Ep. 28 - Unraveling the Narcissist Next Door: How to Spot and Manage Them Effectively

In this episode of 'The Unstressed Exec,' Dr. George Vergolias, an executive coach and clinical forensic psychologist, breaks down the concept of narcissism, often misunderstood and overused in modern psychology.   He discusses the prevalence of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), explores the difference between healthy and maladaptive narcissism, and delves into the overlap with other personality disorders like borderline and histrionic.   Dr. Vergolias also provides practical advice on how to identify narcissistic traits in relationships, the workplace, and family settings, along with strategies for managing these challenging dynamics. Additionally, for listeners who might recognize these traits within themselves, he offers steps toward self-improvement and accountability. The episode highlights the importance of clarity, boundaries, and self-reflection in navigating and understanding narcissism.   00:00 Introduction to The Unstressed Exec 01:32 Understanding Narcissism: Myth vs. Reality 05:39 Healthy vs. Pathological Narcissism 10:17 The Personality Triad: Narcissism, Histrionic, and Borderline Disorders 17:25 Narcissism and Psychopathy: The Dark Overlap 22:05 Spotting Narcissism in Relationships 23:06 Five Key Traits of Narcissists 26:16 Managing Narcissism in Family Relationships 27:50 Handling Narcissistic Friendships 29:15 Navigating Narcissism in the Workplace 31:18 Dealing with Narcissistic Intimate Partners 33:37 Self-Reflection: Am I the Narcissist? 37:48 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice   Get the Conflict Whisperer Workbook! If you’re finding value in these episodes and want to go deeper, check out my workbook: “The Conflict Whisperer: From Conflict to Clarity : A No-Nonsense Guide to Managing Conflict in Every Relationship.” It’s packed with real-world strategies, over 75 reflection exercises, and neuroscience-backed tools to help you navigate conflict without losing your cool — at work, at home, or in moments of personal crisis. Whether you’re going through a breakup, managing tension with a partner, or leading under pressure, this workbook gives you a practical roadmap to turn conflict into clarity. You can grab your copy now on Amazon — here is the link 👉 https://a.co/d/7zdwAfs   About the Host – The Unstressed Exec Meet Dr. George Vergolias — a clinical and forensic corporate psychologist turned executive coach with 20+ years at the intersection of leadership, mental resilience, and high performance. George has advised Fortune 500 companies, guided C-suite leaders through crisis, and coached high-achievers to reclaim clarity, calm, and purpose without losing their edge. On The Unstressed Exec, George brings powerful insights from the boardroom to the mic — helping leaders navigate stress, burnout, conflict, and transformation with practical tools and no-BS wisdom. If you're ready to lead with strength and sanity, tune in. And when you're ready to go deeper, reach out for one-on-one executive or leadership coaching. This isn’t therapy — it’s your next level. Let’s build the life and leadership you actually want.   🎯 Listen. Grow. Lead — at The Unstressed Exec 📩 Stay Connected: Website: www.theunstressedexec.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.unstressed.exec TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.unstressed.exec Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.unstressed.exec YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Unstressed_Exec   If you like The Unstressed Exec podcast please leave me a review and rate! For more info on my coaching services, keynote speaking and guest speaker/podcast opportunities, please visit my website at: www.theunstressedexec.com