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.

We’ve all heard of toxic bosses, but what about colleagues who exhibit narcissistic traits? In this episode of Narcissism At Work, Leyya and clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani explore the less talked-about, but just as damaging, impact of narcissism among our peers. From backstabbing and silent smear campaigns to credit-stealing and emotional manipulation, this episode dives deep into the warning signs and psychological fallout of working with a narcissistic colleague.

What we cover:

• How narcissistic colleagues manipulate to compete, control, and undermine
• Red flags that you might be working with someone who’s not as supportive as they seem
• Smear campaigns, love bombing, and subtle sabotage tactics
• What healthy competition looks like, and where the line gets crossed
• The toll this takes on team trust, collaboration and creativity
• Mental health impacts, including trauma symptoms, grief, and isolation
• Tools like the DEEP method to protect yourself

Why it matters:

Toxic colleagues can slowly chip away at your confidence, relationships and reputation. This episode offers language, clarity, and strategies for reclaiming your power.

Plus:

• Real-life scenarios of narcissistic dynamics at work
• Practical tips to spot the red flags and protect yourself
• A reminder that you’re not imagining it and you’re not alone

Resources mentioned:

• World Health Organisation (www.who.int/)
• ‘The Body Keeps The Score’ by Bessel van der Kolk

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.

We're sharing the story of Aisha, a professional who entered a role at a start-up sold as inclusive and progressive, only to be met with manipulation, erratic behaviour, and emotional abuse by a narcissistic leader.

Aisha describes being gaslit, love-bombed, and constantly destabilised through inconsistent feedback, intrusive WhatsApp messages, and power plays tied to vulnerability. The episode touches on themes like the illusion of inclusion, weaponised empathy, and the erosion of confidence under narcissistic leadership, particularly when masked as ‘empowered’ startup culture. Dr. Daksha Hirani offers psychological insights on boundary-setting, journaling for self-validation, and how to move forward while honouring your values and worth.

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, validation, 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.