and late-career transitions, examining how identity recalibrates through personal, physical, and professional changes. She outlines four types of transitions and introduces "Release the Perform…
- Mattering in Midlife: Finding Significance Through Life's Transitions
In this solo episode, Zoë Routh discusses finding significance during midlife and career transitions, referencing Jennifer Breheny Wallace's book "Mattering." Routh explores the five elements of mattering and suggests small, intentional ac…
- 411: The Quiet Crisis Facing Today's Leaders with Digby Scott
Digby Scott joins Zoë Routh to discuss the challenges mature leaders face, including redefined success, the transition from hero to host leadership, and finding contentment over achievement.
- 410: One Wild and Precious Life: Leadership Reflections in Uncertain Times
In this solo reflection, Zoë Routh explores leadership and what it means to live a life well lived, inspired by This One Wild and Precious Life by Sarah Wilson and Mary Oliver's The Summer Day. Against a backdrop of ecological, political,…
- 409: The Leadership Blind Spot No One Is Talking About with Dan Pontefract
Leadership thinker and author Dan Pontefract joins Zoë to explore the demographic forces reshaping the future of work. With ageing populations and declining birth rates, the question is simple: are organisations ready? Drawing on The Futur…
- 408: Leadership at the Edge of Humanity: AI, Mars, and Moral Choice
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 Kick…
- 407: Leadership Transitions: When Success, Identity & Purpose Begin to Shift
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 transitio…
- 406 How to make and use of your end of year reflection
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 visu…
- 405 Leading Through Difference: Practical Tools for Inclusive Teams with Kelli Lester
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 to…
- 404 Futurist Thinking at Work: Regenerating Teams from the Inside Out with Donna Dupont
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 lau…
- 403 Organisational Design and the Future of Work with Susannah Robinson
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 Gam…
- 402 Utopian Concepts and Entrepreneurial Writing with Elle Griffin
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 a…
- 401 What's Your Fight Language with Lena Morgan
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 B…
- Episode 400: Leadership Lessons from Nine Years of Podcast Interviews
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 cel…
- 399 Holocaust, Racism and Kindness in Humans - a personal story with Dr. Robert Wolf
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 Aust…
- 398 AI, Automations, and the Future of Business Operations with Emma Rainville
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…
- 397 Life First: Designing Work and Money to Serve You with Tim Duggan
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…
- 396 Semester at Sea: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Futures with Scott Marshall
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…
- 395 Navigating Workplace Dynamics: Legal Challenges, AI, and Decision-Making with David Dilger
We 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 hazard…
- 394 Leading with Connection with John Taylor McEntire
We 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 multicul…
- 393 Unlocking AI's Power: Practical Strategies for Leaders with Candice DeVille
Zoë 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,…
- 392 Mental Toughness, Leadership & Resilience with Adam Smith
This episode explores the power of mental toughness, high-performance leadership, and resilience with Adam Smith, a retired Special Forces Commando and former Special Operations Group officer. Hosted by Zoë Routh, the conversation delves i…
- 391 The Future of DEI: Evolution or Extinction?
We explore the evolving conversation around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and whether its future is at risk. We dive into the backlash against DEI, what is driving these changes, and how leaders can approach this complex topic wit…
- 390 Engaging with Values: Balancing Tradition and Progress in Leadership
We explore the future of leadership, focusing on cognitive levels, emotional intelligence, and trust with Todd Hollow Bist. We discuss the importance of self-awareness, using presence to regulate emotions, and fostering breakthrough conver…
- 389 Navigating Power: Balancing Influence and Integrity with Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau
In the episode, Zoë Routh engages with Sylvia Rhode-Liebenau to explore the multifaceted concept of power. They discuss ethical ways to gain power, the role of technology in enhancing democratic processes, and introduce the framework of Sm…
- 388 Mega Thinking: The Art of Strategic Decision-Making for Leadership with Dave Martin
In this episode of the podcast, Zoë discusses enhancing leadership thinking through a recent article on transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and its implications for cognitive abilities. She introduces guest Dave Martin, a S…
- 387 Beyond Know-It-Alls: Cultivating Curiosity and Learning in Leadership with Damon Lembi
In this episode of the podcast, Zoë Routh engages with Damon Lembi, CEO of Learn It and host of the Learn It All podcast, to discuss the importance of fostering a learn-it-all mindset in leadership. They emphasise the need for leaders to p…
- 386 Developing a Disruptive Mindset: A Conversation with Kumar Parakala
In this episode, Zoe Routh discusses what it takes to become a disruptive leader with Kumar Parakala, author of Lead to Disrupt: Seven Keys to Success in a Changing World. The conversation explores digital disruption, self-powered wearable…
- 385 Leading with Compassion and Innovation: Insights from John Graham | Future of Leadership 2025
Join Zoë Routh in this exciting episode of the Future of Leadership as she explores how much failure we can handle and introduces a groundbreaking agricultural innovation called Electro Agriculture. Zoë discusses the importance of leading…
- 384 2024 in Retrospect: Setting the Stage for Leadership in 2025
In the final episode of the year, Zoë reflects on 2024's global and business trends, including ongoing conflicts, economic pressures, and a heightened focus on workforce wellbeing. She shares insights on what leaders should anticipate for…
- Future-Ready Leadership: Building High-Performance Teams with Graham Wilson
We look at the essential skills for future leadership. Zoë recounts a gripping rescue mission in Tasmania, highlighting the significance of collaboration and trust within teams. Guest Graham Wilson, dubbed 'The Leadership Wizard,' discusse…
- Nordic Leadership Wisdom with Anders Indset
This week, we delve into redefining leadership through the lens of interdependence and the Viking Code with Anders Indset. We discuss the significance of embracing vulnerability, fostering collective success, and shifting from hierarchical…
- Navigating Workplace Dynamics with Brenda Neckvatal: Strategies for Addressing Difficult Behaviors
This week, we dive into the complexities of workplace dynamics with Brenda Neckvatal, an expert in human behaviour and crisis management. Our discussion focuses on the challenges of addressing difficult behaviors in the workplace, explorin…
- Challenging Assumptions: The Art of Inquiry and Future Thinking in Leadership with Ralph Mercer
This week, we engage in a thought-provoking discussion on leadership and the philosophy of inquiry with Ralph Mercer. We examine the significance of challenging our assumptions and fostering robust thinking in collaborative environments. R…
- Leadership Insights from the US Election
In this special episode, Zoe, a leadership futurist and Canadian Australian in Canberra, dives deep into the implications of the US election results. Despite living outside the US, she reflects on the global ripple effects of American demo…
- How to Lead in Exponential Times
This week, we explore the future of leadership, focusing on exponential thinking and futures literacy with Charlotte Kemp. We discuss the importance of developing a flexible mindset, utilising strategic foresight tools, and adopting iterat…
- Non-Obvious Thinking: Navigating Future Trends with Rohit Bhargava
In this episode, we explore the importance of recognizing non-obvious trends and their implications for leadership and innovation with Rohit Bhargava, a 3-time Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author. We discuss Norway's electric vehicle ad…
- Kind Business Revolution: How Values Create Value
We explore the transformative potential of kindness in business with Dr. David Cooke, former Managing Director of Konica Minolta Australia. Dr. Cooke shares his journey from traditional hierarchical leadership to a more inclusive, kind app…
- Fighter Pilot Wisdom for Better Leadership
Zoë Routh sits down with Christian "Boo" Boucousis, a former fighter pilot turned entrepreneur, to discuss leadership transformation through the lens of the fighter pilot mindset. 👉 Become a Podcast Insider for more insights on evolving l…
- Business for Good: Globally Conscious Leadership
We dive deep into what it means to be a globally conscious leader with John Lamy. 🌱 John discusses the power of businesses to lead the fight against climate change, balancing profitability with responsibility. From building inner resilien…
- The Future of Work: Culture or Community?
Which is more critical, culture or community? With the ever-evolving workplace dynamics, particularly in the era of remote and hybrid work, this episode dives into how leaders can create environments that foster true connection and belongi…
- Revolutionising Leadership: Systems for the Next Era
I love systems. And I love systems for leadership even more. We want a reliable way of building leadership capability that inoculates against power abuse and tyranny. How can we embrace new systems to bring leadership alive across the enti…
- Thinking Rituals for Future-Fit Leadership
Zoë Routh announces the rebranding of her podcast from 'Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast' to 'The Future of Leadership.' We have a new format, including new artwork, a theme-based approach, practical guest segments called 'T TOK: Tea Time in t…
- 370 Decoding Creativity: Stages of Thoughtful Design for the Future
How can we be more creative, together? While collaboration has plenty of issues, creative imagining in teams is also challenging. Both are essential skills for the future of leadership: we need to harness as much collective brain power as…
- How to overcome power struggles in collaboration
Collaboration is HARD. There are leadership maturity hurdles as well as culture and systemic challenges to overcome. As leaders, we need to manage the polarity of individual achievement and collective success. In this way we might overcome…
- Future-Proofing: A Guide to Futures Tools
We welcome author and futurist Louise Mowbray, who shares her profound insights on systems thinking and managing complexity in leadership. Louise delves into the pivotal roles of creativity, curiosity, and compassion in effective leadershi…
- Preventing Burnout: Strategies for Leaders and Organisations with Mark Butler
In this episode, we sit down with mental health expert Mark Butler to explore critical issues impacting workplaces today. Mark delves into: Mental Health Challenges in the Workplace: Understanding common issues and their impacts. Trauma-In…
- A leadership framework for continuous improvement
My guest this week is an engineer turned systems productivity expert and author. Lauren Jones is a specialist in continuous improvement and her book, 10% Better, focuses on strategies to improve business processes and performance increment…