Ep 40. What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses — with Mita Mallick

Ever wondered if you might be someone else's bad boss story? In this thought-provoking episode of the TroopHR podcast, Taylor Bradley reconnects with Mita Mallick, WSJ and USA Today bestselling author, for a candid conversation about her latest book, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses. Drawing from her own career and surprising discoveries (including a personal “burn book” of former bosses), Mita explores how toxic leadership shows up in unexpected ways—even in well-meaning managers.

Together, Mita and Taylor unpack modern workplace dynamics: the rise of the midnight-email manager, the dangers of toxic positivity, the tendency to talent hoard, and how stress can drive even experienced leaders into "bad boss" behaviors. Mita offers actionable tools for preventing those slips, including coaching tips, skip-level insights, and the underrated power of simply recognizing your team. Her vulnerable reflections on grief, growth, and self-awareness are a must-hear for any HR leader managing through complexity—or questioning their own habits.

Whether you're managing a team or mentoring others, this episode will have you rethinking how to lead with more intention, empathy, and accountability.

Credits
TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin
Show Producer: Nicole Fealey
Show Host: Taylor Bradley
Note: Transcripts generated by AI.