This episode addresses a recurring issue in the Lead to Soar Network: what do you do when your boss—or their boss—is disinterested, disengaged, or outright hostile?

Michelle and Mel respond to a recent message from a long-time Network member who was given two options by her boss: accept a demotion or take a redundancy package. Her crime? Delivering measurable, high-value outcomes. The insult? This same leader had previously blocked her advancement.

What unfolds in this episode is not a one-off grievance; it’s a structural, widespread issue. And it’s one that too many women are forced to survive in silence.

This is a conversation about:

• Surviving bad leadership when you can’t just quit

• The tactical and strategic moves women can make in hostile environments

• What good leadership should look like—and why too many workplaces are still failing

• How we move from endurance to systemic change

What You’ll Hear:

• Why disengaged, indifferent, or hostile bosses aren’t rare—they’re rampant

• What it really means when your value is ignored, diminished, or co-opted

• The mental gymnastics women perform to stay afloat in disrespectful environments

• How to protect your leadership credibility even when others won’t

• Tactical survival tips for navigating a disrespectful boss or power imbalance

• The long game: document your value, find your sponsors, and position yourself for the next move

• Why organisational leaders need to stop rewarding poor leadership and start practicing radical accountability

For Women Listening:

You’re not imagining it. And you’re not overreacting.

If your boss (or their boss) treats you with indifference, hostility, or disrespect, this episode gives you language, strategy, and validation. You don’t have to shrink, and you don’t have to tolerate being sidelined.

For Leaders Listening:

Disrespectful leadership is not a personality flaw, it’s a performance issue. If you’re allowing it to persist, you are part of the problem.

Take Action:

• Join the Lead to Soar Network to be in a room full of women who get it, and are changing it. leadtosoar.network/landing

• Read The Leadership Compass for a practical map to reclaim your power and career direction www.michelleredfern.com/books

Lead to Soar is a podcast for ambitious women and the leaders who support them. Hosted by Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher, it delivers evidence-based, practical advice on leadership, career progression, and closing the gender gap. Join the Lead to Soar Network at leadtosoar.network or get Michelle’s book The Leadership Compass at michelleredfern.com/book.

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