In this insightful episode of The Cory Lee Show, host Cory Lee dives deep into the critical topic of toxic relationships, leadership, and boundary-setting with expert guest Kris Reese. Kris is an accomplished author, toxic relationship coach, manipulation tactics specialist, and the newly released author of "Breaking the Narcissist’s Grip."
Cory and Kris begin the episode by exploring Kris’s personal journey—how early relationship wounds led her to create unhealthy boundaries as a form of self-protection, eventually impacting every aspect of her life. Kris shares how her transformation began, moving from the fitness industry to becoming a coach and counselor specializing in helping people of faith break free from controlling and manipulative relationships.
Key themes and topics discussed include:
Identifying Toxic Relationships in Leadership and Personal Life: Kris outlines how toxic patterns often originate from childhood experiences, including toxic parenting, but can manifest in any relationship—be it with a boss, partner, coworker, or even within the church.
Recognizing Manipulation and Spiritual Distortion: The episode uncovers how manipulation can appear both overt and covert, manifesting as gaslighting, entitlement, and subtle control tactics often missed by victims.
Practical Steps to Setting Boundaries: Kris introduces her five leadership laws of boundaries, a biblically-based approach that empowers leaders to protect their vision, energy, and teams. She emphasizes that establishing boundaries is not only biblical but necessary for healthy leadership.
Navigating Narcissism in Faith-Based Spaces: Conversing about specific scenarios — such as working under a narcissistic leader or being the leader at risk of developing narcissistic tendencies — Kris and Cory discuss how to prayerfully self-examine motives and communicate effectively.
People Pleasing and Codependency: Kris reveals how people-pleasers attract takers, leading to burnout, and how codependency undermines personal calling. She gives actionable advice for recovering people-pleasers and aspiring strong leaders.
Biblical Foundation for Boundaries: Through scriptural references and personal experience, Kris shows that Jesus modeled healthy boundaries, walking away from dysfunction and understanding His calling intimately.
Distinguishing Manipulation from Honor: The episode concludes with Kris clarifying how true honor creates freedom while manipulation cages—an essential distinction for church and business leaders alike.
Kris’s free Narcissist Survival Guide and how to connect with her via her website and book link.
Real-life scenarios and role-played advice tailored for both those under toxic leadership and those at risk of slipping into narcissistic leadership patterns themselves.
Perfect For Listeners Who:
Are struggling with toxic or manipulative relationships, whether personal, professional, or spiritual
Want biblical and faith-based solutions for complex relational issues
Are leaders seeking to create healthier cultures in their organizations or churches
Desire to overcome people-pleasing tendencies and learn strong, healthy leadership boundaries
Listen now to gain practical, faith-filled strategies for breaking free from manipulation, creating healthy boundaries, and becoming the leader God designed you to be.
🌐 https://www.KrisReece.com
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-reece-4068786
👤 https://www.facebook.com/ReeceKris
📷 https://www.instagram.com/kris_reece_
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@Kris_Reece
🎤For speaking or training requests, email me at: [email protected]
📖To grab a copy of my book Champion: https://www.coryleeleadership.com/champion
📖To grab a copy of my book Sinners in the Hands of a Merciful Father: https://www.coryleeleadership.com/mercifulfather
📖To grab a copy of my book Heart of The Father: https://www.coryleeleadership.com/heartofthefather
📖To grab a copy of my book Leading with Insight: https://www.coryleeleadership.com/leadingwithinsight
