Stepsero

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 profilewww.intune-exec.comThe HBR Interview with Outgoing Walmart CEO Doug McMillon (HBR article) 

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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

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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

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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 profileNicole Paquet - Inspiring better conversations (personal website)Episode #4: Change Management and Mental Health 

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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

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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 profilewww.intune-exec.comIs Your Leadership Style Too Nice? (HBR article)

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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.dewww.mitte-institut.dewww.emotional-mind.comDr 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 

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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

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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

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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

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