Managing the amygdala's "fight or flight" response is key to ensuring that our prefrontal cortex engages - the part of our brain where reasoning, decision-making and moderating social behaviour operates. Focus on the desired outcome, listen and validate the other person's perspective and restate the solution discussed.

It was my pleasure, in my new role as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, to present a Roundtable at the Ingenuity Lab of Nottingham Business School on the important topic of how to build effective teams. Great engagement from smart students, with insightful and fair challenges. The future of leadership is in good hands!

Values matter but actions speak louder than words. Not being self-righteous and avoiding a victim mentality allow you to understand the broader context for any perceived values misalignment. You can then better protect your own well being and sustain your career progression. A sense of fun goes a long way!

You cannot be too kind to lead! Kindless is the foundation of inclusive leadership. It is not a weakness, but the strength to build trust, care about others' aspirations, leverage their respective strengths and empower them to collaborate with others. Not easy!

Speaking up is central to career advancement. Whether it is to share an opinion or in order to effect organisational change, it requires preparation, relationship building, tact, supporting evidence and a solution-focused approach. Enlist, prepare and centre!

Withdrawal is not a good option. Reframing the topic as an opportunity to build relationships, find common ground and influence decision-making, allows us to engage in a way that is consistent with our values and enhances our effectiveness as leaders.

Separating the behaviour from the person, using inclusive language and applying your curiosity, goodwill and perspective to difficult situations, can strengthen trust and be the key to your growth as a leader.

A growth mindset inevitably leads to impostor thoughts as we stretch our comfort zones. Recognising the circumstances when such thoughts arise and finding frameworks to challenge them, enables all leaders to explore new behaviour and thus continue to grow.

Episode One of a new Stepsero 12-part podcast mini series where we discuss techiques and frameworks that help all leaders present their best selves, find greater purpose and achieve deeper personal reward and collective success.

Costas joined the Stepsero Podcast to share his insights about coaching and building trust.