Stepsero

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 G...

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 authen...

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 But what if the concept of corporate ladder was outdated?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...

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. W...

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. Ou...

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 A...

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 leade...

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 barri...

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-...

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 spor...

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 Nic...

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...

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 Work...

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 l...

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...

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...

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 l...

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...

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 ment...

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 t...

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...

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&...

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 worl...

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 t...

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...