So Your Boss Sucks, Now What?
Bad bosses happen to good people. Join entrepreneur, corporate trailblazer-turned-business strategist, and podcast host Natalie Parker as she unpacks real-life stories of tough leaders and toxic work environments. With Natalie’s expertise in navigating corporate chaos and building strategies for success, this podcast offers practical advice and actionable insights to help you turn workplace challenges into opportunities for growth. Whether you’re dealing with micromanagers, toxic cultures, or just plain bad vibes, this is your go-to guide for taking control, thriving, and proving that when your boss sucks, your success doesn’t have to.
Episodes
Katherine Coles shares her journey from struggling as a first-time leader to developing a leadership philosophy centered on partnership, integrity, and continuous learning. She transforms her understanding of what makes an effective leader by recognizing that leadership requires both self-awareness and intentional relationship-building.
• Leadership isn't about compelling people to follow but creating co...
Performance improvement plans are supposed to help employees get back on track, but as Harvard Business Review reports, a shocking 90% of employees placed on PIPs don't survive them. This episode pulls back the curtain on what a PIP really means for your career and future with your company.
When a friend called me about being put on a performance improvement plan, I examined the document and couldn'...
Natalie Parker and leadership coach Ayana Coston dive into what happens behind the scenes when organizations call in executive coaches to help struggling leaders develop or correct performance issues.
• Most leaders lack fundamental leadership skills despite technical expertise
• Leadership effectiveness rarely measured in performance management
• Leaders need safe spaces to be heard without judgment<...
Finding yourself stuck with a terrible boss can feel like a nightmare, but what if you could spot the warning signs before accepting the job? In this illuminating conversation with talent matchmaker Julia Cooper, we uncover the secrets to test-driving potential managers during the interview process.
Julia reveals that authenticity has become the true currency of successful workplace relationships. As a recrui...
Racial slurs in the workplace, managers who know nothing about your job, and organizations eliminating leadership positions – welcome to the wild world of modern work. In this eye-opening conversation, HR executive DeVaughn G. Stephens and host Natalie Parker pull back the curtain on what really happens behind closed doors in corporate America.
DeVaughn shares the shocking story of a boss who called him an &q...
What happens when your manager treats their job like Gollum from Lord of the Rings – clutching tasks while muttering "my precious"? Sarah Vaughn Benjamin knows exactly how this feels.
During her seven-year journey from academia to corporate HR, Sarah encountered the classic territorial boss who demanded help yet refused to delegate meaningful work. "I was just stuck," she recalls, describi...
What happens when toxic leadership meets talented professionals? In this riveting conversation with executive coach Ayanna Coston, we unpack the painful reality of navigating bad bosses while preserving your authentic self.
Ayana shares her experience with her first corporate boss—a leader who disappeared when things went well but materialized instantly when problems arose. She introduces us to the "thro...
Dreading your next performance review? In this episode, we’ll break down how to prepare for and survive even the toughest feedback sessions. From handling unfair critiques to showcasing your wins, learn how to own the conversation and use it as a launchpad for growth.
Don't let your boss suck the life out of you.
Share your bad boss story on our website.
Learn more or Book Natalie.
What do you do when your boss lies to you—or about you? This episode dives into the messy world of dishonest managers and equips you with tools to protect your reputation and your career. Learn how to uncover the truth, maintain your integrity, and navigate the fallout of their lies.
Don't let your boss suck the life out of you.
Share your bad boss story on our website.
Learn more or Book Natalie.
What happens when your boss is always MIA? In this episode, we’ll explore strategies to succeed when your manager is unresponsive or unavailable. From setting clear expectations to stepping up as your own leader, discover how to thrive in the absence of guidance.
Don't let your boss suck the life out of you.
Share your bad boss story on our website.
Learn more or Book Natalie.
Is your boss threatened by your success? In this episode, we tackle the tricky dynamics of a jealous manager and show you how to manage their insecurities while thriving in your role. Learn to shine without stepping on toes and build a collaborative relationship that works for everyone
Don't let your boss suck the life out of you.
Share your bad boss story on our website.
Learn more or Book Natalie.
Feel like you’re the go-to scapegoat for everything wrong at work? In this episode, we expose the toxic tactics of scapegoating managers and colleagues teaching you how to shield yourself from their blame game. Learn how to document your wins, communicate your value, and hold your ground without burning bridges. Stop taking the fall and start owning your narrative!
Don't let your boss suck the life out of you.
Feel like your boss is breathing down your neck? More than 70% of working people have had the same experience!
In this episode, we’ll decode the mind of the micro-manager and arm you with practical strategies to regain your autonomy. Learn how to balance their need for control with your need for space—and maybe even turn their scrutiny into an advantage. Master the art of managing up and reclaim your peace of mind...
What do you do when your boss didn’t want you on their team? In this episode, we’ll uncover savvy strategies to win their trust, prove your worth, and become their go-to person. From navigating awkward beginnings to earning genuine respect, learn how to flip the script and thrive in any tough workplace dynamic. Don’t just survive—stand out!
Don't let your boss suck the life out of you.
Share your bad boss stor...
Ever felt trapped under the weight of a terrible boss? In this episode, we dive into why bad bosses happen to good people and how you can regain control of your career. In this episode, we start the journey of learning practical strategies to navigate toxic leadership, protect your peace, and turn frustration into fuel for growth. It's time to stop surviving and start thriving—even when your boss sucks.
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