{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Breaking Free from a Malignant Manager: Cathy Alfandre\u2019s Guide to Taking Back Your Career","description":"On this episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty welcomes career coach and author Cathy Alfandre, whose new book is \u201cBreaking Free from a Malignant Manager: Strategies to Reclaim Your Confidence and Career.\u201d Cathy explains that the book grew out of years of coaching mid\u2011career professionals who were stuck with truly harmful bosses\u2014managers who stole credit, created gossip-filled, suspicious workplaces, or pushed people so hard they became physically ill and started doubting their own competence. She realized how common these experiences are, and wanted readers to know two things: you\u2019re not alone, and you\u2019re not powerless. Cathy and Jed talk about why malignant managers are so prevalent: people promoted without training, cutthroat cultures that reward bad behavior, performance systems that care only about results, and deeply insecure leaders who hoard credit and control. From there, Kathy walks listeners through the three big themes of her book: what to do when you can\u2019t quit yet, how to plan and execute a healthy move when you\u2019re ready to leave, and how to avoid landing with another toxic boss in the future. She shares practical tools like writing achievement stories (using the CAR method: Challenge, Action, Result) to rebuild confidence and prepare for resumes and interviews, and she underscores the lifelong value of networking\u2014not just when you\u2019re desperate to get out. Cathy also discusses when, and when not, to confront a boss or go to HR, and why careful judgment is essential. She closes by inviting listeners to learn more at Cathyalfandre.com and connect with her on LinkedIn. ","author_name":"Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/558800","html":"