Join me for this solosode where I reflect on conversations with recent podcast guests, plus what has been inspiring me - from books to amazing developments in technology. Then I respond to a question about executive presence and its role in effective, influential leadership. Strength of character really comes to mind here - and that includes knowing your values, recognising your biases and challenging the systems you are a part of. The theme through all of this is: Be a good human. Show up, stand for something and share it with the world!
Is your leadership a force for good that makes you feel good?
Why you should listen: the tricky tension between leadership and power
The leadership traps of corruption and complacency
We explore subconscious leadership influence
Reflecting on cultural biases in leadership
Stretching leadership thinking deep and wide
What leadership systems are you supporting or suppressing?
Take action
Be kind, be courageous, and keep going!
Key moments
Planet human [00:01:50]
Experiments in EEG - mind reading, dream recording and other amazing potential applications of this new technology!
Planet Zoë [00:04:54]
Updates on the progress of Zoë's books, including Terra Blanca and Olympus Bound.
Abuse of Power [00:09:33]
Exploration of the abuse of power in various contexts, including politics and war, and the need for leaders to have a healthy relationship with power.
The importance of cultural norms in executive presence [00:12:06]
Playing to existing cultural norms can enhance influence, such as standing up straight, dressing professionally, and using a lower voice.
Challenging biases in executive presence [00:13:23]
Authenticity and quiet power can be just as influential as conforming to conventional norms, and leaders should make room for those who don't fit the traditional image.
Being mindful of biases and challenging our thinking [00:14:25]
We need to be aware of our subconscious biases and challenge them to think more deeply, as quick assessments can lead to incorrect judgments.
👉🏼 Want to share your experience? Ask a question? Share a resource? Jump on our podcast Facebook page here.
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.