Your Boss Isn’t a Leader — and It’s Hurting Your Career

Waiting for a weak leader to suddenly become strong is a career death sentence.
And handing over your future to someone threatened by your potential? That’s not loyalty. That’s self-sabotage.

In this episode of Totally Unacceptable, Ed Clementi calls out the silent epidemic of non-leaders in leadership roles — and the damage they cause to careers, teams, and company culture.

This one’s not just a vent session. It’s a blueprint.

You’ll learn:

How to recognize when your boss isn’t actually leading

Why staying silent and “waiting it out” is the real risk

What to do when your growth is being stifled

How to build trust and visibility anyway

And the parable of the elephant and the rope — and how it applies to you

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or underestimated by someone who was supposed to have your back — this is the episode you didn’t know you needed.

🎧 Don’t give your power to the wrong person. Reclaim your voice. Multiply your value.

🔥 Stay connected & fuel your leadership fire:

🔗 Follow Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardclementi/

📬 Subscribe to The FireStarter Newsletter: https://thefirestarter.beehiiv.com/

🌐 Explore more at edclementi.com: https://edclementi.com/

Most people don’t get stuck because they aren’t talented.
 They get stuck because they’ve been taught to play small.

In this episode, Ed Clementi unpacks the silent career killer no one talks about—self-imposed limitations. From the myth of readiness to the two career paths most people unconsciously choose between, this is a wake-up call for anyone who’s waiting for the “right time.”

You’ll hear hard truths, bold challenges, and a reminder that success doesn’t go to the most qualified—it goes to the most prepared.

If you’ve ever felt like there’s more in you—but you’ve been holding back—this is the episode you didn’t know you needed.

🎧 Let’s end the epidemic of playing small. Starting now.

🔥 Stay connected & fuel your leadership fire:
🔗 Follow Ed on LinkedIn
📬 Subscribe to The FireStarter Newsletter
🌐 Explore more at edclementi.com

🎙️ Totally Unacceptable: Season 2 Premiere – Breaking Barriers: The Leadership Multiplier Effect

Are you ready to unlock your full potential in 2025? This season, we’re turning the spotlight inward—on the habits, fears, and mindsets holding us back from stepping into true leadership.

In this episode, we dive into:
⭐ The Multiplier Effect: Why leadership amplifies your impact, opportunities, and income.
⭐ The Missed Opportunity: Why avoiding leadership might be holding you back more than you realize.
⭐ Real Talk on Growth: How embracing leadership challenges you to grow and leave a lasting legacy.

Whether you’re seeking to advance your career, make a bigger impact, or finally take that bold leap into leadership, this episode lays the foundation for where it all begins: with you.

🔥 Resources to Get Started:

• Take the FREE Leadership Scorecard and discover where you stand: The Leadership Scorecard
• Explore more tools and insights on my website: edclementi.com
• Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for leaders: The FireStarter Newsletter

🎧 Tune in now and take the first step toward becoming the leader you’re meant to be.

#Leadership #Podcast #GrowthMindset #TotallyUnacceptablePodcast

Gaslighting isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a workplace epidemic that can erode trust, confidence, and your sense of self-worth. In this episode, we uncover the insidious reality of Workplace Gaslighting: what it looks like, who it typically comes from, and when it often rears its ugly head.

You’ll learn to recognize the signs of external manipulation and internal doubt, understand the motivations behind gaslighting, and, most importantly, discover how to protect yourself.

Whether it’s setting boundaries, standing firm in your truth, or deciding to remove yourself from a toxic environment, this episode is a powerful reminder of the critical importance of knowing your worth.

Tune in to arm yourself with the knowledge and tools to reclaim your confidence and peace in any work environment.

Follow me on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardclementi/

Subscribe to my Free Newsletter:
https://thefirestarter.beehiiv.com/

Subscribe to My YouTube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/@edclementi

In this episode of 'Totally Unacceptable,' we delve into the pervasive issue of micromanagement, exploring its roots in insecurity and fear.

We uncover the psychological drivers that compel leaders to micromanage and ask employees to self-reflect on their potential roles in these dynamics.

By understanding the fears and patterns on both sides, we pave the way for effective solutions rooted in accountability, reflection, and courageous leadership.

This episode challenges everyone affected by MicroManagement to confront their inner struggles and embrace bravery to cultivate trust and autonomy within their teams.

Follow me on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardclementi/

Subscribe to my Free Newsletter:
https://thefirestarter.beehiiv.com/

Subscribe to My YouTube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/@edclementi

This episode is packed with powerful leadership advice you might not be getting from your current manager or leader—but today, I’m stepping in as your coach!

🎯 We’re diving into 10 actionable steps you can start using TODAY to make 2025 your best year yet.

From reflecting on 2024’s wins and setbacks to finding your leadership voice and building your personal brand, I’ve got you covered. 

Plus, don’t miss the inspiring “Man in the Pit” parable—a reminder of what it really means to show up for others as a true leader.

If you're ready to take control and level up in 2025, this episode is for you. Let’s get after it—because your best year starts now!

If you are enjoying this journey with us then try my weekly FireStarter Newsletter.  It's packed with 3-5 minute reads on leadership, growth, and inspiration. To sign up, click the link below:

https://thefirestarter.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this episode of Totally Unacceptable with Ed Clementi, I tackle one of the most damaging failures in leadership—turning a blind eye to toxic behavior. Too many leaders prioritize short-term success, ignoring the long-term destruction festering under the surface. But when you allow toxicity to go unchecked, it’s only a matter of time before your team, your culture, and your business crumble.

I'll dig into the real cost of ignoring toxic behavior, why some leaders make the fatal mistake of looking the other way, and how it all ties back to protecting your team and culture like a grove of redwoods—strong, interconnected, and able to withstand any storm, unless rot is allowed to spread.

Ready to face the hard truth? It’s time to stop pretending everything’s fine and start acting like the leader your team deserves.

If you are enjoying this journey with us then try my weekly FireStarter Newsletter.  It's packed with 3-5 minute reads on leadership, growth, and inspiration. To sign up, click the link below:

https://thefirestarter.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this episode of Totally Unacceptable, we explore a cornerstone of effective leadership: BRAVERY. Titled "Brave Leaders Stand Up for Their Teams," this episode focuses on why true leadership demands the courage to advocate for your team, especially when it matters most.

Key Takeaways:

• Burnout: Discover why leaders must step in when workloads become overwhelming and burnout is on the horizon.
• Promotion Time: Learn how standing up for your team during promotions can boost morale and trust.
• Compensation: Understand the impact of advocating for fair compensation and how it reinforces team loyalty.

Plus, I’ll share the inspiring story of Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose leadership in the face of adversity is a powerful example of what it means to never give up on your team.

Why Listen?

• Gain insights into the non-negotiable moments where Bravery in Leadership is crucial.
• Reflect on how your leadership style can either strengthen or weaken your team's trust and productivity.

Tune in to learn why standing up for your team isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must.

If you are enjoying this journey with us then try my weekly FireStarter Newsletter.  It's packed with 3-5 minute reads on leadership, growth, and inspiration. To sign up, click the link below:

https://thefirestarter.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Human Resources Under the Microscope: Evolution, Challenges, and Pathways to Improvement

Join me for a deep dive into the world of Human Resources on "Totally Unacceptable with Ed Clementi." In this episode, we scrutinize HR's journey and question whether it has strayed from its core mission.

We'll tackle pressing issues, including:

🔍 The Evolution of HR: Tracing HR's transformation over the years and rediscovering its original purpose.

⚖️ Current Perceptions: Investigating why HR is often seen as falling short in supporting employees and fostering a positive workplace culture.

⚠️ Potential Overreach: Examining whether HR has taken on roles beyond its expertise, diminishing its effectiveness.

🚀 Pathways to Improvement: Proposing solutions to realign HR with its intended mission and enhance its impact on corporate culture.

Don't miss this enlightening discussion that promises to uncover crucial insights and actionable steps to improve HR practices. Tune in to "Totally Unacceptable with Ed Clementi" on your favorite podcast platform and prepare to engage with a topic that is "Totally Unacceptable" in its current form.

In this inaugural episode of "Totally Unacceptable with Ed Clementi," we dive deep into the world of bad leadership and toxic cultures with special guest Toby Billington. Toby, an esteemed colleague and friend is an admired leader in his industry. He shares his insights and experiences on identifying and addressing toxic practices in leadership.

Together, we explore the signs of toxic leadership, its impact on organizational culture, and the long-term consequences for employees and businesses alike. Toby also shares what he believes are the 3 most toxic leadership behaviors and offers practical advice on how to cultivate a healthier, more inclusive environment that champions integrity and accountability.

Join us for an eye-opening discussion that aims to unmask and challenge the unacceptable practices that hinder growth and success. This episode is a must-listen for leaders, change-makers, and anyone committed to fostering a positive organizational culture.

Tune in and be part of the conversation that seeks to transform leadership for the better.

If you are enjoying this journey with us then try my weekly FireStarter Newsletter.  It's packed with 3-5 minute reads on leadership, growth, and inspiration. To sign up, click the link below:

https://thefirestarter.beehiiv.com/subscribe