Your anxiety is not the problem—it’s your brain trying to warn you. But what happens when dysfunction becomes so normalized that you don’t even see it anymore?

In this episode, Dr. Charlie Hornes exposes the psychological conditioning that keeps smart, capable women stuck in toxic workplaces. We’ll cover:

✔ The 3 Psychological Stages of Workplace Dysfunction (Shock → Adjustment → Normalization)

✔ How Your Nervous System Reacts the Same to a Toxic Boss as It Would to a Bear

✔ Why You Feel Trapped (Even When You Have Options)

✔ The #1 Mistake That Gives Toxic People More Power Over You

✔ How to Break the Cycle Without Burning Bridges (Or Burning Out)

If you’ve ever thought, “Why didn’t I see this sooner?”—this episode is for you.

Questions

✔ Why do smart, successful women stay in toxic workplaces?

✔ What are the early signs of workplace dysfunction?

✔ How does workplace gaslighting make you doubt your reality?

✔ Why does my boss make me feel like I’m always in trouble?

✔ What’s the best way to regain power in a toxic work environment?

✔ How can I stop over-explaining myself to difficult people?

✔ What are the long-term effects of staying in a dysfunctional workplace?

📌 Key Takeaways

• Your nervous system doesn’t care if it’s a toxic boss or a bear—it reacts the same.
• Dysfunction becomes ‘normal’ through repeated exposure—your brain adapts.
• Gaslighting makes you doubt reality: ‘If no one else sees it, did it happen?’
• You cannot argue someone into treating you better—stop explaining yourself.
• The only way to break the cycle? Decide how long you’re willing to participate.

🎙️ Listen & Watch Now:

Listen on Apple Podcasts →

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-managing-your-brain-science-backed-mindshift-tools-for-women/id1750638594

Watch the Full Episode on YouTube →https://youtu.be/o8HrrTN1TPc

🕒 Chapter Timestamps

00:00 - Your anxiety is proof your brain is doing its job

00:38 - The slow burn of workplace dysfunction

02:03 - The moment I knew I was in trouble

06:40 - The first sign you’re in a toxic workplace

12:26 - Why you ignored the warning signs

14:21 - How your nervous system adapts to dysfunction

17:24 - The step-by-step process for breaking free

22:58 - The truth about toxic people: Why they never change

25:42 - Today, you stop normalizing the unacceptable

🔗 Resources & Next Steps

Take the Free Thought Saboteur Quiz →

https://charliehornescoaching.com/quiz

Join the 7 Day Confidence Challenge and get instant access to your Interactive PDF Guide →

https://charliehornescoaching.com/subscribe

🔗 Related Episodes to Watch:

• How Stress Is Breaking Your Brain → https://youtu.be/NtWXTs9mtvU
• How to Set Boundaries That Actually Work → https://youtu.be/vfbCiHbiC2g