Loud & Lifted

How to Deal with a Toxic Boss (Micromanager, Narcissist & Bully Guide)

Bad bosses don’t just ruin your day—they can destroy your confidence and make you question your sanity.If you’re dealing with a toxic work environment, a micromanaging boss, or constant gaslighting, this episode is your survival guide.We are joined by Lynda Harvey (aka the Management Guru) to break down the three most common toxic manager types: the Micromanager, the Narcissist, and the Bully. We share the exact scripts and strategies you need to "train your boss," protect your peace with the Gray Rock method, and know exactly when it’s time to exit.In this episode, you’ll learn:The 3 Toxic Archetypes: How to spot toxic boss behavior before it breaks you.The "Train Your Boss" Technique: Proactive steps to stop a micromanaging boss in their tracks (like calling them before they call you).Narcissist Neutralization: Using the "Gray Rock" theory to handle gaslighting, lack of accountability, and credit-stealingDocument or Depart: The "detective" method for handling workplace bullying and when to go to HR (or the EEOC).Chapters01:04 Meet Lynda Harvey (Management Guru)03:28 The micromanager that broke the system6:29 Why she started training managers8:06 The 3 toxic boss types8:24 The real problem: managers aren’t trained9:08 How bad managers get created10:15 Micromanagers: control + mistrust12:38 Two micromanagers (including the “necessary evil”)13:51 How to manage a micromanager (observe + get ahead)15:35 If they don’t change: your decision point17:21 Narcissistic bosses (men + women)18:15 Narcissist patterns: blame, gaslight, control19:33 When you outshine them: isolation + stolen credit23:16 Gray rock: stay boring, stay safe24:31 Documentation that protects you26:51 Script your responses (3 options)28:17 Bully bosses: what counts (and why it’s messy)30:03 Document like a detective (proof matters)31:47 Direct conversation vs. escalation34:07 Escalate: HR, EEOC, and exit plan35:00 The big takeaway (and what to do next)35:54 Managing high performers37:31 One-size leadership doesn’t workAbout the Guest: Lynda Harvey teaches leaders and employees how to speak fluent corporate and navigate toxic work culture without losing their edge.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynda.leads/?hl=enTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lynda.leadsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndaharvey01/Stay Connected with Loud & Lifted:Website: https://www.loudandliftedpodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loudandliftedpodcast/Sign up for email: https://loud-lifted.kit.com/402d3a8d4a

Recap: Confidence, Personal Brand & Leadership Growth for Women

In this solo episode,we are looking back at Season 1 of Loud & Lifted and pulling out the big themes that kept showing up in every conversation with women in leadership — from founders and executives to small business owners. Think of this as your 2025 rewind: what actually matters if you want to grow your career, expand your impact, and stop playing small?This episode walks through the patterns we saw across the season and connect the dots into a simple, usable roadmap you can take into the next year. No fluff, no clichés — just real talk, honest stories, and practical moves you can actually try this week.We’ll dig into:Confidence on purpose – how the women this season built it, not “found” itGrowth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone – and what it really takes to step outYour personal brand is already talking - you need to decide what it’s sayingBeing intentional about exposure – getting in the right rooms, with the right peopleCommunity, support, and sponsors – why you cannot do big things aloneIf you’ve missed episodes, this is your shortcut. If you’ve listened to them all, this is your playbook for applying what you heard so you can become more visible, more confident, and more in control of your next move.

Quick Lift: Tough Conversations? Here's What Works

Replay tough conversations on a loop in your head? In this under-10-minute Quick Lift, Betsy Hamm recaps communication expert Sarita Maybin’s simple scripts for saying the hard thing without being the office villain. You’ll learn how to use Sarita’s AIR framework (Awareness, Impact, Request), swap blamey “you” statements for confident “I/we” language, and upgrade one everyday line like “I noticed…” / “I’m wondering…” so you sound clear, not cruel.Perfect for women in leadership who want more confidence, stronger executive presence, and fewer 3 a.m. “I wish I’d said that differently” replays.

Say What You Mean—Without Being Mean: Sarita Maybin on Tough Truths with Tact

Communication expert Sarita Maybin shows women in leadership how to deliver tough truths with tact—without damaging trust. We unpack her simple AIR framework (Awareness, Impact, Request), share credibility-saving phrasing, and quick rules for high-tech communication. ). If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to sound harsh,” or “I’m tired of being walked on,” this one’s for you. This episode is packed with tips growing your leadership confidence, navigating conflict, or building executive presence, this episode is your new playbook.You’ll learn:AIR: a 3-step script for hard conversations“We/ I” language swaps that sound firm—never harshThe top 10 positive communication phrases (with starters like “Would you be open to…?”)Listening under pressure: “How do you mean?” and other curiosity promptsEmail kindness checks (please/thank you), when to move tough topics off email, and how to follow up in writing

Quick Lift: Mentorship That Multiplies — From Coffee Chats to Belonging

Episode OverviewOn this female leadership podcast mini, we distill Katherine Naylor Pullman’s playbook for women supporting women into quick, actionable moves. Learn how to take educated risks without the “resume jumper” stigma, transform performative networking into friendship-first community, and use a weekly coffee-chat habit to future-proof your career. We cover mentorship that multiplies (“I’ll work for you one day”), how to separate feedback from criticism, and why asking for help is a leadership skill—especially while balancing motherhood and career. If you’re focused on career growth for women and building belonging that lasts, this Quick Lift is your 10-minute momentum boost.Highlights: Brave, Non-Linear Careers & “Educated Risks”Mentorship That Multiplies: “I’ll Work for You One Day” Belonging > Networking: The Power of Third Places Ask for Help & Ditch the Superwoman Script