My guest this week has evolved from punk rock protester to common ground champion, she is a fearless Indian American activist and a beacon of hope for racial justice. Meet the truly inspiring Nisha Anand as she shares her remarkable story, from being arrested in Burma for her pro-democracy efforts to leading transformative change with DreamOrg, a social justice nonprofit where she is CEO.
We learn about the pivotal moment that changed Nisha’s relationship to power and get her insights into building inclusive solutions and finding the all important common ground that can turn perceived enemies into unlikely allies. Collaboration is a must-have leadership skill and Nisha’s unique experiences and wisdom will help you approach it from a fresh perspective.
Leadership principles for finding, and building on, common ground
Why you should listen: building leadership bridges is vital
Rethinking leadership power dynamics for better collaboration
We explore leadership ownership and accountability
Leading with love and lifting up others
Sustainable solutions come from diverse leadership perspectives
Commit to impactful leadership actions
Take action
Create a bigger table. Try to get as many perspectives around the table as possible.
Lead with love. Really leaning in to finding something lovable about other humans with whom you disagree.
Read Nisha’s book recommendation, See No Stranger by Valerie Core.
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About Nisha Anand
Nisha Anand is an Indian-American activist, mom of two teenagers, and leader for racial justice. Once a radical grassroots activist arrested in Burma for passing out pro-democracy leaflets, Nisha’s expansive organising experience solidified her belief in the power of working with unlikely partners to find real solutions.
Having grown up watching movement organisations rise and fall, she now pushes change-makers to dream bigger, design more inclusive movements, and experiment at scale. As Dream.Org's CEO, Nisha leads a diverse group of people who are learning, like her, the value of unconventional relationships.
Find out more: https://www.nishaanand.org/
Key moments
Planet Human: Reflecting on the current unrest and remembering to look for the good in the world.
Planet Zoë: Olympus Bound is with the editor and the cover is primed for a reveal soon!
Meet Nisha Anand (00:02:10) Zoe introduces Nisha Anand, an Indian American activist, and her background.
An activist arrested (00:03:17) Nisha shares her experience of being arrested and sentenced to hard labor in a Burmese prison.
Activism and bridge-building (00:04:26) Nisha discusses her activism and the role of being a bridge builder between different worlds and causes.
Changed perspective on power and common ground (00:06:27) Nisha talks about her transformation in viewing power and finding common ground with influential figures.
Experience in Burmese jail (00:08:33) Nisha describes her experience in a Burmese jail and the emotional impact on her and her family.
Changed relationship with power (00:12:37) Nisha explains her previous anarchist views and how her perspective on power has evolved over time.
Determining the just cause (00:18:05) Nisha discusses the complexity of determining the just cause and the importance of acknowledging blind spots.
Building the biggest table for solutions (00:20:10) Nisha talks about the approach to creating inclusive solutions by considering diverse perspectives and unlikely allies.
Belief in Dignity and Freedom for Everybody (00:22:19) Emphasis on the desire for a future with dignity, freedom, and justice for all, and the importance of not marginalising any group.
The Power of Collective Will and Collaboration (00:24:33) A story about the success of collective will and collaboration in passing bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation.
Influence of Individual Leaders and Rise of Authoritarianism (00:28:16) The impact of individual leaders on a country's behavior and the danger of the rise of authoritarianism and strongmen around the world.
Democracy at Scale and Leadership Style (00:32:52) Discussion on the importance of democracy at scale, the influence of individual leaders, and the leadership style focused on embracing love.
Fast Five: Leadership Tips and Recommendations (00:36:16) Nisha's responses to leadership and future tech, leadership tip, workplace problem, leaders deserving thumbs up, and a favorite leadership book.
Challenges of Collective Decision Making (00:43:13) The effort and time required to consider diverse perspectives and the limitations of picking a single solution.
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About your host, Canberra leadership expert 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 Zoë Routh 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.