In the final episode of the year, Zoë reflects on 2024's global and business trends, including ongoing conflicts, economic pressures, and a heightened focus on workforce wellbeing. She shares insights on what leaders should anticipate for 2025, discussing economic challenges, workforce welfare, cybersecurity, and ethical ecosystems. Zoë also recounts her personal experiences in leadership development and offers practical reflection tips for planning a successful year ahead.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes:

• "Work shouldn't be a place that is detrimental to your health; we need to protect our people at work."

• "There's been a devaluing of the purpose of work, leading to a disconnection between employees and the outcomes of their contributions."

• "Leadership development is about creating community and connection, which has become even more vital post-COVID."

• Reflection on 2024: Zoë discusses the significant global events of the year, including ongoing conflicts and economic pressures that have shaped leadership challenges.

• Experiential Leadership Programs: She shares insights from her outdoor leadership programs, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions post-COVID.

• Upcoming Works: Zoë announces her upcoming books, including Olympus Rising, Power Games, and a box set launch on Kickstarter.

• Personal Achievements: Highlights include completing a 200-kilometer trek on the Australian Alpine Walking Track and launching her sequel, Olympus Bound, which has won several awards.

1. How can leaders effectively navigate the uncertainties brought on by global conflicts and economic challenges?

2. What strategies can be implemented to enhance workforce wellbeing in the face of rising pressures?

3. How can leaders reconnect their teams with the purpose and value of work to combat disconnection?

4. What role does innovation in technology and renewable energy play in shaping future business strategies?

5. How can leaders foster a culture of open communication and connection within their organisations?

Take Action

• Reflect on your leadership journey in 2024 and identify areas for improvement.

• Consider implementing practices that prioritise workforce wellbeing in your organization.

• Engage with peers or mentors to discuss strategic planning for 2025.

Tip of the Week

Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff.

Key Moments (timestamps)

• 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

• 01:04 Reflecting on 2024: Global and Business Insights

• 06:10 Personal Experiments and Business Ventures

• 14:29 Looking Ahead to 2025: Plans and Predictions

• 19:47 Reflection Tips for Leaders

• 22:30 How I Can Help You in 2025

• 23:51 Upcoming Episodes and Final Thoughts

We look at the essential skills for future leadership. Zoë recounts a gripping rescue mission in Tasmania, highlighting the significance of collaboration and trust within teams. Guest Graham Wilson, dubbed 'The Leadership Wizard,' discusses the need to unlearn outdated leadership practices and emphasizes authentic, purpose-driven leadership. The conversation also covers team dynamics and practical strategies for enhancing performance.

Quotes

• "The secret ingredient to preventing a toxic culture is transparency around decision-making." Zoë Routh

• "We were educated for a world that doesn't exist anymore." Graham Wilson

• "Collaboration and teamwork should not be seen as cheating; they are essential for effective leadership." Graham Wilson

Questions Asked

1. What are the trends that you're paying attention to in leadership and business right now?

2. How do you see the pace of change affecting leaders today?

3. What does it mean for leaders to unlearn outdated beliefs and practices?

4. How can leaders foster collaboration in an environment where teamwork may be viewed as "cheating"?

5. What strategies can leaders implement to create an empowered workforce?

Take Action

• Reflect on your own leadership style and identify any outdated beliefs you may need to unlearn.
• Implement at least one collaboration tool discussed in the episode to enhance team dynamics.
• Read recommended leadership books to deepen your understanding of effective leadership practices.

Tip of the Week

Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff.

Key Moments (timestamps)

00:00 Welcome to the Future of Leadership

00:38 A Riveting Rescue Story

02:16 Lessons from the Rescue

06:04 Upcoming Adventures and Book Releases

06:40 Exploring Organizational Culture

09:42 Introducing Graham Wilson

11:38 The Future of Leadership Trends

17:41 Unlearning Old Leadership Patterns

23:10 Building Human Connection in Teams

29:00 Creating Certainty in Uncertain Times

29:44 The Concept of Taking the Knee

30:31 Lessons from Racing and Business

31:48 The Importance of Slowing Down

34:40 Collaboration Tools and Techniques

39:50 Future of Work and Leadership

44:50 The Fast Three Questions

46:32 Final Thoughts on Leadership

52:09 Where to Find More About Graham Wilson

53:19 Book Recommendation and Closing Remarks

This week, we delve into redefining leadership through the lens of interdependence and the Viking Code with Anders Indset. We discuss the significance of embracing vulnerability, fostering collective success, and shifting from hierarchical to collaborative power structures in organisations.

The conversation encompasses a range of topics, including the philosophy behind the Viking Code, the importance of micro ambitions for personal and team growth, and practical strategies for building trust and enhancing team dynamics in the workplace.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes

• "When we share power, we all grow stronger." - Zoë Routh

• “If we don't have friction, we cannot progress. And if we don't have trust, we cannot solve the friction." - Anders Indset

• "We are very resilient when we are intrinsically motivated to do something. We are high performers per nature. But if everything is a reactive performance, then it becomes very exhausting." - Anders Indset

Questions Asked

1. How might a Declaration of Interdependence change our leadership?

2. What is the Viking Code, and how does it relate to modern leadership?

3. How can organisations incorporate aspects of the Viking Code for high performance?

Take Action

• Reflect on your own leadership style and consider how you can foster interdependence within your team.

• Explore the principles of the Viking Code and think about how they can be applied to enhance collaboration in your organisation.

• Engage in conversations about vulnerability and trust within your workplace to build a more supportive culture.

Tip of the Week
Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff.

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction to the Future of Leadership

00:26 Exploring Interdependence in Leadership

00:41 Innovations and Inspirations: 3D Printed Hotel

02:03 Personal Updates and Travel Plans

02:53 Rethinking Power Structures in the Workplace

05:08 Interview with Anders Inset: The Viking Code

06:40 The Philosophy Behind the Viking Code

26:27 Applying the Viking Code to organisations

31:40 Challenges of Returning to the Office

32:04 Core Leadership Skills for Thriving Teams

34:14 The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership

35:44 Building Self-Trust Through Vulnerability

37:56 Exploring Future Technologies

40:08 Leadership Tips and Reading Recommendations

42:58 The Role of Fiction in Understanding the Future

50:03 Anticipating Future Scenarios

54:32 Conclusion and Resources