Stepsero

The dominant narrative around AI and work is built on fear. But is the replacement narrative historically illiterate, and is there a more nuanced argument to make?”. Tessa is the founder and CEO of HireGains.ai, an AI-powered platform, and author of the Human Centric AI newsletter on Substack. In this conversation, we explore three converging forces reshaping the future of work: remote work, generational shift, and AI, and what they mean for knowledge workers trying to figure out where they stand. We also get into the idea of moving up the stack, what it means, why the repetitive transactional work AI takes over is actually an opportunity rather than a threat, and what Tessa believes a good day at work looks like in 2030. A rare and genuinely optimistic take on a topic most people approach with anxiety. Our Guest: Tessa James   Tessa James, CEO and Founder of HireGains.ai, is a talent strategist at the intersection of psychology, organisational transformation, and human-centred technology. With 20 years of experience spanning corporate leadership, talent acquisition, and product thinking, she has worked across global organisations to strengthen teams, accelerate hiring, and reduce misalignment at every level. Tessa’s work is grounded in a simple but often overlooked truth: hiring isn’t broken: our understanding of humans is. That conviction drives her work building HireGains.ai, a next-generation hiring platform that goes beyond matching and automation to help companies see people fully: their skills, alignment, motivation, and the energy they bring to a team. She believes the future of work belongs to organisations that understand humans as deeply as they understand technology, and she’s building the tools to make that possible. References: Tessa James LinkedIn profile Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

For most of history, workplaces controlled people by telling them what they couldn’t do. Today the control works differently, by removing all restrictions and letting people push themselves to their own limits. In this conversation, Mark Orlic unpacks what philosopher Byung-Chul Han calls “The Burnout Society” where individuals are both victim and perpetrator of their own exhaustion. We also discuss what AI is doing to the human fabric of organisations, why multitasking is an animal behaviour rather than a human one, and what Mark noticed about himself only after stepping back from corporate life. Our Guest: Mark D. Orlic Mark D. Orlic spent over two decades at Big Four consulting firms, as a Partner and AI Leader, where he advised governments, multinationals, and institutions across Europe on strategy, digital transformation, and the economic forces reshaping the continent. He was responsible for building and leading the AI practice in Germany at a moment when the gap between institutional ambition and institutional readiness was at its most consequential. He brings to his book, Geisterfahrer, what no purely German perspective could: a triple-identity shaped by Croatian roots, an American upbringing, and long-term residency in Germany. It is a vantage point that produces neither the insider's blind spots nor the outsider's condescension – only the particular impatience of someone who loves a place enough to tell it the truth. He is a lecturer at the University of Mannheim on social and fiscal policy questions that form the book's analytical core, and speaks regularly on strategic transformation, Germany's economic crossroads, and the leadership demands of the AI transition. He lives with his wife and three young children in Germany. References: Mark D. Orlic LinkedIn profile Geisterfahrer: Germany at a Societal, Political and Economic Crossroads (English Edition) Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Henry Mullins, senior operations and strategy leader, and PhD in industrial-organizational psychology, to dig into what personality traits actually drive leadership performance in virtual and remote settings. Henry shares findings from his research on remote leadership, including where the existing literature falls short, the key theories connecting personality to leadership, and practical strategies you can apply to lead more effectively in a virtual environment. Our Guest: Dr. Henry Mullins Dr. Henry C. Mullins is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel whose career spanned more than thirty years across both enlisted and officer ranks. Beginning his service in 1992, he advanced through a wide range of leadership positions including platoon leader, company commander, battalion staff officer, brigade operations officer, and  brigade deputy commanding officer. His career included deployments to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and reflects a rare blend of tactical, operational, and executive‑level experience.After retiring from the military, Dr. Mullins transitioned into senior leadership roles in the private sector, focusing on technical delivery, organizational effectiveness, and people‑centered leadership. His work draws on both real‑world command experience and the science of human behavior and performance, giving him a distinctive perspective on how leaders and teams operate under pressure, adapt to change, and build sustainable cultures.Dr. Mullins holds a BA in Criminal Justice, an MA in Ancient & Classical History, and a PhD in Industrial & Organizational Psychology, where his research examined virtual leadership, personality, and performance. Today, he continues to support leaders, teams, and organizations seeking clarity, alignment, and measurable improvement—bringing a practitioner‑scholar approach to modern leadership challenges. Outside of his professional work, he stays active through martial arts, mountain biking, skiing, and public service. He lives in Georgia with his wife Buffy and their youngest daughter, Sarah Elizabeth, and is the proud father of Courtney and Madison—herself a U.S. Army veteran. References: Dr Henry Mullins LinkedIn profile Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

In a world where performance can make or break a company, creating a high-performance culture is essential. In this post, we dive into a conversation with Andrei Oprisor, the head of the people product department at Revolut, to explore how their internal human resource management system, Revolut People, emphasizes performance and meritocracy. We uncover the key components that drive this approach and how you can implement similar strategies in your organization. Our Guest: Andrei Oprisor Engineer turned product leader, Andrei Oprisor is the creator of Revolut People, the performance management platform that helped scale Revolut to 12,000+ employees across 60+ countries. Originally from Bucharest, Andrei joined Revolut during its early hyper-growth phase as one of the company's first data engineers. Within months, he was working directly with Revolut's founder, Nik Storonsky, to tackle a challenge no off-the-shelf software could solve: how to build and scale a high-performance culture, with systems designed around quality, not bureaucracy. What started as an internal tool quickly evolved into Revolut People: a full-stack platform covering goal setting, performance cycles, engagement, compensation, core HR, and recruitment. After five years of internal development and hundreds of thousands performance reviews processed, Andrei now leads the global go-to-market of the product to hundreds of scale-ups building exceptional teams. References: Andrei Oprisor LinkedIn profile https://www.revolut.com/people/   Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Ambiguity at work is not new. Yet, it feels harder than ever, and it’s one of the most underrated sources of anxiety for knowledge workers and leaders alike. Costas (executive coach and former banker) has navigated plenty of uncertainty across his career. In this conversation, we explore how to move forward when the information is incomplete, why the best leaders share the burden of uncertainty rather than carrying it alone, and why ambiguity and lack of clarity are not the same thing, even if they feel identical in the moment. One short conversation. A little more clarity on one of the foggiest parts of modern work. Our Guest: Costas Kalisperas Costas is the Founder & CEO of In Tune Executive Coaching. His focus is on helping leaders to be in tune with themselves and their environment, tap into their inner resourcefulness and manage their interactions with others more effectively. To know more about Costas, please visit any of the links below. References: Costas Kalisperas LinkedIn profile www.intune-exec.com Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Some children learn that performing is the safest way to stay connected, and that pattern follows them into adulthood. Dr. Caroline Böttiger, psychotherapist and neuroscientist, explores how childhood trauma shapes the way we behave at work, why high achievers often struggle when they’re asked to lead people, and what trauma awareness could mean for how we build healthier workplaces. A rare and honest conversation about attachment styles, psychological safety, and the patterns most organisations never talk about. Our Guest: Caroline Böttiger Dr. Caroline Böttiger holds a PhD in Neuroscience and works as a psychotherapist and business coach in her office “Das Mitte Institut” in Berlin. She also runs a neurofeedback training method to improve mental health, focus and emotional regulation in the brain. In 2019 she published the book “Das Hungertier in Dir” about emotional eating and the connection between mental and physical health. Being an expert in mental health, burnout, leadership, team building and psychological safe communication skills, she provides workshops and coaching for multiple companies in Germany and Europe. References: www.mitte-praxis.de www.mitte-institut.de www.emotional-mind.com Dr Caroline Böttiger Linkedin profile Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes Konstanty Sliwowski has spent over two decades in hiring, interviewing more than 12,000 candidates along the way. In this conversation we explore what a broken hiring process actually costs, why mass applying rarely works, and what both candidates and companies get fundamentally wrong. A practical and honest conversation for anyone navigating the job market or responsible for building a team. Our Guest: Konstanty Sliwowski Konstanty Sliwowski is a 3x founder with 2x exits, and Oxford-educated practitioner who has spent over twenty years advising leadership teams across Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East on the decisions that shape organisations. He has conducted more than 12,000 interviews, facilitated over 1,000 hires, and today runs School of Hiring, where he works with founders and people leaders on the questions that keep them up at night: Should we hire? Should we promote from within? Should we invest in training? Or is AI now the smarter answer? His argument is simple. Most leaders treat these as separate problems. They are not. They are one decision, and most organisations are making it without a system. References: Konstanty Sliwowski LinkedIn profile Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes One in four employees has considered quitting because of what work is doing to their mental health. The conversation about workplace mental wellbeing has never been more relevant, or more urgent. In this episode, Mark Debus, clinical manager of behavioural health services at Sedgwick, shares his clinical perspective on what is really happening to people at work. We discuss quiet cracking, resilience, and what managers can do to genuinely support their teams before burnout sets in. A candid and practical conversation for anyone who manages people, or works alongside them. Our Guest: Mark Debus Mark Debus as Clinical Manager of Behavioral Health at Sedgwick, leads a team of master's level behavioral health specialists. His team consults with claims examiners and clients on complex recovery or psychiatric injury claims. They also work with injured employees who are struggling with the aftereffects of a workplace trauma or who are experiencing other types of psychosocial stressors in their lives. His team helps injured workers overcome barriers to treatment and improve motivation for successful return to work outcomes. In addition, he provides subject matter expertise on mental health issues as they relate to the workplace and management practices. Prior to Sedgwick, Mark worked in employee assistance (EAP) and the mental health field in crisis response services. Mark has a BA in psychology and communications from Marquette University and an MSW from the University of California at Berkeley. He is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Illinois. References: Mark Debus Likedin profile Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes In this episode, Sarka Risch shares her journey to become a LinkedIn expert, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, mindset, and strategic relationship-building for personal branding success. Discover practical tips to unlock your confidence and grow your presence on LinkedIn.   Our Guest: Sarka Risch Sarka Risch is a LinkedIn coach, trainer, and speaker. She joined LinkedIn in 2012 and started as a lurker, afraid of what to share, how to use the platform, and how to talk to people. In 2021, she started investing in her development, LinkedIn, copywriting, and sales skills – and found her purpose, vision, and mission. To date (April 2026), she has helped over 300 leaders find their voice on LinkedIn and build a strong community to realize their goals with the platform. A big part of her journey is her work on a growth mindset, meditation, and learning Kabbalah. She speaks six languages, was born in Czechoslovakia, and has been living in Switzerland since 2007. Her unique LinkedIn‑coaching method was featured in Forbes in 2025. In 2026, she was recognized as the No. 1 LinkedIn growth female expert in Czechia and the No. 2 LinkedIn growth expert in Switzerland. In her 2024 TEDx talk, Sarka inspired the audience by sharing how embracing imperfection has changed her life. In her talks, she loves inspiring audiences about her LinkedIn and entrepreneurial journey. Passionate about personal development and leadership, Sarka continues to invest in her growth and LinkedIn expertise – because she believes that strong connections and authentic voices create lasting impact. References: Sarka Risch Likedin profile   Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes The connection between wellbeing and performance is often overlooked. Many think that working harder is the key to achieving high performance. In this episode, we will explore how prioritizing health can actually enhance productivity and overall performance. Laurel Long, an expert in performance optimization, shares invaluable insights that can help professionals recognize and leverage this connection. One of Laurel’s key strategies for enhancing productivity is the concept of the “optimal day”. Understanding your personal sleep-wake cycles and energy levels throughout the day is crucial for maximizing productivity, without neglecting your health. Our Guest: Laurel Long Laurel is a cognitive performance expert and behavioral scientist with a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology who challenges conventional thinking about human potential and develops evidence-based strategies that translate into real, lasting change. Her career spans U.S. Military Special Operations units, where she optimized elite warfighters for high-stakes, high-pressure environments, to CoachHub, where she led innovations in coaching technology and embedded behavioral science into an AI Coach that drove real behavior change at scale. She is currently building a performance coaching program at Xsolla, focusing on the intersection of human capabilities, innovation, and technology to unlock peak potential across a global organization. Driven by curiosity and scientific rigor, Laurel partners with forward-thinking organizations committed to closing the gap between who people are and who they’re capable of becoming. References: Laurel Long Likedin profile   Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes In today's fast-paced world, work-life balance seems more elusive than ever. Are you finding it challenging to juggle your personal and professional life? In this post, we'll explore insights shared by Costas, a seasoned professional with decades of experience, on how to navigate the complexities of work-life integration. From understanding the importance of mental resilience to effectively managing your energy levels, you'll learn actionable strategies to improve your work-life harmony. Our Guest: Costas Kalisperas Costas is the Founder & CEO of In Tune Executive Coaching. His focus is on helping leaders to be in tune with themselves and their environment, tap into their inner resourcefulness and manage their interactions with others more effectively. To know more about Costas, please visit any of the links below. References: Costas Kalisperas Likedin profile www.intune-exec.com Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes In this episode, Matteo sits down with Patricio (Pato), a Madrid-based compliance expert and vocal remote work advocate. Despite a career spent at legacy tech giants like Microsoft and a background in the often-rigid world of compliance, Pato shares how his “lightbulb moment” during the pandemic shifted his perspective on professional output and personal well-being. Our Guest: Patricio Roffo Operations leader shaped by both big-tech complexity and scale-up velocity. Thrives where ambition meets ambiguity, building clarity, accountability, and performance into organizations navigating growth across time zones. Remote-first by design, not by trend. Designs teams that execute across borders with ownership, and measurable impact. Recognized for turning strategy into sustained results. References: Patricio Roffo Linkedin profile Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes In the fast-paced world of B2B, standing out can be a challenge. Many professionals wonder, “How can I make a real impact in my field?” In this post, we'll explore insights from Robin Daniels, who not only has an impressive career but also embodies the qualities that help him connect with others authentically. By the end, you'll learn how to harness your energy and authenticity to drive your own success. Our Guest: Robin Daniels Robin is the Chief Business Officer at Zensai. Robin is an experienced growth executive holding 3 x CMO positions and with more than 25 years experience in marketing and growth leadership roles at Salesforce, Box, LinkedIn, Matterport, and WeWork. He’s done 2.5 IPOs, acquisitions, and led companies through hyper-growth to become epic. Robin is now an advisor, speaker, and motivator to fast growth companies around the world. Robin's passion is to create winning teams that do epic work. References: Robin Daniels Linkedin profile   Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes In today's fast-paced work environment, many professionals feel stuck in their careers, struggling to climb the elusive corporate ladder. But what if the concept of corporate ladder was outdated? In this post, we explore insights from leadership expert Simone Schiassi on how to navigate your career jungle effectively, embracing a more fluid approach to growth and influence. Our Guest: Simone Schiassi Simone Schiassi spent over 15 years at Google, growing from an early hire in Europe to a Global Director working across the US and international teams. After interviewing hundreds of leaders and participating in promotion decisions for years, he developed a deep understanding of what actually gets people promoted at senior levels. Today he helps senior leaders become the obvious choice for executive roles by building trust, influence, and followership. Daily Edge is a daily newsletter where Simo shares short lessons on leadership, influence, and career strategy for senior leaders aiming for executive roles. References: Simone Schiassi Linkedin profile simoschiassi.kit.com/dailyedge   Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes Felix Hoffmann, CEO of 7Learnings, discusses how AI-driven decision automation is transforming retail and the workplace. He explains the practical applications of AI in pricing, marketing, and decision-making, emphasizing the benefits of reducing decision fatigue and enhancing transparency. Our Guest: Felix Hoffmann Felix Hoffmann, born in 1984, is co-founder and CEO of 7Learnings. With 7Learnings, he has set himself the task of offering brands and retailers the best method for optimizing prices, marketing, and purchasing decisions in order to increase their profitability. 7Learnings offers an AI- based solution that can predict alternative pricing scenarios and thus proactively find the ideal price. Until now, rule-based pricing ("if-then") has mostly been used. Predictive pricing, on the other hand, incorporates numerous internal data points such as product data, price history, costs, marketing and inventory data, as well as external data such as weather, seasonality, and competitor prices. As a result, 7Learnings achieves average sales increases of ten percent for its customers. The 7Learnings solution can also be applied to other processes in retail, optimizing purchasing and marketing, for example, by linking data points and optimizing costs. Felix Hoffmann has been working on price and marketing optimization for more than 15 years. Before founding 7Learnings, Felix Hoffmann was responsible for the global algorithm for price optimization as product owner at Zalando. Prior to that, he worked as a pricing consultant at A.T. Kearney for six years. Felix Hoffmann lives in Berlin and enjoys playing beach volleyball in his free time. References: Felix Hoffmann Linkedin profile 7learnings.com Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes In today's fast-paced world, change seems to be the only constant. Many people feel overwhelmed by the pressures of work and life, leading to increased stress and mental health challenges. In this episode, we explore how Ello, an AI-based companion support tool developed by HelloBetter, is designed specifically to help individuals and organizations thrive in these turbulent times. Our Guest: Hannes Klöpper Hannes Klöpper is the CEO of the digital mental health platform HelloBetter, responsible for strategy and investor relations. From 2011 to 2017, he co-founded and led the edtech start-up iversity (now part of Springer Nature), an online platform specialising in higher and professional development. Previously, he co-authored “The University in the 21st Century” after studying International Relations at Technische Universität Dresden, Liberal Arts at the European College of Liberal Arts, and Public Policy at the Hertie School in Berlin and Columbia University in New York. References: Hannes Klöpper Linkedin profile https://hellobetter.de/en/ello/ Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes In this insightful interview, Monique Zytnik discusses the critical role of leadership communication, the responsibilities of managers, and how stress and organizational structures impact effective information flow within companies. Our Guest: Monique Zytnik Monique Zytnik is a Berlin-based global communication leader and award-winning author of Internal Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (Business Expert Press, 2024). With more than 25 years' experience across technology, government and multinational organisations, she partners with senior executives to translate complex strategy into clear, compelling narratives. Her work spans internal communication, executive and board-level speechwriting, and leadership positioning during transformation. Monique believes communication is not a support function, but core infrastructure when certainty disappears.. References: Monique Zytnik Likedin profile www.moniquezytnik.com Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes Organizational intelligence isn’t just about having the right structures in place; it’s about understanding the dynamics that drive a company. It’s the difference between innovative growth and stagnation. When decision processes are clear and communication flows freely, teams can thrive. Our Guest: Maria Kamischke Maria is a result-driven and business savvy HR leader and strategist with almost 15 years of experience in HR, ranging from hyper-corporate to start-up and everything in between. With a background in business administration she’s been holding executive roles in eCommerce and Tech businesses. She’s committed to lifelong learning and shares her knowledge by hosting lectures at universities in the DACH region, coaching HR professionals and leaders as well as speaking on conferences, events and podcasts. References: Maris Kamischke Likedin profile Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes In today's fast-paced business landscape, innovation is no longer just a buzzword; it's a critical component for success. Yet, many leaders struggle to grasp its true meaning and application. In this episode, we delve into the insights shared by innovation expert Felix Hofmann. You'll discover practical approaches to redefine innovation for your organization and overcome common barriers. Our Guest: Felix Hofmann   Felix Hofmann is an innovation expert, serial entrepreneur, YouTuber and author of the book REFRAME: The Psychology of Innovation.  He has facilitated over 300 workshops and worked with corporations such as Bosch, Adidas and Siemens – with the aim of fostering greater courage and creativity within organisations. As the former CEO of an innovation lab at the University of St. Gallen and founder of two start-ups he understands innovation from every angle. Alongside his work with companies, he writes a newsletter and is passionate about performing on the improv theatre stage. References: Felix Hofmann Likedin profile www.felixhofmann.net   Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes Are we misreading Gen Z? Alex Atherton breaks down the stereotypes, shifting the focus toward empathy and systemic challenges. This conversation explores how leaders can bridge the generational gap to create a workspace that actually works for everyone. Our Guest: Alex Atherton Alex Atherton is an award-winning speaker, author, experienced educator and leadership coach. He is the ex-secondary school headteacher who heard the word ‘snowflake' once too often to describe his former students. His book, The Snowflake Myth, was published in 2025. He spent over a decade immersed in the mindset of this misunderstood generation, getting to the core of what makes them tick. Alex blends his experiences, research and a hefty dose of reality to shatter the myths around Gen Z. He equips leaders and managers with proven strategies to overcome generational divides and effectively recruit, develop and retain top young talent.  References: Alex Atherton Likedin profile www.alexatherton.com Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes Performance expert Marc Major breaks down how elite athletic principles can be translated into the corporate world. The discussion explores proven frameworks to clarify expectations, common pitfalls in performance management, and actionable strategies to drive sustainable growth across organizations. Our Guest: Marc Major   Marc Major is a performance consultant and former elite sport coach. He helps leadership teams design the systems and conditions that drive healthy, excellent performance. His work draws on coaching science, sports psychology, and senior HR leadership experience.  References: Marc Major Likedin profile www.kineticimpact.co   Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes Mimi Nicklin explores the intersection of empathy and loneliness within the corporate world. The discussion highlights empathy as a critical leadership skill, the power of active listening, and the systemic barriers preventing emotional connection. Ultimately, the conversation argues that high performance is driven by deep human connection, not emotional distance. Our Guest: Mimi Nicklin Mimi Nicklin is a globally recognised keynote speaker, bestselling author, and Founder of Empathy Everywhere, working with organisations worldwide through leadership development, training, keynotes, masterclasses, and webinars. Recognised as the #1 Workplace Wellbeing leader, Mimi has reached over four million people globally through her work in empathetic leadership, listening, and Listening-Led Leadership, helping organisations strengthen employee engagement, workplace culture, and performance in complex, AI driven environments. Her work reframes empathy as a critical leadership capability grounded in neuroscience and applied through practical empathy training and organisational development. With a mission to reconnect one million people by 2028, Mimi Nicklin is emerging as one of the defining human leadership voices of this decade. References: Mimi Nicklin Likedin profile www.empathyeverywhere.co Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes Navigating high-stakes meetings requires moving from reactive survival to intentional leadership. This episode explores how to build “conflict intelligence” by prioritizing preparation over ego and focusing on desired outcomes rather than personal anxieties. By mastering the balance of energy and empathy, leaders can turn a “fog of ambiguity” into a clear path for decision-making. Our Guest: Costas Kalisperas Costas is the Founder & CEO of In Tune Executive Coaching. His focus is on helping leaders to be in tune with themselves and their environment, tap into their inner resourcefulness and manage their interactions with others more effectively. To know more about Costas, please visit any of the links below. References: Costas Kalisperas Likedin profile www.intune-exec.com Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes Manjuri Sinha breaks down the alarming decline in global employee engagement and the pivotal role managers play in reversing this trend. The discussion addresses systemic issues driving disengagement, the unique pressures facing female leaders, and why organizational clarity is the only path to better workplace dynamics.The conversation references the “State of the Global Workplace 2025” report, by Gallup. Our Guest: Manjuri Sinha Manjuri Sinha is a globally recognized people and business leader shaping the future of work at the intersection of growth, leadership, and Human-Centric AI. She is currently VP of HR and Head of GTM Org Success & People Partners at Miro, where she drives people strategy for the company's global Go-To-Market organization, turning organizational complexity into execution at scale. She has held senior people leadership roles at Accenture, Zalando, and OLX (a Prosus company), bringing a rare blend of HR Business Partnering and deep Talent Acquisition expertise. Long before AI became a boardroom obsession, Manjuri was leading AI-driven transformation across talent and workforce strategy, grounded in human judgment rather than automation theatre. A sought-after international speaker and thought leader, Manjuri has spoken at Unleash World Paris, LinkedIn Connect New York, and WeAreDevelopers Berlin, and her insights have been published in Business of Fashion (New York) and HR Tech Outlook Magazine. Her impact has even lit up Times Square, where she was featured in recognition of her thought leadership. Known for her sharp perspective and pragmatic provocation, Manjuri challenges leaders to build organizations that are intelligent, human, and built to last.  References: Manjuri Sinha Likedin profile Gallup – State of the Global Workplace 2025 Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes Monique Zytnik explores why internal communication is the “lifeblood” of organizational health, especially during transformation. The discussion breaks down common misconceptions, the weight of leadership responsibility, and the high cost of failing to align corporate words with actual deeds Our Guest: Monique Zytnik Monique Zytnik is a Berlin-based global communication leader and award-winning author of Internal Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (Business Expert Press, 2024). With more than 25 years' experience across technology, government and multinational organisations, she partners with senior executives to translate complex strategy into clear, compelling narratives. Her work spans internal communication, executive and board-level speechwriting, and leadership positioning during transformation. Monique believes communication is not a support function, but core infrastructure when certainty disappears.. References: Monique Zytnik Likedin profile www.moniquezytnik.com Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes In this episode, Costas Kalisperas deconstructs the leadership philosophy of Doug McMillon (Former President and CEO, Walmart Inc.) to show how high-level CEO strategies apply to leaders at every level. We explore the vital link between team composition, active listening, and the mental clarity that comes from making (and communicating) decisive choices. Our Guest: Costas Kalisperas Costas is the Founder & CEO of In Tune Executive Coaching. His focus is on helping leaders to be in tune with themselves and their environment, tap into their inner resourcefulness and manage their interactions with others more effectively. To know more about Costas, please visit any of the links below. References: Costas Kalisperas Likedin profile www.intune-exec.com The HBR Interview with Outgoing Walmart CEO Doug McMillon (HBR article)   Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes In this conversation, Matteo Casini and Dr. Caroline Böttiger explore the tension between hyperfocus and hyperstress at work, with a particular lens on ADHD. They discuss how people can move between these states, why they're often confused with healthy flow, and how stress-driven productivity can undermine creativity and well-being. The conversation points to the role workplaces play in creating conditions that support sustainable focus, rather than relying on constant intensity. Our Guest: Caroline Böttiger Dr. Caroline Böttiger holds a PhD in Neuroscience and works as a psychotherapist and business coach in her office “Das Mitte Institut” in Berlin. She also runs the online platform “emotional-mind” for improving mental health through holistic approaches such as online courses and webinars.In 2019 she published the book “Das Hungertier in Dir” about emotional eating and the connection between mental and physical health. Being an expert in mental health, burnout, leadership, team building and psychological safe communication skills, she provides workshops and coaching for multiple companies in Germany and Europe. References: www.mitte-institut.de www.emotional-mind.com Dr Caroline Böttiger Linkedin profile #1: Introduction to mental well-being with Dr. Caroline Böttiger #21: The importance of setting boundaries #42: Dr. Böttiger and Taxfix back on Stepsero #67: Introduction to ADHD with Dr Caroline Böttiger Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes In this conversation, Michael Duning reflects on how leaders think about pace, not just in terms of hitting targets, but sustaining teams over time. He explores the role of adaptability, clear priorities, and communication in setting a pace that supports both performance and well-being. Our Guest: Michael Duning Michael Duning is the Chief Revenue Officer at PlaytestCloud, where he leads the go-to-market organization across sales, marketing, customer success, and research enablement. PlaytestCloud helps game studios and publishers run fast, high-quality player research at scale—so teams can make better product decisions, reduce development risk, and build games players actually want. Michael has spent his career in high-growth SaaS, focused on turning strong products into predictable, scalable revenue engines. References: Michael Duning Linkedin profile Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes In this conversation, Nicole draws on her experience in change management to explore why effective change is less about control and more about capability. She reflects on the role leaders play in navigating uncertainty, the importance of building leadership capability, and why involving teams through co-creation is essential to creating workplaces that can adapt and evolve. Our Guest: Nicole Paquet Nicole is a Senior Change Management Consultant with over 20 years of experience in both industry and consulting, supporting leaders and teams through the people impacts related to change and business transformation. Nicole has worked in a number of industries throughout her career, including the Public Sector, Oil & Gas, Power & Utilities, and Technology & Communications.  Her focus has been driving business improvement through strategic change programs, including leading numerous transformational change initiatives, developing comprehensive people strategies, and facilitating strategic planning workshops. Nicole speaks and writes passionately on her blog about the leader's role in driving real and meaningful change, by modeling behaviours based in trust, connection, and resilience. Nicole makes her home on the beautiful East Coast of Canada with her four children, and thoroughly enjoys living life outside as much as she can! References: Nicole Paquet Linkedin profile Nicole Paquet – Inspiring better conversations (personal website) Episode #4: Change Management and Mental Health   Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes In this conversation, Petra Velzeboer reflects on how work has changed since COVID-19, from the role of technology and remote work to personal agency and connection. Petra explores what responsibility leaders and individuals now carry in creating healthier, more meaningful ways of working amid ongoing pressure and complexity. Our Guest: Petra Velzeboer Renowned as a trailblazing mental health leader, Petra Velzeboer is a TEDx speaker, CEO of consultancy PVL, and author of Begin with You and her new book Digital Wellbeing: Recharge Your Focus and Reboot Your Life. In an era dominated by AI, tech addiction, and escalating geopolitical pressures, Petra is the expert organizations turn to for solutions to create resilient, mentally healthy cultures. With deep expertise in workplace wellness and a mission to combat distraction and disconnection, she inspires audiences with actionable strategies to boost connection, productivity, fulfillment, and unlock human potential. Petra is relatable, engaging, and unafraid to share hard-hitting truths, offering practical insights that help organizations navigate rapid change and create meaningful, lasting success. References: Petra Velzeboer Likedin profile www.petravelzeboer.com Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes In this episode, we explore the difference between being kind and being nice in leadership. Niceness can smooth interactions, but kindness is often what creates clarity, accountability, and growth. How do you balance care and firmness in your leadership style? Our Guest: Costas Kalisperas Costas is the Founder & CEO of In Tune Executive Coaching. His focus is on helping leaders to be in tune with themselves and their environment, tap into their inner resourcefulness and manage their interactions with others more effectively. To know more about Costas, please visit any of the links below. References: Costas Kalisperas Likedin profile www.intune-exec.com Episode #49: Effective Coaching with Costas Kalisperas Episode #55: Coaching with Costas: The work-life conundrum Episode #56: Coaching with Costas: Impostor thoughts or growth mindset? Episode #57: Coaching with Costas: Dealing with Difficult People Episode #58: Coaching with Costas: What’s Wrong with Politics? Episode #59: Coaching with Costas: Speaking up at work Episode #60: Coaching with Costas: Too Kind to Lead? Episode #61: Coaching with Costas: Do values matter? Episode #62: Can tough conversations help? Episode #63: Setting the right expectations for your job Episode #64: Learning from Experience Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Episode Notes Dr. Caroline Böttiger is back on Stepsero, this time for an introductory conversation about ADHD.This podcast episode touches on ADHD sub-types and their symptoms, as well as some misconceptions. Our Guest: Caroline Böttiger Dr. Caroline Böttiger holds a PhD in Neuroscience and works as a psychotherapist and business coach in her office “Das Mitte Institut” in Berlin. She also runs a neurofeedback training method to improve mental health, focus and emotional regulation in the brain. In 2019 she published the book “Das Hungertier in Dir” about emotional eating and the connection between mental and physical health.Being an expert in mental health, burnout, leadership, team building and psychological safe communication skills, she provides workshops and coaching for multiple companies in Germany and Europe. References: www.mitte-praxis.de www.mitte-institut.de www.emotional-mind.com Dr Caroline Böttiger Linkedin profile #1: Introduction to mental well-being with Dr. Caroline Böttiger #21: The importance of setting boundaries #42: Dr. Böttiger and Taxfix back on Stepsero   Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Vulnerability-based trust Why should trust be based on vulnerability to build cohesive teams? What is the difference between reliability-based trust, and vulnerability-based trust? This and more, in this episode featuring Max Hunter. Our Guest: Max Hunter Max has a passion for making the world of work a place where people wake up on Monday morning and say, “Great, I'm looking forward to going back to work”. Motivated people = better business. He started this work as Chief Joy Officer on the Exec of Loylogic & now takes all those learnings to help other companies and their leaders. His TEDx talk last year on ‘Togethership' – the leadership skill to create cohesive, resilient and effective teams – has over 1M views. He also uses the ‚Roots and Fruits‘ framework to understand motivation, drive positive cultures & give inspirational talks. His path took him from a PhD in Chemistry, to a 15-year business career to co-founder of Motivators@Work as a Leadership Team Coach. He's worked with companies from corporates to start-ups, ranging from Coca-Cola, Google and Sumup, to Beiersdorf and Zalando. References: Max Hunter Likedin profile www.motivatorsatwork.com Cracking the Code of Successful Teams – TEDx-VUAmsterdam Episode #65: Togethership, with Max Hunter Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

What do we mean by “Togethership”? In this episode, Max Hunter explores the idea of Togethership, which sits at the intersection of togetherness and leadership. The conversation looks at what it takes to build cohesion in teams, and touches on topics such as role-modelling vulnerability and effective ways of running workshops. Our Guest: Max Hunter Max has a passion for making the world of work a place where people wake up on Monday morning and say, “Great, I'm looking forward to going back to work”. Motivated people = better business. He started this work as Chief Joy Officer on the Exec of Loylogic & now takes all those learnings to help other companies and their leaders. His TEDx talk last year on ‘Togethership' – the leadership skill to create cohesive, resilient and effective teams – has over 1M views. He also uses the ‚Roots and Fruits‘ framework to understand motivation, drive positive cultures & give inspirational talks. His path took him from a PhD in Chemistry, to a 15-year business career to co-founder of Motivators@Work as a Leadership Team Coach. He's worked with companies from corporates to start-ups, ranging from Coca-Cola, Google and Sumup, to Beiersdorf and Zalando. References: Max Hunter Likedin profile www.motivatorsatwork.com Cracking the Code of Successful Teams – TEDx-VUAmsterdam Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Learning from experience In this episode of Stepsero, Costas Kalisperas shares with us the best and the worst thing that happened to him in his career. Spoiler alert: they might both come from the same decision. Our Guest: Costas Kalisperas Costas is the Founder & CEO of In Tune Executive Coaching. His focus is on helping leaders to be in tune with themselves and their environment, tap into their inner resourcefulness and manage their interactions with others more effectively. To know more about Costas, please visit any of the links below.References:Costas Kalisperas Likedin profilewww.intune-exec.comEpisode #49: Effective Coaching with Costas KalisperasEpisode #55: Coaching with Costas: The work-life conundrumEpisode #56: Coaching with Costas: Impostor thoughts or growth mindset?Episode #57: Coaching with Costas: Dealing with Difficult PeopleEpisode #58: Coaching with Costas: What's Wrong with Politics?Episode #59: Coaching with Costas: Speaking up at workEpisode #60: Coaching with Costas: Too Kind to Lead?Episode #61: Coaching with Costas: Do values matter?Episode #62: Can tough conversations help?Episode #63: Setting the right expectations for your job Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Setting the right expectations for your job With Costas Kalisperas, on the importance of setting the right expecations about your job, and putting up with mundane, less exciting tasks in exchange for a healthy learning curve over time. Our Guest: Costas Kalisperas Costas is the Founder & CEO of In Tune Executive Coaching. His focus is on helping leaders to be in tune with themselves and their environment, tap into their inner resourcefulness and manage their interactions with others more effectively. To know more about Costas, please visit any of the links below. References: Costas Kalisperas Likedin profile www.intune-exec.com Episode #49: Effective Coaching with Costas Kalisperas Episode #55: Coaching with Costas: The work-life conundrum Episode #56: Coaching with Costas: Impostor thoughts or growth mindset? Episode #57: Coaching with Costas: Dealing with Difficult People Episode #58: Coaching with Costas: What's Wrong with Politics? Episode #59: Coaching with Costas: Speaking up at work Episode #60: Coaching with Costas: Too Kind to Lead? Episode #61: Coaching with Costas: Do values matter? Episode #62: Can tough conversations help? Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Can tough conversations help? Whether we like them or not, tough conversations happen, and it is important to know how to approach them, and when. Costas Kalisperas walks us through preparing tough conversations, focusing on the desired outcome, listening to learn, and much more. Our Guest: Costas Kalisperas Costas is the Founder & CEO of In Tune Executive Coaching. His focus is on helping leaders to be in tune with themselves and their environment, tap into their inner resourcefulness and manage their interactions with others more effectively. To know more about Costas, please visit any of the links below. References: Costas Kalisperas Likedin profile www.intune-exec.com Episode #49: Effective Coaching with Costas Kalisperas Episode #55: Coaching with Costas: The work-life conundrum Episode #56: Coaching with Costas: Impostor thoughts or growth mindset? Episode #57: Coaching with Costas: Dealing with Difficult People Episode #58: Coaching with Costas: What's Wrong with Politics? Episode #59: Coaching with Costas: Speaking up at work Episode #60: Coaching with Costas: Too Kind to Lead? Episode #61: Coaching with Costas: Do values matter? Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Do Values Matter? Do values matter? Broadly speaking, values relate to a sense of justice The values that most companies openly pursue may look very similar to one another. What matters however, is whether people practise them or not. Values at work reinforce your sense of purpose, your satisfaction in your own work. They increase motivation, enhance engagement, loyalty, retention, and performance. At the foundation of teamwork is trust building. And you can only build trust by being authentic, transparent and fair. It's what you stand for and who you are that causes people to follow you. It is important not to be too self-righteous about your values.  Leaders may be making decisions that seem unfair or unjust to you, but they are based on information you don't have access to. Burnout is the result of not being who you are and not being aligned to your own values for too long. Our Guest: Costas Kalisperas Costas is the Founder & CEO of In Tune Executive Coaching. His focus is on helping leaders to be in tune with themselves and their environment, tap into their inner resourcefulness and manage their interactions with others more effectively. To know more about Costas, please visit any of the links below. References: Costas Kalisperas Likedin profile www.intune-exec.com Episode #49: Effective Coaching with Costas Kalisperas Episode #55: Coaching with Costas: The work-life conundrum Episode #56: Coaching with Costas: Impostor thoughts or growth mindset? Episode #57: Coaching with Costas: Dealing with Difficult People Episode #58: Coaching with Costas: What's Wrong with Politics? Episode #59: Coaching with Costas: Speaking up at work Episode #60: Coaching with Costas: Too Kind to Lead? Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Too kind to lead? In this episode of our mini-series "Coaching with Costas", we discuss whether one can actually be “too kind to lead”.Below are the main highlights of our chat:At the root of kindness is effective leadership. Kind leadership is critically important, particularly today. But being too kind perhaps can be a challenge. Leadership is about being inclusive and understanding others' perspectives and their personal growth agenda, ultimately empowering them to be as successful as they can be. You can be kind and purposeful, transparent, consistent and people centric. Kindness does mean to allow people to underperform and not address difficult topics. If you allow underperformance and don't help people improve, that is in fact unkind. John Maxwell suggests a framework where there are different layers of leadership. According to the top layer (5th) of leadership, people follow you because of who you are and what you stand for. Our Guest: Costas Kalisperas Costas is the Founder & CEO of In Tune Executive Coaching. His focus is on helping leaders to be in tune with themselves and their environment, tap into their inner resourcefulness and manage their interactions with others more effectively. To know more about Costas, please visit any of the links below. References: Costas Kalisperas Likedin profile www.intune-exec.com Episode #49: Effective Coaching with Costas Kalisperas Episode #55: Coaching with Costas: The work-life conundrum Episode #56: Coaching with Costas: Impostor thoughts or growth mindset? Episode #57: Coaching with Costas: Dealing with Difficult People Episode #58: Coaching with Costas: What's Wrong with Politics? Episode #59: Coaching with Costas: Speaking up at work Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Speaking Up at work Speaking up at work” is the central topic of this fifth episode of "Coaching with Costas". Below are a few main pointers: Speaking up at work is an essential part of one's career.The fear of how it could be received should not be the reason why you don't do it.There are two categories of speaking up: sharing an opinion, and wanting to effect change. The former is usually a microcosm of the latter. Trying to effect change is more difficult and requires you to offer a series of solutions.Cognitive diversity results in better outcomes for the organisation.Remind yourself that you were hired to share your opinion.Speaking up needs to be done tactfully and in a constructive way. Most importantly it should be backed with facts.You do not need to have a perfectly formed opinion all the time. It is ok to share a partially constructed idea. This may help put less pressure on yourself.Enlist, Prepare, and Center. Our Guest: Costas Kalisperas Costas is the Founder & CEO of In Tune Executive Coaching. His focus is on helping leaders to be in tune with themselves and their environment, tap into their inner resourcefulness and manage their interactions with others more effectively. To know more about Costas, please visit any of the links below.References:Costas Kalisperas Likedin profilewww.intune-exec.comEpisode #49: Effective Coaching with Costas KalisperasEpisode #55: Coaching with Costas: The work-life conundrumEpisode #56: Coaching with Costas: Impostor thoughts or growth mindset?Episode #57: Coaching with Costas: Dealing with Difficult PeopleEpisode #58: Coaching with Costas: What's Wrong with Politics? Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Impostor thoughts or growth mindset? In this fourth episode of "Coaching with Costas", we discuss how to deal with office politics. Below are the main highlights of our chat: Office politics often have a negative connotation. However that does not have to be the case. It is not either performance or politics. One does not exclude the other. If anything, politics do affect performance, so withdrawing from it may be naive and counterproductive. Poor leadership is one of the reasons why office politics have acquired a negative connotation over time.  Having a great point of view and being right is not enough. You have to persuade people and make sure they feel accountable and committed. Self-awareness is key, and can help you find commonalities with people who share similar values to yours, without feeling that you are engaging in something that is unnatural. At the same time, it makes sense to build relationships with potential adversaries who may otherwise force you to withdraw from what is perceived as politics. Our Guest: Costas Kalisperas Costas is the Founder & CEO of In Tune Executive Coaching. His focus is on helping leaders to be in tune with themselves and their environment, tap into their inner resourcefulness and manage their interactions with others more effectively. To know more about Costas, please visit any of the links below. References: Costas Kalisperas Likedin profile www.intune-exec.com Episode #49: Effective Coaching with Costas Kalisperas Episode #55: Coaching with Costas: The work-life conundrum Episode #56: Coaching with Costas: Impostor thoughts or growth mindset? Episode #57: Coaching with Costas: Dealing with Difficult People Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Impostor thoughts or growth mindset? In this third episode of "Coaching with Costas", we discuss how to deal with difficult people. Below are the main highlights of our chat: “Difficult” means different things to different people. “Difficult people” represent challenges or risks to our wellbeing, our career path and our progress. It is natural to feel stress hormones rising when dealing with difficult people or difficult situations. Remember to be kind to yourself in these situations. It is important to separate the behaviour from the person. Labelling people as “difficult” is usually not helpful. All in all, we deal with difficult behaviours rather than difficult people. Try and understand what it is about a certain behaviour that is causing you less than full satisfaction in your work life. Then, try to figure out what it is that drives that behaviour in the first place. Ask yourself: “how can I grow and learn from this experience?” Dealing with difficult behaviour can be the source of your growth as a leader. After all, some of the most trusted relationships are built in difficult situations. Move towards the conflict rather than run from it, and seek common understanding. Communication is always the answer, but “how” and “when” is the key. Figure out whether it is a one-off incident or a consistent pattern, and make a decision as to how and when to do something about it. The most important thing is to change how you describe things. Avoid confrontational terminology. You don't have to beat the other side or beat them. Keep in mind that you are likely to be somebody else's “difficult person”. You may display behaviour that other people find difficult. Use inclusive language if you are going to communicate to the other person about some of the difficulties (e.g. use “we” instead of “you”) Our Guest: Costas Kalisperas Costas is the Founder & CEO of In Tune Executive Coaching. His focus is on helping leaders to be in tune with themselves and their environment, tap into their inner resourcefulness and manage their interactions with others more effectively. To know more about Costas, please visit any of the links below. References: Costas Kalisperas Likedin profile www.intune-exec.com Episode #49: Effective Coaching with Costas Kalisperas Episode #55: Coaching with Costas: The work-life conundrum Episode #56: Coaching with Costas: Impostor thoughts or growth mindset? Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Impostor thoughts or growth mindset? In this second episode of "Coaching with Costas", we discuss the “Impostor Phenomenon”.Below are the main highlights of our chat:It is natural to have impostor thoughts if you push yourself towards growth.The impostor phenomenon is a symptom of success. It is often born out of a natural tendency for self-growth and self-improvement.The more you achieve, the more you might fear that those who look up to you will discover that you are not as good as you should be.Some studies suggest that impostor thoughts are born or child roles and family dynamics. Too much or too little praise can be the source of impostor thoughts in adult life.While self-confidence is a large high-level topic, impostor thoughts are driven by specific situations, people or dynamics.It is important to label Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs), in order to come up with strategies to undermine and correct them.The ABC model (Activating event, Belief, Consequence) can be a useful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Coaching model to help deal with ANTs.If you do new things, new neuroconnections can be created, and existing ones can be reinforced (neuroplasticity).It is crucial to have a sense of purpose and a solid network for support to face our challenges. Our Guest: Costas Kalisperas Costas is the Founder & CEO of In Tune Executive Coaching. His focus is on helping leaders to be in tune with themselves and their environment, tap into their inner resourcefulness and manage their interactions with others more effectively. To know more about Costas, please visit any of the links below.References:Costas Kalisperas Likedin profilewww.intune-exec.comEpisode #49: Effective Coaching with Costas KalisperasEpisode #55: Coaching with Costas: The work-life conundrum Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

The work-life conundrum In this first episode of the miniseries "Coaching with Costas", Costas addresses the work-life conundrum. Below are a few notable highlights: Try to figure out which times of the day you are most effective at work, and in which times are best for you to carry out mundane tasks instead. Once you have done that, plan your time accordingly by time-blocking. Some techniques are very useful for you to focus and manage your time. One example is the Pomodoro technique, which helps you work in 25-minute blocks. One other example is the 3-3-3 technique. Prioritise what is important and urgent. Understand what is important and urgent for you, as opposed to what is important and urgent for the organisation. A great tool to understand yourself is called the “wheel of life”. It is a way of disaggregating the different areas of life that you care about. The wheel of life helps you visualise which areas you are satisfied with and which areas you may need to focus on. “Ikigai' is a great concept to work out your purpose and be less distracted as a result. Overall, the key is to be kinder to ourselves.Overall, the key is to be kinder to ourselves. Our Guest: Costas Kalisperas Costas is a Londoner of Greek Cypriot heritage and has worked as a barrister, solicitor, investment banker, private equity executive, angel investor and board director across a range of industries in a professional services career spanning 30 years. He has lived and worked in the US, UK and the Middle East over that time. Now an executive coach, his clients describe his approach as one that encompasses structure and challenge on the one hand and empathy and support on the other. His focus is on helping leaders to be in tune with themselves and their environment, tap into their inner resourcefulness and manage their interactions with others more effectively. This helps to nurture greater collaboration and collective success, while having some fun along the journey. Costas has been entrusted with leadership responsibility around team cohesion, morale, mentoring and career development in all his prior roles, including as a Head of a team and as Chair of year-end review committees at Barclays investment bank for many years, as well as in senior positions at Credit Suisse, Lehman Brothers and Bank of America. He has thereby gained valuable insights into the importance of transparency, collaboration, diversity and inclusion in achieving the best results. Costas is a graduate of Meyler Campbell's Mastered Programme, an accredited coach by the EMCC, a Fellow of the Institute of Coaching and a Hogan Certified practitioner. References:Costas Kalisperas Likedin profilewww.intune-exec.com Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

The relationship between body and psyche In this episode, we welcome executive and mental coach Marta Michniewicz. In our chat, we cover a variety of topics, including:  The relationship between body and psyche, and the bio-psycho-social model. The effects of treating your body the right way Therapy as a vessel Individual change and organisational change The impact of leadership Our Guest: Marta Michniewicz Executive and mental coach with extensive experience in the healthcare industry. Marta has worked in a variety of roles from providing psychosomatic body therapy to clients in clinical settings, to product development in health promotion, to working with health tech start-ups as a Platform & Partnership Manager. In her work, she uses her coaching and consulting skills to drive individual and organisational change. With Marta, you quickly experience a foundation of trust to grow within and create deep relationships with others. References: Marta Michniewicz Linkedin profile www.hifemp.com Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Leaders and remote work Kem Boggs joins Stepsero to share her thoughts on the role of leaders in a remote work environment. Below are a few main takeaways: The changes that occurred in the past few years forced many companies into a globally distributed and remote model. Many organizations are still in the adaptation phase.Leaders face an increasingly difficult position, as they now need to consolidate their vision and communication more than ever.Technology can help leaders offer the same experience to employees, regardless of whether they work remotely or not. Technology can make it easy to arrange AMAs (Ask-Me-Anything) and Forums to address relevant questions. Face-to-face interactions, even if just occasional, can further support remote work.CEOs are likely to experience a certain degree of loneliness. It is important that they build their own network in order to create a safe space and discuss ideas.Leaders can benefit from a structured and thought-through onboarding process. Our Guest: Kem Boggs Top-performing human resources and talent acquisition leader with over twenty years of experience in positions of increased responsibility and a track record of promotions during my career. Fifteen years of experience in HR leadership. Five years of experience in leading employment branding programs. Four years on the executive or extended executive leadership team in multiple organizations.References:Kem Boggs Linkedin profile Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

A chat with Richard Turner from Employees Health Richard Turner, Director at Employees Health, joins the Stepsero podcast to discuss how to improve employees' health and well-being.  Here are a few main takeaways:  What is the point of going through life if we aren't happy, fulfilled, and healthy? Richard's mission is to help professionals keep an optimal health state for as long as possible. With our world being set up to be so negative these days, it is crucial that we focus on positivity, which in turn will help us achieve happiness and well-being.  Companies should strive to help employees fullfill their needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness (Self-determination theory). A lot of this depends on the culture that is promoted within the organization. Senior leaders have a great impact on their teams and can help set the example in areas such as work-life balance, self-learning and development, setting boundaries at work, nutrition, and exercise. Our Guest: Richard Turner As a personal trainer for nearly 10 years, Richard has been helping people live healthier lifestyles and improve their health and fitness. In 2019 he founded Employees Health to help businesses create a better workplace as well as help them improve their employees health, wellbeing and performance so that every employee can come to work and thrive. In 2018 Richard lost a friend and mentor to suicide which opened his eyes to the importance of looking after people's mental health and the devastating effects of not doing so can have on us. Since then he has been an advocate for learning about and raising awareness for Mental Health which has led to him completing his MHFAider qualification and his Science of Wellbeing qualification from Yale as well as all the awareness activities they do throughout the year. Today, Richard's mission is to help employees create happier and healthier lifestyles which improve their wellbeing and performance so both the individual and business can succeed. To do this, he always strives to help the companies he works with make positive, proactive changes that produce quantifiable, lasting results for employees and employers. References: Richard Turner Likedin profile www.employeeshealth.co.uk Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Leadership and trust In this episode of the Stepsero podcast, we discuss leadership and trust with Leo Wang. Here are some useful pointers: It is important that your team members operate according to a shared set of values they adhere to and engage with.Letting your team know early on that you have their best interest at heart might help establish a baseline of trust. However, sharing your intentions is not as important as actually delivering on what you have promised.It is great to look at experienced leaders, while trying to define your own leadership style.When moving from an individual contributor role to a leadership position, it is important to help your team build bridges with other departments. Working on your communication style can help achieve better internal connections between your team and the rest of the company. Our Guest: Leo Wang Leo is a Berlin-based sales leader in the geospatial and remote sensing industry. Having started as the first salesperson at UP42, he took the company from €0 to over €4M in Annual Revenue in less than 4 years through an unwavering customer-first operational approach. He has a passion for leadership, deeply thinking about the strategies and mindset around what makes a great leader and their powerful impact on performance. Outside of work, you'll find him playing tennis, going to concerts, and spending quality time with the people he loves.References:Leo Wang Linkedin profile Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Toxic Leadership Kasia Musur joins the Stepsero podcast to discuss toxic leadership. Below are a few main takeaways: It can be hard to define toxic traits in leaders. Generally speaking, toxic leaders put their image and interest ahead of the well-being of the people they lead. For toxic leaders, success is not about their team or even the company, but rather about themselves.Especially early in your career, you might think that you simply have to accept toxic leadership as part of the process. But this does not have to be the case.Toxic leadership highly depends on the company culture which tolerates it. Some businesses choose not to remove such leaders because of the short-term benefits they may bring. However, in the long-term, it is better for the bottom line if they are replaced as early as possible.Different companies have different processes, so it is important to discuss with your HR department and understand the best approach to tackle the issue.A toxic leader's behavior may also get to the point where it affects someone's dignity. This trauma often follows professionals into their private lives, impacting their health, social and family life as well as their next job performance. This is why it is important to spot and tackle the issue early on. Our Guest: Kasia Musur Bio Kasia Musur is a Berlin-based founder of an early-stage startup dealing with toxic leadership. Passionate about human dignity and human rights, Kasia also runs "lightup Germany", a non-profit focusing on human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Germany. References:Kasia Musur Linkedin profile Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Effective Coaching with Costas Kalisperas In this episode, Costas Kalisperas shares some precious insights about coaching and building trust. Below are a few notable highlights: While most companies offer training for technical knowledge, few offer their leaders opportunities to acquire key behavioural skills, which are critical for building trust, forming alliances and creating inclusive thinking environments.When coaching is offered, it is usually imposed on leaders as a behavioural “remedy”. Instead, coaching should be offered to the best executives and the next generation of leaders to help them strengthen their performance, rather than to remedy it.Coaching is most effective when the asking of non-directive questions helps clients to find their own best answers.The key to improved well-being at work is self-awareness and self-management: while you can't affect other people's behaviour, you can learn how to react to it in a way that is more likely to be constructive.If you are in tune with how you are feeling, you can manage your own ego better, as well as find tools and techniques to build trust and collaboration for improved well-being and collective success. Our Guest: Costas Kalisperas Costas is a Londoner of Greek Cypriot heritage and has worked as a barrister, solicitor, investment banker, private equity executive, angel investor and board director across a range of industries in a professional services career spanning 30 years. He has lived and worked in the US, UK and the Middle East over that time. Now an executive coach, his clients describe his approach as one that encompasses structure and challenge on the one hand and empathy and support on the other. His focus is on helping leaders to be in tune with themselves and their environment, tap into their inner resourcefulness and manage their interactions with others more effectively. This helps to nurture greater collaboration and collective success, while having some fun along the journey. Costas has been entrusted with leadership responsibility around team cohesion, morale, mentoring and career development in all his prior roles, including as a Head of a team and as Chair of year-end review committees at Barclays investment bank for many years, as well as in senior positions at Credit Suisse, Lehman Brothers and Bank of America. He has thereby gained valuable insights into the importance of transparency, collaboration, diversity and inclusion in achieving the best results. Costas is a graduate of Meyler Campbell's Mastered Programme, an accredited coach by the EMCC, a Fellow of the Institute of Coaching and a Hogan Certified practitioner. References:Costas Kalisperas Likedin profilewww.intune-exec.com Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes

Mental well-being at work with Thomas Forstner Thomas Forstner joins the Stepsero podcast to discuss mental well-being at work, focus, and vulnerability. Here are some takeaways from our chat: In recent times, many companies have provided their employees with some useful resources, including tools for online therapy. As great as these may be, however, they should come as part of a wider strategy to foster mental well-being at work. A “productized approach” to people can be helpful to developing your company and removing part of the uncertainty (and fluff) that professionals experience at work. To improve focus at work, you must understand your role within the organisation, and what you are building towards. For example, while some focus on building the company's product, others may be tasked with developing people. Companies that invest disproportionately more in the product than their people, typically tend to fail, get a bad reputation, or both. It is hard to communicate to your company that you are not ok. However, being vulnerable could be a catalyst one needs to take a break and get the necessary energy back. Our Guest: Thomas Forstner Thomas is the Senior Director of People & Talent at Juro – a 100-strong, collaborative contract management platform on a mission to de-throne MS Word – where he is building a human-centric, scalable team from the ground up.References:Thomas Forstner Linkedin profile Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes