Dr. Nan Cowardin-Lee, PhD – The Workplace Bullying Strategist Helping Employees Build Resilience

In this episode of the Marquis Masters Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Nan Cowardin-Lee, organizational psychologist, workplace bullying strategist, and author of 10 Steps to Overcome Workplace Bullying: From Recognition to Resilience. Drawing from decades of research and personal experience, Dr. Nan helps employees and organizations recognize the hidden patterns of workplace bullying, build resilience, and create healthier workplace cultures.After experiencing workplace bullying herself, Dr. Nan transformed adversity into purpose, earning her PhD in Organizational Psychology and dedicating her career to supporting employees navigating toxic work environments. Today, she advocates for stronger workplace protections, develops resilience training programs, and works to advance legislation addressing workplace bullying in the United States.As workplace stress, organizational change, and AI-driven disruption continue reshaping the modern workforce, Dr. Nan explains why bullying has become increasingly common—and why leaders play a critical role in reversing the trend.In this conversation, we explore:How to distinguish workplace bullying from normal conflict and incivilityWhy high-performing employees are often the primary targets of workplace bulliesThe psychology behind mobbing, exclusion, and toxic workplace dynamicsWhy documenting patterns of behavior is critical when facing workplace bullyingThe misconceptions many employees have about Human ResourcesHow healthy boundaries and resilience can reduce a bully's influencePractical strategies for leaders to build psychologically safe workplace culturesThe impact of AI, organizational change, and economic uncertainty on workplace behaviorWhy coaching, onboarding, and kindness are essential leadership skillsHow Dr. Nan turned one of the most difficult experiences of her life into a mission to help othersDr. Nan's message is both practical and hopeful: while workplace bullying can have lasting emotional and professional consequences, employees are not powerless. Through stronger boundaries, healthier leadership, and greater awareness, organizations can build cultures where people thrive instead of merely survive.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing conversations with leaders, innovators, and experts who are creating meaningful impact in business, science, leadership, and society.