The Only Real Cure for a Toxic Workplace

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The Only Real Cure for a Toxic Workplace | Desiree Goldey

How Teaching Leaders Self-Awareness and Self-Care Changes Everything

Greg Weinger

May 02, 2025

Transcript

Desiree Goldey has a cure for toxic workplaces—but it’s not what you think.

As the founder of Do Better Consulting, Desiree has worked with many of the standard tools—DEI trainings, workshops, culture surveys—but found that more is needed.

Over time, she realized they were missing the most critical target: leadership.

“We’re leaving out the human element,” she says. “Why aren’t we training people to lead people?”

Desiree now focuses on the root problem: a widespread lack of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and basic leadership skills—especially among those in the middle ranks and the C-suite.

Her approach is deceptively simple: teach leaders how to care for themselves, understand their impact, and show up with intention. When they do, something powerful happens. They begin to create more inclusive cultures where everyone can thrive, including women, people of color, and introverts.

From questions like “Why do you want to be a leader?” and “How do you want to show up each day?” she helps leaders develop a personal leadership style rooted in authenticity and awareness.

While she acknowledges the slow pace of change, especially among Gen X, she’s energized by what she sees from Millennials and Gen Z, who are demanding more from their workplaces and leading with values.

This conversation is packed with Desiree’s warmth, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a burned-out manager, or a seasoned executive ready to evolve, this episode will speak to you.

What you’ll learn:

Why so many leaders—especially middle managers—are promoted without ever being trained
The hidden costs of leadership, and how to decide whether it’s really right for you
Why emotional intelligence is the most underdeveloped leadership skill in the workplace
The power of self-awareness: how to reflect, define your leadership style, and stay authentic
Why mentorship matters—and how senior leaders can change the culture one relationship at a time
What rising generations are refusing to tolerate—and what Gen X can learn from them
How to practice real self-care that replenishes your energy, not just numbs you out
Why the best leaders are always learning, always reading, always growing

Some takeaways:

Culture is built one leader at a time—starting with how you show up.
There’s no one right way to lead—but there is a right way for you. Find it.
Introverts often make the most thoughtful, empathetic leaders. Don’t overlook them.
Self-awareness is a superpower. Build it through reflection, journaling, and silence.
Self-care isn’t selfish. Without it, you can’t support anyone else.
If you’re not clear on why you want to lead, you’re not ready to lead.
The workplace may not always be loyal to you. Be loyal to your values.
You don’t need to solve everything at once—just take the next step.

Where to find Desiree Goldey: