In this bonus episode, we hear from Mo, a husband whose life and marriage were shaken by his wife’s narcissistic boss.

From emotional manipulation, faux-therapeutic language to reframe abuse as care, to cult-like loyalty and isolation, Mo recounts the mental toll of watching his partner be drained of confidence and convinced that she was the problem. This letter reveals how narcissistic abuse at work doesn’t just affect employees; it can tear through homes, relationships, and mental health.

Psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani offers compassionate insight into why narcissistic leaders target high-performing individuals, how they isolate them from their support systems, and what recovery can look like for both the direct victim and their loved ones.

Why this episode matters:

Mo’s story highlights that narcissistic abuse at work is rarely contained to the office. The manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional harm ripple outward, sometimes even threatening the bonds we hold most dear.

If you’ve ever questioned yourself while watching someone you love unravel under toxic leadership, this story may offer insight, solidarity, and hope.

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.

Connect with Other Box: otherbox.co/podcast for further resources | @otherbox

Subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop.

Narcissism At Work is a co-production from Other Box and Breaking Atoms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Narcissism At Work, we're diving into what happens when a respected visionary founder turns into a source of emotional manipulation, fear, and chaos. Startups are often praised for their innovation and drive, but they can also be prime territory for narcissistic behaviours, cleverly disguised as passion, purpose, and progress. We're joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani to break down how narcissistic entrepreneurs weaponise values like "resilience" and "loyalty," using charm, ambition, and even therapeutic language to exploit trust and blur boundaries.

What we cover:

• When charisma and “big vision” mask control and abuse
• Red flags in startup culture e.g. love bombing, mirroring, gaslighting, and burnout
• Why narcissists are drawn to entrepreneurial roles
• How values like “grit” and “purpose” are twisted to justify exploitation
• Emotional debt, blurred lines, and the illusion of family in toxic work cultures
• How to set boundaries, break free from trauma bonding, and protect your peace

Why it matters:

These environments don’t just hurt careers, they destabilise lives. And because they’re often masked by ethical branding or progressive language, many people don’t realise what’s happening until the damage is done.

Connect with Other Box: otherbox.co/podcast for further resources | @otherbox

Subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop.

Narcissism At Work is a co-production from Other Box and Breaking Atoms.

Connect with Other Box: otherbox.co @otherbox

Narcissism At Work is a co-production from Other Box and Breaking Atoms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus episode 3 explores the story of Rani, whose dream job at a supposedly inclusive workplace quickly turned into a toxic nightmare. What started as feeling “seen” and championed by a senior colleague spiralled into emotional manipulation, weaponised feedback, and guilt-laced control.

Rani's letter uncovers how narcissistic individuals often use the illusion of support to gain influence, only to later gaslight, undermine, and erode confidence through chaos, contradiction, and shame.

What we cover:

• How narcissists perform allyship while creating impossible expectations
• Meetings as control tactics: time-wasting, dominance, and emotional exhaustion
• The link between narcissistic abuse and mum guilt, overworking, and burnout
• How the promise of “the dream” and future-faking is used to keep people hooked and disempowered
• The emotional toll of being constantly emotionally and mentally disorientated, even when the facts don’t add up

Why this episode matters:

Rani’s story highlights that abuse isn’t always obvious. It can masquerade as support or empowering language. However, if it undermines your confidence, well-being, or values, consider it a red flag.

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.

Connect with Other Box: otherbox.co/podcast for further resources | @otherbox

Subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop.

Narcissism At Work is a co-production from Other Box and Breaking Atoms.

Connect with Other Box: otherbox.co @otherbox

Narcissism At Work is a co-production from Other Box and Breaking Atoms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.