Sean Barnes shares practical strategies for dealing with toxic workplaces and unhealthy leadership cultures. Learn how to tell the difference between toxic and untrained leaders, how to stay motivated, when to move on, and how to rebuild your confidence after leaving.

Watch till the end for Sean’s personal story of leaving a toxic company, and what it taught him about leadership, resilience, and growth.

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 252| 10.21.2025

Episode Title: Toxic Workplace? How to Lead & Move On | Sean Barnes

Key Moments

00:00 – Introduction: Why toxic workplaces are on the rise 01:00 – Is leadership really toxic, or just under pressure? 02:10 – Communicating up and down the chain with empathy 03:00 – Turning frustration into opportunity for leadership growth 05:20 – Knowing when it’s time to leave 07:20 – Sean’s personal story of walking away from toxicity 08:30 – How to rebuild trust and confidence after a toxic experience 10:30 – Finding healthy companies and protecting your brand 11:20 – Closing thoughts on resilience and leadership

Key Takeaways

1. Understand before judging: Sometimes “toxic” leadership is just undeveloped leadership. Seek to understand before labeling.
2. Lead through empathy: Ask clarifying questions and share context with your team to reduce frustration.
3. Stay the light: When negativity dominates, choose optimism and be the example of strength and hope.
4. Know when to walk away: If the environment is harming your health, it’s time to prioritize yourself.
5. Rebuild intentionally: Surround yourself with positive, growth-minded people, they’ll help you rediscover your confidence.
6. Brand matters: Build a personal brand rooted in integrity and growth so you can attract healthy workplaces.

Host: Sean Barnes

Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com

https://www.seanbarnes.com

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

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The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/

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Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15