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We explore the power of challenging assumptions and building regenerative societies with innovative software called Regen. Zoë shares updates on her upcoming Australian Alpine walking track adventure and her latest novels.
We welcome Scott Marshall, President and CEO of the Semester at Sea, where students spend a semester on a cruise ship, taking lessons on board and visiting various ports. 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.
Planet Human
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Summary
Zoë shares personal updates:
Regenerative Societies & Technology – Exploring the potential of Regen software in building self-sustaining, environmentally resilient communities.
Australian Alpine Walking Track Preparation – Training, packing, and planning for a long-distance trek through Australia’s alpine regions.
Upcoming Works – Progress on Olympus Dawn and Power Games, including insights into the Kickstarter campaign.
Bringing the World to Work – Strategies for fostering global awareness and cultural intelligence in teams.ns on how AI tools can enhance or hinder decision-making.
Thought-Provoking Questions for Leaders, focusing on:
How can organisations foster intercultural sensitivity and build inclusive workplaces?
What leadership strategies help challenge assumptions and cultivate curiosity?
How do global experiences shape decision-making and problem-solving in teams?
Is experiential learning the key to long-term transformation in leadership development?
What role should businesses play in developing a workforce with a global mindset?
Scott Marshall reflects on:
The Impact of Semester at Sea – How immersive global experiences transform students’ perspectives, fostering leadership skills and lifelong learning.
Intercultural Competence & Leadership – The importance of curiosity in challenging biases and building stronger workplace connections.
Diversity & Inclusion Beyond Workshops – Why real-world experiences are more effective than traditional DEI training.
The Power of Experiential Learning – Lessons from leadership education that go beyond the classroom and into real-world application.
Future-Proofing Leadership – The role of travel, education, and discomfort in shaping adaptive and globally aware leaders.
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 Explored
How does Semester at Sea create a transformative learning experience?
What are the key leadership lessons from immersing in global cultures?
How can organisations foster curiosity and intercultural awareness in the workplace?
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.
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
About Scott Marshall
Scott Marshall is the host of the As Unexpected Podcast and President and CEO of the Institute for Shipboard Education, a 61-year-old nonprofit that directs Semester at Sea, the world’s leading comparative study abroad program.
Prior to joining Semester at Sea, Marshall was a Professor of Management, Vice Provost and Interim Dean in the College of Business at Portland State University. Scott’s life-long commitment to global education and travel was born out of a study abroad program in Japan as an undergraduate. Scott, his wife, and their two children sailed on the Spring 2017 voyage of Semester at Sea, after which he joined the organization as Vice President of Academic Affairs. He has served as President since January 2020.
As a business professor, Marshall taught, researched, wrote and published over 40 articles, book chapters and case studies on management, marketing, entrepreneurship and international studies. During his time in academia, Scott also taught a wide range of courses in strategy, entrepreneurship and management. He earned his B.A. in Business Economics at Willamette University, his M.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University, and his Ph.D. in International Business from the University of Oregon.
Website: https://www.semesteratsea.org/
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About Zoë Routh
Zoë Routh is a leadership futurist, podcaster, and multiple award-winning author. She works with leaders and teams to navigate future horizons.
She has worked with individuals and teams internationally and in Australia since 1987. From wild Canadian rivers to the Australian Outback, and the Boardroom jungles, Zoë is an adventurist! She facilitates strategy and culture sessions with audacious teams.
Zoë's fourth leadership book, People Stuff - Beyond Personality Problems: An advanced handbook for leadership, won the Book of the Year at the Australian Business Book Awards in 2020. Her fifth book is a near future science fiction dystopian novel, The Olympus Project.
Zoë is the producer of the The Future of Leadership Podcast dedicated to asking “What if…?” and sharing Big Ideas on the Future of Leadership.
Zoë is an outdoor adventurist and enjoys telemark skiing, has run six marathons, is a one-time belly-dancer, has survived cancer, and loves hiking in the high country. She is married to a gorgeous Aussie and is a self-confessed dark chocolate addict.