S 2 E. 31 - Gaslighting, Gossip, and Grind Culture: Breaking Free from Toxic Work with guest Kelsey Neff

Send us Fan MailIn this candid conversation, Dawn and guest Kelsey Neff unpack what makes a workplace truly toxic (hint: it’s not just one cranky manager), share personal experiences from the trenches, and lay out practical ways employees and leaders can identify, interrupt, and repair unhealthy dynamics. We cover the cost of toxicity—on people, culture, and the bottom line—plus how to navigate change, advocate for yourself, and find support when trauma and PTSD are part of the picture.What We CoveredDefining a toxic workplace: patterns of harm vs. isolated bad daysOur lived experiences: what it felt like, what we missed, what we won’t ignore againRed flags & early indicators: gaslighting, retaliation, blame-shifting, “rockstar” exceptions, chaotic change, and policy-by-favoritismManagement’s role: how leaders create, enable, or correct toxicityNavigating change & seeking solutions: internal channels, documentation, and realistic timelinesThe cost of turnover: financial (often ~50–200% of salary), productivity, reputation, and the silent tax on well-beingPTSD & trauma-informed workplaces: recognizing symptoms, responding vs. reacting, and building safetyResources & Further ReadingBooksThe No Asshole Rule — Robert I. SuttonThe Asshole Survival Guide — Robert I. SuttonToxic Workplace! — Mitchell Kusy & Elizabeth HollowayThe Fearless Organization — Amy C. Edmondson (psychological safety)Guidance & ResearchSHRM: Spotting and addressing toxic culture; anti-retaliation best practicesAPA (American Psychological Association): Work & Well-Being, stress & trauma resourcesCDC/NIOSH: Total Worker Health® guidance on psychosocial hazardsHBR (Harvard Business Review): Psychological safety; fixing toxic cultureSupportNational Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) — call or text 988Contact: Kelsey NeffLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-neff/Website: https://www.bydesignconsulting.space/Call to ActionIf this episode hit a nerve, you’re not “too sensitive”—you’re probably on to something.✅ Share this episode with a manager who wants to build a healthy team. ✅ DM me “TOXIC CHECKLIST” and I’ll send you the one-page PDF you can use in your next 1:1. ✅ Leaders: want an audit + action plan in 30 days? Let’s talk.Support the showConnect with Dawn:Website: www.managewithhart.comInstagram: @managewithhart