#140 - Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss with Dr Laura Hambley Lovett

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:  🎙️ Identifying toxic versus difficult boss behaviors quickly 🎙️ Setting firm boundaries while staying effective at work 🎙️ Planning a step-by-step exit strategy to regain control 🎙️ Seeking support through mentors, colleagues, or therapy   Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is an organizational psychologist and expert on workplace culture, career development, toxic leadership, and burnout. She is the author of several books, including I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss (She Writes Press; January 13, 2026).   If you're seeking clarity, confidence, and practical ways to escape a toxic boss, this episode is for you. If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review.     🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/    For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.    Dr Laura's contact information: Website Book LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram Other: Tiktok   Lindsay's contact information: To book a discovery call  E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn  Previous podcast episodes  

From coaching a four-star general to navigating a toxic corporate culture where retaliation, exclusion, and silencing were part of daily life, Kelly Meerbott has seen leadership at its most extreme. Just like most leaders and employees, she has experienced what it feels like when ideas are dismissed, confidence erodes, and fear quietly takes over the workplace.   Kelly's journey shows how the absence of psychological safety can crush potential and morale, and how fostering it can transform teams, spark innovation, and bring out the very best in people. Her story proves that when leaders prioritize trust, empathy, and open communication, extraordinary results are possible. On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with Kelly Meerbott, Award-Winning Executive Coach and Founder at You - Loud & Clear, about unlocking leadership excellence through psychological safety. Kelly shares practical strategies for leaders to foster trust, empathy, and open communication, and explores the personal and organizational barriers that often prevent teams from thriving.    Leadership tips you won't want to miss:  🎙️ Fostering team dialogue by asking what employees need to feel psychologically safe 🎙️ Creating shared agreements to hold your team accountable to safety standards 🎙️ Modeling self-awareness and personal healing to strengthen leadership presence 🎙️ Maintaining personal control in conflict with calm, deliberate communication 🎙️ Documenting interactions meticulously to navigate unsafe environments effectively   Kelly Meerbott, PCC, CBTI, is an award-winning executive coach who helps high-level leaders harness emotional intelligence to unlock their fullest potential. Through transformational coaching, Kelly fosters psychological safety and empowers leaders to create inclusive, high-performing cultures.   If you're looking to cultivate trust, resilience, and high-performing teams, then this episode is for you!   If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review.     🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/    For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.    Kelly's contact information: Website  Books LinkedIn Facebook  X/Twitter Instagram   Lindsay's contact information:  To book a discovery call  E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn  Previous podcast episodes  

In today's collaborative workplaces, outdated "command and control" policy language feels completely out of step. Instead of encouraging cooperation, it often creates resentment and disengagement.   That's why Lewis Eisen, author of Rules: Powerful Policy Writing to Maximize Engagement, has been challenging the traditional way organizations write policies. Drawing on his background as a lawyer, IT professional, and senior government policy advisor, Lewis shows leaders how respectful, plain-language policies can inspire genuine cooperation, strengthen employee engagement, and reflect organizational values.   On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with Lewis Eisen, author of Rules: Powerful Policy Writing to Maximize Engagement, about how to move away from rigid, adversarial wording and instead create policies that employees want to follow. You'll learn how language choices shape culture, how to separate policies from procedures, and why policies are a key part of your organization's brand.   Leadership tips you won't want to miss:  🎙️ Recognizing how "command and control" language sends messages of distrust 🎙️ Shifting from "you must" to "we" language that fosters cooperation 🎙️ Defining policies as organizational boundaries instead of adversarial rules 🎙️ Treating policy writing as part of your brand and employee experience 🎙️ Identifying the most common word to eliminate for more engaging policies   Lewis Eisen combines his experience practising law with 20 years in  consulting and 17 in policy writing in the federal government. His Amazon international bestseller Rules: Powerful Policy Wording to Maximize Engagement. came out in 4th edition this spring and his approach to drafting policies using respectful language has been adopted at organizations around the world.   If you're looking to create policies people actually want to follow, then this episode is for you!   If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review.     🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/   For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.    Lewis Eisen's contact information: Website Book LinkedIn   Lindsay's contact information: To book a discovery call  E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn  Previous podcast episodes  

The titles, promotions, and financial rewards keep stacking up, but then comes the quiet realization that the ladder you've been climbing has been leaning against the wrong wall. For many leaders, that truth shows up in the form of burnout, strained relationships, or a sense of emptiness that success alone can't fix.   That's the turning point Monica Chang reached in her own journey.    After years of living by cultural and societal expectations, she found herself exhausted and disconnected from what really mattered. Choosing a new path, she launched Start With Clarity Consulting to help leaders redefine success from the inside out.    On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with Monica Chang, Founder of Start With Clarity Consulting, about leading with authenticity and balance in a world that often pushes us toward overachievement. Together, we explore the cost of chasing externally defined success, the power of reconnecting with your values, and practical ways to thrive without losing yourself. This episode will inspire you to lead with more clarity, courage, and humanity, both at work and in your life.   Leadership tips you won't want to miss:  🎙️ Identifying when your ladder might be leaning against the wrong wall 🎙️ Cultivating resilience by separating self-worth from achievement 🎙️ Embracing the courage to pause, reflect, and redefine success 🎙️ Developing adaptability by becoming comfortable with uncertainty   Monica believes great leadership is about who you are when the pressure's on. She helps leaders connect to their authentic selves and lead with clarity, building stronger teams and thriving both at work and in life.   If you're looking to rediscover meaning and lead with authenticity without sacrificing your well-being, then this episode is for you!   If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review.     🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/    For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.    Monica Chang's contact information: Website  LinkedIn   Lindsay's contact information: To book a discovery call  E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn  Previous podcast episodes  

Ever found yourself in the middle of a conversation about the Super Bowl and thought, "Wait… when is that again?" Or maybe you've smiled and nodded through an office chat about last night's game, silently wishing you had something, just anything, to contribute.   It's a scene Amy Buchan Siegfried, Co-Founder and CEO of Last Night's Game, knows all too well. As a third-generation entrepreneur and self-proclaimed sports enthusiast, Amy spotted how knowing just a little about sports can open surprising doors in business, and how missing out on those conversations can mean missing opportunities.   On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with Amy Buchan Siegfried, Co-Founder and CEO at Last Night's Game about how sports can be your secret weapon for building confidence and making genuine connections. From creating a platform that makes sports approachable to uncovering the "human interest" stories that connect us all, Amy shares how curiosity, vulnerability, and a little playfulness can help you join conversations you've been avoiding.   Leadership tips you won't want to miss:  🎙️ Empowering yourself through sports adjacency to join and enrich conversations 🎙️ Developing confidence through vulnerability and admitting what you don't know 🎙️ Fostering belonging by finding common ground in everyday interactions 🎙️ Recognizing when to gracefully exit conversations that aren't serving you 🎙️ Cultivating genuine connections for long-term growth   After seeing how the ability to talk sports gave her the upper hand as a woman in business, Amy, a third-generation entrepreneur, created Last Night's Game to give her friends the same advantage. Last Night's Game empowers its readers to join the sports conversation, even if they don't know the first thing about sports.   If you're looking to boost your confidence, spark genuine connections, and turn small talk into big opportunities, then this episode is for you!   If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review.     🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/    For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.    Amy Buchan Siegfried's contact information: Website LinkedIn YouTube Facebook Twitter Instagram Podcast   Lindsay's contact information: To book a discovery call  E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn  Previous podcast episodes  

Ever felt like you're the only one in the room who doesn't quite belong, even though you've earned your seat a hundred times over? As a young woman navigating leadership roles in male-dominated industries, on a whole new continent, no less, Sue Musson quickly realized that confidence doesn't always come easy, and it definitely isn't always welcomed. Now a sought-after leadership consultant, coach, and the bestselling author of Firecracker Leadership, Sue has spent decades helping others untangle the messy mix of self-doubt, ambition, and perception that so many leaders face. From appointing judges in the UK to mentoring senior professionals, she's seen just how common imposter syndrome really is, and why it's time we stop treating it like a personal flaw. On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're diving into the complexities of imposter syndrome with Sue Musson. She challenges the narrative that confidence is arrogance and offers a refreshing, compassionate take on building real self-belief while still growing your skills. Join us as we reframe how we think about confidence, credibility, and what truly makes an effective leader. Leadership tips you won't want to miss: 🎙️ Unpacking how confidence in women gets misread and what that reveals about workplace culture 🎙️ Identifying the hidden forms of imposter syndrome even in seasoned professionals 🎙️ Fostering environments that normalize vulnerability and growth 🎙️ Empowering yourself to challenge negative self-talk If you're looking to build lasting confidence and lead with clarity, this episode is for you! If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review.  🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/ For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above. Sue Musson's contact information: Website Book LinkedIn Instagram Lindsay's contact information:  To book a discovery call  E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn  Previous podcast episodes  

No matter where you are in the world, communication is at the heart of everything - how we lead, how we connect, and how we get things done. Yet even with the best intentions, misunderstandings still happen. Whether it's a clash of communication styles, unspoken expectations, or deeply rooted behavioral habits, gaps can form in the most unexpected places which often leads to people talking at each other instead of with each other.    John Whitehead, Executive/Leadership Coach at JKWhitehead & Associates, spent over a decade helping senior and emerging leaders navigate the human side of communication. John's work is deeply rooted in helping people untangle their thoughts, voice their ideas and discover powerful truths that drive personal and professional growth.    On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with John Whitehead about how the gaps we experience between departments, cultures, personalities, or expectations, can quietly undermine leadership and collaboration, and how we can identify and overcome them.    Leadership tips you won't want to miss:  🎙️ Exploring self-awareness as the first step to better communication 🎙️ Exploring how behavior and personality shape communication patterns 🎙️ Creating a psychologically safe space for open and honest dialogue  🎙️ Applying coaching and listening skills to promote inclusion and shared understanding   John Whitehead has been coaching senior and emerging leaders for over 10 years. John creates a space that allows clients to explore what's going on in their heads, throwing ideas out into the open and together looking for those gems of truth. John's skillful questions, kindness and reflections have helped clients find paths through barriers in order to step closer to their goals.   If you're looking to bridge communication gaps and strengthen your leadership presence, then this episode is for you!   If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review.     🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/    For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.    John Whitehead's contact information: Website Book LinkedIn YouTube Facebook Other   Lindsay's contact information: To book a discovery call  E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn  Previous podcast episodes

Whether it's a language barrier, a generational gap, cultural misunderstandings, or the invisible walls built by socioeconomic class, communication in today's world can be complex and challenging. More often than not, miscommunication isn't just about words; it's about tone, context power dynamics, and the silent biases we carry.    In a setting with high-stakes such as healthcare, where an interaction could literally affect lives directly, bridging these gaps is very critical. Inspired by her mother - a dedicated doctor who served patients from all walks of life - Shweta Ramkumar learned that true connection in healthcare is more about meeting people where they are, listening deeply, and leading with compassion.   On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with Shweta Ramkumar, a Communication Coach in the Healthcare Industry, about how meaningful communication is much more than just speaking the same language - it's about connection, empathy, and understanding people's lived experiences.    Leadership tips you won't want to miss:  🎙️ Recognizing and navigating cultural nuances in patient care 🎙️ Building trust across class and language divides 🎙️ Adapting communication styles to serve both team dynamics and individual needs 🎙️ Cultivating empathy as a strategic leadership skill   Shweta Ramkumar helps healthcare professionals from English as a Second Language backgrounds to become more collaborative, influential and empathetic communicators. This will result in them building better relationships with patients & colleagues in addition to achieving workplace excellence and success.   If you're looking to communicate more effectively and build bridges in a diverse healthcare environment, then this episode is for you!   If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review.     🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/   For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.    Shweta Ramkumar's contact information: LinkedIn YouTube   Lindsay's contact information:  To book a discovery call  E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn  Previous podcast episodes  

For years, many companies have viewed worker wellbeing as an expense, but what if this mindset is holding them back from true success? According to Anant Nyshadham, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Good Business Lab (GBL) and Associate Professor at the University of Michigan, building a good business is more than just the profits - it's about creating meaningful change for both workers and companies.    Anant Nyshadham has spent his career proving that this vision isn't just possible, but crucial. His groundbreaking research is challenging long-held beliefs that worker well-being is merely a cost, and instead, he's demonstrating how it's a key driver of business success.    On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with Anant about how businesses can go beyond profits and actively invest in the wellbeing of their workers. Drawing from his extensive research, Anant delves into projects like soft skills training, worker voice technologies, and organizational policies that have driven better productivity and workplace dynamics. Join us as we learn how small changes in workplace practices can lead to big returns for both workers and businesses.   Leadership tips you won't want to miss:  🎙️ Reframing worker well-being as an investment rather than a cost 🎙️ Implementing soft skills training to enhance worker engagement 🎙️ Promoting organizational policies and structures that foster equity and opportunity for frontline workers 🎙️ Encouraging cross-sector collaboration to boost business productivity and workers' lives 🎙 Addressing cultural, gender, and hierarchical barriers to foster better communication and collaboration   Anant Nyshadham is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Good Business Lab (GBL), a nonprofit labor innovation lab that focuses on improving the lives of low-income workers, by using rigorous research to help businesses align their interests with workers' wellbeing. Anant is also an Associate Professor (with tenure) in the Business Economics and Public Policy Area of the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.   If you're looking to build a business that's not just good but also transformative, then this episode is for you!   If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review.     🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/    For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.    Anant Nyshadham's contact information: Website LinkedIn YouTube Twitter/X Instagram Other   Lindsay's contact information: To book a discovery call  E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn  Previous podcast episodes  

Imagine navigating the world of leadership while juggling the weight of societal expectations, constantly being the reliable go-to person, yet feeling a disconnect between how confident you appear on the outside and how unsure you feel on the inside. For Sarah Schneider, this wasn't just an occasional challenge - it was a recurring theme that inspired her to break free and redefine what it means to lead authentically.   Sarah Schneider, a Professionally Certified Executive Coach and Leadership Strategist, believes in helping leaders use their unique gifts to design their most compelling version of leadership. Her work empowers individuals to shed the masks shaped by societal norms, creating space for authenticity, curiosity, and a deeper connection between their inner and outer selves.    On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with Sarah Schneider, Executive Coach and Leadership Strategist at Sarah Schneider & Co., about unleashing your authentic leadership and breaking free from societal expectations.   Leadership tips you won't want to miss:  🎙️ Recognizing the disconnect between inner and outer confidence, and learning how to align them effectively 🎙️ Creating space for authenticity in high-pressure environments 🎙️ Peeling away societal expectations to uncover your authentic leadership identity 🎙️ Understanding the power of curiosity over the need to "know it all" 🎙️ Asking who you are shape-shifting for and why, to reclaim your true leadership style   Sarah Schneider (she/her) is a Professionally Certified Executive Coach & Leadership Strategist that works with leaders that are using their gifts for good, crafting their most compelling and rewarding version of leadership (& life). Because when you get to be the designer of your own leadership, you can reduce the toll leadership takes on you personally, amplify the impact you want to have (while rocking what makes you uniquely qualified for it), and … get back to enjoying yourself.    If you're looking to break free from societal norms and lead with authenticity, then this episode is for you!   If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review.     🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/    For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.    Sarah Schneider's contact information: Website LinkedIn Instagram   Lindsay's contact information: To book a discovery call  E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn  Previous podcast episodes