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We explore the power of self-managing teams, innovation ecosystems, and the art of consensus-building with John Taylor McEntire, a consultant and Chief Empowerment Officer at 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.
Planet Human
China creates world's first two-way brain-computer interface.
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Summary
Zoë shares personal updates:
Breakthroughs in brain-computer interface technology and what it means for leadership and innovation.
Training progress for the Australian Alpine Walking Track and lessons in endurance.
The latest on Power Games—book production, audiobook recording, and upcoming Kickstarter campaign.
Insights on decision-making and leadership power dynamics, inspired by real-world case studies.
Thought-Provoking Questions for Leaders, focusing on:
How can leaders encourage self-managing teams while maintaining strategic influence?
What practical steps can organisations take to break down communication barriers and align language?
How can the principles of Nemawashi be applied to improve decision-making processes?
What strategies help businesses scale leadership while maintaining strong company culture?
John Taylor McEntire reflects on:
Breaking the Curse of Babel: John explains how misaligned language in organisations leads to inefficiency and shares methods to create shared understanding.
Consensus Building: He introduces the Ringi Seido framework, a structured approach to decision-making that fosters team alignment.
Nemawashi Principle: John highlights the importance of laying groundwork for organisational change to ensure smooth transitions and lasting impact.
Scaling Leadership: He discusses how fostering autonomy and developing emerging leaders strengthens company growth.
The Role of Relationships in Business: John shares personal insights on the importance of trust, influence, and collaborative networks in leadership success.
Key Quotes
"When we align our language, we unlock collaboration." – John Taylor McEntire
"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 McEntire
Questions Explored
What does it take to build truly self-managing teams?
How can organisations break through communication barriers and align their language?
What is the Nemawashi principle, and how does it help organisations scale leadership?
How do we foster a culture of innovation while maintaining strong leadership?
What role does personal connection play in shaping high-performing teams?
Take Action
Review your decision-making processes—are they inclusive and effective
Reflect on the concept of Nemawashi: How can you better prepare your team for change?
Start a leadership journal to document key decisions and assess their long-term impact.
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.
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 Ecosystem
24:16 Understanding Technology Transfer
28:06 Breaking the Curse of Babel
30:06 The Nemawashi Principle
36:11 Scaling Leadership and Autonomous Teams
41:17 The Fast Three Questions
44:29 Personal Reflections and Coaching
47:29 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements
49:52 Read to Lead and Show Wrap-Up
About John Taylor McEntire
I'm John Taylor McEntire, the Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of Mutual Prosperity, and my story is a testament to the power of embracing diversity, building consensus, and enabling mutual success.
Growing up in a household filled with siblings, cousins, Native American foster brothers, exchange students, and refugees, I learned early on the importance of finding strength in our shared humanity. This sparked my lifelong passion for world cultures and set me on a path to become an Innovation Ecosystem Enabler, helping organizations across the globe foster development, growth, and change.
From my early days in Japan, where I immersed myself in the language and culture, to my work with Hollywood producers and global electronic manufacturers, I've honed my skills in building consensus and driving successful outcomes. As a leader at the University of Illinois and Qatar Foundation technology transfer units, I've helped transform regions into thriving hubs of innovation and economic development.
Now, with Mutual Prosperity, I'm combining my decades of expertise with the proven Success Principles of Jack Canfield to help individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. When you invite me on your podcast, your listeners will gain practical strategies for discovering their purpose, harnessing their strengths, and contributing meaningfully to their personal and professional lives.
From my first book, "The Keys to Authenticity – Unlocking the Code to a Fulfilling Life" that I co-authored with Jack Canfield in 2023 to my own volume on influencing organizations towards consensus building and mutual prosperity in the upcoming "S.Y.N.C. to the Beat of Success: Mastering the International Art of Building Influence", I'm ready to share my insights with your audience and inspire them to embrace diversity, find joy, and thrive in their endeavors.
https://mutualprosperity.com/
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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.