Break Free From
Toxic Leadership.
Recognize manipulation.
Protect your mental health.
Reclaim your agency at work.
Dr. Markus Zehentner
Survivor of Toxic Leadership,
Legal Professional & Author
This site is written for people who sense that something is off at work, but struggle to name it.
Often, confidence erodes slowly.
Leadership speaks of “family” while operating through fear.
What remains is exhaustion, confusion, and a quiet sense of blame.
The essays explore:
- how toxic leadership systems operate
- how manipulation and gaslighting take shape over time
- how agency and psychological safety can be rebuilt
My Book
What I Wished I Had Known Earlier
Breaking Free from Toxic Leadership grew out of my own experience with toxic leadership. It was part of reclaiming clarity – and part of letting go.
The book consolidates what I have learned since then – through research, reflection, and numerous conversations with affected professionals.
Today it serves others on the same journey: to recognize patterns, protect their mental health, and make informed decisions about their work life.
Voices
What Readers say
Laura LaBoone
Writer, Editor
Markus’ work brings much-needed clarity to dynamics many people sense but cannot easily articulate.
The structured way he maps these experiences shows deep insight and genuine leadership in this field.
.
Brian Jewell
Writer, Editor
This is one of those rare bodies of work that feels immediately useful. It names patterns I’ve seen many times in real workplaces. I expect to return to Markus’ framework whenever similar situations arise in the future.
Meda Vaitonyte
Psychologist
What stands out is the balanced combination of psychological depth and practical guidance. Markus captures lived workplace realities without simplification, while still offering concrete next steps. Many readers will feel seen, understood, and encouraged.
My Voice
“The most dangerous workplaces aren’t loud. They’re quiet, compliant, and emotionally exhausted.
– Markus Zehentner