In the episode,  Zoë Routh engages with Sylvia Rhode-Liebenau to explore the multifaceted concept of power. They discuss ethical ways to gain power, the role of technology in enhancing democratic processes, and introduce the framework of Smart Power, which encompasses systemic thinking, merging resources, and authentic personal power.

The conversation provides insights into leadership challenges and the importance of adapting to a volatile world.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes

• "Smart Power is about understanding systems and merging resources." - Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau

• "Perspective is power." - Zoë Routh

• "If we do not use a certain degree of systems thinking, we don't understand anything." - Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau

Questions Asked

1. What would you do with more power?

2. What does a powerful person look like?

3. What does a powerless person look like?

4. How might we share power?

5. What might happen if we had more power as a group?

Take Action

• Reflect on your relationship with power by asking yourself the four key questions discussed in the episode.

• Explore ways to ethically share power within your organization or community to enhance collaboration and effectiveness.

Tip of the Week

Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff.

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction: The Power Question

00:18 Exploring Digital Democratic Innovations

01:36 Challenges and Solutions in Online Deliberation

02:35 The Role of Blockchain in Transparent Debates

03:57 Changing Our Relationship with Power

04:33 Four Key Questions About Power

07:25 Introducing Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau

12:47 Old Power vs. New Power

14:19 The Concept of Smart Power

15:31 Systemic Thinking and Merging Power

22:03 Authentic Personal Power

33:39 Exploring Smart Power in Leadership

49:15 Fast Three: Quick Insights and Recommendations