Insights & Writing

Blog

Where thriving cultures take root, practical insights on leadership, toxic workplaces, and work-life balance.

Sep 10, 2026

Peaks of Perspective: Life & Wellbeing Lessons from my Peruvian Adventure

In August 2026, a trip to Peru with the Youth Singers of Calgary became an unexpected journey of reflection, connection, and personal growth. While the trip included incredible performances, cultural experiences, and a visit to Machu Picchu, some of the most meaningful lessons came from time spent with the people of Peru and a descendant of the Inca in the Sacred Valley. In this reflection, Dr. Laura shares five powerful lessons about living a healthier and more meaningful life: reconnecting with the Earth, remembering that we are more than our job titles, staying present rather than becoming consumed by the past or future, loosening our relationship with the clock, and recognizing the universal power of a smile.

Read Article

All Articles

64 posts

YearSort

Sep 10, 2026

Peaks of Perspective: Life & Wellbeing Lessons from my Peruvian Adventure

Read

Aug 12, 2026

Tech Detox and the Weight of the World: Reclaiming Your Right to a Good Day

Constant exposure to bad news and social media can leave us carrying the weight of the world before our day even begins. Learn how a simple tech detox, healthier boundaries, and purposeful action can reduce stress, protect your well-being, and help you stay engaged without burning out.

Read

Jul 22, 2026

Beyond Toxic Bosses: The Plight of Toxic Coworkers

A single toxic coworker can affect an entire team’s morale, trust, communication, and psychological safety, and left unchecked, that behavior can spread, normalize unhealthy dynamics, and contribute to a toxic culture.

Read

Jul 22, 2026

Toxic Coworkers Exist Too: When the Problem Isn't Your Boss

When people hear me speak about toxic leadership or read my book, one of the most common questions I receive is: “What if it’s not my boss? What if it’s my coworker?” It’s an important question, because workplace toxicity doesn’t only come from people in leadership positions. A single toxic coworker can affect an entire team’s morale, trust, communication, and psychological safety, and left unchecked, that behaviour can spread, normalize unhealthy dynamics, and eventually become part of the culture itself.

Read

Jun 17, 2026

HR and Toxic Leadership: Understanding the Role, the Reality, and What You Can Do

HR is often talked about as ultimately protecting the company versus the employees. In reality, it is far more complex than that. In my two decades as an organizational psychologist, and through years of research on toxic leadership across North America, I’ve seen how misunderstood HR’s role can be, especially when toxic leadership is involved. People often assume HR is either the “fixer” or the “problem,” when in truth, HR is usually operating inside constraints most employees never see....

Read

May 19, 2026

Resilience Through Rejection: How to Keep Moving in a Tough Job Market

Lately, I’ve been speaking with the media quite a bit about how difficult this job market feels for many people. It’s competitive, unpredictable, and emotionally draining. You can prepare carefully, interview well, and still hear “no,” or, what is becoming increasingly more common: utter silence. That kind of rejection hurts. And when it happens repeatedly, it starts to wear down your confidence and motivation. Many people begin doubting their skills and replaying every interview,...

Read

Apr 27, 2026

I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Three Months In — What I've Learned from my Valued Readers

It’s hard to believe that my book, I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, has now been out in the world for three months. When I first wrote this book, my goal was simple: to give people language for something many were experiencing but did not have the right language to name. I wanted readers to feel less alone, and more equipped to do something about one of the most damaging dynamics that exists in professional life.

Read

Mar 18, 2026

How to Stay Grounded When Work and the World Feel Unstable

The world around us is chaotic, and that chaos translates into uncertainty in our work and lives. Many of us are absorbing a constant stream of outrage, tragedy, and fear. We are processing scary news and heartbreaking wars—between meetings, deadlines, performance targets, and the next “breaking news” notification. It’s no wonder so many people feel worn down. The pressure is not just emotional; it is structural. Across the U.S., workplace stress has become the norm, with 79% of employees...

Read

Feb 17, 2026

Toxic Leadership and Women at Work: Why the Impact Is Not Equal

As we get closer to International Women’s Day, I feel compelled to share a less comfortable reality that continues to surface in my research and in my work with clients across North America: women are disproportionately impacted by toxic leadership at work. Let me be clear: toxic leadership is not gender-specific. Anyone can work for a toxic boss, and anyone can display toxic behavior. My research and experience points to the fact that a female leader is just as likely to be a toxic boss as a...

Read

Jan 19, 2026

My New Book, I Wish I’d Quit Sooner, Is Officially Out!

Over the past several years, one theme has surfaced repeatedly in my work as an organizational psychologist, coach, and speaker: people don’t leave jobs—they leave toxic bosses . And yet, so many professionals stay far longer than they should, convincing themselves that things will improve, that they’re being “too sensitive,” or that this is simply the cost of success. That’s why I wrote I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, which is out NOW...

Read

Dec 16, 2025

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire! Working for a Dishonest Manipulator

In my years as an organizational psychologist and career coach, I’ve listened to countless stories about bosses who bend reality, shift blame, and create chaos through deception. The Dishonest Manipulator is one of the most insidious toxic boss types you’ll encounter in the workplace. Their tactics might not always be obvious at first, but the impact on your well-being and career can be profound. What Is a Dishonest Manipulator—and How Do You Recognize One? This toxic boss persona thrives...

Read

Nov 21, 2025

Recognizing and Protecting Yourself from a Narcissistic Boss

Toxic leaders don’t all look the same. Some command the room with charisma, and others quietly drain your confidence over time. Through my research and work with professionals navigating unhealthy workplaces, I’ve come to recognize eight distinct toxic boss types, and the Narcissistic Boss is one of the most common of them all. The American Psychological Association describes narcissism as a “pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of...

Read

Let's get to work

Ready to Transform the Way You Work and Lead?

Partner with Dr. Laura to build a culture where people and performance thrive together.

Get Started