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.

SHOWNOTES are here:
https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/utopian-concepts

Planet Human:
China enters the era of flying taxis with certified passenger drones.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsinteresting/comments/1jojjqq/china_has_officially_entered_the_era_of_flying

Kickstarter Campaign:
Power Games: Stop Toxic Power in the Workplace – Live now on Kickstarter!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zoerouth/power-games-stop-toxic-power-in-the-workplace

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

- 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.

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