Narcissism At Work is the essential podcast for anyone who has felt like their boss or colleague was gaslighting them, their HR team protected the problem, or their workplace felt more like a mind game than a job. Hosted by award-winning social impact entrepreneur Leyya Sattar and clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani, this series pulls back the curtain on toxic workplace behaviours driven by narcissistic abuse. From manipulation and control to blame-shifting and burnout, we unpack the behaviours that thrive in toxic cultures and show you how to break free.
Each episode combines expert insight with real-life stories to help you spot the red flags, set better boundaries, and rebuild your sense of self. Whether you’re stuck in a toxic team or recovering from a narcissistic workplace, Narcissism At Work gives you the clarity, language, and tools to call it out and take your power back.
Honest, empowering, and grounded in real expertise, this podcast cuts through the buzzwords to expose the subtle tactics narcissists use to climb, and how you can rise above them.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Narcissism At Work is the essential podcast for anyone who has felt like their boss or colleague was gaslighting them, their HR team protected the problem, or their workplace felt more like a mind game than a job. Hosted by award-winning social impact entrepreneur Leyya Sattar and clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani, this series pulls back the curtain on toxic workplace behaviours driven by narcissistic abuse. From manipulation and control to blame-shifting and burnout, we unpack the behaviours that thrive in toxic cultures and show you how to break free.
Each episode combines expert insight with real-life stories to help you spot the red flags, set better boundaries, and rebuild your sense of self. Whether you’re stuck in a toxic team or recovering from a narcissistic workplace, Narcissism At Work gives you the clarity, language, and tools to call it out and take your power back.
Honest, empowering, and grounded in real expertise, this podcast cuts through the buzzwords to expose the subtle tactics narcissists use to climb, and how you can rise above them.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this bonus episode, Faisa writes in as a manager whose confidence was shattered by a direct report who consistently blurred the line between vulnerability and manipulation. From rejecting basic feedback and weaponising mental health language, to quietly shifting blame and undermining leadership through conflicting narratives, this experience explores what happens when managers, especially empathetic, conscientious ones, find themselves unable to do their job for fear of being seen as "cold," "mean," or "sabotaging."
This story is a must-listen for anyone navigating emotionally complex team dynamics, and a vital reminder that toxic dynamics aren’t exclusive to senior-level roles.
Expert Insight
Clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani offers compassionate, trauma-informed insight into:
Key themes
Why this episode matters
Not all narcissistic dynamics look like shouting CEOs. Some are quiet, confusing, and disguised as wellness, vulnerability, or even friendship. Faisa’s story sheds light on the often invisible burnout that comes from managing someone who continually avoids accountability while presenting themselves as the victim. It’s a form of gaslighting that leaves empathetic leaders questioning their instincts, doubting their decisions, and, too often, abandoning leadership altogether.
Bonus episodes
Listener Letters are real stories submitted by the Other Box community, sharing lived experiences of navigating toxic workplaces and narcissistic dynamics. Each letter is anonymised, read aloud, and followed by expert insight from clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani. Together, we unpack the behavioural patterns at play and share tools for clarity, support and recovery. We hope these real-life accounts allow you to recognise the signs sooner and start focusing on how to reclaim your life.
Support the Podcast
If this episode resonated with you:
You can connect with Other Box: otherbox.co/podcast for further resources.
Narcissism At Work is a co-production from Other Box and Breaking Atoms. Subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.