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Have you ever had a boss who taught you exactly how not to lead? In this episode of The Art of Badassery podcast, host Jenn Cassetta sits down with Mita Mallick, author of The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses. Mita shares how she turned countless rejections into a bestselling book and became a leading voice in diversity and inclusion. Together, Jenn and Mita unpack lessons from difficult bosses, the role of grief in leadership, and practical strategies to navigate tough workplace dynamics. Mita reminds us that true leadership is built on community, storytelling, and the courage to be vulnerable.Connect with Mita Mallick:Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822/Website - https://www.mitamallick.com/Book - The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn From Bad Bosses
Mita's traveling on a jet plane and asked for "...films that are excellent to watch on a plane". Chat GPT delivered Taika Waititi's "Hunt For The Wilderpeople" for the next movie review. Nadeem watched a lot of movies.
Episode #130. In this episode, I'm joined by Mita Mallick, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Reimagine Inclusion and The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses. Mita shares her winding path from marketing executive to full-time writer and changemaker, and the lessons she's learned about leadership, inclusion, and the courage to leave what no longer fits. We talk about bad bosses, burnout, and the quiet ways our own habits can mirror the behavior we once resented. Mita reminds us that growth starts with awareness—and that leadership isn't about perfection, it's about presence. If you've ever felt stuck under poor leadership or wondered how to lead differently, this conversation will challenge you to look inward and act with intention. Connect with Mita Mallick: Website LinkedIn Instagram
Alright, Mita is back with us on the pod. We're talking bad bosses, bad employees, bad attitudes and how to break the cycle of feeling bad at work. Here's the rundown of what we're talking about today at WORK. * Work friction is rising because roles, priorities, and expectations are unclear.* Layoffs create survivor guilt and overwhelm for the people who stay.* Leaders often skip rewriting roles or resetting priorities after org changes.* Ambiguity grows when bosses avoid conflict or lack clear direction from above.* Weekly priority meetings and repeat back communication cut through confusion.* Managing up is essential. Employees must surface gaps and ask for clarity.* Weak or absentee bosses create space for employees to lead and accelerate.* One on ones matter. Bring value so they never get canceled.* Boundaries break when people step into others' jobs to avoid their own.* Remote work increases miscommunication without consistent rituals and tools.* Generational tension stems from different eras of job security and loyalty.* Cross generational teams work best when everyone teaches and learns from each other.To learn more about Mita - Get her book “The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn From Bad Bosses.” This is WORK Conversations. Watch full episode on YouTube. Get full access to WORK at erikaayersbadan.substack.com/subscribe
I'm Frank. I'm an Interval Magician. That's my superpower, and I'm looking for composers who want to break free from generic progressions and write music that truly stands out. ✨ Welcome to the Circle of Interval Magicians ✨
What happens when your boss is the problem?A good boss can inspire you and be a catalyst for your career, whilst bad bosses limit your potential, putting the brakes on your trajectory.In this conversation with Mita Mallick, author of The Devil Emails at Midnight, we explore the behaviours that make bosses bad, and the lessons we can take to become better leaders. Mita shares raw, funny and moving stories from her career, showing how toxic dynamics shape us, and how inclusion and vulnerability can transform workplaces.We discuss why kindness is still seen as weakness, the warning signs that you might be slipping into bad boss territory, and how to handle life's toughest moments, such as grief, while still leading with integrity.If you've ever wondered whether you're bringing out the best in your people, or if you're stuck with a boss who doesn't, this episode will give you the tools and courage to flip the script.“Hurt people hurt people.” – Mita MallickYou'll hear about:· Personal stories of bad bosses· Why kindness is seen as weakness· Warning signs you're a bad boss· Nature versus nurture in leadership· How grief affects leadership behaviour· The myth of bossless organisations· Coaching instead of micromanaging· Options when stuck with a bad bossAbout Mita Mallick:Mita Mallick is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She's on a mission to fix what's broken in our workplaces. She's a corporate change maker with a track record of transforming businesses and has had an extensive career as a marketing and human resources executive.Mallick is a highly sought-after speaker who has advised Fortune 500 companies and start-ups alike. She is a LinkedIn Top Voice and was named to the Thinkers 50 Radar List. She's a contributor to Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Adweek, and Entrepreneur. Mallick has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, Forbes, Axios, Essence, Cosmopolitan Magazine and Business Insider.Resources: Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822/Services: https://www.mitamallick.com/Book: https://www.amazon.com/Devil-Emails-Midnight-Leaders-Bosses/dp/1394316488/My resources:Try my High-stakes meetings toolkit (https://bit.ly/43cnhnQ) Take my Becoming a Strategic Leader course (https://bit.ly/3KJYDTj)Sign up to my Every Day is a Strategy Day newsletter (http://bit.ly/36WRpri) for modern mindsets and practices to help you get ahead.Subscribe to my YouTube channel (http://bit.ly/3cFGk1k) where you can watch the conversation.For more details about me:● Services (https://rb.gy/ahlcuy) to CEOs, entrepreneurs and professionals.● About me (https://rb.gy/dvmg9n) - my background, experience and philosophy.● Examples of my writing https://rb.gy/jlbdds)● Follow me and engage with me on LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/2Z2PexP)● Follow me and engage with me on Twitter (https://bit.ly/36XavNI)
Mita Mallick shares how experiences with poor leadership shaped her view on how great leaders can coach, not control, and lead with empathy and clarity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I'm Frank. I'm an Interval Magician. That's my superpower, and I'm looking for composers who want to break free from generic progressions and write music that truly stands out. ✨ Welcome to the Circle of Interval Magicians ✨
In this engaging conversation, Lori Adams-Brown interviews Mita Mallick about her book "The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses." Mita shares personal stories and insights on leadership, workplace culture, and the impact of bad bosses on mental health. The discussion covers the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and the role of personal relationships in professional settings. The genesis of Mita's book started with a personal experience of her mother's home being flooded. Mita found an old notebook with stories about bad bosses, which inspired her book. Fear-driven workplaces may achieve short-term results but harm long-term culture. Mita shares a 'water test' to identify toxic workplaces during interviews. Setting boundaries is crucial for respect and inclusion in the workplace. Personal relationships can complicate professional decisions, especially in leadership roles. Mita emphasizes the importance of self-care for effective leadership. The conversation highlights the normalization of toxic behavior in workplaces. Mita advises doing reference checks on potential employers. The book encourages readers to learn from bad bosses to become better leaders. My special guest is Mita Mallick Mallick is a highly sought-after speaker who has advised Fortune 500 companies and start-ups alike. She is a LinkedIn Top Voice and was named to the Thinkers 50 Radar List. She's a contributor to Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Adweek, and Entrepreneur. Mallick has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, Forbes, Axios, Essence, Cosmopolitan Magazine and Business Insider. Mallick holds a B.A. from Barnard College, Columbia University and an M.B.A. from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. Learning from Bad Bosses The Devil Emails at Midnight Leadership Lessons from Mita Mallick Navigating Toxic Workplaces Setting Boundaries for Success The Impact of Bad Bosses Self-Care in Leadership Identifying Toxic Workplaces The Role of Personal Relationships in Leadership Transforming Workplace Culture Key topics: leadership, workplace culture, bad bosses, mental health, self-awareness "The Devil Emails at Midnight" "Fear kills culture in the longterm" "Set boundaries for respect" "Personal relationships complicate decisions" "Self-care is key to leadership" "Normalize toxic behavior in workplaces" "Do reference checks on employers" "Learn from bad bosses" "Water test for toxic workplaces" "Respect is a basic need" 00:00:01 Introduction and Book Overview 00:00:29 Inspiration Behind the Book 00:01:27 Fear-Driven Workplaces 00:02:27 Impact of Bad Bosses 00:04:10 Setting Boundaries 00:07:30 Personal Relationships in Leadership 00:11:39 Self-Care and Leadership 00:18:54 Cultural and Personal Background 00:25:20 Advice for Navigating Workplace Dynamics 00:30:51 Conclusion and How to Connect with Mita Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube Substack FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon (for exclusive episodes just for Difference Makers) Bluesky TikTok Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference If you are looking for your next opportunity, sign up for Lori's Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this engaging conversation, Lori Adams-Brown interviews Mita Mallick about her book "The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses." Mita shares personal stories and insights on leadership, workplace culture, and the impact of bad bosses on mental health. The discussion covers the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and the role of personal relationships in professional settings. The genesis of Mita's book started with a personal experience of her mother's home being flooded. Mita found an old notebook with stories about bad bosses, which inspired her book. Fear-driven workplaces may achieve short-term results but harm long-term culture. Mita shares a 'water test' to identify toxic workplaces during interviews. Setting boundaries is crucial for respect and inclusion in the workplace. Personal relationships can complicate professional decisions, especially in leadership roles. Mita emphasizes the importance of self-care for effective leadership. The conversation highlights the normalization of toxic behavior in workplaces. Mita advises doing reference checks on potential employers. The book encourages readers to learn from bad bosses to become better leaders. My special guest is Mita Mallick Mallick is a highly sought-after speaker who has advised Fortune 500 companies and start-ups alike. She is a LinkedIn Top Voice and was named to the Thinkers 50 Radar List. She's a contributor to Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Adweek, and Entrepreneur. Mallick has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, Forbes, Axios, Essence, Cosmopolitan Magazine and Business Insider. Mallick holds a B.A. from Barnard College, Columbia University and an M.B.A. from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. Learning from Bad Bosses The Devil Emails at Midnight Leadership Lessons from Mita Mallick Navigating Toxic Workplaces Setting Boundaries for Success The Impact of Bad Bosses Self-Care in Leadership Identifying Toxic Workplaces The Role of Personal Relationships in Leadership Transforming Workplace Culture Key topics: leadership, workplace culture, bad bosses, mental health, self-awareness "The Devil Emails at Midnight" "Fear kills culture in the longterm" "Set boundaries for respect" "Personal relationships complicate decisions" "Self-care is key to leadership" "Normalize toxic behavior in workplaces" "Do reference checks on employers" "Learn from bad bosses" "Water test for toxic workplaces" "Respect is a basic need" 00:00:01 Introduction and Book Overview 00:00:29 Inspiration Behind the Book 00:01:27 Fear-Driven Workplaces 00:02:27 Impact of Bad Bosses 00:04:10 Setting Boundaries 00:07:30 Personal Relationships in Leadership 00:11:39 Self-Care and Leadership 00:18:54 Cultural and Personal Background 00:25:20 Advice for Navigating Workplace Dynamics 00:30:51 Conclusion and How to Connect with Mita Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube Substack FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon (for exclusive episodes just for Difference Makers) Bluesky TikTok Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference If you are looking for your next opportunity, sign up for Lori's Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With Spooky Season done, Mita wanted to watch a "...critically acclaimed, fall, feel-good movies". So, Chat GPT delivered the 1989 classic, "Dead Poets Society" for the next movie review. Not to be confused with "The Tortured Poets Department". Tough times for poets.
Mita Mallick is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author and speaker, and former brand manager for companies including Avon and Unilever. Mita's book, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn From Bad Bosses, is available now. Mita discusses her favorite fast food chain, stories from her career, and takeaways from her book.Follow To Dine For:Official Website: ToDineForTV.comFacebook: Facebook.com/ToDineForTVInstagram: @ToDineForTVTwitter: @KateSullivanTVEmail: ToDineForTV@gmail.com Thank You to our Sponsors!Coca-ColaAmerican National InsuranceWairau River WinesFollow Our Guest:Official Site: MitaMallick.comInstagram: @Mita_Mallick13LinkedIn: Mita Mallick Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Leadership Bites, Mita Mallick shares her journey from being a bullied child to becoming a champion for inclusion in the workplace. She emphasizes the importance of consistency and discipline in achieving success and discusses how creating inclusive cultures starts at home. Mita highlights the need for respectful conversations in the workplace and the role of leaders in fostering psychological safety. She also introduces her new book, 'The Devil Emails at Midnight,' which explores the archetypes of bad bosses and encourages self-reflection among leaders.TakeawaysMita is on a mission to fix what's broken in workplaces.Consistency and discipline are key to success.Everyone has experienced a time when they didn't belong.Creating inclusive cultures starts at home.We need to disagree with kindness and respect.Psychological safety is crucial for open conversations.Leaders must take ownership of their impact on others.Understanding intent versus impact is vital in communication.Self-reflection is necessary for effective leadership.Mita's new book explores bad boss archetypes and encourages growth.Sound bites"I'm on a mission to fix what's broken.""Consistency is my underrated superpower.""We all have one toxic habit."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:58 The Importance of Consistency and Discipline05:53 Mita's Origin Story and Journey09:03 Creating Inclusive Cultures Starts at Home11:52 The Hijacking of Inclusion Conversations14:38 The Need for Kind and Respectful Conversations17:40 Psychological Safety in Conversations20:20 The Role of Leaders in Inclusion23:19 Understanding Intent vs. Impact26:24 Mita's New Book: The Devil Emails at Midnight29:27 Exploring Bad Boss Archetypes32:26 The Importance of Self-Reflection in Leadership35:30 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsTo find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.The link to everything CLICK HEREUK: 07827 953814Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com Web: www.livingbrave.com
I'm Frank. I'm an Interval Magician. That's my superpower, and I'm looking for composers who want to break free from generic progressions and write music that truly stands out. ✨ Welcome to the Circle of Interval Magicians ✨
It's the last movie of Spooky Season and Nadeem wanted to watch "...the best horror movie from 2025." CHAT GPT didn't disappoint and suggested Australia's "Bring Her Back" for the next movie review. Mita talks Teen Screams.
Lou Bernard currently serves as the beverage director for Mita in Washington DC, applying his skills to the drinks at this James Beard nominated (and Michelin Guide) vegan Latin restaurant. He's been involved in the DC scene for years though, proudly bringing the flavors and inspirations from his Latin upbringing to the bar and introducing the area to Singani. He was recently named one of Punch's best new bartenders of 2025, and he's known to sling some drinks named for hip hop tracks while blasting rock en español. Check out his Latin Vibes DC style playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/25Je5BHIPWBiQ6X4eFm8k3?si=3AG3JPPVQhOntO6BGvqjKg
In this special on-location episode of the Know Zone Podcast, Caroline Massey, Social Media Specialist at Classic Vacations®, brings listeners to Las Vegas for Classic's annual Reservations Training Event. Amid the energy of learning and connection, Caroline sits down with hotel partners from around the world to discuss what makes their properties truly exceptional.Hear from: • Andrew Pike, Managing Director, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection• Ray Benevides, Fairmont Resorts Hawaii• Juan Vela, Chief Executive Officer, Velas Resorts• Garry Perotin, Complex Director of Leisure Sales, Conrad Punta de Mita & Hilton Los CabosFrom personalized service to signature experiences that leave a lasting impression, this episode is packed with insights designed to expand travel advisors' expertise and elevate how they present these standout luxury properties to their clients.
Join our community of fearless leaders in search of unreasonable outcomes... Want to become a FEARLESS entrepreneur and leader? Go here: https://www.findingpeak.com Watch on YouTube: https://link.ryanhanley.com/youtube In this episode of Finding Peak, Ryan Hanley sits down with Mita Mallick, USA Today bestselling author of The Devil Emails at Midnight, to expose the leadership crisis driving the Great Resignation. The conversation cuts through the corporate BS to reveal why employees aren't just leaving for better pay—they're fleeing leaders who demand sacrifice while hoarding wealth and refusing to show basic human decency. Connect with Mita Millick The Devil Emails at Midnight: https://amzn.to/3Wjk2bw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822/ Website: https://www.mitamallick.com/ Key Insights: The compensation hypocrisy is killing companies. CEOs making $50-70 million are laying off thousands of employees instead of taking reasonable pay cuts. Mallick and Hanley dissect how this wealth gap destroys trust and drives top talent out the door. When leaders won't sacrifice anything but expect employees to sacrifice everything, loyalty evaporates. Bad bosses are manufactured by broken systems. Mallick reveals the three moments that create toxic leaders: environmental stress (tariffs, economic uncertainty), leadership emulation (new managers copying bad behavior because it's all they know), and personal crises (grief, divorce, illness) that leaders try to compartmentalize but can't. The system creates these monsters, then acts surprised when employees quit. "Healthy vulnerability" vs. "toxic vulnerability" is the line between trust and manipulation. Leaders who admit they don't have all the answers build loyalty. Leaders who weaponize their personal problems to justify abusive behavior destroy teams. Mallick explains how to spot the difference and what to do when your boss crosses that line. Flexibility isn't charity—it's competitive advantage. Hanley shares how he built a powerhouse team by hiring talented mothers other companies threw away because they couldn't punch a time card from 8:30 to 4:30. These women outperformed everyone because they were given autonomy and trust. Meanwhile, rigid leaders are bleeding talent and wondering why. The Great Resignation is a leadership referendum. Employees aren't leaving jobs—they're leaving leaders who treat them like disposable resources while enriching themselves. The data is clear: people will tolerate a lot, but they won't tolerate hypocrisy and disrespect forever. Recommended Tools for GrowthOpusClip: #1 AI video clipping and editing tool: https://link.ryanhanley.com/opusRiverside: HD Podcast & Video Software | Free Recording & Editing: https://link.ryanhanley.com/riversideWhisperFlow: Never waste time typing on your keyboard again: https://link.ryanhanley.com/whisperflowCaptionsApp: One app for all your social media video creation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/captionsappGoHighLevel: It's time to take your business workflow to the Next Level: https://link.ryanhanley.com/gohighlevelPerspective.co: The #1 funnel builder for lead generation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/perspectiveEpisodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Join our community of fearless leaders in search of unreasonable outcomes... Want to become a FEARLESS entrepreneur and leader? Go here: https://www.findingpeak.com Watch on YouTube: https://link.ryanhanley.com/youtube In this episode of Finding Peak, Ryan Hanley sits down with Mita Mallick, USA Today bestselling author of The Devil Emails at Midnight, to expose the leadership crisis driving the Great Resignation. The conversation cuts through the corporate BS to reveal why employees aren't just leaving for better pay—they're fleeing leaders who demand sacrifice while hoarding wealth and refusing to show basic human decency. Connect with Mita Millick The Devil Emails at Midnight: https://amzn.to/3Wjk2bw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822/ Website: https://www.mitamallick.com/ Key Insights: The compensation hypocrisy is killing companies. CEOs making $50-70 million are laying off thousands of employees instead of taking reasonable pay cuts. Mallick and Hanley dissect how this wealth gap destroys trust and drives top talent out the door. When leaders won't sacrifice anything but expect employees to sacrifice everything, loyalty evaporates. Bad bosses are manufactured by broken systems. Mallick reveals the three moments that create toxic leaders: environmental stress (tariffs, economic uncertainty), leadership emulation (new managers copying bad behavior because it's all they know), and personal crises (grief, divorce, illness) that leaders try to compartmentalize but can't. The system creates these monsters, then acts surprised when employees quit. "Healthy vulnerability" vs. "toxic vulnerability" is the line between trust and manipulation. Leaders who admit they don't have all the answers build loyalty. Leaders who weaponize their personal problems to justify abusive behavior destroy teams. Mallick explains how to spot the difference and what to do when your boss crosses that line. Flexibility isn't charity—it's competitive advantage. Hanley shares how he built a powerhouse team by hiring talented mothers other companies threw away because they couldn't punch a time card from 8:30 to 4:30. These women outperformed everyone because they were given autonomy and trust. Meanwhile, rigid leaders are bleeding talent and wondering why. The Great Resignation is a leadership referendum. Employees aren't leaving jobs—they're leaving leaders who treat them like disposable resources while enriching themselves. The data is clear: people will tolerate a lot, but they won't tolerate hypocrisy and disrespect forever. Recommended Tools for GrowthOpusClip: #1 AI video clipping and editing tool: https://link.ryanhanley.com/opusRiverside: HD Podcast & Video Software | Free Recording & Editing: https://link.ryanhanley.com/riversideWhisperFlow: Never waste time typing on your keyboard again: https://link.ryanhanley.com/whisperflowCaptionsApp: One app for all your social media video creation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/captionsappGoHighLevel: It's time to take your business workflow to the Next Level: https://link.ryanhanley.com/gohighlevelPerspective.co: The #1 funnel builder for lead generation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/perspectiveEpisodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Week 4 of Spooky Season and Mita is in the mood for "...seductive, vampire horror movies." So, Chat GPT suggested 1983's "The Hunger" for the next movie review. Nadeem and Mita get into a heated argument about "Stepmom". Yes, that "Stepmom".
Most people don't set out to be “bad bosses.” But good intentions aren't enough when your habits unintentionally create frustration, fear, or disengagement.Thankfully, today's guest helps us see what's really happening beneath the surface. Mita Mallick is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best-Selling author. She's on a mission to fix what's broken in our workplaces. She's a corporate change-maker with a track record of transforming businesses and has had an extensive career as a marketing and human resources executive.In this episode, we explore what makes a bad boss (and how to avoid becoming one). Mita reveals common behaviors that erode trust, how to give feedback that empowers instead of intimidates, and why inclusive leadership is the foundation of a healthy culture. You'll learn small, everyday actions that rebuild connection, create safety, and turn self-awareness into your most powerful leadership tool.In the extended members-only conversation, Mita opens up about the “Nap Boss,” “Tony Soprano,” and “Sheriff” archetypes—real examples of toxic leadership behaviors that managers can learn from. She also shares practical ways to respond to bullying or bias at work, including how to use the “Five Ds” framework to intervene and support colleagues safely and effectively.Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week's episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Join the conversation now!Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction: What makes a “bad boss”?(00:51) Meet Mita Mallick and her leadership journey(02:40) The myths we believe about being a good boss(05:12) Why well-intentioned leaders can still be toxic(08:43) Understanding inclusion as a leadership skill(12:25) How to recognize your own blind spots(17:18) Building trust and psychological safety(21:36) Giving feedback with care and clarity(25:49) The small habits that make a big difference(29:10) Keep up with Mita(31:46) [Extended Episode Only] The Nap, Tony, and Sheriff bosses' workplace impact(36:18) [Extended Episode Only] How to intervene: The Five Ds model
En esta era del androide los cambios se presentan por todos lados y al mismo tiempo, pero no desesperes que tu Masaje Cerebral de confianza no te dejará afrontarlos en soledad. Nos acompaña Mita @mita.verso para indagar en torno al horizonte musical en tiempos de la IA.
Join Chad Hyams and Bob Stewart as they explore workplace dynamics with Mita Mallick, author of "The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn From Bad Bosses." Mita shares insights from her book, discussing archetypes of bad bosses, the importance of inclusion, and lessons from personal experiences as both a leader and subordinate. Dive into strategies for offering valuable feedback, managing remote teams, and fostering an environment where employees feel valued. Discover how self-awareness and clear communication can transform workplace culture and leadership effectiveness. Connect with Mita at https://www.mitamallick.com/ ---------- Connect with the hosts: • Ben Kinney: https://www.BenKinney.com/ • Bob Stewart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/activebob • Chad Hyams: https://ChadHyams.com/ • Book one of our co-hosts for your next event: https://WinMakeGive.com/speakers/ More ways to connect: • Join our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/winmakegive • Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://WinMakeGive.com/sign-up • Explore the Win Make Give Podcast Network: https://WinMakeGive.com/ Part of the Win Make Give Podcast Network
We've all had them — the micromanagers, the credit stealers, the screamers, the ones who treat “reply all at midnight” like a leadership strategy. Bad bosses are everywhere, but here's the kicker: leadership is learned. Which means we can unlearn the toxic part and redefine how we lead. In this episode, we sit down with Mita Mallick — Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn From Bad Bosses, LinkedIn Top Voice, corporate changemaker, and fierce advocate for fixing broken workplaces. Together, we unpack why bad bosses are made (not born), how to spot when you're slipping into toxic habits yourself, and what it takes to build the kind of leadership people actually want to follow. We get into: The real reasons people become bad bosses (hint: stress, modeling, and unhealed personal stuff) Why micromanagement, fear, and time-hoarding are leadership red flags How inclusion, credit-sharing, and genuine presence boost retention more than hoodies and free apps ever will Practical ways to “manage up” when your boss is… less than inspiring How to stop being that boss and start modeling the kind of leader you'd want to work for Because nobody wants to be the horror story told at happy hour 10 years from now. Let's do better. Connect with Mita: Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394316488 LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822 Related Podcast Episodes Leading From The Inside Out with Dana Maor | 278 Grown-Up Goals: The 5 Pillars Of Being A Healthy Adult with Michelle Chalfant | 317 How To Build An Emotionally Intelligent Team with Dr. Vanessa Druskat | 328 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!
It's week two of Spooky Season and Mita asked for "...critically acclaimed teen screams" and Chat GPT delivered 2000's "Ginger Snaps" for the next movie review. Nadeem and Mita discuss Taylor and Swifties.
Mita Mallick talks about her book The Devil Emails at Midnight.” Mita is a Wall St. Journal and USA Today bestselling author, a contributor to Harvard Business Review, and an authority on inclusive leadership and workplace culture. Listen as she examines what good leaders can learn from bad bosses. Host, Kevin Craine Do you want to be a guest? https://Everyday-MBA.com/guest Do you want to advertise on the show? https://Everyday-MBA.com/advertise
Career expert Mita Mallick shares how to deal with bad managers, and how to become a good oneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Help us improve the show by filling out our audience survey: bit.ly/4j01Gq0 In this episode of Get Hired, LinkedIn Editor Andrew Seaman talks with best-selling author, Mita Mallick, about her new book, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses. In their conversation, Andrew and Mita talk about how to spot a bad boss in an interview process, what to do if you have a bad boss, and how to avoid becoming one yourself. We've all had bad bosses, and many of us have been bad bosses. But it's what we learn from the experience that matters. Key Topics: Why many managers are not taught to manage Tips for how to spot a bad boss in an interview How bad bosses impact their employees Dealing with talent-hoarding managers 3 moments where you might become a bad boss & how to avoid it "Paying your dues" and not passing down "toxic traditions" Links & Resources: Follow Mita mallick on LinkedIn here Join the Get Hired community on LinkedIn here Listen to more episodes of Get Hired with Andrew Seaman here
For the start of spooky season, Nadeem asked Chat GPT to pick a "...modern horror classic" which meant Mita and Nadeem were watching "The Wailing" from South Korea for the next movie review. Award season also starts off with "One Battle After Another" and "Homebound".
Ever worked for a bad boss? You're not alone—and you're not powerless. In this episode, workplace equity expert and author Mita Mallick unpacks the realities of toxic leadership and how to rise above it. From micromanagers to spotlight-stealers, Mita shares hard-won lessons and practical strategies to protect your confidence and career.You'll learn:The 13 types of bad bosses—and which ones do the most damage.How to navigate toxic power dynamics when you're early in your career.A simple shift every leader can make to build trust and lead inclusively.Show NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Mita Mallick website:https://www.mitamallick.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394316488 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822/Career Contessa Resources:Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsors:Get up to 35% off plus 2 free gifts when you use code CONTESSA at checkout at shopbeam.com/CONTESSA.Whatever challenges you're facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Visit GrowTherapy.com/CONTESSA today to get started. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Brandon sits down with Mita Mallick, author of The Devil Emails at Midnight, to examine how well-intentioned managers slip into bad-boss behaviors and what leaders can do to course-correct. They discuss stress and personal crises as root causes, the outsized impact managers have on employee mental health, why one-on-ones are a retention tool, and how to prevent cultures of constant urgency. You'll also hear practical tips for avoiding micromanagement, honoring names, reducing meeting bloat, and inviting real coaching from your team. Key Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome, show purpose, and sponsor message 01:00 — Why “bad bosses” are made by circumstances, not born 03:00 — Three common triggers: market shocks, trickle-down behavior, personal “earthquakes” 06:30 — Managers' influence on employee mental health 07:50 — Time signals care: one-on-ones as a retention tool 11:30 — Freeing the calendar: canceling meetings, async options, delegating attendance 13:30 — Inclusion in practice: the importance of saying names correctly 16:00 — Spotting disengagement and checking in with care 18:10 — Addressing the “napper”: direct conversations and recommitment 21:00 — Accountability for disengagement and leadership courage 22:15 — Escaping micromanagement: show what “done” looks like 25:10 — If everything is urgent, nothing is: reducing fire-drill culture 27:30 — The overly kind yet incompetent boss vs toxic positivity 30:30 — Gossip erodes trust and confidentiality 33:00 — Rethinking loyalty and stopping talent hoarding 35:00 — AI, time savings, and doubling down on human leadership 36:30 — Weekly reflection, reading the room, and asking for coaching 38:30 — Where to find Mita and her book A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.” About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Discover how Xenium can transform your workplace: Learn more [https://www.xeniumhr.com/] Connect with Brandon Laws: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon] About [https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws] Connect with Xenium HR: Website [https://xeniumhr.com/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR] Twitter [https://twitter.com/XeniumHR] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR
In this candid and insightful conversation, host Andy Storch welcomes back Mita Mallick to explore what effective leaders can learn from the worst bosses they've encountered. Drawing from her new book, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses, Mita shares her personal journey, the archetypes of bad bosses, and practical strategies for both surviving toxic leadership and breaking negative cycles as a leader.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.This episode is also sponsored by Mento which offers a unique 80/20 mix of coaching and mentorship so that your people can increase performance and success. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Mita: LinkedIn: Mita MallickTop 5 Key Notes:1.Bad Bosses Aren't Born, They're MadeMita emphasizes that most bad bosses don't set out to be that way—often they're shaped by their own experiences, circumstances, or lack of self-awareness. Many toxic behaviors are responses to external or personal stress, not innate malice.2.Recognizing Archetypes of Bad LeadershipMita's book introduces 13 archetypes of bad bosses, including Medusa (the bully), the Chopper (micromanager), the Napper (disengaged boss), and Tony Soprano (talent hoarder). These archetypes help us recognize and address negative behaviors in leadership.3.Impact of Exclusion and Toxic WorkplacesDrawing from her personal journey, Mita highlights the profound impact that exclusion and toxic bosses can have on employee wellbeing, engagement, and confidence. Her own experiences with bullies followed her from childhood schoolyards into the workplace, fueling her passion for building inclusive cultures.4.Advice for Employees Facing Toxic LeadershipMita suggests practical steps for employees: document toxic behavior, develop an exit strategy (even if it's internal), network discreetly, and focus on activities outside work that rebuild confidence. She stresses that individuals alone cannot fix toxic workplaces or change others' behavior—they have to prioritize their own well-being.5.Role of HR and Talent Professionals in Addressing ToxicityThe conversation offers guidance for HR and talent leaders: document issues, influence decision-makers with facts, and recognize when to recommend coaching—or, when necessary, help leaders move on. Using curiosity, vulnerability, and honest feedback can guide leaders toward positive change, but some situations may require more decisive...
Building Better Employee Experiences Through Leadership Shep interviews Mita Mallick, marketing and culture change expert and bestselling author. She talks about her book The Devil Emails at Midnight and the impact of internal workplace culture on employees and customers. This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more: What impact does internal workplace culture have on the external customer experience? How can leaders set healthier communication boundaries with their employees? How can companies create an inclusive culture that values both employees and customers equally? What are some negative leadership behaviors that can affect employee engagement and customer service? Why is it important for leaders to address problematic employee behavior immediately? Top Takeaways: Employees are sometimes the 'forgotten customers' in a business. Just as companies focus on serving their external customers, it is important to also care for internal customers, your team members. When employees feel valued and respected, they are more likely to treat customers in the same way. The quality of service on the outside is often a reflection of how employees are treated within the organization. The worst behaviors in any workplace become part of its culture if they are allowed to continue. Whether it's disrespect or disengagement, what leaders and team members let slide becomes the norm. Leaders should consider whether their personal habits force their team members to sacrifice their personal time. Work doesn't need to spill into all hours of the day and night. For example, when employees feel pressured to respond to emails outside of their work hours, it can cause burnout and stress. Even a simple message like "no need to respond right away" can help set healthy boundaries. When things change, you have to be willing to revise your goals. Have an honest conversation with your team to find out if they have all the tools and resources that they need to achieve a goal. If not, find out if you can help them or if it is time to set more realistic goals. Admitting when you are struggling shows strength, not weakness. If someone is dealing with personal struggles, being open about it helps others understand and can make the workplace more supportive. Bad bosses can teach as much, if not more, than great bosses. Watching what doesn't work and feeling the impact of negative behaviors can inspire people to do the opposite. Great leaders regularly examine their own behavior. It's easy to spot toxic bosses in others, but it is harder to recognize those traits in yourself. Leaders should take the time to ask themselves, "Am I making it harder for someone to succeed here?" Plus, Mita shares memorable stories of bad bosses she's encountered (including herself) and the lessons from those experiences. Tune in! Quote: "The biggest complaint in any relationship, whether at home or work, is a lack of time for each other. If you're not making time for your team, you really need to ask yourself why you're leading them." About: Mita Mallick is an inclusive marketing expert and cultural change agent known for transforming organizations. She's the bestselling author of Reimagine Inclusion and , The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn From Bad Bosses. Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of The WorkWell Podcast™, Jen Fisher speaks with Mita Mallick, leadership expert and author of "The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses." Mita shares powerful stories from her own experiences with toxic leadership and reveals how she learned to recognize—and address—her own bad boss behaviors.Episode Highlights:The origin story behind the provocative title and how a flooded childhood home led to discovering a "burn book" of bad bosses13 types of toxic bosses including "The Sheriff" who refused to learn her name and renamed her "Mohammed," and "Medusa" who ruled through fear and public humiliationThe three moments when bad boss behavior emerges: external marketplace stress, absorbing behaviors from your own bad boss, and personal life catastrophesWhy bad bosses aren't born, they're made and how grief, trauma, and unprocessed emotions show up in leadershipThe midnight email phenomenon and why normalizing around-the-clock work expectations is unsustainable and counterproductiveHow fear-based leadership drives short-term results but destroys long-term productivity through turnover, disengagement, and organizational damageThe shame and power dynamics that keep people trapped in toxic workplace relationshipsSelf-reflection strategies for recognizing your own bad boss behaviors including career journaling and asking for coaching (not feedback)The importance of vulnerability in leadership and creating psychological safety for teams to discuss grief, personal struggles, and workplace challengesQuotable Moments:"Names were given to us by someone who had big hopes and dreams for us. Let that sit in. That's who someone named you. And so think about the promise of what your life is to be. And someone can't respect you by saying your name correctly." - Mita Mallick"Your culture becomes defined by the worst behavior you tolerate." - Mita MallickResources:Book: Order "The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses" by Mita MallickAvailable at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local independent bookstores
In this episode of The WorkWell Podcast™, Jen Fisher speaks with Mita Mallick, leadership expert and author of "The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses." Mita shares powerful stories from her own experiences with toxic leadership and reveals how she learned to recognize—and address—her own bad boss behaviors.Episode Highlights:The origin story behind the provocative title and how a flooded childhood home led to discovering a "burn book" of bad bosses13 types of toxic bosses including "The Sheriff" who refused to learn her name and renamed her "Mohammed," and "Medusa" who ruled through fear and public humiliationThe three moments when bad boss behavior emerges: external marketplace stress, absorbing behaviors from your own bad boss, and personal life catastrophesWhy bad bosses aren't born, they're made and how grief, trauma, and unprocessed emotions show up in leadershipThe midnight email phenomenon and why normalizing around-the-clock work expectations is unsustainable and counterproductiveHow fear-based leadership drives short-term results but destroys long-term productivity through turnover, disengagement, and organizational damageThe shame and power dynamics that keep people trapped in toxic workplace relationshipsSelf-reflection strategies for recognizing your own bad boss behaviors including career journaling and asking for coaching (not feedback)The importance of vulnerability in leadership and creating psychological safety for teams to discuss grief, personal struggles, and workplace challengesQuotable Moments:"Names were given to us by someone who had big hopes and dreams for us. Let that sit in. That's who someone named you. And so think about the promise of what your life is to be. And someone can't respect you by saying your name correctly." - Mita Mallick"Your culture becomes defined by the worst behavior you tolerate." - Mita MallickResources:Book: Order "The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses" by Mita MallickAvailable at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local independent bookstores
What if a childhood trauma followed you into the boardroom? In this powerful episode, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and DEI leader Mita Mallick shares the story of her long hair being burned as a “joke” when she was a little girl. She thought bullying ended on the playground, but learned the painful truth that bullies follow you into Corporate America. Mita, a top LinkedIn Voice and contributor for Harvard Business Review, has built her brand by tackling tough topics head-on. She joins us to share insights from her two bestselling books, including her latest, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn From Bad Bosses. Key Takeaways: How to spot a toxic boss and understand their impact on your career. The surprising link between being a bad boss and becoming a great leader. How to handle microaggressions like having your name changed by colleagues and reclaim your identity. Strategies for navigating pregnancy discrimination and theft of your ideas in the workplace. The secret to building a culture of integrity and accountability. Practical ways to recover from burnout and find work-life balance. Connect with us: Learn more about our guest, Mita Mallick, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822/ and https://www.mitamallick.com/. Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn's book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8. Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.
It's time to get serious. Mita challenges Chat GPT to pick a "...critically acclaimed biopic" and it doesn't disappoint. Mita and Nadeem opt for Spike Lee's "Malcolm X" for the next movie review and talk black men, Bollywood and bastards.
Whether you've ever been a boss or have ever had a boss, you know how much those singular individuals can shape the workplace. According to studies, a good manager can increase employee engagement by as much as 70%. And, according to a survey by the American Psychological Association, a whopping 75% of employees report their boss as the worst and most stressful part of their jobs. So, how do we know if we're being a good boss or a bad boss? Do we just know, or should we be looking out for specific things? Enter the incredible stories that focus on what good leaders can learn from bad bosses, featuring the author of the brand-new book, The Devil Emails at Midnight, Mita Mallick. What to listen for: The importance of time in creating a healthier workplace culture Accountability - and how to hold others accountable, as well as check in with yourself What boss archetypes Mita has found most personally challenging The keys to being a good boss About our guest Mita Mallick is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author. She's on a mission to fix what's broken in our workplaces. She's a corporate change-maker with a track record of transforming businesses and has had an extensive career as a marketing and human resources executive. Mallick has brought her talent and expertise to companies like Unilever, Pfizer, AVON, Johnson & Johnson, Carta, and more. She's a highly sought-after speaker and business coach to start-up founders, executives, and CEOs of public companies. Her highly anticipated second book, "The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses," comes out September 30, 2025. For more about the book or to purchase The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn From Bad Bosses, click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394316488
How can you spot a bad boss before it's too late?What can good leaders learn from bad bosses?My guest on this episode is Mita Mallick, WSJ and USA Today bestselling author of “Reimagine Inclusion and now “The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses”During our conversation Mita and I discuss:What inspired Mita to write “The Devil Emails at Midnight,” and why bad bosses are such a universal concern.The empathy Mita has developed for bad bosses, and why anyone can fall into toxic leadership behaviors.How to spot early warning signs of a bad boss or toxic culture during the interview process—and why many candidates ignore them.Mita's advice on surviving a bad bossHR's role in addressing bad bosses and building an inclusive culture. Connecting with MitaConnect with Mita on LinkedIn or learn more about her at Mita's websiteBuy and read “The Devil Emails at Midnight”Episode Sponsor: Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader's Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.
In this podcast episode, the host interviews Mita Mikel, a registered dietitian specializing in bariatrics, who is transitioning from clinical and higher education spaces to building her private practice. Mita shares details about her background, her passion for helping patients through bariatric nutrition, and her journey to finding this specialty. She delves into the challenges and fulfillment she finds in working with motivated clients versus resistant ones, and how her experiences in diabetic and bariatric nutrition have shaped her approach. Mita also discusses the importance of capturing patient testimonials and how motherhood has influenced her time management and boundaries in her practice. The episode highlights strategies for balancing work and family life, the significance of refined messaging for attracting the right clients, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Mita concludes with advice for dieticians looking to start their practice and emphasizes the importance of starting small and building over time. Key Takeaways: Balancing Motherhood and Business Specializing in Bariatrics Challenges and Rewards in Bariatrics Refining Your Message Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Balancing Family and Business BIO: Makeda is a registered dietitian specializing in bariatrics, and she has worked in the clinical and higher education spaces and is now building her private practice. She's passionate about simplifying nutrition information for everyone to understand. Connect with Libby: Instagram: @libbyrothschild | @dietitianboss YouTube: Dietitian Boss Connect with Makeda: Instagram: @Makeda_weightlossnutritionist weightlossnutritionservices.com
We've all had bad bosses.We might have even been one. At the very least, we've probably let people down who counted on us.We all carry burdens from our past that show up in how we lead. And we're all confronting systems that foster toxic workplace cultures where overwork and blurred boundaries are the norm, spaces that don't feel safe or generative, and where there is little to no accountability.The question we face is simple, but urgent: How do we want to lead?Our leadership can reinforce toxic systems and norms. Or we can learn to recognize our own burdens and do the work to become more aware, adaptable, and flexible. We can create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued, even when systems feel unstable or unfair.Because leading is about deciding, in every moment, whether we respond from our burdens or from our values. And my guest today helps us reflect on those choices and decide how we want to lead through her own lived experiences with bad bosses. Mita Mallick is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author who is on a mission to fix what's broken in our workplaces. She's a corporate change maker with a track record of transforming businesses and has had an extensive career as a marketing and human resources executive. Mallick is a highly sought-after speaker who has advised Fortune 500 companies and start-ups alike. She is a LinkedIn Top Voice and was named to the Thinkers 50 Radar List. She's a contributor to Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Adweek, and Entrepreneur. Mallick has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, Forbes, Axios, Essence, Cosmopolitan Magazine and Business Insider.Listen to the full episode to hear:Three scenarios where leaders commonly shift into being bad bossesKey reasons why we tolerate bad bosses and what we can do to shift the cultureWhy Mita's 13 archetypal bad bosses persist in our workplacesWhy leaders have to invest time and connection in their team members if they want to retain themWhy another executive coaching program will not fix a truly bad bossThe number one skill leaders can focus on to become a better bossWhy corporate America needs more humility and vulnerabilityLearn more about Mita Mallick:WebsiteConnect on LinkedInReimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your WorkplaceThe Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad BossesLearn more about Rebecca:rebeccaching.comWork With RebeccaThe Unburdened Leader on SubstackSign up for the weekly Unburdened Leader EmailResources:EP 102: Toxic Leadership: The True Cost of Workplace Trauma with Mita MallickGive and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success, Adam GrantThe Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth, Amy C EdmondsonThe Normalization Of Corruption In Organizations, Blake E. Ashforth and Vikas AnandManaging to be ethical: Debunking five business ethics myths, Linda Klebe Treviño and Michael E. BrownExamining the Link Between Ethical Leadership and Employee Misconduct: The Mediating Role of Ethical Climate, David M. Mayer, Maribeth Kuenzi, Rebecca L. GreenbaumThe Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, Bessel van der Kolk M.D.The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe, Stephen W. PorgesPrimal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence, Prof Daniel Goleman PH D, Richard E Boyatzis, and Annie McKeePsychological Conditions of Personal Engagement and Disengagement at Work, William A. KahnEmotional Intelligence: Theory, Findings, and Implications, John D. Mayer, Peter Salovey, David R. CarusoWorking with Emotional Intelligence, Daniel GolemanThe 5Ds of Bystander Intervention - Right To BeEP 52: Charlie Gilkey: Leading With What Matters MostEP 85: Team Habits: Redefining Workplace Dynamics with Charlie GilkeyBig Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, Elizabeth GilbertThe Anxious Achiever: Turn Your Biggest Fears Into Your Leadership Superpower, Morra Aarons-MeleSia - UnstoppableThe SopranosBreaking BadFresh Off the BoatThe Fresh Prince of Bel Air
This episode of The Modern People Leader dives into the realities of leading through constant change, featuring guests Mita Mallick, Shelby Garrison, and Kelly Lohr. We discussed how HR leaders can navigate layoffs with transparency and humanity, the importance of supporting both exiting and remaining employees, and how to build resilience and adaptability into workplace culture.---- Sponsor Links:
Bad bosses are everywhere. We've all worked with them, and if we're honest, we've all had moments where we've been them. In episode 96 of Brand Story, Mita Mallick, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Best Selling Author, returns to the podcast to talk about her new book, The Devil Emails at Midnight. We explore why toxic behaviors are so persistent in the workplace, how leaders can recognize when they're slipping into bad habits, and what it takes to build cultures that people actually want to be part of.This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-devil-emails-at-midnight/Continue the conversation on social:For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we'll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.We're also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroupFacebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing(00:00) Introduction(2:37) Why Write About Bad Bosses(6:56) Owning Our Own Mistakes(9:00) The Archetypes of Bad Bosses - Spotlight Stealer(13:52) The Archetypes of Bad Bosses - Medusa(19:30) The Archetypes of Bad Bosses - The Grieving Boss(25:02) Common Behaviors of Bad Bosses - Toxic Positivity(30:25) The Devil Emails At Midnight(33:30) Self Awareness & Humility(35:43) What's Next & Final Takeaways
Nadeem wanted to stir the pot, so he asked Chat GPT to pick "...films that are controversial". Chat GPT delivered David Lynch's iconic "Blue Velvet" for the next movie review. Mita and Nadeem talk "KPop Demon Hunters" and the Oscars.
The Love, Happiness and Success Podcast With Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
Have you ever had a boss who left you walking on eggshells, never sure what mood they'd bring into the office? Maybe they humiliated people in meetings, lashed out without warning, or drained you so much that you came home with nothing left for yourself. A bully boss can affect far more than your workday. In this episode, I'm talking with Mita Mallick, speaker, workplace strategist, coach, and bestselling author. She's sharing stories from her own career and what she's learned about surviving toxic leaders - from executives who throw shoes to managers who use “toxic positivity” as a weapon. Mita also offers strategies for spotting warning signs in an interview, building an exit plan that protects your career, and regaining your confidence once you've left. We also explore the patterns that keep people stuck in unhealthy workplaces: how old experiences can shape what we tolerate, why many of us think we can “outwork” a bad boss, and what it really takes to reclaim your well-being. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 How Toxic Jobs Affect Your Life 00:43 Meet Mita Mallick: Speaker, Strategist, and Author 01:22 Surviving Abuse from a Bully Boss 07:16 Workplace Trauma and Mental Health 18:02 How to Spot Red Flags in Job Interviews 28:34 Types of Toxic Bosses and Their Behaviors 38:25 Exit Strategies and Rebuilding Confidence If you'd like more support beyond this conversation, you're welcome to schedule a free consultation with me or a member of my team. We can help you make thoughtful career decisions, strengthen boundaries, and protect your mental health at work. I also encourage you to check out Mita's new book, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses. You can connect with her directly on LinkedIn and Instagram to keep learning from her insights on leadership and workplace culture. And of course, you can always stay connected with me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, where I share weekly tips and encouragement. I'd love to hear your thoughts - your questions and feedback always help shape future episodes. Let's talk! I also want to extend a big thank-you to Headway for sponsoring this episode. Headway helps me keep growing, even on the busiest days, by making it possible to learn from the world's top books in just minutes. I use it every day. I truly love it, and I think you will too. Save 25% when you go to makeheadway.com/lhs and use the promo code LHS. Let's keep learning and growing together.
#thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcastFor all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com SummaryIn this conversation, Adam Posner and Mita Mallick explore the complexities of leadership, particularly focusing on the impact of bad bosses and the importance of inclusive leadership. Mita shares insights from her new book, discussing how bad bosses can emerge from various pressures and stresses, and emphasizes the need for self-reflection and accountability in leadership roles. They delve into the significance of recognition, coaching, and creating a culture of openness, while also addressing the challenges of micromanagement and disengagement in the workplace. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of leadership in today's world and the importance of fostering a supportive environment for employees.Takeaways- Bad bosses can emerge from personal and professional stress.- Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.- Recognition and appreciation can significantly impact employee morale.- Micromanagement often stems from personal insecurities.- Creating a culture of vulnerability encourages open communication.- Feedback should be framed as coaching rather than criticism.- Disengagement in the workplace can spread like a virus.- Leaders should model the behavior they want to see in their teams.- Hiring processes should focus on facts over feelings.- Leadership is about empowering others, not just directing them. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Inclusive Leadership and Bad Bosses03:00 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Leadership05:57 Understanding the Roots of Bad Boss Behavior09:10 The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership12:05 The Importance of Recognition and Visibility in the Workplace14:42 Creating a Culture of Vulnerability and Feedback17:55 Accountability and Self-Reflection in Leadership21:47 Understanding Exit Interviews and Team Dynamics23:00 Leadership's Role in Organizational Culture24:24 Assessing Leadership Qualities in Interviews27:02 Self-Reflection for Bad Bosses28:37 The Importance of Storytelling in Leadership30:28 Disengagement: The Silent Culture Killer32:00 Navigating Bad Bosses: Strategies for Employees33:18 The Shift Towards Employee Well-Being34:52 Coaching vs. Directing: A Leadership Approach37:25 Raising Kind and Inclusive Future Generations39:00 Looking Inward: Accountability in Leadership
What if the “panic habits” leaders default to are the very things burning out their best people? In this Partnering Leadership episode, Mita Mallick—author of The Devil Emails at Midnight—joins Mahan to unpack practical ways senior leaders can replace performative urgency with clear operating rules that people can trust. You will hear why bad bosses are made, not born, and how pressure from markets, role models, and personal crises can turn ordinary leaders into micromanagers.Mita gets specific about power dynamics. A 4:30 a.m. email from the CEO trains teams to jump, even when the intent is “no rush.” She explains how to set explicit after-hours rules and model them yourself. The goal is to stop the 4 a.m. back-and-forth and restore predictable rhythms for high-stakes work.Calendars signal culture. Mita argues for a deliberate meeting cleanse, real breaks, and protected one-on-ones. You will hear why “we are not AI agents,” why canceling a meeting can be the kindest move you make this week, and how simple touch points create loyalty.Leaders also get a playbook for honest feedback. Mita shares how to create safety, why alumni calls six to twelve months after someone leaves yield the most actionable insight, and how a short journaling habit helps you see patterns in your own behavior before they damage trust.Finally, Mita challenges a core assumption: most work is not life or death. Treating it that way creates burnout. She closes with a frank read on the broken employee–employer contract and a likely shift toward more consultant-style work, which makes clarity, expectations, and operating rules even more important for CEOs and boards.Actionable TakeawaysYou will learn how to set a clear after-hours rule that stops the 4 a.m. reply spiral, including what “urgent” actually means in your context.Hear how to replace micromanagement with outcomes and guardrails when life outside work feels out of control.You will learn why your calendar is your culture, and how a simple meeting cleanse reveals time for deep work and real one-on-ones.Hear how to protect one-on-ones without turning them into therapy. Mita shares a practical cadence and a simple check-in script that builds connection.You will learn a low-cost feedback system: invite coaching, thank in the moment, follow up with changes, and never hunt “who said what.”Hear how to get clearer truth with alumni calls six to twelve months after exit interviews, when the emotion is gone and facts are usable.You will learn to write simple hybrid rules that reduce proximity bias and make global teams feel fair and seen.Hear how to reset leader expectations about urgency and burnout, starting with this line: “Most of our work is not life or death.”You will learn why culture becomes the worst behavior you tolerate and how to intervene when disengagement starts to spiral.Hear how to prepare for a future with looser roles and project-based deployment, and why clarity and operating rules will be your retention edge.Connect with Mita MallickMita Mallick LinkedIn The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website
It's easy for us to call out the bad bosses. It's harder to look in the mirror and confront the bad boss staring back at you. In this episode, you'll discover how anyone can fall into the trap of becoming a bad boss—often without realizing it—as well as strategies managers and employees can use to make work more manageable.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:During the course of her career, top workplace strategist Mita Mallick has worked for a wide range of bad bosses:The bad boss who fell asleep in meetings.The bad boss who took credit for all her work.The bad boss who once threw her designer shoe at Mita's colleague.The bad boss who told her she was a rat and demanded loyalty.The bad boss who told her she was overconfident and needed to stay in her lane.The bad boss who gossiped about her to others and told her peers she didn't really know what she was doing.The bad boss who was so nice and so profoundly incompetent and as much as she wanted to, it was really hard to hate him.In this episode, we'll explore a few of the many ways bosses can create an unhealthy workplace and disengagement, how any one of us could be susceptible to becoming one of those bad bosses for someone else, and how we can manage and mitigate against this.***ABOUT OUR GUEST:Mita Mallick is a WSJ and USA Today bestselling author, LinkedIn Top Voice, workplace strategist, speaker, and coach to start-up founders, executives, and public CEOs. A change maker with a track record of transforming culture and business, Mita gives innovative, culturally-resonant ideas a voice and serves customers and communities with purpose. Her highly anticipated second book, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses, will be published on September 30, 2025 by Wiley.***IF YOU ENJOYED THIS EPISODE, CAN I ASK A FAVOR?We do not receive any funding or sponsorship for this podcast. If you learned something and feel others could also benefit, please leave a positive review. Every review helps amplify our work and visibility. This is especially helpful for small women-owned boot-strapped businesses. Simply go to the bottom of the Apple Podcast page to enter a review. Thank you!***LINKS:www.gotowerscope.comwww.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-hard-skills-dr-mira-brancu-m0QzwsFiBGE/www.mitamallick.com/www.amazon.com/Devil-Emails-Midnight-Leaders-Bosses/dp/1394316488www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822/www.instagram.com/mita_mallick13/Tune in for this innovative conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Livestream by Clicking Here.
Episode Highlight: In this episode of the Embracing “Only” podcast, we welcome back bestselling author and corporate change-maker Mita Mallick. With her signature candor, Mita shares wisdom from her upcoming book The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses, which explores 13 “devil boss” archetypes, drawing on personal stories and real-life failures turned into lessons in leadership. Mita is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author on a mission to fix what's broken in our workplaces. With a background spanning global brands like Unilever, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson, Mita brings deep insight into marketing, HR, and organizational transformation. Key Discussion Points:02:58 Why Good People Become Bad Bosses: Stress in the market, pressure from above, or personal issues at home can cause leaders to act out in harmful ways.06:29 Beloved but Incompetent Leaders: Mediocre men keep getting promoted based on potential, while overqualified women of color are passed over.12:30 Diversity Under Attack: As corporate DEI commitments backslide, Mita challenges companies to stand firm and urges employees to "vote with their wallets”.16:48 Internal vs. External Consistency: If your external brand doesn't match your internal culture, expect to be called out.21:39 Building a Personal Safety Net: Loyalty is dead. Women of color must protect themselves in workplaces that don't always protect them.29:08 Burnout & Overfunctioning: Women of color are told to "work twice as hard" to get half as far. This is exploitation masked as opportunity.33:24 The Midnight Email Culture: What does it say about a company when leaders only respond between 10 PM and 1 AM?In Summary: Mita Mallick encourages us to reimagine leadership in modern workplaces. She challenges leaders to prioritize coaching and development, create inclusive environments, and maintain genuine commitments to diversity and ethical practices.Resources from this episode:Find Mita's books here: https://www.mitamallick.com/bookFollow Mita on Linkedin or check out her website.Check out our first episode with Mita here: https://embracingonly.com/episodes/debunking-corporate-myths-to-transform-your-workplace If you happen to be a woman of color and you are looking for a community of like minded women, join Olivia here: https://www.mysistersshoulders.com/.Ready to make a change?→ If you are struggling to navigate your corporate career but are ambitious and have goals you want to accomplish quickly, Olivia is the coach for you. She can help you reach your goals. Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit oliviacream.com.→ If you are ready to transition out of Corporate and want to start building a profitable portfolio career as a business owner, board member or more, but you're unsure of the next steps, Archita can guide you through a successful transition to entrepreneurship. Reach out to her on Ready to make a change?→ Struggling with your corporate career but have big goals? Reach out to Olivia on LinkedIn or visit oliviacream.com.→ Ready to leave corporate or start a side venture? Archita can guide your next steps.Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit architafritz.com.
What's worse than a boss who emails you at midnight, demanding instant replies? How about one who calls you “Mohammed” instead of your real name, Madhumita, or another who expects you to dive back into work just days after your father's sudden death. Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, Mita Mallick […] The post Mita Mallick: Bad Bosses Have Much To Teach Us appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.