In today’s episode of Speaking of Inclusion… I am joined by Marysol James, best-selling author, coach, and global speaker, who now specialises in supporting high achieving women to break free from narcissistic, abusive relationships.
This episode carries an important trigger warning, as we confront the hidden realities of domestic abuse, manipulation, gaslighting, dog whistling, and the particular challenges high performing women face, both in their personal lives and in the workplace.
Marysol bravely shares her own story of escaping a narcissistic relationship, despite years of international leadership experience, success, and self-confidence. Together, we explore why high achieving women can be especially vulnerable to such relationships, how these patterns manifest at work, and critically, what we can do, both as individuals and organisations, to address and interrupt the cycle of abuse.
Here are three key takeaways from today’s conversation:
Abuse doesn’t discriminate based on education, career, or confidence: High performing women are often targeted by narcissistic abusers precisely because of their resilience, success, and optimism about people’s potential, and these very qualities can keep them trapped.
The patterns of narcissistic abuse are often subtle and corrosive, including cycles of love bombing, devaluation, and gaslighting, which can seriously impact not just home life but also professional performance, leading to micro-patterns at work that are frequently misunderstood as burnout or disengagement.
There is an urgent need for workplace awareness and policy: Organisations are largely overlooking domestic abuse as a genuine workplace issue, yet the impact on wellbeing, retention, and business bottom lines is enormous. Noticing patterns, listening without judgement, and creating safer spaces for disclosure matters.
As you’re listening, I invite you to reflect on this:
If someone you knew was experiencing these subtle, persistent warning signs, would you know how to recognise them, and crucially, what to do next?
If you are worried about someone experiencing domestic violence, or you yourself are in need of support you can reach out to Marysol directly via her website www.marysoljamescoaching.com, or contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
If you found this conversation important or valuable, please visit www.BuyMeACoffee.com and buy me a virtual coffee to help keep the podcast funded and these inclusion conversations going. The link is coff.ee/speakingofinclusion.
Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen.
Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.
www.KatieAllenConsulting.com
Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds – "No Drama" by Alder
