Join us for an engaging conversation with Ralph Mercer as we explore into the complexities of leadership through philosophy and technology. Learn how to question your worldview, engage in constructive dialogue, and foster a mindset that embraces future possibilities. This episode emphasizes the importance of robust thinking and collaborative inquiry in addressing today’s challenges.

In this special episode, Zoe Routh, a leadership futurist in Canberra, examines the global implications of the recent U.S. election results. She reflects on the ripple effects of American democracy, the divisions between political factions, and the values driving public reactions. Emphasizing curiosity, compassion, and systemic thinking, Zoe explores how these elements can bridge political divides and highlights the importance of supporting education and security initiatives for a better future.

This week, we explore the future of leadership, focusing on exponential thinking and futures literacy with Charlotte Kemp. We discuss the importance of developing a flexible mindset, utilising strategic foresight tools, and adopting iterative learning methods to navigate an increasingly complex world. The conversation covers various topics, including SpaceX's innovations, the impact of generative AI on creativity, and practical techniques for intelligence gathering and scenario planning

We explore the importance of recognizing non-obvious trends and their implications for leadership and innovation with Rohit Bhargava, a 3-time Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author. We discuss Norway's electric vehicle advancements, the preparation for the Leadership Conclave, and methods for effective trend spotting, including the Haystack method and scenario planning.

We explore the transformative potential of kindness in business with Dr. David Cooke, former Managing Director of Konica Minolta Australia. Dr. Cooke shares his journey from traditional hierarchical leadership to a more inclusive, kind approach that drove significant cultural and commercial success. Practical examples and heartfelt stories illustrate how kindness can be a powerful force in achieving both profit and social good. Don't miss out on an inspiring conversation that challenges conventional business practices and offers a vision for a more compassionate future.

Discover how adopting the fighter pilot mindset can transform your leadership style. Christian "Boo" Boucousis, a former fighter pilot and successful entrepreneur, explains the power of structured collaboration, the importance of credibility, and why iterative thinking is key to business success. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for leaders seeking to optimise their team's performance and navigate the fast-paced business world with confidence.

We dive deep into what it means to be a globally conscious leader with John Lamy. 🌱 John discusses the power of businesses to lead the fight against climate change, balancing profitability with responsibility. From building inner resilience through meditation and personal practices to creating businesses that serve both people and the planet, this episode is packed with insights.

Which is more critical, culture or community? With the ever-evolving workplace dynamics, particularly in the era of remote and hybrid work, this episode dives into how leaders can create environments that foster true connection and belonging. Zoë is joined by Lauren Buckley, founder of The Hush Collaborative, who shares her insights on the distinctions between culture and community, and how organisations can move beyond outdated cultural models to build thriving, resilient communities.

FIRST EPISODE of The Future of Leadership. I love systems. And I love systems for leadership even more.  We want a reliable way of building leadership capability that inoculates against power abuse and tyranny.

How can we embrace new systems to bring leadership alive across the entire organisation? We need a systemic change in how we think about encouraging leadership. It starts with reimagining the geometry of an organization: from triangles we need to move to circles. Then working on expanding the power of the individual.

My guest for T-TOK (Tea Time in the Office Kitchen) is Paul McCarthy, author of The F.I.R.E.D. Leader and he is on a mission to reshape the conversation about ​​, and how we need to shift how we recruit, train, and practice leadership if we are to normalise disruption and survive the era of exponential change.

Zoë Routh announces the rebranding of her podcast from 'Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast' to 'The Future of Leadership.' We have a new format, including new artwork, a theme-based approach, practical guest segments called 'T TOK: Tea Time in the Office Kitchen,' and subscriber-only materials.

We finish the final episode with a deep dive into THINKING RITUALS: conscious practices we hold sacrosanct so we can lead better for the future.

How can we be more creative, together? While collaboration has plenty of issues, creative imagining in teams is also challenging. Both are essential skills for the future of leadership: we need to harness as much collective brain power as possible to address future challenges, and find innovative solutions. Featuring Dr. Amy Climer, an experiential educator and creativity specialist and TEDx speaker.

Collaboration is HARD.

There are leadership maturity hurdles as well as culture and systemic challenges to overcome. As leaders, we need to manage the polarity of individual achievement and collective success. In this way we might overcome power struggles for effective collaboration.

IWe welcome author and futurist Louise Mowbray, who shares her profound insights on systems thinking and managing complexity in leadership. Louise delves into the pivotal roles of creativity, curiosity, and compassion in effective leadership, exploring how technology, including AI, can both aid and challenge leaders today.

We also discuss my favourite futurist book,  'Relevant Future Focused Leadership,' and the need for a modern renaissance in the arts. This episode is packed with forward-thinking ideas designed to inspire and equip leaders for the future.

Tune in to expand your leadership toolkit with these invaluable insights.

In this episode, we sit down with mental health expert Mark Butler to explore critical issues impacting workplaces today. Mark delves into:

• Mental Health Challenges in the Workplace: Understanding common issues and their impacts.

• Trauma-Informed Leadership: Why it's crucial for modern leaders.

• Recent Legislative Changes in Australia: What you need to know.

• Strategies to Prevent Burnout: Tips to promote mental well-being.

• Emotional Intelligence and Self-Care: Creating supportive environments.

• Reducing Mental Health Stigma: Empowering employees to take charge of their well-being.

Tune in for an enlightening discussion on creating healthier, more supportive workplaces.

My guest this week is an engineer turned systems productivity expert and author. Lauren Jones is a specialist in continuous improvement and her book, 10% Better, focuses on strategies to improve business processes and performance incrementally. Lauren shares how small, consistent improvements can lead to significant gains over time and how growth in both personal and professional realms can go hand-in-hand. 

It’s a solosode week and I am delving into the intricacies of leadership and personal development and exploring the idea of feeling stuck. I’ve got four practical steps that will help to get you moving in the right direction.  Feeling stuck is a natural part of the leadership journey, but it doesn't have to be a permanent state.

Elias Kanaris joined me to share his incredible journey from his upbringing in Libya to his leadership development work as a CEO. His story is one of influence, resilience, and the power of values instilled early in life. Elias's international background and his ability to navigate cultural nuances offer a rich perspective on leadership that transcends borders.

We are exploring the important but often overlooked art of negotiation with expert Sam Trattles, who shares her journey to loving something that many people hate. We explore Sam’s uniquely Australian APEC method and discuss the nuances of high-stakes negotiations, such as those in international conflicts.

This is a profound conversation with Paul Glover, an ex-lawyer and leadership legacy coach, who shares his remarkable journey from incarceration, after being indicted by a federal grand jury on 33 counts of corruption, to redemption. Paul’s time in prison was a period of intense self-reflection and transformation, driven by a commitment to his family and a desire to become a better person. 

Ever wondered how a spy hones the skill to read people with precision? Our guest this week shares his riveting journey from the military to mastering human intelligence. Retired spy and a three-time award-winning speaker, JJ Brun's story is not just about espionage; it's a masterclass in understanding human dynamics that every leader can learn from.