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We explore the future of ownership, wealth, and rewriting the rules of capitalism with Elle Griffin, founder of The Elysian and author of the upcoming book We Should Own the Economy. Zoë shares updates on her recent bushwalking adventure and the exciting Kickstarter launch for her new book Power Games. Then, she welcomes Elle, a visionary writer reshaping the conversation on who truly benefits from economic systems.
Elle shares her journey from journalist to entrepreneurial writer, how she built multiple revenue streams on Substack, and why she believes ownership—not employment—is the real source of power. We unpack the risks and rewards of decentralising ownership, how employee-owned companies could transform wealth distribution, and what fiction can do to help us imagine better futures.
This conversation dives deep into economic systems, leadership identity, and why utopian thinking is more urgent than ever.
Planet Human
Summary
Zoë shares personal updates:
Flying Taxis and the Future of Cities – Reflections on China’s launch of passenger-carrying drones and what this signals for urban design, transport, and future economies.
Lessons from the Trail – Post-adventure insights from Zoë’s recent bushwalking trip, including the power of decision-making protocols, emotional regulation, and leadership maturity in action.
Power Games Kickstarter Momentum – Behind-the-scenes of Zoë’s upcoming book launch, the digital giveaway, and why understanding office politics is essential for leaders navigating power and influence.
Building Better Economic Systems – Inspired by Elle Griffin’s vision of shared ownership and her book We Should Own the Economy, Zoë explores how leadership can contribute to reshaping capitalism for collective benefit.
Thought-Provoking Questions for Leaders, focusing on:
How do you distribute power and ownership in your organisation or team?
What emotional sensitivities are limiting your collaboration—and how can you address them?
Where have you failed to set decision-making protocols, and what was the cost?
What could decentralised leadership look like in your context?
How might utopian thinking shift the way you lead, build, and contribute?
Elle Griffin reflects on:
The Power of Ownership – Why employee-owned businesses could transform wealth distribution and reduce systemic inequality.
Rethinking Publishing – Elle’s journey from journalist to entrepreneurial writer, and how she is building an investor-backed publishing model through her Substack community.
Utopian Futures – The value of imagining better futures, not just predicting dystopias, and how narrative shapes what we believe is possible.
Direct Democracy and Decentralised Systems – Lessons from fiction and real-world experiments on how to give people more say in shaping the systems that affect them.
Small Communities, Big Impact – Why belonging to smaller, values-aligned groups may be the key to navigating our fractured world—and how leaders can foster meaningful connection across difference.
Key Quotes
“Ownership is power. If you own a business, you hold the levers of wealth creation.” - Elle Griffin
“We need stories that give us hope, not just warn us of collapse.” - Elle Griffin
“Leadership requires humility and curiosity—the antidote to hubris and manipulation.” - Zoë Routh
Questions Explored
What inspired Elle to move from journalism to entrepreneurial writing?
How do employee-owned companies shift the wealth equation?
Why are we so drawn to dystopian narratives, and what role does fiction play in shaping the future?
What are the practical steps to decentralise power and create more economic inclusion?
Take Action
Reflect on your own business or organisation: Who holds the power, and who shares in the rewards?
Explore models of employee ownership or equity participation as part of your leadership strategy.
Join conversations that imagine better futures—whether in your workplace or your community.
Tip of the Week
Start your own Future of Work conversation with your team:
What could a more equitable and collaborative model look like for us?
How might we experiment with shared ownership, decision-making, or profit-sharing in small ways today?
Key Moments
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:20 Flying Taxis in China
00:55 Bush Walk Adventures
01:53 Power Games Book Launch
03:06 Collaboration Challenges
07:37 Interview with Elle Griffin
09:16 Elle Griffin's Writing Journey
15:00 The Future of Capitalism
31:18 The Role of Influence in Politics and Wealth
32:24 Addressing Wealth Inequality
33:34 Employee Ownership and Regulatory Hurdles
38:13 Power Dynamics in Decentralized Systems
42:12 Fast Three: Quickfire Questions
43:56 Utopian vs. Dystopian Visions
51:04 Innovative Book Publishing Model
54:26 Book Recommendations and Closing Remarks
About Elle Griffin
Elle Griffin is the founder of The Elysian, a writers collective exploring the future of nation-states, capitalism, and humanity.
She is currently writing a book called We Should Own The Economy, a vision for the future of capitalism.
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172 The importance of empathy in leadership with Sharon Tuffin
223 Author and entrepreneur Paul Hargreaves’ leadership principles for purpose before profit
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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.