LEGAL SERVICES

Toxic Workplaces

Are you stuck in an organization that values bullies and other posers, while your skills and contributions get ignored? Are you feeling burned out, stressed out, and not sure why? Women especially tend to put others’ needs before our own, which can lead to getting taken advantage of or worse. Throughout my career, I’ve personally faced these challenges — and learned how to overcome them.

• Dealing with psychological abuse from a narcissist boss or co-worker, and other forms of bullying

• Feeling gaslit by a boss, co-worker, or an entire organization

• Overcoming founders’ syndrome and “good girl” patterns of putting everyone else ahead of your own needs

• Spotting micro-aggressions and other forms of covert sexism and racism

• Feeling isolated and abandoned by colleagues

• Experiencing burnout, chronic trauma, and realizing when it’s time to leave.

Escape Planning

By the time you realize you need to leave a toxic workplace, you’re likely to be exhausted and not functioning at your best. While you may realize the only solution is to leave, how you leave matters. Let me help you create a strong exit strategy and navigate through the various stages of leaving, recovery, and transition. I can help you:

• Discuss your options, including entitlement to severance pay, and assessing potential claims (without offering legal advice)

• Talk through the importance of avoiding being silenced by NDAs and non-disparagement clauses

• When needed, access my network for legal referrals in your area

• Advise on potential for accountability through media strategies

• Career coaching on next steps, especially consulting

• Suggest strategies for reputation management.

“Michele was very helpful to me in navigating a toxic situation at my job. She provided tips for documenting my concerns, coached me on how to vocalize those concerns and she also provided me with emotional support and confidence! Her attention to detail, knowledge and compassion all make her service invaluable and I highly recommend her.”

— Michelle Sooknanan —