The Robyn Engelson Podcast
Ever wish you had a life mentor with over decades of experience whispering million dollar wellness tips in your ear? That’s exactly what you will get each week when you tune into The Robyn Engelson Podcast. I’m your host–a sought after burnout recovery coach for high-achieving women and help you heal from burnout and survival mode - so you can reclaim your energy, joy, and rediscover your voice. Each week, I bring you inspiring guests, insights, and tools to empower you to be energized, compress time, and start living instead of existing.
Episode Title: Breaking the Chains of Workplace Toxicity
Host: Robyn Engelson
Guest: Kaitlyn Rios
Episode Summary: In this empowering episode, Kaitlyn Rios, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board-Certified Wound Specialist, VP of Clinical Business Development, and founder of Faced with Grace, joins the podcast to tackle the difficult yet critical topic of workplace toxicity. Kaitlyn and the host explore how toxicity can range from obvious bullying to subtle microaggressions, and how these behaviors, when left unaddressed, lead to burnout and emotional harm.
Through personal stories and professional insights, Kaitlyn outlines a three-step process for breaking the chains of toxicity: recognizing and naming it, assessing if it can change, and modeling positive leadership if staying. She shares her nonprofit’s mission to mentor and empower women navigating toxic work environments and introduces the PEARL Leadership framework: Presence, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, and Legacy, as a path to healthier, more sustainable leadership.
Listeners will walk away with practical tools, emotional validation, and renewed confidence to prioritize self-care, speak up, and either influence change or make the brave choice to walk away. This episode is a must for anyone facing challenges in their professional environment
You’ll learn:
What Workplace Toxicity Really Looks Like Understand how toxic environments can range from blatant abuse to subtle microaggressions, and why both are equally harmful.
How to Recognize and Respond to Toxic Work Culture Learn Kaitlyn’s three-step method for identifying toxicity, evaluating your options, and taking courageous action.
Why Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor Explore the dangers of glorifying burnout and discover the importance of pausing, reflecting, and choosing sustainability over hustle.
The Power of Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence See how tuning into your emotions and boundaries can protect your wellbeing and guide better decisions at work.
How to Lead Without a Title Discover how influence, not position, shapes culture, and how you can model healthy leadership wherever you are.
Kaitlyn’s PEARL Framework for Healthy Leadership Learn how Presence, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, and Legacy can transform both your leadership style and your workplace.
Why Naming the Problem is the First Step to Healing Break the silence: find out why calling out toxicity is key to dismantling it and creating space for real change.
How to Empower Yourself and Others Through Mentorship Hear how Kaitlyn’s nonprofit Faced with Grace supports women in navigating or escaping toxic environments with courage and grace.
Memorable Quotes:
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"Toxicity thrives in silence, naming it is the first step toward freedom."
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"You don’t need a title to lead. True leadership starts with how you show up every day."
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"Burnout isn’t a weakness, it’s a signal. Listen, pause, and realign with your purpose."
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"Your peace is worth more than any paycheck. Sometimes the bravest move is walking away."
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"Resilient leadership isn’t about being tough, it’s about knowing your limits and leading with grace."
Resources & Mentions:
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Nonprofit Organization: Faced with Grace – Empowering women to rise above workplace toxicity through mentorship, education, and community.
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Leadership Framework: PEARL Leadership – Kaitlyn’s model for healthy, sustainable leadership: Presence, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, Legacy
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Professional Titles: Doctor of Physical Therapy | Board-Certified Wound Specialist | VP of Clinical Business Development
Actionable Steps for Listeners: 1. Identify the Source of Toxicity
Take a moment to reflect on your current work environment. Ask yourself: “Is the stress I’m feeling caused by a person, a team, or the overall culture?” Write down 2-3 recurring behaviors or patterns that negatively impact your well-being.
2. Speak Up or Step Away
If you feel safe, report the issue to HR or a trusted leader. If not, start planning an exit strategy that protects your peace and future growth. Remember: leaving a toxic environment is an act of strength, not failure.
3. Model Healthy Leadership (Even Without a Title)
Lead by example. Practice Kaitlyn’s PEARL values: Presence, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, and Legacy. Start by choosing one to focus on in your interactions this week.
4. Create a “Pause Plan” to Avoid Burnout
Schedule time daily or weekly to step back and reflect. Ask: “What drains me? What energizes me?” Use these insights to adjust your workload, set boundaries, or seek support.
5. Join a Support Network or Mentorship Program
Seek out or create a safe space (like a women’s leadership group or peer support circle). Consider getting involved with organizations like Faced with Grace to connect with others navigating similar challenges.
6. Rewrite Your Workplace Story
Visualize a healthier, purpose-driven work life. Write down: “I’m so grateful I now work in a place where I feel respected, supported, and valued.” Act in alignment with that version of your future self, whether it’s through learning, networking, or setting new boundaries.
Final Thought:
You deserve a workplace that uplifts you, not drains you. Healing begins the moment you name what’s hurting and take steps to protect your peace. Leadership isn’t just about changing others, it starts with choosing yourself. Whether you stay, speak up, or walk away, your courage creates space for transformation. The time to reclaim your voice is now.
What listeners have to say:
Kaitlyn Rios’ episode has been a wake-up call for professionals across industries, employees, leaders, and change-makers alike.
Monica D., a healthcare administrator, shared how naming the toxic behaviors on her team gave her the clarity to start difficult (but necessary) conversations with leadership.
Andre M., a tech team lead, said Kaitlyn’s PEARL framework helped him shift his leadership style from reactive to resilient, improving both morale and performance on his team.
Lisa K., a burned-out marketing executive, finally gave herself permission to leave a toxic role after hearing Kaitlyn’s reminder: “Your peace is worth more than any paycheck.”
These breakthroughs remind us that healing, growth, and positive change are possible, especially when courage meets clarity.
Now it’s your turn: What moment, quote, or takeaway from Kaitlyn’s story is helping you lead or live differently? We’d love to hear from you—share your story with us and inspire others to break the silence, too.
Loved this episode? If you found value in this conversation, don’t forget to leave a review! Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Your feedback helps us create content that supports your journey to thriving, not just surviving.
Connect with Kaitlyn Rios
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About Kaitlyn Rios': Kaitlyn Rios is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a board-certified wound specialist. Her physical therapy career has been anything but typical and has led her to pursue many niche and diverse leadership opportunities. Currently, she works as a VP of Clinical Business Development for a rapidly growing, national wound product manufacturer. In her spare time, Kaitlyn seeks to give back to her community via serving at her church and furthering the development of her nonprofit organization, Faced With Grace, which offers motivational mentorship to women navigating the challenges of workplace toxicity. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, recreational and professional writing, creating ceramic pottery, and going to concerts. Kaitlyn lives life, always striving to honor her core values of integrity, authenticity, gratitude, adaptability, and humility.
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