Host: Jennifer Cowley
Guest: Maureen Kyne
Have you ever managed a direct report who consistently withheld vital information, challenged your authority in team meetings, or spread subtle rumours to senior executive leadership?
When team friction occurs, high-achieving leaders often look inward first. We question our communication, wonder if we are being too tough, or fall into the trap of imposter syndrome. But what if the resistance you are experiencing is not a personal failure of your leadership at all?
In this eye-opening episode, Jennifer Cowley sits down with workplace culture expert and author Maureen Kyne to shine a spotlight on a hidden workplace epidemic: Upward Bullying.
Maureen shares shocking research revealing that 71% of senior leaders experience upward bullying, with 93% reporting it severely damaged their leadership confidence. Together, Jennifer and Maureen break down how upward resistance operates, why high-performing leaders are targeted, and the exact three-word verbal script you can use to set firm boundaries without losing your calm or resorting to aggression.
Key Takeaways From This Episode
Kindness as a Power Skill: Why curiosity and active listening are your greatest tools when addressing disruptive workplace behaviour early.
The Reality of Upward Bullying: Why mobbing, information withholding, and strategic formal grievances from direct reports are systemic risks rather than isolated personality clashes.
The Imposter Syndrome Trap: How targeted pushback makes leaders internalise blame, leading to conflict avoidance or aggressive overcompensation.
The 3-Word Boundary Script: How using the phrase “In my role...” immediately shifts a difficult conversation away from personal friction and back to objective professional accountability.
Resources & Links
Maureen Kyne
Website: Access Maureen’s research report, white papers, and book information at maureenkyne.com.au
Connect with Maureen: LinkedIn
Jennifer Cowley
Book an Imposter Syndrome Reset Session: Jennifercowley.com/reset
Watch or Listen to Previous Episodes: jennifercowley.com/podcast
Connect with Jennifer: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
Shop Ethical Apparel for Professional Women: Peakwomen.com.au
