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.

Shownotes

00:00 Introduction to the Zoe Routh Leadership Podcast

00:29 Exciting Developments in Space Exploration

01:10 Impact of Space Tourism on Business

02:58 Personal Reflections and Upcoming Program

05:18 Introducing Today's Guest: Mark Butler

06:46 Mental Health Responsibilities in the Workplace

15:40 Understanding Burnout: Causes and Responsibilities

24:05 Emotional Intelligence and Burnout Prevention

27:59 Trauma-Informed Leadership

30:59 Workplace Responsibility for Mental Health

32:15 Understanding Burnout and Other Workplace Stressors

35:33 Exploring Moral Injury

38:14 The Fast Five Questions

45:09 The Look In, Look Up, Look Out Model

47:09 The Importance of Boundaries

54:27 Developing Emotional Competence in Leadership

56:55 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

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.

We talk about the significance of inspiring and empowering people, overcoming the challenges of micromanagement and fostering trust within teams. Lauren’s practical and pragmatic insights will inspire reflection and change - 100%!

Shownotes

See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-framework-lauren-jones

Key Moments

Planet Human: GPT is moving on in leaps and bounds - with a new voice feature that is fun to play with!

Planet Zoë: The manuscript for Olympus Rising is complete which is very exciting. My focus now shifts to non-fiction and research for my next leadership book, tentatively titled Power Games.

Lauren Jones' journey into productivity (00:03:26) Lauren Jones' transition from engineering to productivity consulting and her experience in operations management.

The intersection of technical expertise and leadership (00:07:05) The discussion on how technical expertise and systems thinking intersect with leadership and management.

Measuring business improvement (00:12:25) The importance of measuring various aspects of business performance, including quality, customer satisfaction, and financial indicators.

The 10% improvement approach (00:18:16) The steps for achieving a 10% improvement, including inspiring and empowering the team, and tracking progress.

The self-preservation instinct (00:22:00) Discussion about micromanagement, self-focus, and the detrimental impact of self-preservation instinct on leadership and team dynamics.

Changing perspectives (00:23:52) The speaker shares personal examples of changing perspectives on ageism, gender roles, and work-life balance, highlighting the need for challenging and evolving mindsets.

Future of work (00:33:02) Anticipated changes in the workplace, including automation, paperless operations, and a shift towards result-oriented focus rather than hours worked, with a positive outlook on embracing change.

Leadership masterclasses (00:34:47) Introduction of leadership and management masterclasses aimed at emerging leaders, addressing the challenges of transitioning into management roles and the need for formal training.

Insights on business management and improvement (00:37:07) Key takeaways on business management, improvement, and the importance of good systems for delegation, coaching, and trust-building.

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. By reframing your mindset, setting clear goals, seeking feedback and support, embracing change, and prioritising self-care, you can navigate through stagnation and become more effective in your role. Remember to live with grace, approaching each challenge with compassion and resilience. Let’s navigate this challenging state together!

Shownotes

See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-strategy-stuck-zoe-routh

Key Moments

Planet Human: China’s Change’s-6 spacecraft landed on the dark side of the moon.

Planet Zoë: I’m all about creative reinvention right now! Olympus Rising, which is the third book in the Gaia series, is with the editor. I'm working on my non-fiction book, Power Games and planning the new program, Grace Under Fire.

Tips for Getting Unstuck (00:08:59)

Tips for getting unstuck, including getting visible, being a giver, and leveraging the law of reciprocity.

Getting Visible (00:09:15)

The importance of making yourself known and seen in your community or industry.

Being a Giver (00:10:05)

How contributing to others can create opportunities and build relationships.

Leveraging the Law of Reciprocity (00:11:30)

Understanding how giving can lead to receiving and the benefits of mutual support.

Practical Steps to Implement (00:13:00)

Concrete actions you can take to apply these tips in your daily life.

Personal Stories of Getting Unstuck (00:14:20)

Real-life examples and anecdotes illustrating the effectiveness of these strategies.

Reminder to Live with Grace (00:15:50)

A reminder to live with grace, lead in service, and live well.

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.

Elias's experience during the tragic events of 11 September 2001 serves as a stark reminder of the need for adaptability in leadership. Stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, for five days, he learned invaluable lessons about self-care, the importance of community, and the necessity to rewrite the rules in the face of change. His insights are a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the capacity for leaders to emerge stronger from adversity.

Shownotes

See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/elias-kanaris-leadership-journey

Key Moments

Planet Human: Inspired by Mary Beard’s SPQR The History of Ancient Rome, reflecting on the 2000 year history of Rome and what it tells us about society - and leadership - today. From savagery to community we’ve come a long way!

Planet Zoë: I'm focused on Power Games, which is my next non-fiction book. I'm drilling into what happens at workplaces when we play these power games. And how can we navigate that?

Elias Kanaris' background (00:06:15) Elias Kanaris talks about his upbringing in Libya, values instilled by his parents, and how it led him to leadership.

Elias Kanaris' experience on 9/11 (00:09:46) Elias Kanaris shares his experience of being on a diverted flight during the events of 9/11 and spending five days in Gander, Newfoundland, Canada.

Lessons learned from the experience (00:15:08) Elias Kanaris discusses the lessons he learned during the 9/11 experience, including the importance of self-care, looking after others, and adapting to changing rules.

The power of language and communication (00:18:35) Elias Kanaris talks about the significance of words, shares a study on the impact of positive and negative words, and provides recommendations for leaders to use language wisely.

Filtering Out the Negative (00:22:37) Discussion on the danger of filtering out negative aspects and the need to maintain positivity amidst destruction.

Balanced View of Life (00:23:10) Importance of having a balanced view of life, considering personal faith, and applying transparency to received information.

Emotional Maturity and Forgiveness (00:26:07) Exploration of Nelson Mandela's forgiveness as a reflection of emotional maturity and the impact of forgiveness on personal growth.

The Power of Forgiveness (00:28:42) Discussion on forgiveness, the impact of holding grudges, and the concept of atonement versus forgiveness.

Adapting to Change (00:30:59) Adapting to change, evaluating decisions, and the importance of seeking alternative perspectives and mentorship.

Leadership Insights and Fast Five (00:33:36) Insights on leadership tips, challenges in the workplace, and a fast-paced Q&A session with Elias Kanaris.

Balancing Past Wrongs (00:38:36) Exploration of balancing past wrongs from an indigenous perspective and the need for leaders to accept responsibility for historical failings.

The Power of Forgiveness and Courage (00:39:16) Reflection on the power of forgiveness, separating individuals from their deeds, and the story of Malala Yousafzai as a model of forgiveness and positive focus.

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. Our conversation covers managing emotions, understanding motivations, and the impact of power dynamics. Sam imparts wisdom on engaging with senior leaders and the importance of mindset in seeking fair outcomes. Whether you're navigating boardroom battles or seeking to resolve complex conflicts, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will elevate your negotiation game.

Shownotes

See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-framework-sam-trattles

Key Moments

Planet Human: Exploring the little incremental changes add up to a big change in society - from telehealth and e-scripts to identify theft and proving we are human!

Planet Zoë: Enjoying a period of routine at home before it’s time to hit the powder. Olympus Rising is almost ready to go to the editor and then the focus will be on on Zoë’s first non-fiction book in four and a half years, tentatively called Power Games.

Introduction to Negotiation and Sam Trattles (00:04:32)

Zoë Routh introduces Sam Trattles, an expert in negotiation, and sets the stage for the discussion on negotiation.

Sam Trattles' Journey into Negotiation (00:06:00)

Sam Trattles discusses her background in negotiation and her transition into negotiation training and development.

Corporate Negotiation Experiences (00:07:42)

Sam shares her experiences negotiating contracts, sponsorships, and leadership challenges in corporate roles.

The Enjoyment of Negotiation and Healthy Debate (00:08:30)

Sam explains her love for problem-solving and the importance of healthy debate in negotiation.

The APEC Method of Negotiation (00:12:36)

Introducing the APEC method, emphasising the significance of preparation and the steps involved in the negotiation process.

Complex Negotiations (00:19:28)

Discussion on handling high-stakes, complex negotiations with different ideologies and emotional baggage.

Dealing with Difficult People (00:20:10)

Considerations for negotiating with difficult individuals, understanding motivations, and seeking fair outcomes.

Emotions in Negotiation (00:22:24)

Addressing emotional influences in negotiations, managing emotions, and facilitating problem-solving.

Managing Emotions in Negotiations (00:26:54)

Strategies for managing emotions in difficult conversations and high-stakes negotiations.

Power Dynamics in Negotiations (00:28:33)

Exploring real versus perceived power, and strategies for cutting through power dynamics in negotiations.

Negotiation Mindset (00:36:15)

Encouraging a change in mindset by reframing negotiation as conversations and consciously observing negotiation opportunities.

Emotional Aikido Skills (00:39:44)

Explanation of five emotional aikido skills to manage emotions during high-tension situations in negotiation.

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. JJ's expertise in the DiSC® model offers a fascinating lens to decode how people think and act. His insights into behavioural traits and communication styles are invaluable for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of leadership and personal development. JJ even puts your host under the microscope, assessing my behavioural traits using the DISC model. As a DiSC practitioner myself, it was an enlightening experience!

Shownotes

See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-dynamics-brun

Key Moments

Planet Human: I’ve been watching Netflix show 3 Body Problem which sent me down a rabbit hole about the Fermi paradox. It is the identification that there is a high likelihood of existence of life somewhere out there in the universe. Fascinating stuff!

Planet Zoë: If you are in Canberra on 30 May consider coming along to my in-person book launch for Olympus Bound. It’s going to be a fun celebration at the Shine Dome - it’s free to attend, details and registration here

JJ Brun's Journey to Becoming a Spy (00:05:43) JJ Brun shares his unexpected path to becoming a spy and his experiences in the military.

Spy School Experience in the UK (00:09:50) JJ Brun recounts his surreal and challenging experience at a spy school in the UK.

Understanding Self and Personal Traits (00:17:01) JJ Brun discusses his self-discovery and understanding of his traits in relation to his career as a spy.

Sharing Knowledge and Mission (00:20:45) JJ Brun emphasises the importance of self-awareness and sharing knowledge for personal and professional growth.

Decoding Human Capital (00:21:52) Discussion on decoding human capital, understanding pace and priority perspectives, and identifying leadership styles.

Understanding Leadership Styles (00:24:02) Explanation of the four leadership styles and how leaders adapt their style to the environment for effective leadership.

Personality Insights and Archetypes (00:27:13) Exploration of personality insights, style blends, and how hobbies can provide clues to preferred communication style. Brief mention of archetypes.

Spying and Intelligence Work (00:32:31) Insights into the life of an intelligence officer, including building rapport, understanding and discerning human behaviour, and experiences in the field.

Building Relationships in Espionage (00:39:42) A detailed case study of building a relationship with a challenging individual, using communication styles to navigate interactions, and learning to ask quality questions.

Feel Good Icebreaking Questions (00:42:47) JJ Brun discusses the importance of memorising effective icebreaking questions and shares his mentor's influence.

Personal Branding (00:43:40) JJ Brun explains how he branded himself as a retired spy and the importance of brand identity.

Spy Museum Experience (00:46:20) JJ Brun shares his experience at a spy museum and the branding ideas he gained from it.

Challenge Coin Business Card (00:47:33) JJ Brun discusses his unique business card and its military background.

Fast Five Q&A (00:48:39) Zoë Routh asks JJ Brun five rapid-fire questions on future technology, leadership, workplace problems, leaders, and favourite leadership book or podcast.

Misconceptions About Spying (00:51:37) JJ Brun addresses misconceptions about spying and emphasises the difference between reality and Hollywood portrayals.

Balancing Archetypes (00:54:51) Zoë Routh discusses the importance of balancing archetypes for leadership and team growth.

This week I’m joined by the remarkable Helen Young-McLaughlin, CEO and founder of the Leverage Academy and a leadership coach based in Maryland, USA. Helen opens up about her personal battle with burnout and the transformative power of empathetic communication in the workplace. Her story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required of leaders today. Helen is passionate about mindful middle management, and moving beyond the hustle culture hangover with a leadership framework built around intention, growth and impact so that everyone can grow and thrive without the burden of burnout.

Shownotes

See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-framework-helen-young

Key Moments

Planet Human: SpaceX's Starship and its monumental leap towards lunar and Martian missions. As someone deeply fascinated by the prospects of a permanent human presence in space, I also touch upon my novel, Olympus Bound which explores this very theme.

Planet Zoë: Leadership in the Wild - Currently, I'm in the rugged terrains of Western Australia, collaborating with Outback Initiatives on a leadership development program. Here, we're pushing boundaries through caving and bushwalking.

Understanding burnout and communication (00:04:00) Zoe and Helen discuss the link between burnout and communication, sharing personal experiences and insights.

Effective communication for middle management (00:12:36) Helen shares her perspective on effective communication, emphasising the importance of connectedness, clarity, and curiosity.

Empowering through curiosity (00:19:40) The conversation explores the challenge of staying curious and avoiding the urge to solve problems, emphasising the importance of empowering others through communication.

Collaboration in the Workplace (00:24:29) Challenges and solutions for effective collaboration among individuals of different status and influence.

Obstacles to Collaboration (00:25:49) Identifying and addressing the obstacles to collaboration in the current work environment, including remote and hybrid work setups.

Reactivity as an Indicator (00:29:25) Understanding reactivity as a red flag, using curiosity to diagnose and address issues before making changes.

Future Technology and Workplace Wellness (00:32:44) Discussion about the potential benefits of technology for workplace wellness, including the concept of "pods" for virtual breaks.

Leadership Book Recommendation (00:35:42) Recommendation of the book "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown, emphasising vulnerability and courage in leadership.

The Future of Work (00:37:24) Envisioning a future workplace where mental health, learning, and well-being are top priorities for all individuals.

Workplace Burnout and Values Alignment (00:38:53) Highlighting the impact of workplace burnout and the importance of aligning values with work to create a positive environment.

Speaking Up as a Leader (00:41:51) Encouragement to speak up as a leader, overcoming biological urges for connection and safety to steer towards fulfilling potential.