Elias Kanaris' Extraordinary Journey of Resilience and Leadership

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 www.zoerouth.com/podcast/elias...
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.