I’m just back from a two-week epic hike along the Australian Alpine Walking Track and reflecting on the fact that the heart of any expedition is its people. Drawing on these recent experiences for this solo episode, I explore the importance of nurturing relationships, understanding individual drives, and creating a supportive environment that empowers your team. We had some tough times on the trek; challenging terrain and brutal weather. But we also had lots of joy; laughter, dancing and gratitude in the bush! And much like life and leadership, when things get too much we simply focus on putting one foot in front of the other.

Shownotes

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

Key Moments

Planet Human: A biotech breakthrough that has the potential to transform lives with the ability to grow a ‘mini liver’ in lymph nodes, rather than relying on a transplant.

Planet Zoë: 200km in two weeks - Zoë reflects on an amazing experience in the Australian bush.

**Challenges and experiences during the trek (00:02:39)**

Zoë shares the physical and emotional challenges faced during the bushwhack, including navigating off-track and encountering feral animals.

**Leadership dynamics in the bush (00:04:52)**

Zoë explores the leadership dynamics and decision-making processes involved in the intense bushwhack experience.

**Factors contributing to successful teamwork (00:13:11)**

Zoë discusses the factors that contributed to the successful teamwork during the trek, including shared responsibilities and collective decision-making.

**Lessons for applying to the workplace (00:15:11)**

Zoë draws parallels between the bush walking experience and workplace projects, highlighting the importance of a meaningful "why" and an energiser for the team.

**Key points for project success (00:16:18)**

Zoë emphasises the importance of relationships, setting parameters, and adapting as you go for project success.

**Adapt as you go (00:20:25)**

Importance of flexibility and adaptability in facing unexpected challenges during the adventure.

**Practice appreciation and gratitude (00:21:32)**

The significance of acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the experiences, company, and moments during the journey.

**Have fun along the way (00:22:35)**

Emphasising the necessity of incorporating enjoyment and fun into the leadership journey, even during challenging times.

Words matter and my guest this week is an accomplished author and ghostwriter with over 100 books to her name - averaging around one book a month! Rhiannon D’Averc shares her writing process, her experience ghostwriting in various voices, and the importance of detailed outlines. Many leaders are charged with translating complex ideas into compelling narratives and Rhinannon’s insights into how she organises her research and removing roadblocks are not just applicable to writing but to any leadership role: it's all about efficiency and clarity. We also talk about how Rhiannon embodies a client's voice through interviews and written materials and discuss some of the challenges of editing and finally publishing a book. All of which is extremely top of mind for me as I prepare to launch Olympus Bound!

Shownotes

See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-communication-rhiannon-daverc

Key Moments

Planet Human: Discussion about the Australian Research Council's investment in space agriculture and its relevance to future space exploration.

Planet Zoë: Back from an epic adventure on the Australian Alpine walking trail and focused on the upcoming launch of Olympus Bound.

Getting Started as an Author and Ghostwriter (00:05:32) Rhiannon D’Averc’s journey into writing and ghostwriting, and her prolific output of over 100 published books.

Writing Process (00:07:08) Insights into Rhiannon's streamlined writing process and her approach to removing roadblocks.

Ghostwriting Process (00:08:34) Discussion of the process of getting into someone else's head and embodying their voice in ghostwriting.

Managing Ego as a Ghostwriter (00:10:01) Rhiannon's perspective on dialling down her ego as a ghostwriter and dealing with edits.

Capturing Ideas of Future Experts (00:11:32) Exploration of capturing future-oriented ideas, including using sci-fi as a medium to reach wider audiences.

Marketing Efforts and Impact (00:17:07) Rhiannon’s marketing efforts for her own books and the challenges of balancing writing and marketing.

The importance of innovative messaging (00:20:21) Discussion on using science fiction for broader audience reach and interesting ideas and perspectives worked with different clients.

Exploring future technology in finance (00:21:01) Working with a financial expert on future finance vision, linking it to technology, and discussing the future of social media.

Social media and blockchain technology (00:22:00) Exploring decentralised social media through blockchain technology and its implications.

Cherry-picking stories for nonfiction books (00:24:04) Helping authors select stories to bring their ideas to life and the significance of storytelling in nonfiction books.

Insights about people and leadership (00:26:17) Rhiannon's observations about human nature and leadership, emphasising shared experiences and fallibility.

The fast five with Rhiannon (00:27:30) A series of quick questions covering future technology, leadership tips, workplace issues, political leadership, and favourite leadership book.

Writing and editing process for books (00:33:16) Discussion on the phases and timeline of writing a book, including the research, interview, writing, and editing phases.

My guest today has an incredible track record in technology and innovation, is a 2 x author and entrepreneur who bridges the gap between hardware and software. Ajay Malik is the driving force behind Secomind, a forward-thinking company dedicated to incorporating AI seamlessly into products, workflows, and customer support processes.

In our far reaching conversation we attempt to answer the question of, where do leaders start with AI? We’re exploring general principles and good practices, how to identify where AI can have an impact in business and what that might look like. We’re not talking about job elimination, but instead exciting things like efficiency, exploration and experimentation!

Shownotes

See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-principles-ajay-malik

Key Moments

Planet Human: Exciting developments in the realm of ‘space farming’ happening in Melbourne right now!

Planet Zoë: Bali, Olympus Bound - pre-orders available now - and hitting the Australian Alps trail.

Getting Started with AI in Business (00:02:24)

Addressing the question of how to start integrating AI into business practices.

Ajay Malik's Journey into Computer Science and AI (00:04:11)

Ajay Malik shares his journey into computer science and AI.

Principles for Integrating AI into Business (00:05:58)

Discussion about the principles to consider when integrating AI into business practices.

Avoiding a Cost-Cutting Approach to AI (00:07:01)

Exploring the misconception of starting AI integration with a focus on job elimination.

Selecting AI Solutions for Business (00:10:48)

Guidelines for curating and finding the right AI solutions for specific business needs.

Platform Approach for AI Integration (00:11:36)

Emphasising the importance of a platform approach for AI integration and data security.

Centralised AI Platform (00:16:40)

Discussion about the need for a centralised AI platform to manage multiple tools and applications.

Future of Centralised AI Solutions (00:19:01)

Exploring the potential for centralised AI solutions and the development of such platforms.

Security Concerns with Centralised AI (00:20:15)

Addressing the security concerns associated with centralised AI platforms and the need for encryption.

Barriers to AI Adoption (00:22:54)

Challenges leaders face in adopting AI, including fear of job elimination, scepticism, and uncertainty about where to start.

Starting with Small AI Projects (00:27:18)

Advises starting with small AI projects, using the "t-shirt sizing" approach, and ensuring measurable benefits.

Examples of AI Implementation (00:29:52)

Real-life examples of AI implementation in customer support, operations, and product improvement.

Leadership Tip: Enabling Team Success (00:36:41)

The importance of enabling team success and serving as a reverse boss to support and empower team members.

Future Technology: Brain-Computer Interface (00:35:13)

Desire for a brain-computer interface for communication and control, leveraging brainwaves for interaction.

Leadership Book Recommendation (00:39:05)

Recommendation of "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek as a favourite leadership book.

The future of AI and its accessibility (00:40:55)

Discussion on the impact of AI on society, concerns about the accessibility of AI technology to all individuals.

Technology and its impact on society (00:42:49)

Exploration of the impact of technology on society, considerations for ensuring technology benefits all individuals.

The potential of AI to improve productivity and efficiency (00:44:25)

Discussion on how AI can enhance productivity, efficiency, and reduce costs, with a focus on reaching individuals at all socio-economic levels.

Considerations when implementing AI (00:47:25)

Exploration of criteria for evaluating AI solutions, including centralised platforms, privacy, security, explainability, and ethical principles.