After we bond over our love of canoeing and the wonder of wide open water, technologist and author Jeff Ton and I go on a leadership journey from the future, to the past and back again!
We explore the impact of technology and culture on the future of work, including the potential impact of generative AI platforms, the pandemic, and virtual reality in changing the way we work. We also touch on the importance of blockchain and transparency in creating a more inclusive and equitable world. We also delve into the power of journaling as a leadership tool, the challenge of keeping up with rapidly changing technology, and we have fun reimaging - and repurposing - office buildings. This is a conversation to pique curiosity and expand leadership perspectives with our exploratory ‘could’ questions about how we lead in a way that is fit for the future.
A leadership question: What could the future of work be?
Why you should listen: leadership lessons from history can help us move forward
Using journaling as a leadership tool
We explore fit for the future leadership perspectives
You’re a technology leader and you didn’t know it
Imagining a different future with visionary leadership
Forging leadership connections between tech, flexibility, equity and diversity
Take action
Start a fit for the Future Club where you take turns in your team bringing up something that has happened out there, whether it's artificial intelligence or blockchain or ChatGPT and showcasing what you learned about that particular thing that week and asking the question, what could this mean?
People Stuff tip: When in doubt, map it out. In the book there's a couple of different maps you can use, and one of the most significant ones, which is really useful for expanding perspective and also helping you and your team members see the bigger picture is a systems map that is basically a mind map of how the systems in your organisation flow into one another and you can start wherever you know.
Resources mentioned:
Fearless: Leadership Lessons at the Crossroads by Steve Johns
Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute
The Status Go Podcast from InterVision
About Jeff Ton
Jeff Ton is a sought-after Information Technology speaker, author and thought leader, having led and built successful IT departments for the past 35 years. In his most recent role before starting his strategic IT advisory business, he served as Senior Vice President of Product and Strategic Alliances at InterVision, Jeff thrived on developing people while driving the company’s product strategy, service vision and strategic approach.
Jeff serves on numerous boards and advisory councils including: Forbes Technology Council, Hoosier Environmental Council board of directors Connected World Magazine Board of Advisors, and the Mud Creek Conservancy board of directors. He is also a Fellow Alumni for the Institute of Digital Transformation.
Jeff is the author of Amplify Your Value (2018) and is a frequent keynote speaker on topics related to the evolving IT landscape and the changing role of the CIO. Learn more at www.JeffreySTon.com.
Key moments
Planet Human [00:00:04]
Discussion on the banning of certain educational concepts in India and the implications for the future.
Planet Zoë [00:02:53]
Updates on the release of the book ‘Terra Blanca’ - head to the Bookish page for a sneak peek of the cover and sign up to receive the ebook for free when it lands later this year!
Introducing Jeff Ton [00:03:54]
This week’s guest is an author, speaker, technologist and podcaster with decades of experience.
Application of AI in work [00:11:45]
Discussion on using generative AI platforms, such as ChatGPT and BARD, for various tasks and the need for training to interact with these platforms.
Virtual reality and the future of work [00:15:46]
Exploration of how virtual reality platforms and 3D graphics can revolutionise remote work and create immersive experiences, including virtual meetings and simulations.
The future of office buildings [00:20:32]
Consideration of the future of big office buildings and potential alternative uses, such as indoor gardening spaces and apartment living, due to the shift towards remote work and the need to avoid empty city centres.
Future Tech [00:22:59]
Discussion about the future of technology, specifically virtual reality and its potential applications in the workplace.
Leadership Lesson [00:23:31]
The importance of listening as a leadership skill and the impact it can have on effective leadership.
Diversity and Inclusion [00:23:47]
The desire to solve diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in the workplace and create inclusive environments for all employees.
Amplifiers Academy™️ - online, self paced leadership development [28:55]
Featuring short video lessons, great checklists and resources and recommendations and book summaries, all there to help boost your leadership thinking and abilities. We focus on leading strategy, leading culture, leading change and leading performance. So if you want a go-to resource that can help boost your strategic abilities immediately, check it out.
The Art of Journaling as a Leadership Tool [00:34:19]
Exploring the benefits of journaling for gaining clarity, making decisions, and reflecting on personal growth.
Documenting Successes and Celebrating Victories [00:36:13]
The importance of journaling daily successes and celebrating milestones as a leader for personal growth and motivation.
Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making [00:46:11]
Teases the upcoming discussion with Constance Dietrich about the application of AI in decision making.
👉🏼 Want to share your experience? Ask a question? Share a resource? Jump on our podcast Facebook page here.
Related episodes on leadership perspectives
209 Leadership Development - The Gen Y Perspective with Jordan Kibukamusoke
236 Perspective shifting leadership insights
300 A leadership perspective from 10,000ft with fighter pilot Dom Teich
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.