Life Check Yourself 439 – 10 Examples of What Gaslighting Looks Like (Hidden Signals) with Dr. Amelia Kelley
Episode Overview
The workplace is evolving rapidly, and with that change comes uncertainty, stress, and the constant pressure to adapt. In this episode, we dive deep into what it really means to lead—whether you’re an executive or someone navigating career shifts. We explore how to operate from a place of alignment, how to break free from toxic workplace patterns, and how to step into leadership—regardless of your job title.
If you’ve ever felt disempowered at work or questioned your next move, this conversation is for you.
�� Three Game-Changing Takeaways
1️Your Leadership Starts Now—No Permission Needed
2️Toxic Work Environments Don’t Define You—Your Choices Do
3️Embracing Change is the Key to Thriving in Midlife & Beyond
1️⃣The Power of Intentional Leadership (06:00)
“Each one can reach one.” Karen shares how every person—regardless of position—can shift workplace culture by leading through example and operating from clear values. She explains how intentional leadership begins with self-respect, setting boundaries, and showing up with integrity, even in challenging environments.
Explanation: Many believe leadership is reserved for those at the top, but true leadership is about influence, not authority. When individuals model aligned, values-driven behavior, they create ripple effects that shift organizational culture.
2️⃣How to Navigate Toxic Workplaces Without Losing Yourself (10:07)
“When I’m reacting in retribution, I lower my own energy.” Karen discusses the challenge of working in environments where fear, control, and negativity dominate. She breaks down the importance of maintaining emotional intelligence, setting healthy detachment, and recognizing that toxic environments do not define personal worth.
Explanation: Workplaces can trigger deep emotional responses, making it tempting to react impulsively. However, those who master self-awareness and emotional regulation maintain their inner peace, operate from strength, and often inspire change in others.
3️⃣ The Courage to Pivot & Reinvent Yourself at Any Age (19:22)
“You’ve been investing this whole time for what’s next.” Karen shares her personal journey of leaving a long-time career in financial services to step into her true calling. She dismantles the myth of the “sunk cost fallacy” and explains how every past experience contributes to future success—even if it seems unrelated at first.
Explanation: Many hesitate to make career pivots out of fear of wasted time or lost identity. But reinvention is not about discarding the past—it’s about integrating everything learned into a more aligned, fulfilling path forward.
