When we think about setting goals, we usually relate to the business context. But aren't we in need of setting goals for our lives as well? Or is there a difference between setting a goal, setting an objective, maybe setting a direction? That's a very interesting topic to discuss and I'm having a very great guest to be discussing this topic today, Bruno Morgante. By no coincidence he is talking about goals because he knows a lot about that in his life.


In this episode you will learn:

• why setting goals is essential for creating a purposeful life
• how clear objectives act as your compass during turbulent times
• the difference between outputs, outcomes, and real value in both life and project management
• why achieving goals is less important than the transformation you experience along the way
• how to start setting realistic yet ambitious objectives that spark growth
• what a winning mindset means and how it connects to personal and professional success

Find more materials at www.astepahead.pro/021

When you listen to this episode, think of someone who would also listen to it for the benefit of themselves or their team and share the link to the recording.

I wish you a sense of fun and discovery!

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In Poland, we have a saying: A Pole and a Hungarian are like two brothers. We both like to fight, and we both like to drink. That’s how the saying goes. I think this is what many people commonly imagine about Hungarians—and about working with them.

Now, we can assume that this saying, which blends humor with stereotype, might contain a grain of truth. But I believe—and I’m quite convinced—that there’s much more to know about Hungary and Hungarians than what this little proverb suggests.


In this episode you will learn:

• Why Hungarians might seem reserved—and what it really means
• How handshake customs differ in Hungary compared to other countries
• The role of food, drinks, and small talk in building business relationships
• Why learning just a few Hungarian words can make a big difference
• How Hungarians give and receive feedback at work
• What to avoid in early conversations (hint: politics!)
• How historical events still influence Hungarian drinking habits
• The difference between direct and indirect communication styles in Hungary
• Tips for working effectively with Hungarian colleagues—virtually or in person
• Why building trust takes time, but lasts long in Hungarian culture

Find more materials at www.astepahead.pro/020

When you listen to this episode, think of someone who would also listen to it for the benefit of themselves or their team and share the link to the recording.

I wish you a sense of fun and discovery!

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When you cooperate with people from Poland, especially when you run meetings or trainings—whether face to face or online—you might face the challanges. Many of my international colleagues, particularly those coming from Western European and North American countries, feel a bit insecure about how to read reactions from us.

By “us,” I mean Polish people, but also more generally people from Central and Eastern Europe, because it seems that the type of reactions and behaviors in meetings is quite similar across our part of Europe. 


In this episode you will learn:

• Why CEE audiences often stay silent or hesitate to speak in meetings
• How history, education, and hierarchy shape communication in CEE
• Why leaving space to speak is key—and why interrupting is avoided
• How fear of making mistakes in English holds people back
• How to spot and engage quieter participants in mixed cultural groups
• Tools and techniques to boost engagement in CEE teams
• Why setting expectations upfront makes a big difference
• How small groups, anonymous tools, and personal stories can encourage interaction
• Why managers should speak last to get honest opinions

Find more materials at www.astepahead.pro/019

When you listen to this episode, think of someone who would also listen to it for the benefit of themselves or their team and share the link to the recording.

I wish you a sense of fun and discovery!

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How open are we to language acquisition? This is what we are discussing in today's episode.We work a lot with international audiences and international teams, and it seems that language plays an important role here. This is why I'm so glad to have Vladislav Alehno as my guest. Vlad is not just a polyglot — he is a hyperpolyglot.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why calling a language "foreign" can block your progress — and what to say instead.
• How to connect with a language emotionally, not just intellectually.
• Why "complex" is better than "difficult" when describing languages.
• How Vlad learned French fluently in just one year using natural immersion.
• Why attitude matters more than talent in language learning.
• Simple first steps to start learning any language.
• How languages build bridges — and become part of your personal story.

Find more materials at www.astepahead.pro/018

When you listen to this episode, think of someone who would also listen to it for the benefit of themselves or their team and share the link to the recording.

I wish you a sense of fun and discovery!

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Visiting a place for a holiday is not the same as working hand in hand with local professionals, managing projects together, and navigating shared responsibilities.Today, I’m joined by a special guest who knows this world from the inside out: Beata Malinowska, who shares her real-life experience of working across Asian cultures—not just Asia as a region, but as a collection of distinct countries, customs, and ways of doing business.

In this episode you will learn:

• How to build trust with stakeholders in Asia
• Key cultural differences across Asian countries
• Why humility matters in international projects
• How to deal with ambiguity and uncertainty
• What to know about hierarchy and communication
• Gender dynamics in Asian business environments
• How to adapt your leadership style by region
• The impact of strong company culture
• Tips for preparing to work abroad
• Why mindset and empathy are game-changers

Find more materials at www.astepahead.pro/017

When you listen to this episode, think of someone who would also listen to it for the benefit of themselves or their team and share the link to the recording.

I wish you a sense of fun and discovery!

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When you think about storytelling and business, there is a question how you can combine these two areas. Let me tell you, the connection is just amazing and fascinating. It's very, very, very strong and I have a great guest - Yingdan Liu - who can tell us more about how it works, what it is and why it is so important to have storytelling skills especially when you are a leader. 

In this episode you will learn:

• Why storytelling?
• Why is storytelling so adequate in business?
• What are the necessary elements of a story?
• The Five S model for creating good stories
• The most common myths about storytelling
• Will artificial intelligence replace storytellers?
• How one story can change a person's life?

Find more materials at www.astepahead.pro/016

When you listen to this episode, think of someone who would also listen to it for the benefit of themselves or their team and share the link to the recording.

I wish you a sense of fun and discovery!

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In this episode, I'm having a special guest, who can tell us a bit more about how we can really put a little bit of brain into all our hard attempts and how to apply a structured approach to creating DEI change. Kasper Jelsbech has dedicated a big part of your professional life to diversity, equity, and inclusion. He works as partner and chief consultant at a company called Living Institute.

In this episode you will learn:

• What does a systemic approach to DEI start from?
• Should you rather focus on diversity or inclusion?
• What are the 7 steps that an organization needs to take before it starts adjusting its processes?
• What's the right sequence of actions?
• What is a nonpromotable task?
• How much time does it take to create a sustainable culture change in a company?

Find more materials at www.astepahead.pro/015

When you listen to this episode, think of someone who would also listen to it for the benefit of themselves or their team and share the link to the recording.

I wish you a sense of fun and discovery!

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We talk a lot about managing diversity, about diversity of people, and about the beautiful performance, which is possible thanks to diversity in organizations. But have we made sure before that this diversity actually can work in practice? Can all the kinds of people access the resources of our company? That's the question.

Today, I'm talking to Mike Koeppe about online accessibility for people with visual impairments, and I think this is going to be a very interesting topic. On this occasion you can also see how people just before total sight loss see - just take a look at the guest photo on the cover of this podcast episode!


In this episode you will learn:

• Figures for visual impairments
• Why accessibility is a business issue
• Inclusive company's best practice
• "You don't see what they don't see"
• Personal stories
• Statistics from workplaces
• WCAG - Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

When we talk about inclusive workplaces, we focus a lot on the mindset. We focus a lot on inclusive leadership. We also talk about inclusive policies. But today, we talked about some really technical levels of being accessible, of being inclusive.

Find more materials at www.astepahead.pro/014

When you listen to this episode, think of someone who would also listen to it for the benefit of themselves or their team and share the link to the recording.

I wish you a sense of fun and discovery!

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The world of work is changing. And what is changing among others is the generations that we have in workplace. Now slowly but inevitably, I'm discovering that I'm starting to belong to the older generations in the workplace. But it also makes me very curious about what are the younger generations like. What makes them like this? How do they approach certain things?

Today, we will be talking about a specific aspect, maybe a little bit unexpected aspect of generation Z, the youngest generation in our job market. I'm having Marta Leszczyńska as my guest. And I'm going to ask many questions about Marta's experience with GenZers.

In this episode you will learn:

• What is Gen Z
• What is technological shame
• Tech shame at work
• Technological competence of GenZ
• How GenZers learn new skills
• How to address tech shame in company
• Hints for HR and leaders

Find more materials at www.astepahead.pro/013

When you listen to this episode, think of someone who would also listen to it for the benefit of themselves or their team and share the link to the recording.

I wish you a sense of fun and discovery!

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More and more frequently we talk about diversity, equity and inclusion. My impression is that we get a lot of DEI guidelines, but they show us how to behave in a specific situation. I'm very glad to have Magdalena Szumna as a guest today. We are going to explore a little bit more practical approach to dealing with situations related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In this conversation you will learn:

• Why diversity competence is important
• What is diversity competence
• About TOPOI model
• How to use TOPOI model - case studies
• How to develop diversity competence

Find more materials at www.astepahead.pro/012

I wish you a sense of fun and discovery!

Many managers suffer from the challenge of being in touch with their people, of keeping the relationship. And what becomes even more difficult is having a dialogue. What do we do in a situation when there is a polarized dialogue? How to run it?

I have invited an amazing expert who can tell us a lot about how to do dialogue and, maybe even more importantly, how to depolarize dialogue in case it goes the wrong way. Maja Nenadović is my guest today.

In this conversation you will learn:

• Why to have a dialogue in a workplace
• What happens if we enter a dialogue
• Why conflict is an opportunity
• How to find courage to start a dialogue
• Hints and tips for running a dialogue
• Examples of useful questions
• Role of HR in creating a dialogue
• What is deep listening and why it is so important

Find more materials at www.astepahead.pro/011

I wish you a sense of fun and discovery!

In this captivating episode of "A Step Ahead by Monika Chutnik" Jana Holla provides us with a unique glimpse into the vibrant world of Egypt, emphasizing the value Egyptians place on relationships, the cultural nuances that shape their interactions, and the challenges faced by expatriates in this enchanting land. Join Monika and her guest as they explore the joy of relationships and the complexities of life in Egypt.

In this conversation you will learn:

• What are main cultural beliefs and values in Egypt
• How it is to be a foreign woman living in Egypt
• The importance of relationships in Egyptian society
• European perspective on Egyptian culture
• Tips for living and working in Egypt

Find more materials at www.astepahead.pro/010

I wish you a sense of fun and discovery!

In this episode of A Step Ahead podcast Monika Chutnik is talking with Maja Paradecka from Kemira company on how to build a global women's network that drives inclusion.

In this conversation you will learn:

• Why to talk about the women's network
• Story of Women's Network in Kemira
• How to start and develop a women's network
• How to make a women's network global
• Tips and tricks for other organizations

Find more materials at www.astepahead.pro/009

I wish you a sense of fun and discovery!

This podcast, A Step Ahead, has been created for all who want to grow in such an international, remote environment – who want to grow as leaders, as HR, as change agents, and simply as humans. I will be delighted to know how you make progress at work and in life - Monika Chutnik.

Materials are available at www.astepahead.pro/008

In this episode I am talking with Kathy Borys Siddiqui about Danish business culture and how to make friends with the Danes.

In this conversation you will learn:

• What is Denmark like?
• Moving to another country
• Hygge in practice
• Danish sense of humour
• How to make friends with Danes?
• Danish corporate culture

As you listen to this episode, think of someone who would also listen to it for the benefit of themselves or their team and share the link to the recording.

Sign up for the newsletter to stay in touch: https://astepahead.pro/newsletter/

This podcast, A Step Ahead, has been created for all who want to grow in such an international, remote environment – who want to grow as leaders, as HR, as change agents, and simply as humans. I will be delighted to know how you make progress at work and in life - Monika Chutnik.

Materials are available at www.astepahead.pro/007

In this episode I am talking with Alessia Serena, an experienced manager in HR and Project Management.

In this conversation you will learn:

• What was the biggest surprise in working with Mexicans?
• How to build relationships with Mexicans?
• What is the Mexican approach to time?
• What does "ahorita" mean and how do you interpret such a response?
• How are deadlines set in a collaboration?
• What is the role of the project leader? What is expected of the boss?
• How were Italians perceived by Mexicans?
• What will Mexicans not tolerate when it comes to work behavior?
• What to watch out for so as not to offend the feelings of their Mexican colleagues?
• What do Poles and Mexicans have in common?
• What are the key tips for successful cooperation with Mexicans?

As you listen to this episode, think of someone who would also listen to it for the benefit of themselves or their team and share the link to the recording.

Sign up for the newsletter to stay in touch: https://astepahead.pro/newsletter/

This podcast, A Step Ahead, has been created for all who want to grow in such an international, remote environment – who want to grow as leaders, as HR, as change agents, and simply as humans. I will be delighted to know how you make progress at work and in life - Monika Chutnik.

Materials are available at www.astepahead.pro/006

In this episode I am talking with Sarah Cordivano about how to craft a DEI strategy that makes sense.

In this conversation you will learn:

• How to set up DEI strategy in a company
• Challenges in implementing DEI strategy
• How to find the sponsorship of the executive level
• Role of the mid-level managers in activating the DEI strategy
• What are the three things to do in order to start DEI within the company

This episode might be interesting for leaders who have a direct influence on inclusion and diversity programs in their teams, but also for HR who creates development programs for employees.
I wish you a sense of fun and discovery!

This podcast, A Step Ahead, has been created for all who want to grow in such an international, remote environment – who want to grow as leaders, as HR, as change agents, and simply as humans. I will be delighted to know how you make progress at work and in life - Monika Chutnik.

Materials are available at www.astepahead.pro/005

In this episode I am talking about Part Time Manager with Johanna Fink.

In this conversation you will learn:

• Why it's no longer an option but rather a business nececity to have part time solutions available
• How part time management is related to DEI
• What are surprising benefits created by working part time
• What are some challenges faced by people working as part time managers
• Hints and tips about what you might do as an organisation to enable part time solutions that fit you the best

This episode might be interesting for leaders who have a direct influence on inclusion and diversity programs in their teams, but also for HR who creates development programs for employees.
I wish you a sense of fun and discovery!

This podcast, A Step Ahead, has been created for all who want to grow in such an international, remote environment – who want to grow as leaders, as HR, as change agents, and simply as humans. I will be delighted to know how you make progress at work and in life - Monika Chutnik.

Materials are available at www.astepahead.pro/004

In this episode I am talking about "What are Microaffirmations and why you want to have them in your team". With me there is Ben Capell, experienced consultant, expert and trainer.

In this conversation you will learn:

• What are microbehaviours and why do they matter?
• How microbehaviours translate into performance?
• Who can actually impact the microbehaviours in a team?

This episode might be interesting for leaders who have a direct influence on inclusion and diversity programs in their teams, but also for HR who creates development programs for employees.
I wish you a sense of fun and discovery!

This podcast, A Step Ahead, has been created for all who want to grow in such an international, remote environment – who want to grow as leaders, as HR, as change agents, and simply as humans. I will be delighted to know how you make progress at work and in life - Monika Chutnik.

Materials are available at www.astepahead.pro/003

In this episode I am talking about Psychological Safety - what is it and how to get it in business and in teams. With me there is Kasia Romanowicz, experienced leadership trainer and consultant, working for ETTA Leadership & Consult.

In this conversation you will learn:

• Why to care about psychological safety in business?
• What does psychological safety comprise of?
• What are the levels of psychological safety?
• What you can do as a leader to ensure or increase psychological safety in your team?
• What leaderships skills are helpful for enabling psychological safety in your team?

This episode might be interesting for leaders who have a direct influence on psychological safety in their teams, but also for HR who creates development programs for employees.
I wish you a sense of fun and discovery!

This podcast, A Step Ahead, has been created for all who want to grow in such an international, remote environment – who want to grow as leaders, as HR, as change agents, and simply as humans. I will be delighted to know how you make progress at work and in life - Monika Chutnik.

Materials are available at www.astepahead.pro/002

In this episode I’m talking to Hanna Yankina, who comes from Ukraine and works as an IT recruiter in Poland. She is sharing her experience and knowledge about Ukrainian work culture, needs of Ukrainian employees in Europe and she also gives advices on how to prepare the good recruitment and onboarding processes.

What you will learn from this episode:

• What working style you can expect from Ukrainian colleagues
• What you can do to find great candidates
• What you can do to ensure a great onboarding into your team and company
• What you can do to ensure a great experience of working together with Ukrainans in your business

I wish you a lot of inspiration!