321: How to Protect Your Reputation When Someone Throws You Under the Bus

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Every mid-career professional has faced that gut-punch moment when a colleague shifts blame, steals credit, or takes a public swipe to protect their image. In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, John Neral dives into why “bus-throwing” happens, how to stay composed when it does, and what to do next to protect your professional reputation without reacting emotionally.

If you’ve ever felt the sting of embarrassment, anger, or self-doubt after someone undermined you, this episode gives you a clear, practical playbook to regain control, rebuild trust, and move forward with confidence.

What You’ll Learn

• Why fear, insecurity, and low psychological safety drive blame-shifting behavior
• How mid-career professionals often become easy targets when they hold responsibility without equivalent authority
• How to pause under pressure, stay calm, and separate truth from perception
• The exact language you can use to clarify facts in a meeting or email
• A simple documentation strategy that prevents misinformation and protects your credibility
• When to address issues privately, when to set firm boundaries, and when escalation is appropriate
• How to rebuild credibility through consistent performance and visible results
• Why executive presence—composure, clarity, and confidence—is your best defense

John also shares step-by-step recovery actions you can take after a professional setback to ensure your brand stays strong, your work stays respected, and your relationships remain authentic.

Episode Highlights

• How insecurity, fear, and imposter syndrome show up in colleagues’ behavior
• The power of neutral, fact-based communication
• Setting healthy boundaries to protect your energy and career reputation
• Rebuilding trust and visibility through transparency and strong alliances
• When and how to involve HR with clarity and documentation

If you’re navigating a challenging workplace dynamic or working to rebuild your credibility, this episode will help you lead with calm authority and protect your professional reputation.

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