In this episode, we reconnect with gaming industry veteran Steve Cuss to discuss his journey from traditional to liberated leadership, starting The GamePlan Consultancy and publishing his first book, Liberated Leadership. Steve shares his insights on the challenges and rewards of fostering a more inclusive and authentic workplace, exploring the significance of authenticity, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence for creative leaders.
Steve emphasises the importance of self-awareness for leaders and the opportunities for self-transformation through retreats and personal inner work. We delve into the significance of creating psychological safety, balancing control with autonomy, and aligning personal and organisational values to find a deeper purpose in leadership.
01:46 Steve Cuss’s Journey Over the Past Year
04:05 Challenges and Insights in Leadership Training
09:34 The Evolution of Leadership in the Gaming Industry
10:51 The Concept of Liberated Leadership
15:12 Personal Growth and Authenticity in Leadership
26:45 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership
27:40 The Importance of Deliberate Pauses
29:09 Creating Psychological Safety
30:10 The Need for Feedback in Leadership
31:39 Integrating Values and Purpose
38:22 Challenges in Leadership and Gender Differences
43:20 The Business Case for Emotional Intelligence
48:21 Practical Steps for Leaders
This conversation is a follow-up to a discussion we had with Steve a year ago, introducing the concept of Liberated Leadership, and its genesis. You can listen to that episode here:
You can buy the book “Liberated Leadership” here: https://amzn.eu/d/6lHxbAW
138. Unmasking the Authentic Leader Within: A Journey to Liberated Leadership