Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett

It’s hard to believe that my book, I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, has now been out in the world for three months. When I first wrote this book, my goal was simple: to give people language for something many were experiencing but did not have the right language to name. I wanted readers to feel less alone, and more equipped to do something about one of the most damaging dynamics that exists in professional life. What I didn't fully...

The world around us is chaotic, and that chaos translates into uncertainty in our work and lives. Many of us are absorbing a constant stream of outrage, tragedy, and fear. We are processing scary news and heartbreaking wars—between meetings, deadlines, performance targets, and the next “breaking news” notification. It’s no wonder so many people feel worn down. The pressure is not just emotional; it is structural. Across the U.S., workplace stress has become the norm, with 79% of employees...

As we get closer to International Women’s Day, I feel compelled to share a less comfortable reality that continues to surface in my research and in my work with clients across North America: women are disproportionately impacted by toxic leadership at work. Let me be clear: toxic leadership is not gender-specific. Anyone can work for a toxic boss, and anyone can display toxic behavior. My research and experience points to the fact that a female leader is just as likely to be a toxic boss as a...