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Leadership futurist and author Sara Causey joins Zoë to explore the moral courage and leadership legacy of Dag Hammarskjöld, the second Secretary-General of the United Nations. Drawing from her books Decoding the Unicorn and the forthcoming Simply Dag, Sara unpacks why Hammarskjöld’s leadership during the Cold War remains deeply relevant today.
The conversation explores ethical leadership in complex systems, quiet diplomacy, psychological safety, and the tension between service-driven leadership and power structures. Zoë and Sara discuss Hammarskjöld’s role during the Congo Crisis, the suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, and what modern leaders can learn about moral courage, listening, and leading without ego.
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Summary
Zoë shares personal updates:
The Leadership Legacy of Dag Hammarskjöld - Why Hammarskjöld’s approach to diplomacy and leadership still matters today.
Moral Courage in Complex Systems - Leading ethically even when power structures resist change.
Quiet Diplomacy Over Ego - Why restraint, listening, and strategic calm can be more powerful than force.
Psychological Safety Before Its Time - How Hammarskjöld practiced inclusion and belonging decades before modern leadership language existed.
Restorative Listening and Human Connection - Why meaningful leadership begins by genuinely hearing others.
Sara Causey reflects on:
The Congo Crisis and Hammarskjöld’s Assassination - The political tensions and power struggles surrounding his death.
Cold War Leadership Under Pressure - Navigating diplomacy during one of history’s most volatile eras.
Leadership Without Machismo - Why quiet, thoughtful leadership is often underestimated.
Diplomacy as Leadership Practice - How patience and dialogue can prevent escalation.
The Relevance of the United Nations Today - Why global institutions still matter despite growing distrust.
Key Quotes
“Sometimes problems are not outright solved. They have to be outlived and outgrown.” - Sara Causey
“You absolutely have to be willing to listen more than you speak.” - Sara Causey
“The office itself and the goal of world peace was so much more important than his own individual ego.” - Sara Causey
Questions Explored
Who was Dag Hammarskjöld and why does his leadership still matter today?
How can leaders demonstrate moral courage inside complex systems?
Why is listening one of the most important leadership skills?
What does ethical leadership look like during periods of division and instability?
How do leaders avoid escalating conflict while still standing for their values?
Can quiet diplomacy still work in today’s world?
Take Action
Practice deeper listening before responding in difficult conversations.
Identify where ego may be escalating unnecessary conflict or defensiveness.
Create more psychological safety within your team or organisation.
Lead with service and stewardship rather than status or control.
Pause before reacting and consider whether silence, patience, or curiosity may create a better outcome.
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Key Moments
00:00 Introduction and Big Question
00:43 Planet Zoë Updates
02:00 Surf Injury Story
03:05 Newcastle Friendship Wins
03:57 The Chrysalis Program Invitation
05:57 Meet Sara Causey
07:24 Who Was Dag Hammarskjöld
09:56 Sara’s Origin Story
12:55 The Congo Crisis and Assassination
18:07 Who Was Behind It
20:05 Values Under Threat
24:52 Leading Ethically Today
27:12 Restorative Justice and Listening
29:12 Moral Courage in Leadership
30:12 Cold War Leadership Pressure
32:20 Dag Under Fire
33:38 China POW Diplomacy
34:49 Channeling Dag Today
35:32 Quiet Strength Over Ego
39:16 Legacy and UN Relevance
44:40 Fast Three Questions
46:37 Books and New Projects
50:07 Creative Rebirth and Career Shift
51:26 Wrap Up and Sign Off
About Sara Causey
Sara Causey is an author, artist, and researcher who explores the life and philosophy of UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld. Her work examines the intersection of ethical leadership, diplomacy, and the inner life required to lead responsibly in times of uncertainty.
Through her book Decoding the Unicorn and her forthcoming release Simply Dag, Sara brings Hammarskjöld’s writings and leadership philosophy to modern audiences, highlighting the discipline, moral courage, and self-knowledge that shaped his approach to power.
Drawing on Hammarskjöld’s journals and legacy, Sara explores what leadership looks like beyond "charisma" and authority, pointing instead to integrity, service, and inner mastery as the foundation of lasting influence.
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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.