E31: Not a Monster, Just Misunderstood: Unpacking the Abrasive Leader Archetype with Catherine Mattice

2025-04-13

Most abrasive leaders don’t realize they’re causing harm until the culture breaks and someone finally says it out loud. Catherine Mattice, the CEO and founder of Civility Partners, has spent years coaching leaders who’ve been called a workplace bully but who don’t see themselves that way. In this episode, Catherine joins Zovig Garboushian to break down what really drives abrasive leadership, how it quietly fuels toxic workplace dynamics, and why so many leaders stay silent instead of addressing it. Is being high-performing enough if...

Most abrasive leaders don’t realize they’re causing harm until the culture breaks and someone finally says it out loud.

Catherine Mattice, the CEO and founder of Civility Partners, has spent years coaching leaders who’ve been called a workplace bully but who don’t see themselves that way. In this episode, Catherine joins Zovig Garboushian to break down what really drives abrasive leadership, how it quietly fuels toxic workplace dynamics, and why so many leaders stay silent instead of addressing it.

Is being high-performing enough if people around you feel silenced or shut down? What’s the cost of avoiding hard conversations to keep a top performer happy? And how can executive coaching turn a pattern of damage into a chance for growth?

Catherine shares how she uses direct, honest feedback to help leaders understand their impact and rebuild trust. From the subtle signals of culture erosion to the big organizational risks that come from letting bad behavior slide, this episode challenges leaders to take a harder look at how company culture is shaped and what happens when no one speaks up.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Understanding the Abrasive Leader

03:17 How Toxic Behavior Impacts Company Culture

09:00 Executive Coaching for Workplace Bullies

14:01 Why Employers Avoid Confronting High Performers

20:29 The Cost of Fear in Leadership

31:21 Toxic vs. Tough Leadership Styles

42:16 A Message to Abrasive Leaders

Links

Connect with Catherine Mattice:

Navigating Toxic Work Environments For Dummies Pre-order: https://civilitypartners.com/navigating-a-toxic-workplace-for-dummies/

Website: https://civilitypartners.com/