Why do toxic leaders seem to thrive while good employees suffer? In this episode, we explore the rise of toxic leadership through the lens of the Greater Fool theory—examining how enablers, silence, and flawed systems perpetuate dysfunction at the top. Joined by workplace culture expert Janice Brathwaite, we dive into the long-term impact of toxic environments, the emotional scars they leave behind, and how employees can spot red flags during the hiring process. Plus, Janice shares practical strategies for navigating toxic managers and reclaiming control of your career.

If you’ve ever felt the lingering effects of a toxic workplace, this episode is for you.

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Credits:
Brand Design: Kevin Ache
Theme Song: "Canary" by Jim Yosef
Additional Music & Scoring: Epidemic Sound

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In this episode, I recount the harrowing experience of working under a toxic leader in a crumbling hospital where chaos reigned supreme. From a leader obsessed with micromanaging trivial details while ignoring glaring systemic failures—like literal brown water—to a workplace riddled with dysfunction, unethical management practices, and the erosion of basic human decency. This is a story about surviving toxicity, rediscovering freedom, and understanding that sometimes, the best decision you can make is to walk away.

Tune in for a raw and unfiltered look at the consequences of uninspired and destructive leadership.

DISCLAIMER:
The content of this episode is derived from personal experiences, firsthand accounts from former employees—with their full knowledge of its inclusion in this podcast—publicly available information from various governing agencies, and media outlets. To ensure clarity and avoid unnecessary conflict, some names and identifying details have been altered, and every effort has been made to exclude information that could directly identify current employees, clients, or entities associated with the hospital.

This podcast exists to examine systemic issues, spark important conversations, and foster accountability—not to create unnecessary conflict. While every effort has been made to present these events accurately and fairly, all commentary reflects personal perspectives and should not be interpreted as definitive statements of fact or the official position of any organization.

It is not the responsibility of this podcast to shield the ego of a certain unnamed executive, particularly when the issues discussed stem directly from their leadership decisions—or glaring lack thereof. If you feel this episode strikes uncomfortably close to home, perhaps it’s time to reflect on the role you’ve played in fostering dysfunction within your organization rather than deflecting blame elsewhere.

And let’s consider a hypothetical scenario. If an organization were facing significant financial challenges—such as bankruptcy—wouldn’t it make more sense to focus on rebuilding and addressing internal issues rather than engaging in unnecessary legal posturing? Hypothetically speaking, such actions might not reflect the soundest financial management—or leadership priorities.

This podcast operates under the principles of free speech, as protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Its purpose is to foster meaningful dialogue and shed light on critical issues in a constructive manner.

Final Note: This episode has been modified from its original version. Certain content has been edited in response to a cease-and-desist letter received after its initial release. This is not how the episode was originally recorded, and these changes have been made to address concerns raised while staying true to the purpose and integrity of the podcast.

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Credits:
Brand Design: Kevin Ache
Theme Song: "Canary" by Jim Yosef
Additional Music & Scoring: Epidemic Sound

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast!
Let's connect! Email me at [email protected]
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This year brought loss, love, and lessons I never saw coming. In this short, special episode, I reflect on the wild ride of letting go—of toxic spaces, old versions of myself, and even those I’ve loved and lost. From grief to gratitude, I’m holding space for the light and the heavy moments. If you’ve felt the weight of this year too, this one’s for you.

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Credits:
Brand Design: Kevin Ache
Theme Song: "Canary" by Jim Yosef
Additional Music & Scoring: Epidemic Sound

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast!
Let's connect! Email me at [email protected]
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This special episode addresses a recent development with the podcast.

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Credits:
Brand Design: Kevin Ache
Theme Song: "Canary" by Jim Yosef
Additional Music & Scoring: Epidemic Sound

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast!
Let's connect! Email me at [email protected]
Find more info on our socials!
Hyman Podcast Facebook
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Personal Instagram
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This special episode addresses a recent development with the podcast.

Send us a text

Credits:
Brand Design: Kevin Ache
Theme Song: "Canary" by Jim Yosef
Additional Music & Scoring: Epidemic Sound

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast!
Let's connect! Email me at [email protected]
Find more info on our socials!
Hyman Podcast Facebook
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Personal Instagram
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In this episode we delve deeper into the intricacies of toxic workplaces—shifting the focus from toxic managers to the very environments themselves. What happens when the entire culture of a workplace is a battlefield, draining employees from the moment they clock in? JD explores how toxicity can be embedded in the structures of workplaces, creating stress that’s normalized yet damaging.

This episode features interview excerpts with Jason Greer, Founder and CEO of Greer Consulting, Inc.

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Credits:
Brand Design: Kevin Ache
Theme Song: "Canary" by Jim Yosef
Additional Music & Scoring: Epidemic Sound

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast!
Let's connect! Email me at [email protected]
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In this short episode, we break down the results of the election and what they mean for the future of America. With Donald Trump’s victory, it's time for both parties to reflect on their mistakes and rethink their approach. Voters are focused on real, everyday issues like the economy and rising costs—issues the media often overlooks. This episode is a post-mortem on the election and a call to move forward with unity and introspection. It’s not the end of the world—just the beginning of the next chapter.

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Credits:
Brand Design: Kevin Ache
Theme Song: "Canary" by Jim Yosef
Additional Music & Scoring: Epidemic Sound

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast!
Let's connect! Email me at [email protected]
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In this episode, JD explores the universal signs of workplace toxicity, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own environments and recognize troubling red flags. JD shares personal experiences of complicity in toxic workplaces and emphasizes the importance of awareness and courage in addressing dysfunction. Join us for a compelling discussion on how to spot red flags before it’s too late and create healthier work environments.

This episode features interview excerpts with Dr. Kimberly Jones, Founder and CEO of Couvlux®

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Credits:
Brand Design: Kevin Ache
Theme Song: "Canary" by Jim Yosef
Additional Music & Scoring: Epidemic Sound

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast!
Let's connect! Email me at [email protected]
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In this episode of The Hyman Podcast, we take a deep dive into the impact of toxic leadership on organizations. Toxic managers often fail to inspire positive change because they’re unwilling to address their own destructive behaviors. We explore how these leaders stifle innovation, demoralize teams, and create lasting negative consequences for organizational culture and performance. Tune in to learn why toxic leadership undermines progress and what organizations can do to promote self-aware, transformative leaders. 

This episode features interview excerpts with John Waid, Founder and CEO of C3- Corporate Culture Consulting, a firm specializing in aligning an organization's culture with its strategic goals.

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Credits:
Brand Design: Kevin Ache
Theme Song: "Canary" by Jim Yosef
Additional Music & Scoring: Epidemic Sound

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast!
Let's connect! Email me at [email protected]
Find more info on our socials!
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Toxic managers can turn a workplace into a battlefield, casting shadows over everything from team dynamics to personal mental health. Through a mix of personal stories and hard truths, I unravel the traits that define these figures of control and intimidation. My own experiences highlight the systemic forces at play, particularly as a black man navigating corporate America, and reveal how these toxic environments can devalue and undermine entire teams. Discover why choosing mental health over toxic workplaces can be a transformative decision, and learn strategies to shield yourself from these damaging influences.

As season four of the Hyman Podcast kicks off, I shine a spotlight on toxic leadership that can suffocate an entire organization. From manipulated budgets to unfair pay, I share anecdotes that underscore the long-lasting impact of such environments on employee morale and satisfaction.

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Credits:
Brand Design: Kevin Ache
Theme Song: "Canary" by Jim Yosef
Additional Music & Scoring: Epidemic Sound

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast!
Let's connect! Email me at [email protected]
Find more info on our socials!
Hyman Podcast Facebook
Hyman Podcast Instagram
Personal Instagram
Twitter