Ever had a boss that drove you a little… bonkers?

You’re not alone. In this episode, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton sit down with visionary tech executive and new author Eric Charran to explore the fascinating world of dysfunctional leadership—and how to rise above it.

Eric’s new book Have You Ever Had a Boss That… breaks down nine archetypes of difficult managers—from the “Firefighter” to the “Amnesiac”—and offers real-world strategies for thriving, not just surviving, under imperfect leadership. It’s a masterclass in navigating workplace anxiety, fostering self-awareness, and transforming chaos into clarity.

🔑 In This Episode

• The 9 boss archetypes and how to spot them
• How to reduce anxiety when your boss fuels it
• Why self-awareness is the foundation of great leadership
• Reframing toxic work environments without losing yourself
• The power of choosing happiness—and when to move on

💡 Key Takeaways

• Quit taking it personally (Q-TIP): It’s not always about you—it’s often about them.
• Know your worth: If the situation can’t change, have the courage to walk away.
• Behavior isn’t identity: Dysfunction often comes from using the wrong tools, not bad intent.
• Confidence is your secret weapon: It’s the closest thing humans have to magic.
• Happiness is a choice: Reframe your challenges and run toward something positive.

🧠 About the Hosts

Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton are bestselling authors, keynote speakers, and executive coaches known for their work in culture, gratitude, and mental wellness at work. Their podcast Anxiety at Work is a must-listen for leaders and teams navigating stress, change, and high-performance demands.

✅ Subscribe & Share

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review, share it with a friend, or connect with us at TheCultureWorks.com for more tools to help your team thrive.

Support the show

For a weekly dose of gratitude from Chester Elton, text GRATITUDE to 908-460-2820.

Until next week, we hope you find peace & calm in a world that often is a sea of anxiety.

If you love this podcast, please share it and leave a 5-star rating! If you feel inspired, we invite you to come on over to The Culture Works where we share resources and tools for you to build a high-performing culture where you work.

Your hosts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have spent over two decades helping clients around the world engage their employees on strategy, vision and values. They provide real solutions for leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation and build high performance cultures and teams.

They are authors of award-winning Wall Street Journal & New York Times bestsellers All In, The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, & Anxiety at Work. Their books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies.

Visit The Culture Works for a free Chapter 1 download of Anxiety at Work.
Learn more about their Executive Coaching at The Cultur...