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 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 Wolfe

10:11 Dr. Wolfe'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

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 Plan—and offers practical, transformative advice for any leader serious about delivering big ideas, sustainably and profitably. Together, they examine the future of AI in operations, culture-building through psychological safety, and why mentorship—not management—is the secret sauce of visionary success.

SHOWNOTES are here:

https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/operational-excellence

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

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

Planet Human:

Tesla owners are rebelling—not by selling their cars, but by disguising them. A lesson in knowing your audience, brand alignment, and leadership reputation.

https://www.fastcompany.com/91294552/tesla-owners-are-disguising-their-cars-with-fake-badges-as-a-form-of-resistance

Key Quotes:

"Founders often have vision but no framework. That’s where chaos begins." – Emma Rainville

"Operational excellence means responding, not reacting." – Emma Rainville

"We shouldn't be 'shoulding' all over ourselves. Make conscious commitments." – Zoë Routh

Questions Asked:

1. What is the WAVE framework and how can it help you scale?

2. Why do visionary leaders struggle with management—and how can they overcome it?

3. What are the biggest mistakes founders make when launching new products?

4. How can we build a culture where failure becomes fuel for growth?

Take Action:

1. Define your own Written Vision. Where are you heading in 10 years?

2. Create a people development plan—not just for hiring, but for mentoring.

3. Test Emma’s approach: use ChatGPT to challenge your processes and find efficiencies.

4. Celebrate team members not just for solving problems, but for how they fix mistakes.

Tip of the Week

Explore AI as a co-pilot in your business. Delegate your drudgery.

Ask: How might I make this repeatable, streamlined, or automated?

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.

Join the Power Games advance notice here:

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

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Theme

00:32 Tesla Resistance and Marketing Missteps

03:30 Personal Updates from Zoe

04:27 Eliminating Drudgery with AI

05:40 Interview with Emma Rainsville: The Wizard of Ops

09:01 Defining Operational Excellence

10:03 Visionary Entrepreneurs and Business Challenges

16:22 People Development and Leadership

22:31 Exploring Commercial and Home Services

23:04 The Impact of AI on Operational Excellence

24:16 Incorporating AI and Automations

29:03 Building a Culture of Operational Excellence

32:14 The WAVE Operational Framework

35:07 The Fast Three: Quick Insights

37:05 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

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 book Power Games, and her new home for content on Substack. Then, we welcome Tim Duggan—award-winning author, media entrepreneur, and columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

Tim shares thoughtful insights from his latest book Work Backwards, which challenges conventional notions of success and offers a practical framework for aligning your life, money, and work. He explores emerging work trends including “coffee badging” and “conscious unbossing,” and reflects on how a personal turning point reshaped his entire approach to life and leadership. This conversation is an invitation to pause, reconsider what matters, and take deliberate action toward a more meaningful way of working.

SHOWNOTES are here:

https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/designing-work-and-money

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

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

Planet Human:

DARPA, the U.S. Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency, has turned its attention to space manufacturing—with plans to build 500-metre-long infrastructure in orbit using synthetic biology.

https://singularityhub.com/2025/03/10/darpa-wants-to-grow-enormous-living-structures-in-space/

Key Quotes:

1. “Our systems of work are built on our values and beliefs. If we want new systems, we must start there.” – Zoë Routh

2. “If we don't answer the question of what is enough, we’ll never get there.” – Tim Duggan

3. “The future of work is personal, messy, and already here.” – Tim Duggan

Questions Asked:

1. What does it mean to “work backwards” and how can we apply it to our lives?

2. How are Gen Z’s values reshaping the workforce?

3. What can leaders do to foster trust, meaning, and motivation in the workplace?

4. How do we define “enough” when it comes to money, time, and success?

Take Action:

1. Reflect on your MAP: Meaning, Anchors (your core values), and Priorities.

2. Create a backwards budget: How much money do you actually need to live well?

3. Redefine success: Is it still about more—or is it about enough? Start the conversation in your team.

Tip of the Week:

Define your own “enough.” Take time this week to clarify what a well-lived life looks like for you. Then, make one small shift in your work or life to support that vision.

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.

Join the Power Games advance notice here:

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

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Theme

00:23 Planet Human: DARPA's Space Ambitions

01:37 Planet Zoe: Alpine Adventure

02:36 Planet Zoe: Power Games and Substack

04:55 Exploring Life and Work on Our Own Terms

06:47 Interview with Tim Duggan: A Journey of Entrepreneurship

13:46 Tim Duggan's Insights on Modern Work Culture

24:20 Understanding Core Values and Priorities

24:52 Mapping Life and Money

26:05 Defining 'Enough' and Personal Fulfillment

29:46 Balancing Work, Mind, Body, and Relationships

31:37 The Future of Work and Its Challenges

33:27 Global Response to Work Backwards

37:19 Leadership Insights and Personal Tips

41:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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, 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

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 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.

Join the community here:

https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast-news

You'll gain access to 40 book summaries on Leading Strategy and Performance, plus an exclusive audio from People Stuff.

Join the Power Games advance notice here:

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

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

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 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

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, and create opportunities for business leaders. Candice shares insights into AI’s geopolitical landscape, the importance of diverse perspectives in AI development, and how leaders can implement AI to streamline business operations.

The conversation also covers the ethical considerations of AI, its evolving capabilities, and how businesses can develop a strategic AI roadmap. Additionally, Zoë recommends Tough Broad by Caroline Paul, an inspiring read on outdoor adventure for women.

SHOWNOTES are here.

https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/ai-power-practical-strategies-for-leaders

Key Quotes

“The challenge for leaders isn’t just keeping up with AI—it’s making smart, strategic choices about where to use it." – Zoë Routh

"The best use of AI is not to replace people, but to augment what they’re already doing." – Candice DeVille

"We have the opportunity to shape AI by how we use it, what we teach it, and how we engage with it." – Candice DeVille

"When using AI, start small. Automate the tasks that are repetitive, prone to human error, and the ones that people complain about the most." – Candice DeVille

Questions Asked

1. How can AI be used to expand our perspectives?

2. What is the role of AI in creating meaningful connections rather than just generating content?

3. How can leaders implement AI in a structured way without overwhelming their teams?

4. What are the key geopolitical considerations shaping AI development?

5. How do open-source AI models like DeepSeek compare to proprietary models?

6. What are the most effective ways for SMEs to start leveraging AI?

7. How can business leaders ensure AI adoption is ethical and effective?

Take Action

1. Identify repetitive tasks in your business – Make a list of time-consuming, error-prone processes that could be automated.

2. Ask AI how it can help – Use tools like ChatGPT to explore automation options tailored to your needs.

3. Develop an AI roadmap – Start with a small, low-risk AI project to test the benefits before scaling up.

4. Encourage AI education in your team – Provide training so employees can leverage AI effectively.

5. Set clear AI guardrails – Ensure AI tools align with ethical considerations and business values.

6. Explore free AI learning resources – Check out Candice DeVille’s AI CoPilot courses for business leaders.

Tip of the Week

Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only.

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 Welcome

00:18 Exploring AI Tools: Bordi on LinkedIn

01:59 Power Games and Upcoming Book Launch

02:54 Using AI to Expand Perspectives

04:53 Interview with Candice DeVille: AI CoPilot

06:00 Candice DeVille's Journey in Tech

08:04 AI's Impact and Future Directions

19:44 Practical AI Applications for Businesses

28:48 Candice DeVille's Free AI Program for Leaders

33:39 Book Recommendation: Tough Broad

35:15 Conclusion and Call to Action

Power Games Kickstarter Campaign, sign up here:

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

MagicMind Nootropic:

They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code TFLPOD20 at checkout.

You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/TFLPOD