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.

Design your next chapter with clarity, purpose, and intention through Zoë Routh's guided workshop series, The Chrysalis: Late Career by Design.

Register Here: 
https://events.humanitix.com/the-chrysalis-late-career-by-design

Key Quotes

"Sometimes problems are not outright solved. They have to be outlived and outgrown." - Sara Causey on Dag Hammarskjöld

"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 Asked

  • Who was Dag Hammarskjöld and why does his leadership still matter today?

  • What happened during the Congo Crisis and the circumstances surrounding Hammarskjöld's death?

  • How can leaders show moral courage in complex systems?

  • Why is listening a foundational leadership practice?

  • What does ethical leadership look like during periods of political and social division?

  • How do leaders avoid escalating conflict while still standing for their values?

  • Can quiet diplomacy still work in today's world?

Take Action

  • Practice Deep Listening: Create space to genuinely hear opposing perspectives before reacting.

  • Lead Beyond Ego: Focus on service, purpose, and outcomes rather than personal validation.

  • Respond, Don't Escalate: Avoid feeding conflict unnecessarily and choose strategic calm.

  • Hold Moral Courage: Stay grounded in ethical leadership even when systems push against it.

  • Create Psychological Safety: Build environments where people feel seen, heard, and included.

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

Rss Apple Podcaster
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör Zoe Routh. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Zoe Routh och inte av, eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.