Have you ever been told something, but felt deep in your bones, “hummm I’m not sure about that?”, but didn’t dare question it because it came from you boss or someone in power and you thought “oh, they must be right”.

Or maybe been told something and immediately felt small or less than and then later wondered - “wait? I remember that differently?” Followed by “Oh no, I must be the crazy one, I’d better not screw up again”.

In our latest episode of the People Impact Podcast, we dive deep into the unsettling topic of gaslighting, particularly how it manifests in professional environments.

Gaslighting isn't just a term from an old movie; it's a real and impactful issue that can destabilize individuals and teams. Understanding it is crucial for understanding toxicity in the workplace and fostering healthier workplaces.

🧠Recognize the Signs: Gaslighting often involves making someone question their memory or competence. It's not just a simple mistake or oversight; it's a deliberate act to destabilize and manipulate. Be aware of patterns where your talents, strengths, or zones of genius are being questioned. It can absolutely make you feel crazy.

🗒️Document Everything: If you suspect you're being gaslit, start documenting interactions and incidents. This not only helps in providing evidence if needed but also grounds you in reality, helping you trust your own experiences and perceptions. This is vital to making sure your confidence isn’t eroded, while at the same time holding yourself and those around you accountable.

🥚Understand the Impact: Gaslighting can severely affect confidence and efficiency, leading to a stressful work environment. It leads to questioning one's own abilities and can create a stressful environment where individuals feel they are constantly walking on eggshells.Recognizing its presence is the first step towards addressing it and protecting your mental well-being.

Join us as we explore how to identify and combat gaslighting, ensuring that your workplace remains a space of trust and growth. Listen to the full episode for more insights and strategies.

More about People Impact:

Lisa Dempsey – 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakdempsey/⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.leadershiplabs.eu⁠⁠⁠

Ann Betz – 

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-betz-a6b31018/⁠ 

⁠https://www.beaboveleadership.com⁠

Reach us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

#Podcast hashtag#Leadership hashtag#Gaslighting hashtag#EmotionalWealth hashtag#ToxicLeadership hashtag#PeopleImpactPodcast hashtag#ProfessionalGrowth

This week, we're exploring a concept that is fundamental yet often overlooked in our daily interactions— the Social Contract. This idea, though abstract, plays a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of toxic leadership and the subtle ways it can manifest in organizations.

”In the gray areas of unwritten social contracts, toxic leaders find their playground—where chaos breeds control and logic is left in the dust."

To join our Inclusion Community Call click here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/uT7bMKbgQgG43rej_IC3xg

Thank you for being a part of our community. Let's continue to learn and grow together.

If you haven't already, check out the podcast episode on Idealization, Devalue, and Discard for more insights into toxic behavior patterns.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3mGrIbWWXLaVt6Y2814raW?si=Rr1CGOKGQTWtjT6odKCV0A

Understanding these dynamics is essential for fostering inclusive and healthy work environments. If you have questions or thoughts, feel free to share them in the comments. 

Let's continue this important conversation together! 🌍

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts, questions or comments! 😊

“True leadership isn't about wielding power over others; it's about harnessing the collective strength of a team to create a thriving ecosystem where everyone can shine."

Welcome to the second bonus edition of Notes from the Field.

This week I've been reflecting on the dynamics of leadership and the stark contrast between "power over" and "power with" leadership paradigms. In today's complicated and messy world, understanding these concepts is crucial for fostering healthy, sustainable work environments.

Together we can create environments where everyone can contribute, innovate, and grow together. Remember, true leadership is about empowering others and building inclusive ecosystems of collaboration. 🌱

You can take action now and either join an Inclusive Leadership Community Meeting:

Community Meeting Link

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/YJ53XTVAS1W7YVu602GqcA

Or sign up for a free Leading in Uncertainty 1:1 session

https://leadershiplabs.simplybook.it/v2/#book/service/12/count/1/

Let's work together to create healthier ecosystems where everyone can contribute and flourish.

Thank you for being a part of our community. We look forward to continuing this journey with you.

#Leadership #Collaboration #Innovation #PowerWith #SustainableGrowth

"In a world where chaos reigns, toxic leaders thrive. It's time to unveil the truth behind the power grab and reclaim effective leadership."

As we navigate through these challenging times, it's crucial to understand the patterns of toxic leadership and how they can impact our organizations. I've been reflecting on the difference between effective and toxic leadership, especially in the face of chaos and uncertainty.

You can take action now and either join an Inclusive Leadership Community Meeting:

Community Meeting Link

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/YJ53XTVAS1W7YVu602GqcA

Or sign up for a free Leading in Uncertainty 1:1 session

https://leadershiplabs.simplybook.it/v2/#book/service/12/count/1/

If you're feeling the weight of uncertainty in your leadership journey, I invite you to reach out for free coaching sessions or join a community of like-minded leaders. Together, we can navigate these turbulent waters and emerge stronger.

Let’s keep the conversation going! 💬

#Leadership #ToxicLeadership #ChangeManagement #Community #InclusiveLeadership

Link to original video published on March 12, 2025

https://youtu.be/hB5gKIQ5J_o

Have you ever been in an organization where things felt off, but you just didn’t know why? 

You complained and vented, and no matter how much you vented, it just stuck to you? 

You felt like it wasn’t safe to speak your mind, but you weren’t sure why?

You felt exhausted and taken advantage of, but that was the norm?

You felt ignored and like your practical suggestions just weren’t not heard or welcome? 

Or maybe you felt like your skill or talent were accepted or approved on a variable and conditional basis….maybe today, maybe not tomorrow? 

Guess what, you were likely working in a toxic organizational system! …or at least one that was toxic to you. 

In our latest episode, Ann Betz and Lisa Dempsey dive deep into the complexities of workplace toxicity with special guest Ursula Pottinga. Together, we explore how toxicity can manifest not just through individuals, but within the very organizations systems we operate in. We dive deep into the  T.O.X.I.C. framework Ann and Ursula have developed , which helps identify troubling, oppressive, exploitative, ignoring, and conditional aspects of workplace environments.

Highlights from this episode:

🌎 Toxicity can be Systemic: It's not always about a single bad boss or coworker. Sometimes, the entire organizational system can be toxic, impacting everyone involved. Recognizing this is the first step toward change.

🌟 Personal Impact Matters: Understanding how the workplace environment affects you personally is crucial. Tools that assess your experience can empower you to make informed decisions about your career path.

🗣️The Power of Feedback: A healthy workplace encourages open communication and constructive feedback. If your organization is ignoring or dismissing your concerns, it may be time to reevaluate your fit within that system.

Why It Matters:

Understanding the toxic elements in your workplace can empower you to make informed decisions about your career and well-being. Whether you're feeling troubled by your environment or simply seeking to improve your workplace culture, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable insights.

More about People Impact:

Lisa Dempsey – 

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakdempsey/⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠https://www.leadershiplabs.eu⁠⁠

Ann Betz – 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-betz-a6b31018/ 

https://www.beaboveleadership.com

Reach us at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Have you ever felt like the rug was ripped right out from under you at work? Things were going well, really well…then boom you are left on the curb blindsided and dismayed. Hero to zero?

It’s possible it may have just been bad luck, or it may have been a part of a toxic workplace pattern. 

In this People Impact Podcast episode, Ann Betz and Lisa Dempsey  into the complexities of workplace toxicity and the insidious IDD cycle: Idealization, Devaluing, and Discard. 

Understanding these patterns is crucial for anyone looking to unmask workplace toxicity and ultimately foster a healthier and more effective work environment.

Inside this episode:

Meaningful Actions :

More about People Impact:

Lisa Dempsey –

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakdempsey/⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠https://www.leadershiplabs.eu⁠⁠

Ann Betz – 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-betz-a6b31018/ 

https://www.beaboveleadership.com

Reach us at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Welcome to the first full episode of the new season of the People Impact Podcast!

We are so excited to start taking this deep dive into exploring toxicity in the workplace. 

We are even more excited to welcome our new co-host Ann Betz!!

Please join us in welcoming Ann to the podcast and share your thoughts on this new episode in the comments below. 

In this episode Ann and Lisa share their personal experiences with toxic workplaces and toxic leadership. We also discuss the impact of toxicity on individuals, organizations, and the NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

Most importantly we dive into paradox of how toxicity has become so ubiquitous in the workplace, and the importance of unraveling and understanding it in roder to start reversing its impact.

Understanding Toxicity and Toxic Traits

Using Dr. Ramani’s CRAVED model we explain the constellation of traits associated with toxic behavior. One of the most difficult things in dealing with toxicity in the workplace is being able to discern what is actually toxic vs what is ”just an off day”. When you can better understand the constellation of the traits of toxicity you can better recognize the patterns of behavior that are having a toxic impact in the workplace.

The Personality Trait vs Diagnosis

We also highlight the significance of understanding toxic behavior as a constellation of personality traits, rather than a clinical diagnosis. It’s easy to believe that what we’re pointing at is a clinical diagnosis, but don’t be fooled! What we are pointing to is actually much more subtel and insidious, and this is one of the many reasons why it’s become to prevalent in modern workplaces. Toxicity doesn’t need to be at a clinical level in order for it to be a problem and cause harm - to both you and your organization! 

Impact on Workplace

The presence of these toxic traits can lead to a negative impact on workplace dynamics, communication, and overall productivity. The impact and loss associated is huge - high turn over, quiet quitting, low motivation and engagement, and stagnation. 

Addressing Toxic Behavior

Some key strategies for recognizing and addressing toxic behavior:

• Creating Awareness: Educating employees about toxic behavior and its impact can create a more conscious and supportive work environment.
• Self-Reflection: Employees need time to reflect on their experiences and feelings in the workplace to identify any signs of toxic behavior.
• Open Communication: Encouraging communication and feedback to safe channels can help in identifying and addressing toxic behavior within the organization. But these feelings and experience must be taken seriously. We’ll dive into more on this in a future episode.  

Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on toxicity in the workplace and how to address these challenges effectively.

Join us in the next episode as we delve deeper into the impact of toxic behavior on organizational culture and strategies for creating a more positive work environment.

Referenced in this episode:

Rutger Bregman's book: Human Kind

Dr. Ramani

More about People Impact:

Lisa Dempsey – ⁠⁠

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakdempsey/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.leadershiplabs.eu⁠⁠

Ann Betz – 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-betz-a6b31018/ 

https://www.beaboveleadership.com

Reach us at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

It is a New Season and we’re thrilled to finally bring you some exciting updates! Today marks a significant transition for our podcast. After months of anticipation, we are ready to unveil our new direction. Marjolijn Vlug, our beloved co-host, has decided to step down as she has decided to shift her professional focus and realign her priorities. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for her invaluable contributions over the past six years. Marjolijn’s insights and wisdom have truly shaped this podcast, and we will miss her presence. However, she will continue to be an enthusiastic listener and supporter of the show. If you'd like to continue following Marjolijn’s journey, you can catch her on the Global Inclusion Podcast alongside Vivian Acquah. We highly recommend checking it out! Welcoming Our New Co-Host We are excited to announce that Ann Betz from Be Above Leadership will be joining Lisa as the new co-host! Ann is a renowned figure in the coaching and leadership space, known for her expertise as a coach, author, and international speaker. In our upcoming season, Ann and Lisa will delve deep into the pressing issue of toxicity in the workplace. With Ann’s extensive knowledge in leadership, neuroscience, and relational trauma, we are eager to explore this topic. Why Focus on Workplace Toxicity? In this new season, we aim to shine a light on the pervasive issue of toxicity in the workplace. Here’s why this topic is so important: Widespread Impact: Toxicity is no longer confined to small pockets; its effects are felt across organizations. Many individuals are suffering but lack the language or understanding to articulate their experiences. Subtle Yet Harmful: Toxic behaviors often manifest in small, cumulative ways—what we like to call “death by a thousand paper cuts.” These minor incidents can have a profound impact over time. Personal Experience: Throughout Lisa’s career, she has encountered numerous toxic environments, often without realizing it at the time. Reflecting on these experiences has been a significant learning journey, one which she wishes to share in the hopes others can be spared. Join Us on This Journey We are excited to embark on this journey with you as we explore the complexities of workplace toxicity.Stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring insightful discussions with Ann Betz and other experts in the field. Don’t forget to subscribe to the People Impact Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms to be the first to hear about our new episodes! Please share our podcast with anyone who might benefit from these important discussions.

More about People Impact:

Lisa Dempsey – ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakdempsey/⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠https://www.leadershiplabs.eu⁠⁠

Ann Betz – 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-betz-a6b31018/ 

https://www.beaboveleadership.com

Reach us at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

It’s ok to work hard, but what if working hard wasn’t the ONLY option? 

In this People Impact Podcast episode, Lisa had the pleasure of hosting Wouter Smeets, founder of Life-Centric Work Lab, as our special guest. Wouter shared his unique perspective on work and life, challenging traditional beliefs and advocating for a life-centric approach to work.

🚀 A New Perspective on Work-Life Balance

Wouter’s approach to work-life balance goes beyond the traditional notion, focusing on creating a life-centric approach to work. He believes that work should enrich life, recharge our batteries, and bring positivity into the world. This shift in perspective encourages individuals to align their work with their personal needs and well-being.

🚀 The Mission of Life-Centric WorkLab

The Life-Centric WorkLab is on a mission to help individuals and organizations redesign work to align with their personal needs and well-being. By hosting expeditions and creating tools, the lab encourages members to explore new ways of working that prioritize happiness and well-being.

🚀 Challenging Beliefs and Creating Change

One of the core principles of Life-Centric WorkLab is to challenge existing beliefs about work. Wouter encourages individuals to uncover their own beliefs about work and share them with colleagues. By creating a brave space for open conversations, organizations can trust their employees to shape their work experience in a way that serves them best and find how this empowers innovation, creativity and more.

🚀 Embracing an Abundance Perspective

Wouter emphasizes the importance of adopting an abundance perspective in the workplace. This means trusting individuals to do great work and allowing them to shape their work experience in a way that aligns with their well-being. By fostering a brave space for open conversations, organizations can empower their employees to create positive change.

By shifting our perspectives from a work-life balance to work-life harmony, integrating work and life to create a more fulfilling experience that offer more potential and value to everyone. 

More about Wouter Smeets: 

Website ⁠⁠https://lifecentricworklab.com

LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wouter-smeets/

More about People Impact:

Lisa Dempsey – ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakdempsey/⁠ - ⁠https://www.leadershiplabs.eu⁠

And a new Co-host TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

Reach us at ⁠[email protected]⁠

It’s really difficult to be a leader in the world right now. 

One of the things that can really make it easier: increasing relational intelligence in organizations.

In this People Impact Podcast, Lisa Dempsey and Alita Watson dive into the world of embedded coaching and how it can increase relational intelligence inside organizations. 

Alita comes from a background in global aid and eventually transitioned into the world of coaching and leadership development. As we delve into this complex topic, Alita shares her journey and insights into building strategic partnerships, navigating cultural dynamics, and the power of relational intelligence in organizations.

🚀 The Power of Embedded Coaching

Alita's experience as an embedded coach in a tech startup sheds light on the potential of this coaching model to transform organizational culture. From fostering relational intelligence to addressing themes of toxicity and leadership development, Alita's journey highlights the impact of effective coaching in the workplace.

🚀 The Role of Leadership in Relational Intelligence

As Alita emphasizes the importance of leadership's receptivity to feedback and their own personal growth, she brings to light the transformative potential of leaders who are willing to embrace relational intelligence. By fostering connections and taking accountability for their impact, leaders can create a culture of trust and engagement within their teams.

🚀 The Courage to Ask for Help

Alita's discussion about the importance of leaders being willing to ask for help and the shift in leadership towards a more relational and more effective approach is truly inspiring. This shift challenges the traditional belief that leaders have to do everything on their own, and instead encourages a more collaborative and supportive environment. Alita and Lisa discuss the shift happening in leadership, where vulnerability and seeking help are becoming recognized as acts of courage. 

As we navigate the complexities of leadership and culture in today's world, Alita's wisdom serves as a guiding light for organizations and individuals alike. 

More about Alita Watson: 

Website ⁠⁠ https://www.almaleadership.com/aboutalma

LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alitawatson/

Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-i-believe-start-ups-should-add-embedded-coach-early-alita-watson/

More about People Impact:

Lisa Dempsey – ⁠https://www.leadershiplabs.eu⁠ , https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakdempsey/⁠ - ⁠

And a new Co-host TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

Reach us at ⁠[email protected]⁠

We often talk ourselves into believing that growth is something that just happens. Almost as if growth is automatic and just unfolds - like magic. ✨ 

In this episode, Lisa Dempsey sits down with Jesse (Jesus) Hernandez to discuss his transformative journey and what he has learned about what real growth takes.

Jesse shares his journey and insights gained from his experiences. From being an apprentice plumber to starting his own business, Jesse's story is one of growth, learning, and embracing discomfort.

Important lessons for growth:

💥Accepting we are all more alike than we are different

Jesse shares his journey, starting as an apprentice plumber and transitioning through various roles in the construction business. His experience has taught him valuable lessons, including the realization that regardless of background or credentials, we are more alike than different. He emphasizes the importance of valuing the ability to connect with others on a human level.

💥Stop undervaluing your own life experiences 

Jesse recounts a pivotal moment in his career when he challenged his boss's perspective and offered a different viewpoint. This courageous move led to a shift in dynamics and opened up opportunities for meaningful conversations and collaboration. He highlights the importance of speaking up and challenging the status quo, especially as you move up the organizational ladder. It’s easy to polish up stinky news, it’s much harder to get uncomfortable and tell the truth in a way that’s digestible. Don’t underestimate this power. 

💥Lessons from Mistakes

One transformative moment for Jesse was when he stopped negotiating away his own power. He learned the importance of guiding and supporting others through their own change and transformation, both personally and professionally. We often can do something well, because we got it wrong for so very long. Jesse's journey highlights the significance of being open to change and growth, even in the face of discomfort.  

💥Mindset Shifts for Growth

Jesse shares two powerful mindset shifts that have helped him in his journey:

• "I'm either going to win or I'm going to learn." This mindset encourages taking action, knowing that there is value in both success and failure.
• Asking the question, "What could also be true?" This helps to shift perspective from a negative mindset to a more positive and open one.

Jesse's story and insights serve as a reminder that growth and learning often come from embracing discomfort.  By embracing discomfort and being open to change we can all navigate challenges and achieve genuinely transformative growth.

More about Jesse Hernandez: 

Website ⁠⁠ https://www.depthbuilder.com

LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://linkedin.com/in/jessedepthbuilder

Order "Becoming the Promise You Are Intended to Be” https://www.depthbuilder.com/2nd-first-book

More about People Impact:

Lisa Dempsey – ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakdempsey/⁠ - ⁠https://www.leadershiplabs.eu⁠

And a new Co-host TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

Reach us at ⁠[email protected]⁠