How to Lead in a Toxic Work Environment Without Losing Yourself | Anne Chow | S2 E6
Download MP3In this powerful leadership conversation, Anne Chow joins the Badass Leaders Podcast to discuss her book Leading Bigger: The Transformative Power of Inclusion and what it truly means to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction.
Drawing from more than 30 years of executive leadership experience, Anne shares how inclusive leadership drives performance, why culture is a company’s ultimate competitive advantage, and how leaders can avoid the trap of “leading small.” This episode explores practical strategies for building high-performing teams, navigating toxic work environments, protecting your people, and aligning purpose with values.
If you are a CEO, executive, manager, entrepreneur, or emerging leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about culture, accountability, and what it takes to create sustainable success.
This condensed re-release highlights the most impactful moments from the original Season 1 conversation, with a link to the full episode available in the description.
Learn More About Anne Chow:
- Anne’s full episode: https://youtu.be/JrgdCCOwkG0
- Lead Bigger: https://www.theannechow.com/lead-bigger/
About Us
Produced by: The AGN Group
Produced by: The AGN Group
Host: Angela Gill Nelms
Producer: Katie Hart
Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.
Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com
About The AGN Group:
At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.
Social Media Channels:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/
Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2
Want to be a Podcast Guest?
If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, email brave@angelagillnelms.com.
The discussion also tackles questions…
- What does it actually mean to “lead bigger”?
- How does inclusive leadership improve business performance?
- What are the risks of leading small?
- How do you protect your team from toxic behavior?
- Should you ever fire a client or customer?
- How do you build a culture rooted in respect instead of fear?
- What’s the difference between core values and aspirational values?
- How do you lead in a toxic corporate culture without losing yourself?
- Why does company culture determine the success or failure of mergers and acquisitions?
- How can leaders create psychological safety without lowering standards?
- How do generational differences impact leadership styles?
- How do you align personal values with professional leadership?
Key Takeaways:
- Inclusive Leadership as a Performance Strategy
- Leading Bigger vs. Leading Small
- Culture as a Competitive Advantage
- Core Values vs. Aspirational Values
- Psychological Safety and Accountability
- Protecting Your Team
- Firing Customers Who Violate Your Values
- Navigating Toxic Corporate Environments
- Vulnerability and Leadership Growth
- Generational Shifts in the Workplace
- Purpose-Driven Leadership
- Building Teams That Thrive, Not Just Survive
Creators and Guests
Host
Angela Gill Nelms
Angela Gill Nelms is a founder, board leader, podcaster, and award-winning entrepreneur with a career spanning SaaS, medical devices, biotech, and clinical research. She builds high-impact teams and organizations rooted in culture, resilience, and strategic execution—helping innovators move ideas from lab to market and leaders grow with intention. She hosts three podcasts that reflect her mission to elevate leadership and accelerate biomedical innovation: Badass Leaders Podcast, Holy Shift! Biomedical Breakthroughs Shaping Tomorrow, and Recovery Advocate Network: Coffee & Conversation. Across each show, Angela creates space for honest conversations that drive impact, reduce stigma, and shape the future of leadership and health. A Georgia Tech Academy of Distinguished Alumni honoree and INC 500 award recipient, Angela serves on multiple boards across innovation and mental health ecosystems. Outside of work, she’s beekeeping, blacksmithing, turning wood, or training—6× IRONMAN and lifelong advocate for humans being human.
Producer
Katie Hart
Katie Hart is the Senior Client Relations Manager and Executive Podcast Producer at The AGN Group, where she leads podcast production, brand strategy, and client experience from concept to launch. Equal parts creative and operational powerhouse, she guides clients through branding, recording, and distribution while ensuring every detail runs seamlessly. Known as a customer experience magician, Katie is passionate about making every client and guest feel seen, supported, and celebrated—delivering a five-star experience that amplifies bold stories and builds meaningful impact.
