From joining the Navy at just 17 and now reflecting on a 30-plus year military career, retired Commodore Peter Scott returns to the podcast to talk about his memoir Running Deep which offers insights into the life of a submariner.
Peter has written an open hearted, courageous, honest and compelling account of his naval life and the many personal and leadership challenges he has faced and overcome. We navigate the sometimes choppy waters of being in service to your country, facing down personal demons, digging deep to get results and ultimately, finding balance and self-acceptance in a life - and beautiful world - that’s worth defending.
You never know where your next leadership transformation will come from!
Why you should listen: the self-acceptance at the heart of successful leadership
No one is the perfect leader!
We explore leadership under pressure
Holding the line - leadership that impacts lives
Self-compassionate leadership that sets an example
Complex situations call for leadership reflection
Take action
Self compassion. Being kind to yourself and looking after yourself.
Appreciate the military personnel who are out there every day putting themselves in harm's way in defense of our way of life and our beautiful country.
Tip of the week: From my book, Moments: Leadership When It Matters Most and concerning crucibles, it is the ability to make sense of the senseless and be able to craft a story about the challenges we faced, how we met them, and how we become better individuals and better leaders as a result.
Retired Commodore Peter Scott
About Retired Commodore Peter Scott
Peter Scott is an executive coach and leadership development professional with over 35 years’ experience leading specialist teams in complex and demanding environments.
Joining the Royal Australian Navy as a seventeen-year-old Midshipman in 1983, he rose over three decades to be the professional head of the Navy’s elite: the Submarine Arm.
Peter holds a Masters in Coaching Psychology from the University of Sydney and now works to unleash the courage, compassion and wisdom of leaders.
His new book is Running Deep
Peter’s podcast recommendation is: Deep Leadership, which is hosted by John Rennie
Key moments
Planet Human: Nano Cellulose Technology [00:00:04]
Planet Zoë: Working with Kimberley Health Unit [00:01:22]
Guest Peter Scott's Memoir [00:02:29]
Discussion about Peter’s memoir, "Running Deep," and the reasons behind writing it, including showcasing the submarine life and the value of submarines as a deterrent.
The challenges of writing an honest memoir [00:11:21]
Peter discusses the process of selecting meaningful stories for the reader and the importance of accepting one's past.
The difference in style of military memoirs [00:13:06]
How this memoir stands out from traditional military memoirs by offering a more open-hearted and balanced perspective on leadership.
The author's relationship with alcohol [00:15:16]
Peter reflects on their reliance on alcohol and the difficulties of writing about the negative consequences it had on their life.
Dealing with isolation at sea [00:22:43]
The challenges of being isolated at sea and maintaining relationships without direct connection.
A turning point moment [00:24:00]
A moment of immense grief and frustration, leading to a turning point.
Dealing with trauma and seeking help [00:42:50]
Peter Scott's personal journey of seeking help for anxiety, depression, and trauma after leaving the military.
The Crucible of Leadership [00:47:01]
Discussion on the concept of crucibles and how they can transform individuals and leaders.
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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.