Idea Theft in the Workplace.

In this episode of the Power of Peacefulness podcast, Dr. Sharon McLaughlin's team dives into one of the most overlooked challenges women in leadership face: idea theft in the workplace. Whether it’s a colleague taking credit for your idea, a manager reframing your contribution as their own, or being overshadowed and unheard in meetings, these patterns are more common than most organizations realize.

Sharon's team breaks down the psychology of misattribution, including why people unintentionally claim others’ ideas, how power dynamics shape who gets recognized, and how bias influences whose contributions are remembered. She explores research on psychological safety, the Matilda Effect, and the systemic factors that contribute to credit loss for women and underrepresented professionals.

Listeners will learn practical, evidence-based strategies to protect their work, including:

• Preventive architecture that anchors your ideas to your name

• Scripts to calmly reclaim credit during meetings

• Tools to create “receipts” that make attribution automatic

• Techniques for emotional regulation so you can respond without reacting

• Leadership practices that help teams build a transparent, equitable credit culture

This episode is a must-listen for any woman in leadership who wants to communicate with clarity, prevent idea theft, and strengthen her leadership presence—without creating conflict or damaging professional relationships.

👉 Listen to the full episode to learn how to safeguard your contributions, elevate your visibility, and advocate for your ideas with calm, confidence, and strategy.

🎧 Tune in now on the Power of Peacefulness Podcast
📘 Download your free workbook: Five Steps to Communicate with More Calm, Clarity, and Confidence at powerofpeacefulness.com

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