OTHER BOX
BLOG
BONUS EPISODE 3: The mum guilt trap
In bonus episode #3 of Narcissism At Work, we meet Rani, a working mother whose trust in a so-called supportive colleague unravelled into manipulation, guilt, and burnout. This episode explores how narcissists weaponise mum guilt and performative allyship to control. With expert insight from Dr. Daksha Hirani, we unpack the emotional toll and how to heal from it.
Grey Rocking and Yellow Rocking
Ever felt like someone at work feeds off your reactions, thrives on drama, or constantly pushes your emotional buttons? In our latest post, we explore Grey Rocking and Yellow Rocking, two powerful strategies for protecting yourself from narcissistic behaviour in the workplace.
Resource: the Emotions Wheel to Reclaim Clarity
In Episode 2 of Narcissism at Work, we highlight the Emotions Wheel, a powerful tool to help name what you’re truly feeling. Toxic leaders often gaslight you into self-doubt. The Emotions Wheel cuts through that fog, helping you move from “I’m fine” to “I feel dismissed” or “ashamed.” When you can name it, you can start to process it.
EPISODE 3: ‘The Narcissistic colleague’
In Episode 3 of Narcissism At Work, we explore how narcissistic behaviour shows up between colleagues. These aren’t always the loudest voices in the room. Sometimes, they’re the charming coworker who praises you publicly but undercuts you privately. And the damage they cause is just as devastating.
BONUS EPISODE 2: Fake Inclusion + Startup Chaos
What happens when inclusion becomes a tool for manipulation? In this bonus episode of Narcissism At Work, we hear Aisha’s story, how she joined a so-called “inclusive” start-up only to face emotional abuse, blurred boundaries, and unpack how narcissistic leaders use trauma, chaos, and control to maintain power and the toll it takes on confidence and careers.
EPISODE 2: ‘The Narcissistic Boss’
When narcissistic bosses dominate a team, they don’t just create bad management, they create long-term harm. Their need for control often leads to a culture of fear, confusion, and emotional instability. Teams stop collaborating. Innovation dries up. People walk on eggshells, burning out in silence. We unpack in episode 2: Narcissism At Work podcast.
BONUS EPISODE 1: Power, privilege and trauma bonds at work.
When inclusion is weaponised and boundaries are blurred, narcissistic abuse can thrive, especially when power dynamics are at play. In our first Listener Letter bonus episode, we hear from Maya, a young woman navigating a toxic boss, emotional manipulation, and career fear. Paired with expert insight from clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani, this episode offers validation, language and tools for recovery.
Part two: The Emotional Cost of Being Unsupported at Work
We’ve already explored what it means when workplaces stay silent during global crises but what about when they fail to provide even the most basic support for their employees? In our latest article, we dive into what happens when there's no acknowledgement, no psychological safety, and no real mental health care at work.
EPISODE 1: What Is Narcissism? How does it show up at work?
Our new podcast, Narcissism At Work, breaks the silence around toxic leadership, workplace gaslighting, and the emotional toll of chronic manipulation. This is for anyone who's ever left a job feeling confused, drained, or like they were the problem. Here’s what you can expect in episode 1.
When work ignores global crises
If your workplace is carrying on as if nothing is happening, you’re not alone. It’s hard to focus on ‘business as usual’ while witnessing so much violence and injustice. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. But don’t look away. Here are some ways to stay grounded and take action.
Burnout is not the same as stress
Burnout isn’t just about being busy. It’s emotional exhaustion, chronic stress, and the slow erosion of hope, especially in toxic workplaces where narcissistic behaviours go unchecked.
Here we break down what burnout really is, how it differs from stress, and why it’s more than just a personal issue, it’s systemic.
Narcissism at work resources
Dealing with Narcissistic Abuse at Work? If you're recovering from a toxic workplace, this post is for you. We’ve pulled together trusted resources from courses and helplines to expert books like It’s Not You by Dr. Ramani and The Body Keeps the Score. Click to explore the evolving list and start your healing journey.
Narcissism at Work: Our First Podcast
Welcome to AT WORK, the debut podcast from Other Box that unpacks the real, messy, and often ignored dynamics of modern workplaces. Season 1 focuses on Narcissism At Work, exposing the toxic traits hiding behind office doors and how to spot them before they sabotage your wellbeing, your team, or your career.
BELONGING Beyond the Job Titles
After years of building Other Box together, I finally had a long-overdue catch-up with my original co-founder, Roshni. We reflected on our journey from launching a bold idea in 2016 to navigating business, growth, and friendship. Here I explore the importance of pausing to honour our shared history, reconnecting beyond work roles, and what it means to lead with presence, gratitude, and care. A must-read for anyone building people-first cultures.
We can’t talk about ethical AI if we treat people in unethical ways
At the Indiaspora: Forum for Good, global leaders gathered to discuss responsible AI, climate resilience, investment and the future of innovation. But a quiet moment at a Hindu temple left a deeper mark on me than the conference. This reflection explores what it means to lead with values in a time obsessed with speed, scale, and disruption and why ethics, inclusion, and humanity can’t be afterthoughts in the age of AI.
*New workshop* Redefining Success, Balance + Self-Worth
After a decade of building a successful, award-winning business, I hit burnout and realised I didn’t know who I was without the work. This post explores the journey that followed, from therapy to redefining success, balance, and self-worth on my own terms and how I turned it into a new workshop! It all started the day everything changed personally and professionally.
A Week in the Life of other box
From launching a culture programme in Copenhagen to prepping a talk on burnout for South Asian creatives and then squeezing in a sold-out art exhibition…we’ve been busy at Other Box HQ. Founder Leyya reflects on a week of wearing many hats, staying intentional, and why slowing down might be the key to sustainable impact.
How to be an ally to the disabled community
The UK government is proposing the biggest cuts to disability benefits on record, slashing over £5 billion in support. These changes won’t just impact individuals, they will also have serious consequences for workplace inclusion. Find out what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can take action in less than 20 seconds.
9 Ways to Support Your Muslim Colleagues During Ramadan
Ramadan is a sacred month of fasting, prayer and reflection for Muslims worldwide. In the workplace, small acts of consideration can make a big impact. From offering flexible working hours to providing quiet spaces for prayer and acknowledging Eid, creating an inclusive environment helps employees feel valued and supported.
5 SIGNS IT'S TIME TO FIND A NEW JOB
A few weeks into 2025, and that nagging feeling about work still hasn’t gone away. Maybe it wasn’t burnout, maybe your role just isn’t working for you anymore and you’re looking for something different. If you find yourself going tick, tick, tick to these signs, it might be time to dust off that CV and start looking…