Steve Sallis, an author, teacher, and mindset coach, dives into the real qualities that make or break a leader.
He doesn’t hold back, calling out bad leaders as people who don’t listen, lack vision, and often have a streak of narcissism. Steve opens up about his own experience being bullied at work by a narcissistic boss, something that hit him hard emotionally. That difficult chapter in his life led him to write a book for young professionals, helping them spot toxic leadership early on. His years working in tough London schools, where gang culture and knife crime were part of daily life, gave him a unique perspective on what it takes to lead well—starting with self-awareness and creating a supportive, safe environment for everyone.
Over time, Steve developed the strategic mindset needed to lead effectively. For Steve, it’s all about pairing confidence with competence—because while confidence gets you started, it’s skill and awareness that make you truly successful. He’s big on the idea that ego can wreck communication and relationships, and without self-awareness, even the most confident leader will struggle to inspire their team.
What really fires Steve up is his belief in building strong, high-performing teams by recognising and playing to people’s strengths. It’s not about ego—it’s about helping your team win. And for him, leadership is a journey of continuous growth, learning, and improvement.
