In this bonus episode, Faisa writes in as a manager whose confidence was shattered by a direct report who consistently blurred the line between vulnerability and manipulation. From rejecting basic feedback and weaponising mental health language, to quietly shifting blame and undermining leadership through conflicting narratives, this experience explores what happens when managers, especially empathetic, conscientious ones, find themselves unable to do their job for fear of being seen as "cold," "mean," or "sabotaging."

This story is a must-listen for anyone navigating emotionally complex team dynamics, and a vital reminder that toxic dynamics aren’t exclusive to senior-level roles.

Expert Insight

Clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani offers compassionate, trauma-informed insight into:

• The concept of weaponised incompetence and how empathy can be used against you
• How to reclaim your voice, your confidence, and your authority as a manager
• When guilt is unjustified, and how to separate emotional manipulation from support needs
• Practical tips for documentation, boundary setting, and healing from leadership trauma

Key themes

• Weaponised Vulnerability: Using mental health language to deflect responsibility or silence accountability
• Gaslighting and Narrative Control: Contradicting stories to different people, making the manager seem unstable or unkind
• Guilt + Gendered Power Dynamics: The fear of being seen as "sabotaging" a junior woman's career, especially as a woman in a senior role
• Loss of Confidence in Leadership: Lingering anxiety, fear of managing again, and emotional burnout
• How to Reclaim Trust in Yourself: Practical tools to navigate manipulation while staying true to your values

Why this episode matters

Not all narcissistic dynamics look like shouting CEOs. Some are quiet, confusing, and disguised as wellness, vulnerability, or even friendship. Faisa’s story sheds light on the often invisible burnout that comes from managing someone who continually avoids accountability while presenting themselves as the victim. It’s a form of gaslighting that leaves empathetic leaders questioning their instincts, doubting their decisions, and, too often, abandoning leadership altogether.

Bonus episodes

Listener Letters are real stories submitted by the Other Box community, sharing lived experiences of navigating toxic workplaces and narcissistic dynamics. Each letter is anonymised, read aloud, and followed by expert insight from clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani. Together, we unpack the behavioural patterns at play and share tools for clarity, support and recovery. We hope these real-life accounts allow you to recognise the signs sooner and start focusing on how to reclaim your life.

Support the Podcast

If this episode resonated with you:

• Subscribe and leave us a review
• Share with friends, family, or colleagues
• Follow us on socials for more insights and behind-the-scenes content (@otherbox)

You can connect with Other Box: otherbox.co/podcast for further resources.

Narcissism At Work is a co-production from Other Box and Breaking Atoms. Subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever left a job feeling like a shell of yourself—anxious, exhausted, second-guessing everything, and unsure how it got so bad?

In this episode of Narcissism at Work, Leyya and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani explore the deep, often invisible toll that narcissistic abuse takes on the body and mind. From chronic stress and anxiety to adrenal fatigue and disconnection from self, this conversation unpacks the nuanced psychological and physical fallout of being in close proximity to narcissists.

You’ll hear why these symptoms often go unnoticed or are misdiagnosed, how survivors become stuck in fight, flight and freeze responses, and how trauma-informed tools like ACT therapy can help people reclaim their power and rebuild trust in their own bodies. The episode also offers practical first steps for anyone currently trapped in a toxic job or relationship dynamic

• WHO (World Health Organisation)
• Polyvagal Theory (Stephen Porges)
• ACT Therapy (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) for trauma release
• The “STUF” Framework from ACT(Sensations, Thoughts, Urges, Feelings)

“They will feed your fears and position themselves as the only person who can help you get what you need.” – Dr. Daksha Hirani

“I’ve always seen myself as a strong, brave, competent person. I couldn’t understand how I let it get so bad. But now I realise it’s not about weakness, it’s about how expertly these people play on our C.R.A.P. and target people for their strengths, NOT weaknesses.” – Leyya Sattar

Why it matters:

Far too many people endure chronic stress and trauma at work without naming it for what it truly is: abuse. When the harm is coming from someone charismatic, successful, or in a position of power, it often gets minimised or normalised leaving targets anxious, burned out, and disconnected from their sense of reality and self.

This episode breaks that silence. It gives language, context, and validation to what many have wrongly dismissed as “just work stress.” It reframes healing not as a return to who you were, but as a reclamation of agency…one that starts in the body, rewires the nervous system, and reconnects you to your core values.

For anyone stuck in a toxic workplace, questioning their gut, or simply feeling “off,” this episode offers both clarity and direction. It’s a map back to yourself.

Support the Podcast

If this episode resonated with you:

• Subscribe and leave us a review
• Share with friends, family, or colleagues
• Follow us on socials for more insights (@otherbox)

You can connect with Other Box: otherbox.co/podcast for further resources.

Narcissism At Work is a co-production from Other Box and Breaking Atoms. Please make sure to subscribe, rate and share too!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Listener Letter, we hear from Hannah, a former employee who found herself working under the same narcissistic CEO twice, a decade apart.

At first, she returned believing things would be different. But what followed was an extreme environment of control, gaslighting, public humiliation, and 24/7 surveillance dressed up as “remote flexibility.”

From forced video calls all day long, to aggressive outbursts, retaliation for speaking up, and weaponising therapy-speak to silence disagreement, this story is a chilling reminder of how narcissistic leadership infects a company’s entire culture.

Expert Insight

Clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani offers deep, trauma-informed insight into:

• How narcissistic leaders use image management, fear and false morality to maintain power
• Why they target high performers, and punish anyone who exposes the truth
• The nervous system toll of long-term psychological abuse at work
• How to manage anxiety and emotional safety when you can’t just leave
• What to do when you’re dealing with someone who will never be accountable

Key themes

• Performative values and moral grandstanding by toxic leaders
• Psychological manipulation disguised as professional development
• Surveillance, control, and digital coercion in remote work
• Blame-shifting, retaliation, and long-term trauma

Why this episode matters

Hannah’s experience reveals that sometimes, it’s not just the outbursts or gaslighting that do the most damage; it’s the slow erosion of trust in yourself. The fear. The second-guessing. The quiet shrinking.

For anyone who’s ever frozen when a Slack message popped up, stayed silent in meetings to avoid punishment, or delayed updating LinkedIn out of fear, this episode offers solidarity, clarity, and a path forward.

Bonus episodes

Listener Letters are real stories submitted by the Other Box community, sharing lived experiences of navigating toxic workplaces and narcissistic dynamics. Each letter is anonymised, read aloud, and followed by expert insight from clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani. Together, we unpack the behavioural patterns at play and share tools for clarity, support and recovery.

We hope these real-life accounts allow you to recognise the signs sooner and start focusing on how to reclaim your life.

Support the Podcast

If this episode resonated with you:

• Subscribe and leave us a review
• Share with friends, family, or colleagues
• Follow us on socials for more insights and behind-the-scenes content (@otherbox)

You can connect with Other Box: otherbox.co/podcast for further resources.

Narcissism At Work is a co-production from Other Box and Breaking Atoms. Subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever dealt with an HR team that protects toxic leaders and silences the people they hurt? In this episode of Narcissism at Work, we explore how narcissism can show up not just in individuals but in entire systems. From performative DEI to HR structures that enable abuse, we unpack how power and progressive language can be used as tools of control. While many HR teams do great work, we’re focusing on what happens when that’s not the case.

This week, I’m joined by Dr. Daksha Hirani and special guest Raakhi, Other Box’s HR consultant, to explore what happens when toxicity becomes institutionalised and what needs to change.

What we cover:

• Why harmful behaviours often go unchallenged, especially when "golden" employees bring in revenue or hold a high status.
• The myth of HR neutrality and how internalised fear can prevent necessary action.
• The role of NDAs and settlement agreements in silencing victims.
• How narcissists exploit race, gender, neurodivergence, and other identities for performative allyship.
• How to spot red flags in leaders and avoid becoming a “flying monkey.”
• The importance of documentation, pattern recognition, and building peer support.
• Tools like S.T.U.F. (Sensations, Thoughts, Urges, Feelings) to reconnect with your truth.

References and Frameworks Mentioned

• CRAP: (Criticism, Rejection, Abandonment, Punishment) core fears exploited in narcissistic abuse.
• FOG: (Fear, Obligation, Guilt) tactics used by narcissists to manipulate.
• S.T.U.F: (Sensations, Thoughts, Urges, Feelings) a self-awareness tool to ground yourself in reality.
• "Flying Monkeys": Narcissistic abuse term for bystanders who unknowingly enable the abuser.

Quote Highlights

• “Your workplace culture is your reputation.” Raakhi Tanvi
• “You are not making this S.T.U.F up. You know what you know.” Dr. Daksha Hirani
• “Even if you can’t name names, you can still speak your truth.” Leyya Sattar

Why it matters:

HR is often positioned as the safeguard of workplace wellbeing, yet too often, it becomes the buffer that protects toxic leaders and colleagues instead of the people they harm. When toxicity infiltrates HR, the very systems meant to ensure fairness, safety, and accountability can end up enabling abuse and silencing staff. By exploring this tension, we wanted to show how systemic narcissism hides in plain sight and what needs to shift to rebuild trust, integrity, and actual inclusion at work.

Support the Podcast

If this episode resonated with you:

• Subscribe and leave us a review
• Share with friends, family, or colleagues
• Follow us on socials for more insights and behind-the-scenes content (@otherbox)

You can connect with Other Box: otherbox.co/podcast for further resources

Narcissism At Work is a co-production from Other Box and Breaking Atoms. Subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode, we hear from Mo, a husband whose life and marriage were shaken by his wife’s narcissistic boss.

From emotional manipulation, faux-therapeutic language to reframe abuse as care, to cult-like loyalty and isolation, Mo recounts the mental toll of watching his partner be drained of confidence and convinced that she was the problem. This letter reveals how narcissistic abuse at work doesn’t just affect employees; it can tear through homes, relationships, and mental health.

Psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani offers compassionate insight into why narcissistic leaders target high-performing individuals, how they isolate them from their support systems, and what recovery can look like for both the direct victim and their loved ones.

Why this episode matters:

Mo’s story highlights that narcissistic abuse at work is rarely contained to the office. The manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional harm ripple outward, sometimes even threatening the bonds we hold most dear.

If you’ve ever questioned yourself while watching someone you love unravel under toxic leadership, this story may offer insight, solidarity, and hope.

Listener Letters are real stories submitted by the Other Box community, sharing lived experiences of navigating toxic workplaces and narcissistic dynamics. Each letter is anonymised, read aloud, and followed by expert insight from clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani. Together, we unpack the behavioural patterns at play and share tools for clarity, support and recovery.

We hope these real-life accounts allow you to recognise the signs sooner and start focusing on how to reclaim your life.

Connect with Other Box: otherbox.co/podcast for further resources | @otherbox

Subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop.

Narcissism At Work is a co-production from Other Box and Breaking Atoms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Narcissism At Work, we're diving into what happens when a respected visionary founder turns into a source of emotional manipulation, fear, and chaos. Startups are often praised for their innovation and drive, but they can also be prime territory for narcissistic behaviours, cleverly disguised as passion, purpose, and progress. We're joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani to break down how narcissistic entrepreneurs weaponise values like "resilience" and "loyalty," using charm, ambition, and even therapeutic language to exploit trust and blur boundaries.

What we cover:

• When charisma and “big vision” mask control and abuse
• Red flags in startup culture e.g. love bombing, mirroring, gaslighting, and burnout
• Why narcissists are drawn to entrepreneurial roles
• How values like “grit” and “purpose” are twisted to justify exploitation
• Emotional debt, blurred lines, and the illusion of family in toxic work cultures
• How to set boundaries, break free from trauma bonding, and protect your peace

Why it matters:

These environments don’t just hurt careers, they destabilise lives. And because they’re often masked by ethical branding or progressive language, many people don’t realise what’s happening until the damage is done.

Connect with Other Box: otherbox.co/podcast for further resources | @otherbox

Subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop.

Narcissism At Work is a co-production from Other Box and Breaking Atoms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus episode 3 explores the story of Rani, whose dream job at a supposedly inclusive workplace quickly turned into a toxic nightmare. What started as feeling “seen” and championed by a senior colleague spiralled into emotional manipulation, weaponised feedback, and guilt-laced control.

Rani's letter uncovers how narcissistic individuals often use the illusion of support to gain influence, only to later gaslight, undermine, and erode confidence through chaos, contradiction, and shame.

What we cover:

• How narcissists perform allyship while creating impossible expectations
• Meetings as control tactics: time-wasting, dominance, and emotional exhaustion
• The link between narcissistic abuse and mum guilt, overworking, and burnout
• How the promise of “the dream” and future-faking is used to keep people hooked and disempowered
• The emotional toll of being constantly emotionally and mentally disorientated, even when the facts don’t add up

Why this episode matters:

Rani’s story highlights that abuse isn’t always obvious. It can masquerade as support or empowering language. However, if it undermines your confidence, well-being, or values, consider it a red flag.

Listener Letters are real stories submitted by the Other Box community, sharing lived experiences of navigating toxic workplaces and narcissistic dynamics.Each letter is anonymised, read aloud, and followed by expert insight from clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani. Together, we unpack the behavioural patterns at play and share tools for clarity, support and recovery.

We hope these real-life accounts allow you to recognise the signs sooner and start focusing on how to reclaim your life.

Connect with Other Box: otherbox.co/podcast for further resources | @otherbox

Subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop.

Narcissism At Work is a co-production from Other Box and Breaking Atoms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve all heard of toxic bosses, but what about colleagues who exhibit narcissistic traits? In this episode of Narcissism At Work, Leyya and clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani explore the less talked-about, but just as damaging, impact of narcissism among our peers. From backstabbing and silent smear campaigns to credit-stealing and emotional manipulation, this episode dives deep into the warning signs and psychological fallout of working with a narcissistic colleague.

What we cover:

• How narcissistic colleagues manipulate to compete, control, and undermine
• Red flags that you might be working with someone who’s not as supportive as they seem
• Smear campaigns, love bombing, and subtle sabotage tactics
• What healthy competition looks like, and where the line gets crossed
• The toll this takes on team trust, collaboration and creativity
• Mental health impacts, including trauma symptoms, grief, and isolation
• Tools like the DEEP method to protect yourself

Why it matters:

Toxic colleagues can slowly chip away at your confidence, relationships and reputation. This episode offers language, clarity, and strategies for reclaiming your power.

Plus:

• Real-life scenarios of narcissistic dynamics at work
• Practical tips to spot the red flags and protect yourself
• A reminder that you’re not imagining it and you’re not alone

Resources mentioned:

• World Health Organisation (www.who.int/)
• ‘The Body Keeps The Score’ by Bessel van der Kolk

Connect with Other Box: otherbox.co/podcast for further resources | @otherbox

Subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop.

Narcissism At Work is a co-production from Other Box and Breaking Atoms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.