Walk Away to Win: Thriving Beyond Toxic Workplaces with Megan Carle

On this episode of Suburban Burnout, Megan Carle shares her journey from a sports-oriented upbringing to a successful career at Nike, where she faced workplace bullying. This led her to writing her remarkable book, Walk Away To Win. She discusses the early days at Nike, the camaraderie among colleagues, and the red flags she encountered, particularly during a pivotal meeting in Paris. Megan emphasizes the patterns of bullying, its impact on mental health, and the importance of recognizing these behaviors. She reflects on her decision to leave Nike after witnessing a culture of mistreatment and the subsequent revelations in the 2018 New York Times article about workplace issues at the company. The conversation highlights the collective voice of women standing up against bullying and the need for kindness and respect in the workplace. In this conversation, Megan Carle discusses her experiences with workplace bullying, the importance of compliance, and the strategies for addressing such behavior. She emphasizes the need for documentation, the role of allies, and the impact of bullying on personal identity. The discussion also covers navigating HR dynamics, crafting exit stories, and the importance of leadership training to create a healthier workplace culture. Megan shares insights on empowering future generations and her upcoming leadership program, Lead. Always.

Listen to Megan's Podcast: Lead Always Podcast

Takeaways

• Megan's background in a sports family shaped her career.
• Early days at Nike fostered camaraderie and passion.
• Recognizing red flags in workplace bullying is crucial.
• Workplace bullying often manifests as a pattern of behavior.
• Mental health is significantly impacted by workplace bullying.
• Leaving a toxic environment is a necessary step for well-being.
• The 2018 New York Times article highlighted systemic issues at Nike.
• Women banding together can create change in corporate culture.
• Understanding the difference between bullying and rudeness is essential.
• Identifying different types of bullies can help in navigating workplace dynamics.
• Compliance can often be a default response in leadership.
• Ignoring or resisting bullying can be effective strategies.
• Documenting incidents is crucial for addressing workplace issues.
• Personal and professional boundaries are essential for well-being.
• Experiencing bullying can lead to feelings of powerlessness.
• Bullying can significantly impact one's personal identity and confidence.
• Crafting a clear exit story is important when leaving a toxic environment.
• Allies play a vital role in supporting those facing bullying.
• Navigating HR can be complex; documentation is key.
• Leadership training can help reduce workplace bullying and improve culture.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Megan Carle and Her Journey
03:11 Early Days at Nike: A Sports Family Background
06:06 Recognizing Red Flags: The Paris Meeting Incident
09:00 Understanding Workplace Bullying: Patterns and Effects
12:05 The Impact of Bullying on Mental Health
15:08 The Shift: Realizing the Need for Change
18:03 The Aftermath: Leaving Nike and the 2018 Exposé
20:51 The Collective Voice: Women Standing Up
23:50 The Silence of Workplace Bullying
26:51 Distinguishing Bullying from Rudeness
30:09 Categories of Bullies: Understanding Their Tactics
32:54 Navigating Corporate Dynamics: Values and Alignment
36:10 Diffusing Situations: Strategies and Reflections
47:17 Understanding Compliance in Leadership
50:12 Strategies for Addressing Bullying Behavior
51:13 The Importance of Documentation<