On today’s episode of The Seismic Shift, Michelle welcomes Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett, a leading organizational psychologist and authority on workplace wellness, for a candid conversation about toxic leadership and the damage it inflicts on individuals and companies alike. With decades of experience helping people and organizations flourish, Dr. Laura explains how innovation, productivity, and mental well-being all suffer under toxic leadership.

During their candid conversation listeners will learn how to distinguish between a "difficult" and a "toxic" boss—a crucial insight that determines whether a leader can be coached or must be removed. Dr. Laura introduces her original research outlining eight toxic boss personas, ranging from the egomaniac to the gaslighter, shedding light on behaviors that erode trust, cause burnout, and lead to lasting psychological harm.

Michelle also talks about her own professional journey, including the cost of mimicking authoritarian leadership early in her career, and the relief and success that came when she led with authenticity and empathy. This powerful episode serves as a rallying cry to eradicate toxic leadership and prioritize workplace cultures where people can thrive. Whether you’re in HR, leading a team, or simply trying to survive a harmful boss, Dr. Laura’s research and Michelle’s wisdom offer critical insight and a way forward.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Innovation Needs Healthy Leadership
01:32 Meet Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett
02:20 Her Path to Becoming “Dr. Laura”
04:42 Human-Centric Workplaces Post-Pandemic
07:08 Seismic Shifts & Toxic Hotspots
09:57 Difficult vs. Toxic Bosses
13:41 The 8 Toxic Boss Personas
16:24 Health Impacts of Toxic Leadership
19:45 Why People Stay Too Long
21:53 A Vision for Healthy Workplaces
24:32 Why CEOs Must Take This Seriously
28:05 Metrics to Detect Toxic Leadership
31:26 Advice for Vetting Future Bosses
33:22 Final Words: “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner”

Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire