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Dear HR Diary - The Unfiltered Truth You Wish They Taught in Management School
Welcome to "Dear HR Diary," the unfiltered truth you wish they taught in management school. This podcast hosted by, ME, Dawn Hart, a seasoned HR and management professional with over 28 years of experience in the corporate world. Join me and some fantastic guests on a thrilling journey through the trenches of human resources and management, where expertise meets snark, sass, and a plethora of captivating stories.
Drawing from my extensive background in various industries, I will bring you a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of the workplace. Each episode is a rollercoaster ride filled with humorous anecdotes, jaw-dropping tales, and invaluable insights. Whether you're an HR professional, a manager trying to decode the complexities of office dynamics, or simply someone who appreciates a good story, this podcast is your go-to destination.
I love to apply my wealth of experience and some valuable tips to the "Dear HR Diary" podcast by diving deep into the nitty-gritty of HR, revealing the human side of human resources and the managing side of managing people. Expect laughter, enlightenment, and a healthy dose of snark and sass. Subscribe now and tune in to uncover the secrets, strategies, and scandals of the corporate world, all narrated with my fun, and sassy signature style. Your weekly dose of HR and management brilliance awaits!
Dear HR Diary - The Unfiltered Truth You Wish They Taught in Management School
S 2 E. 31 - Gaslighting, Gossip, and Grind Culture: Breaking Free from Toxic Work with guest Kelsey Neff
In this candid conversation, Dawn and guest Kelsey Neff unpack what makes a workplace truly toxic (hint: it’s not just one cranky manager), share personal experiences from the trenches, and lay out practical ways employees and leaders can identify, interrupt, and repair unhealthy dynamics. We cover the cost of toxicity—on people, culture, and the bottom line—plus how to navigate change, advocate for yourself, and find support when trauma and PTSD are part of the picture.
What We Covered
- Defining a toxic workplace: patterns of harm vs. isolated bad days
- Our lived experiences: what it felt like, what we missed, what we won’t ignore again
- Red flags & early indicators: gaslighting, retaliation, blame-shifting, “rockstar” exceptions, chaotic change, and policy-by-favoritism
- Management’s role: how leaders create, enable, or correct toxicity
- Navigating change & seeking solutions: internal channels, documentation, and realistic timelines
- The cost of turnover: financial (often ~50–200% of salary), productivity, reputation, and the silent tax on well-being
- PTSD & trauma-informed workplaces: recognizing symptoms, responding vs. reacting, and building safety
Resources & Further Reading
- Books
- The No Asshole Rule — Robert I. Sutton
- The Asshole Survival Guide — Robert I. Sutton
- Toxic Workplace! — Mitchell Kusy & Elizabeth Holloway
- The Fearless Organization — Amy C. Edmondson (psychological safety)
- Guidance & Research
- SHRM: Spotting and addressing toxic culture; anti-retaliation best practices
- APA (American Psychological Association): Work & Well-Being, stress & trauma resources
- CDC/NIOSH: Total Worker Health® guidance on psychosocial hazards
- HBR (Harvard Business Review): Psychological safety; fixing toxic culture
- Support
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) — call or text 988
Contact: Kelsey Neff
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-neff/
- Website: https://www.bydesignconsulting.space/
Call to Action
If this episode hit a nerve, you’re not “too sensitive”—you’re probably on to something.
✅ Share this episode with a manager who wants to build a healthy team.
✅ DM me “TOXIC CHECKLIST” and I’ll send you the one-page PDF you can use in your next 1:1.
✅ Leaders: want an audit + action plan in 30 days? Let’s talk.
Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart