In this episode, we explore the complicated transition of power when a long-time owner steps away and a senior leader, whose only leadership example is the outgoing boss, steps in. Communication gaps, top-down decisions, and a legacy of poor leadership create a shaky start. But when employees bravely speak up, the new owner begins to listen. We dig into what it takes to break the cycle, build trust, and whether this kind of growth can truly reshape a leadership style.

After a long career in government service, one employee finally landed a temporary role they loved thanks to a supervisor who unknowingly bypassed a gatekeeping process. They excelled, earned praise, and was invited to extend. When the regular supervisor was asked for approval, the answer was a firm 'no'. And the next time around, the employee wasn’t even permitted to apply for a position they had enjoyed and excelled in.

Nearing retirement, they suspected they were being boxed in and pushed out, just for thriving in a different role. An EEO claim followed, but even that process felt like a dead end. In this episode, we dig into how great performance can become a threat and what it costs when leaders fear letting people grow.#BadBossFiles #LessonsFromTheWorst #BadBossFilesPodcast #PulseHRSolutions #LowMorale

This episode spotlights a boss who brought in a highly-qualified new manager only to undermine her at every turn. Despite her competence and the team's steady progress, he inserted himself into projects unnecessarily, caused delays, and ultimately claimed credit for work she and her team completed. We break down the insecurity-fueled sabotage, the leadership damage it caused, and ask: Was this coachable… or just plain toxic?

#BadBossFiles #LessonsFromTheWorst #BadBossFilesPodcast #PulseHRSolutions #PoorLeadership

In this episode, we unpack the story of a manager who constantly changed the work schedule without informing staff, then had the audacity to blame his team for being “undependable.” As frustration grew, it became clear he played favorites—giving select employees insider info while leaving others scrambling. We dig into the impact of poor communication, inconsistent expectations, and favoritism on team morale, and ask the big questions: Is this behavior coachable? Trainable? And would you stay or walk away?

#BadBossFiles #LessonsFromTheWorst #BadBossFilesPodcast #PulseHRSolutions

In this episode, we unpack the story of an employee at a small business who was eager to grow, stepping up to take on new responsibilities after a teammate left. But when she sent one marketing email, her boss responded with yelling, profanity, and an ego-fueled lecture. Despite her dedication, she consistently felt singled out—and as a minority, she finally asked the question that had been weighing on her: Was this about her race? The answer came not in words, but in retaliation. We dive into what happened, why speaking up shouldn’t cost someone their job, and whether any part of this is actually coachable.

#BadBossFiles #LessonsFromTheWorst #BadBossFilesPodcast #PulseHRSolutions #Bias

In this episode, we explore the story of an employee who was encouraged to pursue education and career advancement—until she actually tried. When she submitted her tuition reimbursement form, it mysteriously vanished, her manager deflected blame to HR, and the HR contact conveniently left. What followed was a textbook case of passive resistance, lost trust, and silent sabotage. She ended up investing in herself, without support from the very people who had once suggested it. We break down the red flags, accountability gaps, and ask the big questions: Was this coachable? Or just a classic case of lip service leadership?

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In this episode of Bad Boss Files, a long-time high-performer finds herself micromanaged, blocked from leadership, and slowly erased after a new manager takes over. Delegated to, ignored, and devalued, she finally gives notice — only to have her boss finally ask what salary might have kept her. At her farewell lunch, the micromanaging doesn't stop. The kicker? “Order whatever you want — but you HAVE to get the guacamole!"

Micromanager until the end. Even at the farewell party.
#BadBossFiles #LessonsFromTheWorst #BadBossFilesPodcast #PulseHRSolutions #HRPodcast #Micromanager

Before the stories roll in, we’re pulling back the curtain on how Bad Boss Files came to be. In this kickoff episode, Sheri and Kate share the inspiration behind Bad Boss Files, why this podcast matters, and what you can expect in future episodes. Whether you’ve survived a bad boss, been one, or want to avoid becoming one — you’re in the right place. #BadBossFiles #LessonsFromTheWorst #BadBossFilesPodcast #PulseHRSolutions #ToxicWorkplace

In this kickoff episode, Sheri and Kate introduce The Bad Boss Files the podcast where workplace horror stories meet coaching wisdom and real talk. They share why the show exists, what you can expect in each episode, and how your stories (yes, yours!) can help others lead better. From HR confessions to laugh-out-loud leadership fails, this podcast digs into whether bad behavior is coachable, trainable… or just plain walk-away worthy.

#BadBossFiles#LessonsFromTheWorst #BadBossFilesPodcast #PulseHRSolutions#LeadershipLessons

Learn more about this episode at Podchaser: Sf6dSWYImUQZluTFmOhY