The Devil Emails at Midnight: Lessons from Bad Bosses: Mita Mallick
I am thrilled to welcome back one of my favorite guests, Mita Mallick! She has a new book out, The Devil Emails at Midnight: Lessons from Bad Bosses, out on 9/30. Let's dig in! My guest on #thePOZcast is a powerhouse at the intersection of business, storytelling, and inclusion. Mita Mallick is a bold voice in the movement to build cultures of belonging—backed by years of leadership experience at powerhouse brands like Unilever, Pfizer, and Carta. She’s a former Chief Diversity Officer, current Head of DEI and Strategic Initiatives, and the host of the Brown Table Talk podcast, where she and her co-host pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to navigate corporate America as a woman of color. She’s also the author of Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your Workplace, a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller that’s challenging outdated corporate norms and helping leaders lead better. She has a brand new book coming out on September 30th, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn From Bad Bosses that we will dig into and unpack. Whether she’s on stage, on air, or in the boardroom—Mita is rewriting the narrative on what inclusive leadership truly looks like. Let’s get into it. The Devil Emails at Midnight has already been mentioned by Entrepreneur Magazine as Must-Read Career Books to Consider in 2025. Pre-order now (out 9/30): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394316488 Connect with Mita: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822/
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Summary
In this conversation, Adam Posner and Mita Mallick explore the complexities of leadership, particularly focusing on the impact of bad bosses and the importance of inclusive leadership. Mita shares insights from her new book, discussing how bad bosses can emerge from various pressures and stresses, and emphasizes the need for self-reflection and accountability in leadership roles. They delve into the significance of recognition, coaching, and creating a culture of openness, while also addressing the challenges of micromanagement and disengagement in the workplace. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of leadership in today's world and the importance of fostering a supportive environment for employees.
Takeaways
- Bad bosses can emerge from personal and professional stress.
- Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.
- Recognition and appreciation can significantly impact employee morale.
- Micromanagement often stems from personal insecurities.
- Creating a culture of vulnerability encourages open communication.
- Feedback should be framed as coaching rather than criticism.
- Disengagement in the workplace can spread like a virus.
- Leaders should model the behavior they want to see in their teams.
- Hiring processes should focus on facts over feelings.
- Leadership is about empowering others, not just directing them.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Inclusive Leadership and Bad Bosses
03:00 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Leadership
05:57 Understanding the Roots of Bad Boss Behavior
09:10 The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership
12:05 The Importance of Recognition and Visibility in the Workplace
14:42 Creating a Culture of Vulnerability and Feedback
17:55 Accountability and Self-Reflection in Leadership
21:47 Understanding Exit Interviews and Team Dynamics
23:00 Leadership's Role in Organizational Culture
24:24 Assessing Leadership Qualities in Interviews
27:02 Self-Reflection for Bad Bosses
28:37 The Importance of Storytelling in Leadership
30:28 Disengagement: The Silent Culture Killer
32:00 Navigating Bad Bosses: Strategies for Employees
33:18 The Shift Towards Employee Well-Being
34:52 Coaching vs. Directing: A Leadership Approach
37:25 Raising Kind and Inclusive Future Generations
39:00 Looking Inward: Accountability in Leadership
