about the author

Steve Cuss started in the video games industry in 1994 as a programmer at Intelligent Games, rising to Development Director/co-owner after an MBO. At Intelligent Games Steve worked with Electronic Arts on franchises such as Tiger Woods and FIFA and with Sony on World Tour Golf.Steve joined EA in 2001, working initially on the Harry Potter franchise. He moved to Criterion in 2003, working on Black, the Burnout series, Need for Speed Most Wanted & Hot Pursuit, Star Wars Battlefront, Battlefield V: Firestorm and Need For Speed Unbound. He became Head of Studio Operations in the summer of 2018 and that year was a Nominee for UK’s Best Boss in the gamesindustry.biz annual awards.Steve has spoken about Liberated Leadership at conferences in London, Manaus, Kiev and San Francisco.Steve is married with two children and lives in Surrey, England.

about the book

Discover the untold truth of leadership in this compelling journey that unveils the hidden struggles of business leaders who wear a daily mask. In the bustling world of business, many find themselves living a double life, facing sleepless nights, constant anxiety, and the exhausting weight of expectation. I’ve been there, my friend, and I’ve learned firsthand the toll it takes. Drawing from my three-decade experience in the video game industry, including 20 years at Electronic Arts, I unravel the challenges of traditional leadership and present a groundbreaking alternative: Liberated Leadership.In these pages, I share my personal transformation, introducing you to the seven pillars that form the essence of Liberated Leadership. Each pillar harbours a key practice, empowering you to lead authentically and find fulfilment. The narrative isn’t all doom and gloom; it’s a beacon of hope, offering practical insights that pave the way for a liberating change cycle. If you’re ready to shed the mask, release the burdens, and embark on a journey of liberation, this book is your guide. Join me on a path that breaks free from chains, transforming not only your approach to leadership but also your entire life. It’s time to embrace authenticity and lead with purpose. Walk this transformative path with me – let’s set ourselves free.

news

Steve to speak at re:connect in July 2025

The re:connect Conference take place on 4th July, 2025 at North Road Campus of Bournemouth and Poole College.Organisers say "The conference is hosted in Dorset and aims to bring tech conferences to th ........

Steve Talks Liberated Leadership at the inaugural Guildford Games Developer Summit.

The very first Guildford Games Developer Summit took place on Valentines Day 2025 and there was plenty of love in the room. The event was a sell out with the Finance Fundamentals track curated by Sam ........

Steve Speaks on Liberated Leadership Pillar TRUST at The Royal Institution

I recently had the opportunity to speak at the Gi.Biz HR Summit at the prestigious The Royal Instituion in London about my experience in managing teams during times of change.Eighty games studios of a ........

blogs

You don’t have to big yourself up or beat yourself up

In our fast-paced and ever-evolving world, striking a balance between self-confidence and humility can significantly impact one’s career. In my experience leading game teams over the last three decade ........

Start Leading Now

I have been in the video game industry for three decades and from when I first became a team leader for the development of PGA European Tour for the PC I have been in some sort of leadership position. ........

The One Coaching Point That Applies To Everyone

From my starting in the video game industry in 1994 through to my current consultancy work, I have pretty much always had a leadership position and I have always managed and coached people. When it co ........

contact

Austin Macauley are one of the fastest-growing publishers, striving hard to give authors the best chance of succeeding in an increasingly crowded market. With headquarters in London, New York and Sharjah, Austin Macauley Publishers™ have established themselves as an energetic and innovative independent trade publishers.

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