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Dr. Laura welcomes psychologist, speaker, and bestselling author Dr. Jody Carrington for a powerful conversation on what it means to stay human in an increasingly AI-driven world. Dr. Laura and Jody explore the increasing disconnection people feel in spite of constant digital access. Jody reframes what we label as a mental health crisis as, instead, a deep loneliness epidemic. She shares insights on how technology, social media, and the relentless push for productivity have chipped away at meaningful relationships and emotional regulation. She highlights the essential role of connection in helping individuals and organizations thrive. Dr. Laura and Dr. Carrington also address the urgent need to prioritize emotional regulation skills as a core strategy for leadership, rather than being a secondary consideration. Dr. Carrington offers practical and thought-provoking ways for us to reconnect, from creating tech-free spaces to practicing intentional pauses that restore presence and calm. Together, Dr. Laura and Jody shine a hopeful yet honest light on modern life, emphasizing that tools like AI can create efficiency, but they can't replace authentic interaction. Dr. Laura's thoughtful questions guide a rich dialogue on how individuals, leaders, and communities can reclaim connection, support one another, and build environments where people feel seen and valued. “Technology isn't the problem. How we use it is the issue, and we're up against it as humans because we are wired for connection.” - Dr. Jody Carrington About Jody Carrington: Dr. Jody Carrington is a powerhouse speaker and fearless champion for authentic human connection. She is highly sought after for her expertise, energy, and genuine approach to helping people solve the most complex human-centred problems. This rapidly disconnected world is leaving so many of us overwhelmed, lonely, and burned out. Dr. Jody boldly believes that all humans have the capacity for good; however, so many of us these days, because of isolation and burnout, have lost access to that good. Dr. Jody's work often involves understanding just how we got to this disconnected place, what we need to put the pieces back together, and maybe most importantly, how we collectively do "the work" to find our way back home again when (not if) we lose our way. Her authentic, honest, and often hilarious approach never fails to inspire and motivate audiences. Dr. Carrington is the founder and principal psychologist at Carrington & Company, she's written three best-selling books, speaks on hundreds of stages globally each year, and hosts the widely celebrated podcast UNLONELY. In this modern world where we look all the time, but we don't see, where we listen but we don't hear, Dr. Jody is clear on one thing: we were never meant to do any of this alone. Resources: Website: DrJodyCarrington.com “Feeling Seen” by Jody Carrington, PhD Podcast: Unlonely with Dr. Jody Carrington LinkedIn: Dr-Jody-Carrington YouTube: DrJodyCarrington Jay Baer The Curiosity Shop with Brené Brown and Adam Grant podcast “I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Dr. Laura offers a reassuring perspective in this solo episode, exploring how to stay grounded when the world and work feel uncertain and overwhelming. Drawing on her experience as a psychologist, she explains how fear can push us into fight, flight, or freeze responses, which ultimately drain energy and disrupt relationships. Dr. Laura brings the focus back to the present moment, encouraging us to reconnect with what's in our control today instead of getting swept up in global uncertainty and negative news cycles. Dr. Laura shares practical ways to restore calm and clarity through simple yet powerful practices, including the three W's of walk, window, and water, which she learned from her friends at CALM. She urges us to reconnect with activities that recharge our personal energy. The importance of setting boundaries with media and social platforms, while cultivating gratitude and self-awareness in daily life, is part of achieving this recharge. With warmth and insight, Dr. Laura reminds us that even in difficult times, small intentional actions help build resilience, restore perspective, and create a sense of peace. “Staying grounded means what can you control today and this week?” - Dr. Laura About Dr. Laura: Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a work and career psychologist and thought leader on the evolution of work. She has always been fascinated by how work intersects with life and loves to use her expertise to improve organizations and help people thrive. Her passion for taking creative ideas and launching them into successful business strategies led her to start three counselling psychology practices (Calgary Career Counselling, Canada Career Counselling, and Synthesis Psychology), as well as six different business brands offering organizational assessment and consulting services. Dr. Laura is honoured to have been selected as a Woman of Distinction in Canada in 2014 and received a Canadian Woman of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. Her new book, I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, is available for purchase on Amazon now. Resources: “I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
0:00 Intro 0:07 Terrible boss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
สุขภาพจิตของคุณ มีค่าเหนือสิ่งอื่นใด เราเปลี่ยนนิสัยหัวหน้า Toxic ไม่ได้ แต่เปลี่ยนวิธีที่เราตอบโต้และจุดที่เรายืนได้ ฟัง 5 วิธีรับมือหัวหน้า Toxic แบบอยู่ให้เป็น เห็นทางรอด ใน HR Talk EP ล่าสุดครับ
In this week's conversation between Dr. James Emery White and co-host Alexis Drye, they discuss the recent findings of the “Toxic Boss” survey from Harris Poll's Thought Leadership Practice. As the title of the article in Fast Company summarized, “6 in 10 workers say they have a toxic boss.” While the survey defined a toxic boss as someone who “exhibits harmful workplace behaviors, including unfair preferential treatment, lack of recognition, blame-shifting, unnecessary micromanagement, unreasonable expectations, being unapproachable, taking credit for others' ideas, acting unprofessionally, or discriminating against employees based on personal characteristics,” Dr. White explained there's so much more that could be added to the list. Episode Links One potential reason outlined for the rise in toxic bosses in the workplace is the shift in focus on employees as human beings and elevating the importance of AI. Church & Culture had an entire podcast devoted to this topic. We'd encourage you to go back and listen to CCP44: On Artificial Intelligence. The conversation then shifted to how the church is not exempt from toxic leadership, something that is particularly glaring when you look at the seemingly unending string of pastors whose moral failings resulted in their removal from leadership within the church. Again, we'd encourage you to check out a couple of past podcast episodes, which take a deeper dive on this subject: CCP4: On Pastors and Moral Failings and CCP31: On Celebrity Pastors. For those of you who are new to Church & Culture, we'd love to invite you to subscribe (for free of course) to the twice-weekly Church & Culture blog and check out the Daily Headline News - a collection of headlines from around the globe each weekday. We'd also love to hear from you if there is a topic that you'd like to see discussed on the Church & Culture Podcast in an upcoming episode. You can find the form to submit your questions at the bottom of the podcast page HERE.
Dr. Laura welcomes executive coach, author, and former Microsoft leader Sabina Nawaz for a discussion on what it really takes to become a manager people want to follow. Drawing from her own experience of shifting from a caring leader to one she no longer recognized under pressure, Sabina shares a deeply human perspective on how pressure, more than power, quietly shapes behavior at work. Dr. Laura and Sabina explore how even the most well-intentioned managers can fall into common traps that limit their teams, including the tendency to take on too much or unknowingly diminish others' contributions. They invite reflection on how leadership shows up in everyday moments and how small, intentional shifts can transform both personal effectiveness and team culture. Dr. Laura and Sabina unpack practical strategies to navigate busyness, create space for clearer thinking, and build feedback loops that support growth. Sabina introduces the concept of micro habits as a sustainable path to change, along with the importance of intentionally creating blank space to access deeper insight. The conversation also challenges conventional thinking about “leader” as a title, reframing leadership instead as a shared practice that can be activated by anyone. With warmth and professional curiosity, Dr. Laura guides a discussion that highlights how cultivating awareness and letting go of the need to have all the answers can unlock greater potential in managers and their teams. “It is not power that corrupts us. It is pressure, and under pressure we have a choice point.” - Sabina Nawaz About Sabina Nawaz: Sabina Nawaz is an elite executive coach who advises C-level executives and teams at Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, and academic institutions around the world. Sabina routinely gives speeches each year and teaches faculty at Northeastern and Drexel Universities. During her fourteen-year tenure at Microsoft, she went from managing software development teams to leading the company's executive development and succession planning efforts for over 11,000 managers and nearly a thousand executives, advising Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer directly. She has written for and been featured in Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, NBC, Nasdaq, and MarketWatch. Resources: Website: SabinaNawaz.com Book: “YOU'RE THE BOSS: Become the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need)” by Sabina Nawaz LinkedIn: SabinaNawaz “The Anomaly: A Novel” by Hervé Le Tellier, translated by Adriana Hunter “Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence” by Anna Lembke MD “I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
You've probably had one. Maybe you even have one right now. And if Glassdoor data is anything to go by, you're far from alone—mentions of "toxic boss" in workplace reviews have surged 6.7x since 2018.
In this engaging episode, Mary and Layci explore how employees can navigate difficult bosses, offering practical advice, personal stories, and mental models to maintain agency and well-being in challenging work environments.Keywords:leadership, workplace, difficult bosses, employee strategies, mental health, career growthKey topics:Control what you can control in the workplaceRecognizing different types of difficult bossesSelf-awareness and articulating your needsStrategies for protecting your mental healthCreative exit planning and long-term healthTakeaways:Only control yourself, focus on self-awareness.Identify specific issues with your boss to address effectively.Protect your mental health and avoid burnout.Have a clear vision and pathway for your career growth.Sometimes leaving is the best option for well-being.Soundbites:"Everyone has a terrible boss at some point""Clear vision and pathway create hope""Healthy bosses empower and engage employees"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership Challenges02:56 Navigating Difficult Bosses05:20 Identifying Common Leadership Issues08:02 Personal Anecdotes and Lessons Learned10:37 When to Leave a Toxic Work Environment13:09 Maintaining Agency in Adverse Situations15:41 The Importance of Hope and Clarity17:46 Closing Thoughts on Leadership and Growth18:50 Confessions Outro RESOURCES: Transcend Leadership Collective - https://transcendleadershipcollective.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/layci-nelson/Book a free call with Layci: https://calendly.com/layci_nelson
Headlines: – Welcome To Mo News + Dolly Parton Health Update (02:00) – White House Gave Iran Private Message Before New Hormuz Operation (05:20)– Sec. Of State Marco Rubio's DJ Name (11:50) – Kennedy Starts a Push to Help Americans Quit Antidepressants (13:25) – Ukraine's Drones Now Strike 1,000 Miles Inside Russia (19:50) – GOP Spots An Opening With Black Voters (23:45) – New ADL Data on Antisemitic Incidents (28:00) – 6 In 10 Workers Say They Have A Toxic Boss (30:40) – Bosses Are Firing Gen Z Grads Just Months After Hiring Them (31:40) – Authorities Warn Parents About Dangerous TikTok Challenge With NeeDohs That Causes ‘Traumatizing' Burns (35:45) – On This Day In History (39:15) Thanks To Our Sponsors: – Boll & Branch – 15% off first order, plus free shipping | Code: MONEWS – Incogni - 60% off an annual plan| Code: MONEWS – Monarch - 50% off your first year | Code: MONEWS – Factor - 50% off your first box | Code: monews50off – ShipStation - Try for free for 60 days | Code: MONEWS – Shopify – $1 per-month trial | Code: MONEWS – Industrious - Coworking office. 50% off day pass | Code: MONEWS50 – LMNT | Free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix or 12oz cans purchase – Aura Frames | $25 dollars off the Carver Mat frame | Code: MONEWS
Dr. Laura welcomes Hall of Fame speaker, author, and workplace culture expert Michael Kerr for a conversation on how leaders shape environments where people and organizations thrive. Drawing on decades of global experience, Michael believes that, rather than depleting us, work should energize us, and that leaders play a defining role in creating cultures grounded in purpose and connection. He shares that leadership is less about managing tasks and more about influencing people in meaningful ways. According to Michael, the leadership goal should be to become a culture leader who recognizes the profound effects of work on our health, relationships, and sense of identity. Together, Dr. Laura and Michael explore how small, everyday moments can have a lasting impact on trust and team cohesion. Culture is built through consistent, human interactions rather than grand gestures. They highlight the importance of simple acknowledgments and thoughtful communication in fostering hope during uncertain times. They also examine the rise of incivility in workplaces and the cost of tolerating harmful behavior, together reinforcing the importance of awareness and accountability in leadership. The message is a powerful reminder that when leaders prioritize people and lead with intention, they not only transform workplaces but also contribute to a better world. “Leadership is about connecting with humans and influencing them in a positive way toward a better future.” - Michael Kerr “Leaders have a disproportionate impact on the happiness of their employees and the success of their culture.” — Michael Kerr About Michael Kerr: Michael Kerr, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame inductee, is an international business speaker, very funny motivational speaker, workshop trainer, and the author of six books including, Inspiring Workplaces: Creating the Kind of Workplace Where Everyone Wants to Work, and, most recently, The Humor Advantage: Why Some Businesses Are Laughing All the Way to the Bank. Michael travels the world researching, writing, and speaking about inspiring workplace cultures. He is known as one of North America's leading speakers on workplace culture and on how businesses leverage their humor resources to deliver outrageous results -including lower absenteeism rates, lower employee turnover rates, less stress, more creativity, more effective communication, and increased sales. His hilarious, inspiring, and thought-provoking programs are often rated as having the greatest impact and relevance of any presentation at a conference, which is why Michael is listed as one of Canada's most requested funny motivational business speakers. Resources: Website: MikeKerr.com Inspiring Workplaces Blog Every Other Wednesday podcast Michael Kerr books “Cher: Part One: The Memoir” by Cher “I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Miranda once told Andy she was the greatest disappointment of her career. Twenty years on, the question isn't whether she was right — it's what Andy did with it.Laura Gommans and Elliot Bloom chat about The Devil Wears Prada and the new sequel and what they have to say about ambition, high fashion, and the specific cruelty of wanting things that cost more than you can reasonably pay. We discuss the consequences for Miranda who is now no longer untouchable — threatened by corporate money that sees a fashion magazine and thinks: overhead. Her methods belong to another era. So does her certainty.Both films ask what we owe the people who pushed us, even when the pushing was cruel. Whether Miranda is a feminist icon or a toxic boss may matter less than what she made possible.Plus a hot take from one of our listeners on whether screenwriters get enough credit for the worlds they create.Get tickets to The Devil Wears Prada 2 @ LAB111Get tickets to Girls in Film Presents: Behind The Scenes of Motherhood @ LAB111The Devil Wears Prada (David Frankel, USA, 2006). The Devil Wears Prada 2 (USA, 2025).
In this solo episode of Where Work Meets Life, Dr. Laura explores leadership through a bell curve, illustrating the range of leaders found in today's organizations. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience as an organizational psychologist, Dr. Laura explains how leaders often rise not through careful selection, but through promotions based on technical skill or ambition. She outlines the spectrum from toxic bosses to truly great leaders and reflects on how leadership quality shapes culture, employee engagement, and organizational health. She asks us to consider where our own leaders fall on the continuum and what it would take to move leadership from merely adequate to genuinely inspiring. Dr. Laura emphasizes that great leadership is not accidental. It requires intentional hiring and thoughtful promotion processes and involves ongoing development rather than one-time training efforts. She highlights the power of mentorship and self-insight as essential qualities that help leaders grow. In a time marked by burnout, mental health challenges, and global uncertainty, Dr. Laura stresses that organizations need more great leaders who understand that people and culture drive long-term success. She offers a thoughtful reflection on leadership responsibility and a call for both organizations and individuals to invest in developing leaders who bring out the best in others. “Leading human beings is an honor and a privilege, and too often people are promoted into leadership roles without the ingredients that help someone truly thrive as a people leader.” - Dr. Laura About Dr. Laura: Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a work and career psychologist and thought leader on the evolution of work. She has always been fascinated by how work intersects with life and loves to use her expertise to improve organizations and help people thrive. Her passion for taking creative ideas and launching them into successful business strategies led her to start three counselling psychology practices (Calgary Career Counselling, Canada Career Counselling, and Synthesis Psychology), as well as six different business brands offering organizational assessment and consulting services. Dr. Laura is honoured to have been selected as a Woman of Distinction in Canada in 2014 and received a Canadian Woman of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. Her new book, I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, is available for purchase on Amazon now. Resources: “I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Adam works with a client who was experiencing stress and anxiety working for a toxic and insecure manager. Adam helps them to dial down the emotional intensity with a forcefield metaphor and to feel empowered to set boundaries.
Toxic leadership in healthcare is more widespread than the profession likes to acknowledge, and its effects on doctors and clinical teams go well beyond a difficult work environment. Organizational psychologist Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett has spent years researching toxic boss behaviors across industries, and she's clear: healthcare has more than its fair share. In this episode, she breaks down the difference between a difficult boss and a truly toxic one, explains why high-achieving doctors are especially vulnerable, and offers a surprisingly hopeful framework for anyone who feels trapped. If toxic workplace culture has ever made you question your own judgment, this episode is for you. Timestamped Highlights: [00:04:00] : Toxic leadership didn't vanish after the pandemic, it came back, and what Dr. Hambley Lovett observed in her clients across healthcare is more concerning than most organizations want to admit. [00:09:00] : Sending a toxic boss to a leadership course sounds like a reasonable solution. Dr. Hambley Lovett explains why it isn't, and what that tells us about whether true change is ever really possible. [00:11:00] : Not all toxic behavior is loud or visible. The covert behaviors, the ones that operate quietly over time may cause more lasting damage than the obvious ones, and most people don't recognize them until it's too late. [00:13:00] : Working harder, impressing more, staying later, it's what high-achieving doctors do when they feel under threat. Dr. Hambley Lovett describes why this instinct, in a toxic environment, tends to make things worse. [00:18:00] : Feeling trapped is one of the most common experiences of working under a toxic boss. But Dr. Hambley Lovett says there are exactly six options available, and one of them is her favorite for a reason. [00:32:00] : What does it actually take to be a great leader? The qualities Dr. Hambley Lovett names are not the ones most organizations are selecting for, and that gap explains a lot. Three Key Takeaways: 1. There is a real difference between a difficult boss and a toxic one. Not every frustrating manager is toxic, and the distinction matters. A difficult boss may be disorganized, absent, or poorly trained for leadership, promoted because they were a great clinician, not because they knew how to lead people. A truly toxic boss is different: they lack self-awareness by design, they divide teams, they gaslight, manipulate, and erode the confidence of the people around them. Recognizing which one you're dealing with changes everything about how you respond, and whether change is even possible. 2. Toxic workplaces create a very specific psychological trap for high achievers. Doctors are trained to work harder when things get difficult. In a toxic environment, that instinct backfires. The pattern Dr. Hambley Lovett describes is consistent across industries: increased effort, diminishing returns, growing anxiety, disrupted sleep, and eventually a confidence so eroded that the thought of leaving feels impossible. Understanding this cycle, and recognizing it early, is the first step toward breaking it before it does serious harm to your mental health and career. 3. You have more options than you think, including one worth planning for. Feeling trapped is real, but it is not the full picture. Dr. Hambley Lovett outlines six concrete options for anyone working under toxic leadership, from setting boundaries and taking medical leave to filing a complaint or building a deliberate exit strategy. Her favorite, creating what she calls a "good riddance date" and working backwards, reframes leaving not as giving up, but as taking back control of your career. For doctors who have built their identity around perseverance, that reframe can be genuinely life-changing. Meet Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett: Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is an organizational psychologist, professional speaker, and career counselor based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with 25 years of experience helping individuals and organizations thrive. She is the founder of Canada Career Counseling and an adjunct professor of organizational psychology at the University of Calgary, where her research on toxic leadership has filled a significant gap in the post-pandemic literature. Her newest book, I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, draws on interviews and surveys with hundreds of survivors across North America. She also hosts the podcast Where Work Meets Life, now six years running, which explores career fulfillment, leadership, and wellbeing across industries. Dr. Hambley Lovett brings both rigorous research and genuine warmth to a topic that too many professionals are still suffering through in silence. Connect with Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett:
In this episode of Where Work Meets Life™, Dr. Laura welcomes back Dr. Michelle Johnston for a thoughtful conversation about the seismic shifts leaders must make to create meaningful connections and stronger results. Inspired by her new book, The Seismic Shift in You, coauthored with Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, Dr. Johnston shares how the future of leadership depends less on achievement and more on humanity. Together, they explore the powerful shift from focusing on the what to prioritizing the who, reminding us that meaningful relationships are what sustain engagement and fulfillment. Dr. Laura and Michelle offer a hopeful path forward in a time marked by burnout and disconnection. Dr. Johnston speaks candidly about her own experience with depletion and the realization that the most important relationship a leader has is with themselves. She introduces the idea of creating a connection cadence, a structured rhythm of intentional relationships and rituals that protect energy and strengthen teams. Dr. Laura's warmth and professional curiosity bring depth to a discussion that bridges leadership psychology, burnout prevention, hybrid work realities, and workplace culture. This episode invites leaders to rethink how they show up and cultivate workplaces that truly work for people rather than against them. “I really thought we were writing a book about how we can all be better at connecting with others. And what I learned is the most important who is you. And you're not going to be good at connecting with others unless you prioritize yourself and what you value first.” - Michelle Johnston About Michelle Johnston: Dr. Michelle K. Johnston is a passionate champion of connection-driven leadership. Recently featured on NBC News with Kate Snow, she is a best-selling author, top ten executive coach, podcast host, keynote speaker, and distinguished professor whose groundbreaking work is reshaping how leaders connect, communicate, and collaborate. Widely regarded as being at the forefront of the connection movement, Michelle has spent her career showing leaders how authentic relationships drive both engagement and results. She is the bestselling author of The Seismic Shift in You: Seven Necessary Shifts to Create Connection and Drive Results, her newest book coauthored with Dr. Marshall Goldsmith. This powerful guide offers a transformative roadmap for leaders to reconnect with their priorities so they can drive more meaningful results. Her first bestselling book, The Seismic Shift in Leadership: How to Thrive in a New Era of Connection—featured by Forbes four times—spotlights real-world leaders who embraced this shift and are seeing stronger teams and better outcomes because of it. Michelle serves as a distinguished professor of leadership at Loyola University New Orleans, holds a PhD in Communication from Louisiana State University, and brings decades of insight to her coaching and keynotes. She also hosts The Seismic Shift podcast, ranked in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, where she engages executives, authors, and thought leaders on the seismic shifts shaking up the way we work and the way we live. Resources: Website: MichelleKJohnston.com Michelle Johnston on LinkedIn YouTube: @TheSeismicShiftWithMichelle “The Seismic Shift In You” by Michelle K Johnston, PhD and Marshall Goldsmith, PhD Dr. Vivek Murthy Previous Where Work Meets Life™ episode with Michelle Johnston: Seismic Shifts in Leadership “I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, Dr. Laura welcomes author, strategist, and keynote speaker Kim Bolourtchi to talk about unlocking potential by questioning the rules that shape our choices. Kim shares her journey from a high-powered legal career to embracing her full identity, including a lifelong passion for competitive Latin dance that she once hid out of fear of judgment. Kim and Dr. Laura explore how many professionals learn to succeed by following prescribed paths, only to discover a persistent sense that something is missing. Beliefs formed early in life about professionalism and permission can lead us to limit our creativity and personal growth. Kim introduces the idea of strategic unruliness as a thoughtful, values-driven way of challenging rules that no longer serve us. She explains how listening to inner signals of restlessness or dissatisfaction can open doors to more fulfilling careers and personal ventures. Dr. Laura and Kim explore courage, identity, and the importance of allowing passion and purpose to coexist with ambition. Strategic unruliness encourages professionals who look accomplished on paper yet feel called toward something more to pursue the more. We all need to learn that growth does not end with achievement and that honoring the whole self can be a powerful source of wellness and innovation. “If you feel a call to do more, it is meant for you. You do not have to stop just because other people tell you that you should be satisfied.” - Kim Bolourtchi About Kim Bolourtchi: Kim Bolourtchi is a transformational keynote speaker and bestselling author whose work helps leaders break the rules they've inherited, reclaim the truth they've been trained to suppress, and lead with the full force of who they are. Her signature philosophy, Strategic Unruliness™, is the foundation of her #1 international bestseller, Strategic Unruliness: Break the Rules. Build What's Next. A former attorney, strategic executive advisor, and top-rated professor of communication, Kim's career spans the boardroom, the classroom, and the dance floor — a combination that uniquely positions her to teach leaders how to access clarity, presence, and embodied confidence in high-pressure environments. She is known for her electrifying keynote style: part insight, part activation, part reclamation. Audiences don't just hear her message; they feel it. Over the past two decades, Kim has guided hundreds of leaders and organizations through moments of profound transition and growth. Her work is grounded in the belief that extraordinary leadership begins not with strategy, but with identity — with the courage to lead from truth instead of conditioning. She has served as Director of Leadership and Professional Development for a Top 20 law school, built nationally recognized organizations, developed graduate-level curriculum in organizational leadership and communication, and coached executives across industries through major inflection points. Kim is also the author of Truly Inspired: Secrets for Finding Extraordinary Success at Work and host of the Get Unruly podcast. A competitive Latin dancer and movement enthusiast, she integrates embodied practices into her keynotes to help audiences access confidence and presence at a level they've never experienced before. When she's not on stage, Kim can be found dancing, writing, hosting transformational retreats in Mexico, or spending time with her two children, Nick and Samantha, and her beloved doodles. Resources: Website: KimBolourtchi.com LinkedIn: Kimberly-Bolourtchi “Strategic Unruliness™: Break the Rules. Build What's Next” by Kim Bolourtchi Strategic Unruliness Live Podcast: Get Unruly “Outrageous Openness” by Tosha Silver “Greenlights” by Matthew McConaughey “I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
เคยไหมครับที่ตื่นเช้ามาแล้วรู้สึกไม่อยากไปทำงาน ไม่ใช่เพราะเบื่องานที่ทำ แต่เป็นเพราะคน ที่เราต้องเจอ โดยเฉพาะคนที่เป็นหัวหน้าของเราเอง ผมเชื่อว่าหลายคนคงเคยเจอประสบการณ์แย่ๆ ในที่ทำงานมาบ้าง แต่มันมีเส้นแบ่งบางๆ ระหว่างหัวหน้าที่แค่น่ารำคาญ กับหัวหน้าที่เป็นพิษ (Toxic Boss)
As far too many people know from experience, working for a toxic boss takes a toll. Even highly accomplished and experienced people can feel beaten down and hopelessly trapped. Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett’s book is I WISH I’D QUIT SOONER: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss. Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is an organizational psychologist and expert on workplace culture, career development, toxic leadership, and burnout. Along with her 25 years of experience in her field, she holds a PhD in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of Calgary, where she is currently an adjunct professor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What if the most powerful weapon against a toxic boss isn't quitting — it's understanding exactly how they think? In episode 251 of Joy Found Here, CEO coach and venture capitalist Kate Lowry reveals why fear-based leadership is making a sweeping comeback, and why so many high-achievers are blindsided by it. Drawing on her own journey from a controlling household to the corridors of Silicon Valley, Kate brings her book Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders to life with a toolkit that turns powerlessness into strategy.In This Episode, You Will Learn:(03:59) How a Silicon Valley sea change sparked Unbreakable(06:32) Why Kate's childhood became her greatest career advantage(08:39) Why top-down leadership is suddenly back in vogue(11:36) Inside the mind of a fear-based leader(15:17) What to do when your new boss isn't who showed up to the interview(18:30) Red flags, buzzwords, and questions that make a toxic culture hard to hide(21:47) Why fear chokes innovation — and the hidden cost to companies(28:50) How to protect your energy, predict their moves, and run circles around them(33:30) Why identity is your greatest armour — and how to build it(36:59) The decade outlook — and why attention and availability are your greatest leverageKate Lowry is a Silicon Valley-based CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author with over 15 years of experience across startups, private equity, and big tech — including stints at McKinsey, Meta, and Insight Partners. Founder of coaching firm Scaleheart Co., she specialises in empowering mission-driven founders and has become one of the leading voices on fear-based leadership in the modern workplace. Her expertise was forged first-hand — navigating a controlling household, then eight fear-based bosses across some of the world's most high-pressure industries — and is now distilled into her book, Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders. When she's not coaching CEOs, you'll find her writing comedy, making music, and cuddling her service dog, Annie.Kate unpacks why fear-based leadership — top-down, my-way-or-the-highway management — is surging back into vogue and why it's hitting today's workforce particularly hard. She reveals that these leaders are fundamentally driven by deep insecurity, and because of that, far more predictable than they appear. Kate offers listeners a practical toolkit for navigating these environments: build a diverse sense of identity so no job title can topple your self-worth; protect your energy; control what information you share; and use your attention and availability as quiet forms of leverage. She also shares sharp red-flag advice for spotting a toxic culture before you even accept the role — and closes with a sobering outlook: this trend isn't going anywhere for the next five to ten years, making these skills not just helpful, but essential.Connect with Kate Lowry:WebsiteInstagramSubstackGet coaching/advising from Kate!Book: Kate Lowry - Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based LeadersLet's Connect:WebsiteInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Dr. Laura breaks down why toxic bosses are so widespread and costly, and addresses the first step to stopping them: naming what's happening. Drawing from her research and her new book, I Wish I'd Quit Sooner, she explains eight “toxic boss personas”. These include the dishonest manipulator, the gaslighter, and the control freak. Having a shared language matters when describing harmful behaviors and their impact: accurate communication helps employees, HR, and leadership alike. Dr. Laura details what it takes to stop toxic bosses at an organizational level: the three C's of care, curiosity, and courage. Care includes a workplace culture grounded in compassion; curiosity means going beyond surface-level engagement to ask targeted questions and protect confidentiality; and courage means taking swift action and enforcing zero tolerance for abuse. Abuse includes covert, manipulative behavior that negatively impacts the well-being and health of employees. Dr. Laura distinguishes “difficult” bosses, who can often be coached, from truly toxic ones, who tend to escalate over time and shouldn't remain in people-leadership roles.“So, letting go of a toxic boss or repositioning them out of a people leadership role ain't easy. But if you're in a leadership capacity, you have a great responsibility for human lives! And those tough decisions, I'm sorry, they come with your compensation, but you can do it. You are strong. And if you want to have a healthy culture, just like a healthy garden, you've got to get rid of the weeds.” - Dr. LauraAbout Dr. Laura:Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a work and career psychologist and thought leader on the evolution of work. She has always been fascinated by how work intersects with life and loves to use her expertise to improve organizations and help people thrive. Her passion for taking creative ideas and launching them into successful business strategies led her to start three counselling psychology practices (Calgary Career Counselling, Canada Career Counselling, and Synthesis Psychology), as well as six different business brands offering organizational assessment and consulting services.Dr. Laura is honoured to have been selected as a Woman of Distinction in Canada in 2014 and received a Canadian Woman of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. Her new book, I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, is available for purchase on Amazon now.Resources:“I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley LovettDr. Laura on LinkedInWhere Work Meets Life™ on YouTubeLearn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.liveFor more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career CounsellingSynthesis Psychology Pre-order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What happens at work doesn't stay at work. It follows you home, ruins your sleep, and drains your energy. In this episode, Dr. Laura Hambley, a leading organizational psychologist, reveals the alarming rise of toxic workplaces and why "profit-at-all-costs" culture is back with a vengeance. After researching thousands of cases, Laura identified the 8 Personas of a Toxic Boss—from the "aggressive abuser" to the subtle "gaslighter" who pits teams against each other behind the scenes. If you've ever felt like you were "walking on eggshells" or suffering from Sunday night dread, this conversation is your roadmap to getting back in the driver's seat of your career Connect with Dr. Laura Hambley https://www.instagram.com/drlaura.live/ https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Laura.whereworkmeetslife https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurahambley/ https://x.com/DrLaura_ https://www.tiktok.com/@drlaura.live Pre-order: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn negotiateanything.com Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
In this episode of Where Work Meets Life, Dr. Laura talks with Paul McCarthy (author of The Fired Leader; leadership speaker and global thought leader/consultant reinventing the future of leadership) and Dr. Markus Zehentner (European legal professional and author of Breaking Free from Toxic Leadership) about why toxic bosses often remain protected inside organizations while principled, high-integrity leaders get pushed out. Together, they examine how toxic leadership becomes “baked into” workplace culture through politics, retaliation against honesty, and performative “wellbeing” initiatives that look good on paper but don't change day-to-day leadership behavior. Both Paul McCarthy and Markus Zehentner share their personal experiences with toxic bosses and how those inspired their books. Dr. Laura discusses what toxic bosses do and what it costs: manipulation, micromanagement, emotional blackmail, scapegoating high performers as “low performers,” and creating fear-based environments. Dr. Zehentner shares how a toxic boss exploited a family health crisis and eroded his confidence, which contributed to severe stress and burnout. His story shows how quickly toxic leadership can break even competent, experienced professionals. Paul McCarthy describes being fired for the very leadership qualities he was hired for, because calling out dysfunction threatens ego-based leaders. Toxic leaders are hard to “coach away,” and the conversation highlights that organizations must stop tolerating them and build real accountability if they want to keep good leaders and prevent toxic bosses from doing long-term damage.“So [toxic workplace] is real. This isn't a trend. This is what we have baked into the very DNA of our organizations and our approaches to leadership, a normalization of things that shouldn't be happening.” - Paul McCarthy“... all these official or burnout prevention measures, they are usually designed as an employee obligation rather than a task for the management to create a work environment that does not lead to burnout in the first place.” - Dr. Markus ZehentnerAbout Dr. Paul McCarthy:Paul is an author and global thought leader creating the conditions to reimagine, reinvent, and regenerate the future of leadership. Amongst a crowded space, Paul brings a unique, freshly disruptive, and bold, yet evidence-based, experiential, and experimental approach that is shifting the narrative within and beyond organizations about the future of leadership and work. Before this, Paul's career in management and leadership consulting spans over 25 years in over 100 organizations within over 10 industry sectors. His focus in this field has been to develop leaders and their capacity, capability, and competency, and he has supported thousands of leaders globally. He also supports clients in business transformation, organizational design, and talent management, and still consults in a senior-level advisory and delivery role.Paul's work has been featured on dozens of podcasts, he speaks globally with organizations on his work, and supports organizations to identify, recruit, onboard, and develop leaders with the future leadership qualities needed to navigate ongoing disruption. More information on Paul can be found here: www.paulmacleadership.com or via email, paul@paulmacleadership.comAbout Dr. Markus Zehentner:Dr. Markus Zehentner is the author of Breaking Free from Toxic Leadership — a powerful and practical guide that helps professionals recognize manipulation, build resilience, and reclaim their careers.He works as Senior Legal Counsel in risk management at a public sector financial institution and holds a doctorate in law. With a background in Human Resources and a role on his organization's work council, Markus regularly supports colleagues facing toxic workplace dynamics.Beyond his legal and organizational expertise, he brings a deeply personal lens to this conversation — shaped by lived experience, a passion for mental health, and his current training in psychotherapy.Resources:Paul McCarthy's website: PaulMacLeadership.com“The Fired Leader” by Paul McCarthyEmbracing Tomorrow's Leader, Today - a one-hour program on disruptive leadership qualities and F.I.R.E.D. Leadership by Paul McCarthyPaul McCarthy's guest episodes on the Geeks, Geezers, and Googlization podcastDr. Markus Zehentner's website: ToxicLeadership.infoLinkedIn: markus-zehentner-toxic-leadership“Breaking Free from Toxic Leadership” by Dr. Markus Zehentner (co-authored with psychotherapist & organizational psychologist Claudia Schwinghammer)“Thrive” by Arianna Huffington“Good to Great” by Jim Collins“I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley LovettDr. Laura on LinkedInWhere Work Meets Life™ on YouTubeLearn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.liveFor more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career CounsellingSynthesis Psychology Pre-order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, Dr. Laura welcomes Dr. Shirley Davis, a leadership development expert, culture transformation thought leader, bestselling author, and President and CEO of Shirley Davis International, to the show for a conversation on workplace leadership and what it means to live, be in leadership, and leave a legacy. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience across HR, executive leadership, and global workforce consulting, Dr. Davis and Dr. Laura explore why so many organizations struggle with inclusive guidance and low employee engagement, and how a strong mindset and trust-based leadership can be built. Dr. Davis shares insights from her upcoming book, Leading High Performance Teams for Dummies, which offers practical strategies for building excellent teams in today's changing workplace. Dr. Laura discusses the topics covered in the book: from managing remote and global teams to preparing leaders for the future of work leadership amid AI. There is a difference between managing tasks and truly leading people, and Dr. Davis challenges us to move past fear and self-limiting beliefs to embrace leading with purpose and building a meaningful leadership legacy. Success is redefined in this episode, and both Dr. Laura and Dr. Davis stress that visibility does not equal value. Results, not physical presence, should define success in organizations.“I always say, too, if you're a leader and nobody is following you, you're just taking a walk.” - Dr. Shirley DavisAbout Dr. Shirley Davis:Dr. Shirley Davis is an internationally recognized global workforce expert, culture transformation thought leader, Hall of Fame keynote speaker, and President & CEO of Shirley Davis International, providing transformative and innovative thought leadership through published keynote speeches, books, articles, LinkedIn courses, and workshops. With over 30 years of business experience in Fortune 50 companies, global nonprofits, and government agencies, she has worked in 40+ countries, served over 300 global organizations, and delivers over 100+ paid presentations a year . She's been featured in nationally acclaimed publications including, but not limited to: Forbes, Fortune Magazine, CEO Magazine, Harvard Business Review, and Oprah Daily.Dr. Shirley Davis is a best-selling author of Living Beyond “What If?” and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion For Dummies (2022). Her other popular titles include Reinvent Yourself and Inclusive Leadership For Dummies (2024). A LinkedIn Learning author with 9 leadership courses—one of which was named among the Top 20 Most Popular Courses of 2024—she also holds over 10 professional certifications and 4 earned degrees, including a Ph.D. in Business and Organizational Leadership. Dr. Davis serves on the national board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is a member of the NSA Million Dollar Speakers Group, Women Corporate Directors, and Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. A few of her many accolades include induction into the PGCPS Hall of Fame (2025), the prestigious Toastmasters International's Golden Gavel Award (2022), induction into Inclusion Magazine's Hall of Fame (2021), and the national title of Ms. American United States (2000). Driven by a lifelong passion for philanthropy, she co-founded the Dr. Shirley Davis Foundation with her daughter, Gabrielle Victoria, to uplift individuals and businesses through coaching, resources, and strategic development.Resources:Dr. Shirley Davis website: DrShirleyDavis.com“Leading High-Performance Teams for Dummies” by Dr. Shirley Davis“Inclusive Leadership for Dummies” by Dr. Shirley DavisOther books by Dr. Shirley DavisLinkedInYouTubeDr. Shirley Davis FoundationMake A Wish Calgary“I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley LovettDr. Laura on LinkedInWhere Work Meets Life™ on YouTubeLearn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.liveFor more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career CounsellingSynthesis Psychology Pre-order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
One Case, Fifty States: When Marriage Was An Exception To The LawFor much of U.S. history, marriage quietly overruled consent, shielding a crime the law refused to name. We revisit the 1978 case that cracked that silence and follow the slow, uneven fight to recognize spousal rape as a crime nationwide. Even now, it raises an uncomfortable question: when the law changes, how long does it take for beliefs to follow?Guest: Sarah Weinman, journalist, author, Without Consent: A Landmark Trial and the Decades-Long Struggle to Make Spousal Rape a Crime.Host: Gary PriceProducer: Polly Hansen Why So Many Workers Quit Their Boss, Not Their JobMany people don't leave jobs they love but leave managers they can't work for anymore. We examine how toxic leadership styles quietly drive burnout, erode confidence and push workers toward the exit even when they may love everything else about their position.Guests:Sheila Nielsen, career consultant, owner, Nielsen Career ConsultingLaura Hambley Lovett, workplace psychologist, author, I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss. Host: Marty PetersonProducer: Amirah Zaveri Viewpoints Explained: When Romance Meets Inflated PricingValentine's Day may feel romantic, but the price tag is anything but. We breakdown why flowers, dinners, and last-minute plans seem to cost more each year and how timing quietly drives the holiday economy.Host: Ebony McMorris.Producer: Amirah Zaveri Culture Crash: Why “The Pitt” Stands Out From So Many Other Medical ShowsWe review what makes the medical show “The Pitt” a must watch. Season 2 is now streaming on HBO Max with weekly episodes dropping every Thursday evening. Host: Evan RookProducer: Evan Rook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Why So Many Workers Quit Their Boss, Not Their JobMany people don't leave jobs they love but leave managers they can't work for anymore. We examine how toxic leadership styles quietly drive burnout, erode confidence and push workers toward the exit even when they may love everything else about their position.Guests: Sheila Nielsen, career consultant, owner, Nielsen Career ConsultingLaura Hambley Lovett, workplace psychologist, author, I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss. Host: Marty PetersonProducer: Amirah Zaveri Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, Dr. Laura talks to Catherine Mattice about navigating toxic workplaces, the topic of Dr. Laura's new book. Catherine is a workplace culture expert, culture strategist, and author, having just released her own book called Navigating a Toxic Workplace for Dummies. She runs the organization Civility Partners that focuses on creating respectful workplace cultures across all sizes of companies. Dr. Laura and Catherine discuss organizational risk factors that lead to toxic workplaces, and examine the steps necessary to turn such toxicity around.Catherine shares her journey of observing workplace bullying and experiencing it firsthand. She wrote a paper on toxic behavior in graduate school, which led her to focus on researching toxicity and bullying in workplaces as a career. Dr. Laura and Catherine note that the pandemic has shifted workplace culture, as everyone is now discussing employee experience and engagement, and toxic behaviors are being considered and exposed. They examine what bullying behavior looks like, HR's role in assisting employees, and how to rebuild unhealthy workplace cultures. This episode exposes the dark side of workplaces and how to improve the culture, something Catherine's company focuses on doing one company at a time. “... I want everybody who's maybe considering leaving to understand that quitting is a power move. It does not mean you've lost the battle. It means you've chosen yourself over the employer and that you're taking control back. And so if you need to leave, then leave. Nobody faults you for it.” - Catherine MatticeAbout Catherine Mattice:Catherine founded Civility Partners in 2008. After working in a toxic environment herself she decided this was a problem she could solve, and today is a leading expert on the topic of turning around a toxic workplace culture and building a positive one in its place.Under Catherine's leadership, the Civility Partners team has worked with over 250 clients, including Chevron, NASA, Stanford University, Embraer, and the American Red Cross to help their leaders and teams cultivate a respectful and civil work environment.Catherine is an award-winning author, speaker, blogger, and business owner; has been cited in such news outlets as Forbes, INC Magazine, Entrepreneur, and USA Today; and has appeared as a guest expert on such venues as NPR and CNN. She also has over 60+ courses on LinkedIn Learning and reaching global audiences.As a keynote speaker, Catherine is widely regarded by audiences around the world as she shares her disruptive and humorous take – and totally actionable steps – on building a positive and civil company culture. Her insights and consulting programs have transformed CEO's of multi-national companies, leaders of all levels in the US Marines and US Navy, and professionals in companies of all shapes and sizes.Schedule a consultation call with one of our team members.Resources:Catherine Mattice WebsiteLinkedInInstagram FacebookYouTube“Navigating a Toxic Workplace for Dummies” by Catherine Mattice“The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins and Sawyer Robbins“I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley LovettDr. Laura on LinkedInWhere Work Meets Life™ on YouTubeLearn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.liveFor more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career CounsellingSynthesis Psychology Pre-order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about! Where AI is headed in 2026 & how parents and educators can better protect kids online this year.Guest: Angela Nakalembe (pronounced Neck-Ah-LAM-BAY)– chemical engineer by trade – now works for YouTube as the company’s engineering program manager for trust and safety. "I WISH I’D QUIT SOONER: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss."Guest: Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett - workplace and organizational psychologist The Boston accent is disappearing…come how and is that a good thing?Guest: Marjorie Whittaker – speech language pathologist – founder of the Whittaker Group Look Twice: Your Guide to Staying Safe in an Unsafe World – helping everyday people spot risks before they become problems — at home, at work, on the road and in public spaces.Guest: Tim Beard – Author - former CIA officer and security expert See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Dr. Laura officially releases her new book, “I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss”. She introduces us to what the book is about, why she wrote it, and her hopes for the book's impact on people's lives. Dr. Laura has run Canada Career Counseling for 16 years, and through the work of helping clients achieve career goals, she learned how many were suffering under a toxic boss. The numbers increased post-pandemic, with toxic workplace cultures becoming an uncomfortable rising trend. This is what inspired her to dig into research on toxic bosses and write her book.One thing Dr. Laura notes is that she specifically calls the toxic management “toxic bosses” instead of “toxic leaders” because leaders are people who motivate, inspire, and help people grow. Toxic bosses do the opposite: they overtly or covertly harm people. Dr. Laura breaks down the accessible structure of “I Wish I'd Quit Sooner” and how she categorizes the eight personas of a toxic boss. Her goal is to spread the word about the emotional and physical pain toxic bosses cause, and to offer not only ways to identify them but ways to escape their clutches. By educating people on the damage being done by toxic bosses, she hopes to help organizations eradicate the issue by teaching them how to cultivate inspiring leaders instead.“We see a lot of parallels between toxic bosses and toxic partners in a romantic relationship. Starts off good, goes bad, gets worse. Our self-esteem is challenged, our self-confidence goes down, and they suck our energy. And then it's hard to get out. You feel trapped, oftentimes financially, by a toxic boss.” - Dr. LauraAbout Dr. Laura:Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a work and career psychologist and thought leader on the evolution of work. She has always been fascinated by how work intersects with life and loves to use her expertise to improve organizations and help people thrive. Her passion for taking creative ideas and launching them into successful business strategies led her to start three counselling psychology practices (Calgary Career Counselling, Canada Career Counselling, and Synthesis Psychology), as well as six different business brands offering organizational assessment and consulting services.Dr. Laura is honoured to have been selected as a Woman of Distinction in Canada in 2014 and received a Canadian Woman of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. Her new book, I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, is available for purchase on Amazon now.Resources:“I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley LovettDr. Laura on LinkedInWhere Work Meets Life™ on YouTubeLearn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.liveFor more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career CounsellingSynthesis Psychology Pre-order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Am I the Jerk? is the show where you can confess your deepest darkest secrets and be part of the conversation.
Dr. Laura welcomes international keynote speaker, CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame inductee, and one of the world's leading experts on executive presence and influence, Stacey Hanke, to the show to talk about how we can tend to and elevate our influence at work. Stacey defines the qualities of true influence and discusses her Monday to Monday philosophy of consistency in messaging. Not only is influence grown in what we say, but how we listen, how we show up daily, and how we continue to present ourselves. Stacey's new book, Influence Elevated, describes how consistent quality communication is key to maintaining influence. Monday to Monday, to her, means that our influence does not take weekends off. We must present ourselves authentically and consistently in every interaction. Stacey and Dr. Laura explore the importance of body language, active and mindful listening, everybody's individual influence type, and the necessity of being future-focused. Stacey's insight reveals how leaders, executives, and professionals at every career stage can strengthen their executive presence and elevate the way they show up both in person and virtually. “There's tons of confusion about what influence is and how to achieve it. We define it, my team and I, as your body language and your messaging. They need to be consistent Monday to Monday. That way no one ever has to guess who's going to show up. And we all know that true consistency is doing what you say you're doing when no one's watching.” - Stacey HankeAbout Stacey Hanke:Stacey Hanke is an international keynote speaker, CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame inductee, and one of the world's leading experts on executive presence, influence, and leadership communication.For more than two decades, she has worked with leaders at nearly 100 Fortune 500 companies — including Microsoft, Google, American Express, Coca-Cola, Boeing, and FedEx — equipping them with the skills to command a room, earn trust, and be consistently perceived as the respected, influential leaders they intend to be.Stacey's transformative, humor-filled presentations teach audiences to overcome modern communication hurdles with proven strategies that capture attention, authentically connect, and inspire people to take action. From high-stakes presentations to casual conversations, prepare to elevate your communication skills and executive presence, Monday to Monday®. Resources:Website: StaceyHankeInc.comLinkedInInstagramYouTube“Influence Elevated: Maximizing Your Connection” by Stacey HankeLearn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live“I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Pre-orders: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett - Pre-orders and AmazonFor more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career CounsellingSynthesis Psychology Pre-order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Got a tough boss? Struggling to get promoted? Feeling stuck in your job? Shell tackles your work dilemmas in this popular episode from 2025. Connect with Shell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-johnson/If you lead teams, check out Shelley's business, Boldside: https://www.boldside.com.au/Shell & Glen's book 'Sort Your Career Out & Make More Money' is available here: https://amzn.to/4k3YSrrWe hate email spam so we don't create it! Sign up to our newsletter to get only the valuable money, careers and property info you need.To get help, and to check out our online courses, books, resources and downloads (+ our disclaimers and warnings), click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dr. Laura welcomes Navin ‘nuvs' Jain, Product Evangelist at Workhuman, to the show to talk about gratitude and recognition. Workhuman focuses on workplace cultures that foster recognition, and Nuvs is deeply committed to spreading the word on the power of thanks and elevating great work happening in organizations. He and Dr. Laura discuss why gratitude can disappear from workplaces and how it can be brought back. There is a tendency at work to think “well that's just their job” when work is done well, but Nuvs outlines the power of saying thanks and how research supports that appreciation for work done elevates employee mental health and productivity. Dr. Laura and Nuvs address how the workplace culture is affected by what's role modeled and that leaders are the ones who need to make the change. A lack of empathy and a rise of toxic bosses has waylaid appreciation, but the impact of offering thanks can't be ignored. This episode explores human connection, gratitude, and how recognition increases workplace wellness. “I've talked about emotion before, and empathy. And that's really what I think is a key difference when someone says thank you. First of all, they're expressing gratitude. They're recognizing something you've done. And that actually makes you feel like, oh, I matter. I'm actually doing something here for the organization. And that drives that sense of belonging.” - Navin ‘nuvs' JainAbout Navin ‘nuvs' Jain:Based in Boston, MA, Navin ‘nuvs' Jain is a Product Evangelist at Workhuman, and previously spent five years developing the core recognition features of the Workhuman Cloud. A Workhuman solutions veteran, Nuvs previously led the effort to bring Service Milestones, Life Events, and Inclusion Advisor to market. He is passionate about creating a culture of recognition and enjoys discussing movies, tech, and politics. Resources:Website: WorkHuman.comLinkedInInstagramLearn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live“I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Pre-orders: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett - Pre-orders and AmazonFor more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career CounsellingSynthesis Psychology Pre-order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Am I the Jerk? is the show where you can confess your deepest darkest secrets and be part of the conversation.
Some bosses don't just manage - they control, manipulate, and undermine, leaving employees walking on eggshells every day. The stress, self-doubt, and exhaustion can build quietly, often making people question themselves more than the toxic dynamics around them. Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett has spent years helping people break free from these harmful work environments. Drawing on her research and experience, she explains how to spot toxic leadership patterns, understand the impact on your well-being, and take practical steps to protect yourself, set boundaries, and plan a way forward with confidence. On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with Dr Laura Hambley Lovett, Organizational Psychologist and Author of I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, about practical strategies for navigating and escaping a toxic boss. Dr. Lovett shares how to distinguish a truly toxic leader from a merely difficult one, maintain control over your work life, and create actionable steps for recovery or exit. Leadership tips you won't want to miss:
Dr. Laura welcomes Dr. Shahana Alibhai, a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, family physician, and medical director of The Foundry Abbotsford, to the show to talk about her book, Feel Better, and the need for more focus on mental health, especially for youth. Dr. Shahana points out that medicine is very focused on illness, on diagnosing disease and offering treatment, whereas mental health requires holding space for belonging, acceptance, and mattering. She and Dr. Laura explore what it takes to navigate emotions and thrive in life.The proceeds from Dr. Shahana's book sales go to support youth mental health agencies, and she drew on her own experiences with postpartum OCD and the reluctance she felt, as a physician, to seek professional help. Dr. Shahana and Dr. Laura explore the coping mechanisms we turn to and whether they're useful long-term, the benefits of being open about our emotional states, and the lessons in Feel Better. Dr. Shahana likens understanding others to envisioning an invisible chalkboard above them listing what's really going on in their lives, the parts we don't automatically see. This is a beautifully authentic conversation that sheds light on the reality of what emotional struggle is, how to cope with stress and anxiety, and how to prolong the joy we seek.“Does it come as a friend and leave as a friend, or does it come as a friend and leave as an enemy? … Vaping, substances, alcohol, the list goes on and on. Comes as a friend. Of course it works. It works oftentimes. Leaves as an enemy. It takes more from you than you want.” - Dr. Shahana AlibhaiAbout Dr. Shanana Alibhai:TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and powerhouse in the field of emotional health. As a dedicated family physician and Medical Director at Foundry Abbotsford—British Columbia's largest youth health centre—Dr. Shahana has made it her mission to empower others with the tools to navigate their emotional well-being.Her debut book, Feel Better, endorsed by the legendary Mel Robbins, soared to #1 in and Parenting on Amazon. A sought-after speaker, she has worked with top organizations like Yale University, UBC, Scotiabank, and Remax, bringing clarity to the crucial connection between emotional and mental health.Dr. Shahana's insights have captivated audiences on major media platforms, including CTV and Global, and her wisdom has even made it to Hollywood—the quote, “We do not suffer from a lack of joy, simply a lack of recognizing it”, was handpicked for an award-winning planner gifted to celebrities at the Oscars. She has also been featured in Medium - Authority Magazine, where she shared her expertise on emotional resilience and well-being. In recognition of her impact, she has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 YWCA Women of Distinction Award.Passionate about education and outreach, she created the groundbreaking "Think Like a Doc" program, where students step into the shoes of a physician, learning about both their physical and mental health. She has also contributed to global mental health initiatives, volunteering her time to support communities in developing nations like Nepal.Beyond her work in medicine and advocacy, Dr. Shahana is a proud mom to three energetic young boys who keep her on her toes and continuously teach her the true meaning of patience, resilience, and joy. Balancing a thriving career with the beautiful chaos of motherhood, she brings a refreshingly real and relatable perspective to her audiences.When she's not on stage, in the clinic, or chasing after her little ones, Dr. Shahana serves as a National Accreditor for the College of Canadian Family Physicians and has been a mentor in the UBC Faculty of Medicine Residency Training Program. Her TEDx talk, "Emotional Literacy for Better Mental Health", has resonated with thousands, cementing her as a leading voice in the space of well-being and resilience.With a unique ability to blend science, storytelling, and real-world strategies, Dr. Shahana leaves every audience inspired, informed, and ready to feel better. Resources:Website: DrShahana.comLinkedInYouTubeInstagramBook: “Feel Better” by Dr. Shahana Alibhai, MD Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live“I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Pre-orders: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett - Pre-orders and AmazonFor more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career CounsellingSynthesis Psychology Pre-order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, Dr. Laura explores one of the eight personas a toxic boss can inhabit: the gaslighter. A gaslighting boss tends to be very covert in manipulative behavior. She defines gaslighting as manipulating another person into doubting their own perceptions, experiences, and understanding of events. Navigating a gaslighting boss erodes self-confidence and depletes energy as all time is spent trying to deliver to expectations that keep shifting. Dr. Laura explains how to identify one of these types of toxic bosses and how to survive their subtle tactics.Gaslighting leaves us feeling exhausted and stressed. We doubt our own understanding and memory. We become increasingly dependent on validation from the gaslighter to verify what they tell us they said, instead of what we heard. And all this strain can spill over into our personal lives as well. Some steps can be taken to protect our recollection of facts, however, and Dr. Laura offers practical advice on documenting what we observe and are instructed to do. With every talk and video she shares about toxic bosses, she's reaching out to those of us doubting ourselves and suffering to say that our mental health matters and that there is a way out.“When you are gaslit, it can really erode your confidence, and it can make you feel like you're almost losing your mind. So again, it's very important to seek a trusted therapist that you can talk through this with and work on recovery strategies. And in my upcoming book, I Wish I'd Quit Sooner, I do have a whole chapter all about the recovery process, because it is a form of trauma. When we work for a gaslighter and many other types of toxic bosses, it is trauma that we go through, and we need to recover our physical, emotional, and mental health after this experience.” - Dr. LauraAbout Dr. Laura:Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a work and career psychologist and thought leader on the evolution of work. She has always been fascinated by how work intersects with life and loves to use her expertise to improve organizations and help people thrive. Her passion for taking creative ideas and launching them into successful business strategies led her to start three counselling psychology practices (Calgary Career Counselling, Canada Career Counselling, and Synthesis Psychology), as well as six different business brands offering organizational assessment and consulting services.Dr. Laura is honoured to have been selected as a Woman of Distinction in Canada in 2014 and received a Canadian Woman of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. Her new book, I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, releases in January 2026 and is available for pre-order on Amazon.Resources:“I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett - pre-order available nowDr. Laura on LinkedInWhere Work Meets Life™ on YouTubeLearn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.liveFor more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career CounsellingSynthesis Psychology Pre-order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett. Join us as we explore: The difference between a difficult boss and a toxic boss The vital importance of clear conversations and telling people the truth The key to having courageous conversations: practice, practice, practice. What is your psychological contract at work? Laura Hambley Lovett's new book: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube: @3pconflictrestoration Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is an organizational psychologist and thought leader sought-after internationally for her expertise on workplace culture, career development, toxic leadership, and burnout. Along with her 25 years of experience in her field, she holds a PhD in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of Calgary, where she is currently an adjunct professor. A passionate entrepreneur, she has founded several psychology practices in Canada and hosts the widely followed podcast Where Work Meets Life. In addition to I Wish I'd Quit Sooner, she has published two psychological thrillers, Losing Cadence and Finding Sophie, aimed at both captivating readers and raising awareness on important topics around mental health and domestic violence, currently being adapted for a TV series. Dr. Laura is also co-founder of the WITH HER movement focused on ending violence against women and girls. She received a Canadian Women of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. For more information, visit https://drlaura.live. Social media: https://www.instagram.com/drlaura.live/ https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Laura.whereworkmeetslife https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurahambley/ https://x.com/DrLaura_ https://www.tiktok.com/@drlaura.live Pre-order: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss #ConflictManaged #Podcast #ToxicBoss #CourageousConversations
In this episode of the MX3 Podcast, we dive into the shocking truth about toxic work environments and how they silently damage your health — from depression and anxiety to heart problems and constant fatigue. We also discuss new tech breakthroughs like China's “bone glue” innovation that's changing medicine, plus our signature dose of humor and motivation to keep your week strong.
What if the one thing that could save your sanity at work isn't learning to “tough it out”—but actually doing the exact opposite? Dr. Laura Hamley Lovett spent 25 years studying toxic bosses and she's not just got the research, she's got the receipts from her own career. In this episode, she uncovers survival tactics you've probably never considered, reveals the surprising signs you might be walking into a toxic environment before you even accept the offer, and shares why the people who care the most often get targeted the hardest. But here's the twist: the real game-changer for escaping toxic leadership isn't what you think. Ready to find out what it is—and why it might change everything for your career and your mental health? In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how to survive toxic bosses and workplaces without losing your sanity or passion for your career. Learn strategies for navigating toxic leadership that protect your mental health and keep you moving forward. Spot red flags in job interviews early to avoid stepping into a toxic work environment. Understand the hidden impact toxic bosses have on your mental health and how to shield yourself from burnout. Build a supportive network that empowers you to stand strong against workplace toxicity and thrive. My special guest is Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett DR. LAURA HAMBLEY LOVETT is an organizational psychologist and thought leader sought-after internationally for her expertise on workplace culture, career development, toxic leadership, and burnout. Along with her 25 years of experience in her field, she holds a PhD in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of Calgary, where she is currently an adjunct professor. A passionate entrepreneur, she has founded several psychology practices in Canada and hosts the widely followed podcast Where Work Meets Life. In addition to I Wish I'd Quit Sooner, she has published two psychological thrillers, Losing Cadence and Finding Sophie, aimed at both captivating readers and raising awareness on important topics around mental health and domestic violence, currently being adapted for a TV series. Dr. Laura is also co-founder of the WITH HER movement focused on ending violence against women and girls. She received a Canadian Women of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. The key moments in this episode are: 00:01:20 - Defining Toxic Bosses vs Difficult Bosses with Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett 00:05:30 - Survival Strategies When Stuck with a Toxic Boss 00:11:40 - The Psychological Contract and Reframing Mindset to Cope 00:13:30 - Avoiding Toxic Bosses in Future Roles and Importance of Empathy 00:14:16 - Understanding Why Empaths Attract Toxic Bosses and Narcissists 00:16:01 - How to Avoid Reporting to a Toxic Boss: Due Diligence and Networking Strategies 00:18:21 - Assessing Workplace Culture and Leadership Authenticity Before Joining 00:22:37 - Why Organizations Retain Toxic Rock Star Leaders Despite Talent Loss 00:26:47 - Toxic Leadership's Role in Burnout and Effective Systemic Interventions 00:28:45 - Understanding Toxic Leadership and Generational Burnout 00:30:00 - Navigating Multi-Generational Workplaces and Emotional Intelligence 00:33:00 - Advocating for Workplace Flexibility and Neurodiversity Inclusion 00:36:00 - Eradicating Toxic Leadership for Healthy Organizational Culture 00:37:30 - Parallels Between Workplace Toxicity and Gender-Based Violence 00:42:43 - Recognizing and Overcoming Toxic Leadership in the Workplace Check out the exclusive bonus episode coming soon with Dr. Lovett on Patreon at www.patreon.com/theWorldofDifference. Pre-order or purchase Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett's book, I Wish I'd Quit Sooner, available for pre-order and soon on her website, Dr. Laura Live. Listen to the Where Work Meets Life podcast with Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett. Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp by signing up at www.betterhelp.com/difference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Not Just a Bad Boss: The Hidden Skill to Thrive in Change Have you ever left a meeting with your boss feeling like you're walking on eggshells, doubting your abilities, or wondering if leaving is your only option? Maybe you're second-guessing every move, replaying conversations in your head, or secretly googling "how to deal with a difficult boss" at 2am. You wake up dreading one-on-ones because no matter how much you prepare, it feels like you can't win. The problem isn't just one bad boss. This is about building career resilience for what's coming next. In this episode, you'll learn why dealing with a difficult boss isn't a one-time challenge. You'll also discover the hidden skills that help leaders thrive through any leadership change without burning out or constantly job-hopping. Episode Highlights Navigating Leadership Changes at Work [00:45] - Why leadership will change again & what that means for you [01:15] - Leadership turnover hits record highs: 15% of S&P 500 CEOs replaced in 2025 [01:35] - Global CEO tenure drops to under seven years The Emotional Toll of Working for a Toxic Boss [02:25] - What it really feels like: walking on eggshells & second-guessing decisions [02:55] - When confidence erodes & stress skyrockets [03:15] - How your reputation takes a hit (even when you're capable) Why Most Strategies Fail [02:05] - The three things high achievers do [03:45] - "I used to feel capable & confident" — the misalignment trap Building Career Resilience: The Hidden Skill Gap [04:15] - It's not about working harder or proving yourself [04:45] - What leaders who thrive long-term actually do differently [05:15] - From reactive to unshakable: the mindset shift that changes everything Your Bad Boss Survival Guide [05:45] - Understand their motivations: pressure you don't see [06:15] - Document & clarify: how to protect your reputation at work [06:45] - Set boundaries that build respect, not resistance [07:15] - Reframe from pleasing to leading Powerful Quotes "Dealing with a difficult boss isn't about working harder, pleasing more, or proving yourself. It's about learning the skills to protect your confidence, your reputation and your career, no matter who's in charge." -Blake Schofield "When you shift from seeing this as their problem to understanding it's your opportunity to build skills, you stop feeling reactive, you stop feeling a victim to your circumstances, and you start becoming unshakable." -Blake Schofield Drained at the end of the day & want more presence in your life? In just 5 minutes, learn your unique burnout type™ & how to restore your energy, fulfillment & peace at www.impactwithease.com/burnout-type
Dr. Laura welcomes everyone to Season 6 of Where Work Meets Life™ in this introductory episode, which lets us in on what to expect from the podcast's sixth season, why Dr. Laura does what she does, and what she plans to bring to the world going forward. Season 6 dovetails with the upcoming January 2026 release of her new book, “I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss”, and conversations with other experts in the realm of narcissism, bullying, and toxic workplaces will help underscore the importance of the subject.Where Work Meets Life™ is a labor of love for Dr. Laura, a place where she can share her knowledge and experience as a workplace culture expert, and address how workplaces and the humans who power them can thrive. Episodes featuring guests such as Michael Hingson, Laura Munson, Jeffrey Deskovic, Jia Rizvi, Pam Buchanan, and others will shine a light on such topics as the need for soul in the workplace, tips for career fulfillment, advocacy for the wrongfully convicted, and what makes great leadership. Dr. Laura continues to share important messages, explore how we can find wellness in work and in life, and shine a light on people who are changing the world. “I'm talking about being compassionate. We're all on this human adventure together, and we are in a world full of curveballs, and we need to be compassionate to what one another is dealing with. So I will continue to bridge the research with the real world and the challenges facing humans and organizations. And I'll bring a diversity of guests globally.” Dr. LauraAbout Dr. Laura:Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a work and career psychologist and thought leader on the evolution of work. She has always been fascinated by how work intersects with life and loves to use her expertise to improve organizations and help people thrive. Her passion for taking creative ideas and launching them into successful business strategies led her to start three counselling psychology practices (Calgary Career Counselling, Canada Career Counselling, and Synthesis Psychology), as well as six different business brands offering organizational assessment and consulting services.Dr. Laura is honoured to have been selected as a Woman of Distinction in Canada in 2014 and received a Canadian Woman of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. Her new book, I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, releases in January 2026 and is available for pre-order on Amazon.Resources:“I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett - pre-order available nowDr. Laura on LinkedInWhere Work Meets Life™ on YouTubeLearn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.liveFor more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career CounsellingSynthesis Psychology
Think your boss is just having a bad day? There's a big difference between a difficult manager and a truly toxic one—and knowing which you're dealing with could save your career and your health. In this episode from the archives, leadership expert Mary Abbajay breaks down the real difference between bad bosses and toxic ones, plus the surprising traps that keep people stuck in harmful work situations longer than they should be. Mary reveals why people actually stay longer with toxic bosses (hint: it's not what you think), the serious health impacts of working in toxic environments, and most importantly, how to get out without torching your professional reputation. You'll discover the five major traps that keep smart people stuck, why trying to "fix" a toxic boss almost never works, and the exact steps to take when you're ready to make your escape—including what to say (and not say) in interviews and exit conversations. If you've ever wondered whether your work situation is just challenging or actually damaging, this conversation will give you the clarity and courage to make the right call for your career and well-being. Have suggestions for future guests? Let us know at https://growthsignals.co/contact/ or contact Jen through LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/
In this episode we talk with business coach Tom Kelly. With over 20 years of experience, Tom has coached thousands of people, helping them to take their businesses to the next level. He also has some great advice on how to deal with a toxic boss. Contact him for a free consultation to see how he can help you. Tom can be reached at https://www.businesscoachchicago.com/ You can also listen to his podcast: The Business Coach Unplugged Podcast. Constance can be reached at: www.constancecontursi.com and www.Facebook.com/coachingbyconstance Jerome can be reached at: www.jerome-kendall-wellness.com and jeromekendallwellness on instagram
Send us a textBuckle up for this one, its a really amazing, and extraordinary story of courage, will power, and total inspiration. Lindsay Boudreau had a very rare underlying illness, CMT Disease, that meant she had weakened sensations in her feet, and so she couldn't feel the pain of an infection caused by a nail she had stepped on, one day while walking. Over many weeks, she became very ill, and very weak, and doctors simply couldn't find what was wrong with her until it was too late. Eventually, on realizing the spreading infection could kill her, they took steps to amputate. Lindsay is a beacon of hope for those who are living life after limb loss, and even has a coaching business, helping other limb loss survivors and other medical trauma survivors, by building hope and resilience and practicing mindfulness and wellbeing. Simply amazing!Links for Lindsay:Insta: https://www.instagram.com/lindsayboudreaucoaching/Website: https://www.lindsayboudreau.com/FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/youramplifiedlifeprogramThe Ryan Pyle PodcastThe Ryan Pyle Podcast with Ryan Pyle is a podcast and radio show hosted by adventure...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show
Today, we're talking to Rob Kalwarowsky, Executive Coach & Author of Capitalizing on Chaos. We discuss the signs of a toxic boss, how to extinguish them before it's too late, and why we should take a tip from olympic athletes to succeed at work. All of this right here, right now, on the Modern CTO Podcast! To learn more about Rob's coaching, check out his website here. To get the first 2 chapters of Rob's new book for free, click this link. Produced by ProSeries Media: https://proseriesmedia.com/ For booking inquiries, email booking@proseriesmedia.com
The Davos conference brings together the world's elites to try to make the world a better place. But according to some current and former employees, the leader of the organizing body behind Davos fosters a toxic workplace. WSJ's Shalini Ramachandran discusses her investigation into the World Economic Forum and the impact of a recent anonymous whistleblower letter. Annie Minoff hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Send us a textRob Kalwarowsky had it all, a high achiever with a well paid job. All that changed when a toxic boss began to pick away at Rob. Over time Rob lost his self belief, confidence, self love, and eventual lost the will to live. This nightmare scenario is all too common and can bring people to their knees, often bringing up childhood traumas of rejection, and parental abuse. This episode follows Rob's journey out of the darkness, and into an amazing recovery that gives hope to us all. We simply love this episode. It may seem like all is lost, but we can survive, do it!!!Site: https://www.robkalwarowsky.com/TedX: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1okVCyCJjdwLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kalwarowsky/Book: https://www.robkalwarowsky.com/bookSupport the show
Navigating a workplace narcissist can be exhausting. Learn how to set boundaries, protect your confidence, navigate toxic people, and take control of your career. This episode breaks down:How to identify the 3 different types of office narcissistsThe hidden damage they cause to your confidence & careerPractical strategies to manage and outmaneuver themHow to protect your energy and workplace reputationSupport the showJill Griffin, host of The Career Refresh, delivers expert guidance on workplace challenges and career transitions. Jill leverages her experience working for the world's top brands like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton Hotels, and Martha Stewart to address leadership, burnout, team dynamics, and the 4Ps (perfectionism, people-pleasing, procrastination, and personalities). Visit JillGriffinCoaching.com for more details on: Book a 1:1 Career Strategy and Executive Coaching HERE Gallup CliftonStrengths Corporate Workshops to build a strengths-based culture Team Dynamics training to increase retention, communication, goal setting, and effective decision-making Keynote Speaking Grab a personal Resume Refresh with Jill Griffin HERE Follow @JillGriffinOffical on Instagram for daily inspiration Connect with and follow Jill on LinkedIn
Welcome to another episode of Passion Struck! In this episode, John R. Miles engages with Rob Kalwarowsky, a renowned expert in leadership and workplace dynamics, to dissect the challenges posed by toxic leadership. Rob shares his personal experiences and professional insights on how bad bosses can erode team morale and hinder productivity. Through a candid conversation, they explore practical approaches to dealing with toxic leaders, emphasizing the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and fostering a positive work culture. This discussion is a powerful resource for anyone facing difficult leadership or striving to create a healthier organizational environment.Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://passionstruck.com/rob-kalwarowsky-secrets-to-conquering-bad-bosses/SponsorsBabbel is the new way to learn a foreign language. The comprehensive learning system combines effective education methods with state-of-the-art technology! Right now, get SIXTY percent off your Babbel subscription—but only for our listeners, at Babbel dot com slash PASSION.Stop hair loss before it's gone for good. Hims has everything you need to regrow hair. Start your free online visit today at “Hims dot com slash PASSIONSTRUCK.”Quince brings luxury products like Mongolian Cashmere, Italian Leather, Turkish Cotton and Washable Silk to everyone at radically low prices.Go to “Quince dot com slash PASSION” for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.--► For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to:https://passionstruck.com/deals/JUST $0.99 FOR A LIMITED TIMEOrder a copy of my book, "Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life," today! Recognized as a 2024 must-read by the Next Big Idea Club, the book has won the Business Minds Best Book Award, the Eric Hoffer Award, the International Book Awards for Best Non-Fiction, the 2024 Melanie P. Smith Reader's Choice Contest by Connections eMagazine, and the Non-Fiction Book Awards Gold Medal. Don't miss the opportunity to transform your life with these powerful principles!In this episode, you will learn:The impact of toxic leadership on employees and the workplaceThe importance of self-awareness and empathy in effective leadershipStrategies for dealing with a toxic boss or work environmentThe role of mindset, context, and metrics in leadership developmentThe significance of self-leadership and self-authorizationWays to express needs authentically and openly in the workplaceThe correlation between self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and empathy in leadershipResources available for further learning and development in leadership skillsCheck Out Rob's Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/1okVCyCJjdw?si=DpxKDKk04hEXY8LRCatch More of Passion StruckWatch my solo episode on The 6 Key Steps to Bold Risk-Taking for Personal Growth.Can't miss my episode with Jacob Morgan on the Vital Power of Leading With VulnerabilityListen to my interview withJames Rhee On How You Lead Change through KindnessCatch my interview with Gerry Hussey on How You Lead Yourself to Infinite PotentialListen to Seth Godin on Why We Need Systems Change to Save the PlanetLike this show? Please leave us a review here-- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!