EPISODE 4: ‘THE NARCISSISTIC STARTUP’
Startups, ‘hustle culture’ and the narcissistic entrepreneur
Startups promise innovation, freedom, and mission-driven work. But behind the “we’re one big family” branding, many founder-led startups create perfect conditions for narcissistic behaviour to thrive, go unchecked, become glamorised, and even rewarded.
We can often find ourselves buying into the founder’s extraordinary vision, a tight-knit team, a high purpose, and the promise of big returns, but what happens when that values-driven language is used to control, manipulate, and exploit?
In Episode 4 of Narcissism at Work, we shed light on the darker side of startup culture and entrepreneurial leadership. These workplaces often blur the lines between personal and professional, selling a dream of “family,” purpose, and flexibility, while slowly eroding boundaries, overworking teams, and weaponising loyalty.
what to expect in Episode 04: The Narcissistic startup
🚩 Cult of Personality
We explore how charm, ambition, and passion are used to win loyalty and silence criticism.
🧠 Therapeutic Language as a Power Play
Phrases like “psychological safety,” “emotional intelligence,” or “safe space” are used to manufacture trust, then twisted to manipulate and extract vulnerability. Dr. Daksha Hirani explains how this mimics the dynamics of therapy to create a false sense of intimacy and loyalty to gain trust and access your vulnerabilities.
🪤 The Trap of the Golden Carrot
From shares/equity promises to “once-in-a-lifetime” career opportunities, narcissistic entrepreneurs keep people hooked with future rewards that rarely materialise. You become emotionally invested, financially entangled, and stuck in a cycle of self-gaslighting.
💡 Love Bombing, Gaslighting + Burnout
From 24/7 messaging to public praise followed by sudden mood swings, rejection, or shame, these environments prey on your empathy, time, and hope.
🛡️ Psychological Safety + Boundaries
Clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani shares trauma-informed tools to help you identify toxic startup dynamics, protect your energy, and rebuild your self-worth. This includes:
How to spot narcissistic red flags in startups
Break free from your F.O.G (fear, obligations and guilt)
Stop gaslighting yourself when things don’t add up
Rebuild self-trust and set boundaries…even if you’re not ready to leave yet
Why it matters
Narcissistic leaders thrive in systems that reward performance over people, and startup culture is often glamorised, with its lack of structure and glamorisation of “grit” creating the perfect storm for narcissistic traits to go unchecked. Employees are expected to go above and beyond, often without contracts, boundaries, or real protections.
But behind the sleek branding, many startups are riddled with narcissistic leadership, blurred boundaries, and systemic gaslighting. So when a founder is emotionally volatile, manipulative or controlling, it can become a systemic issue that can ripple through your self-esteem, relationships, and mental health long after you leave.
By naming these patterns, we help people see clearly, reclaim their power, and protect themselves…whether they stay, speak up, or walk away.
Resources & Further Support
Listen to all episodes: otherbox.co/podcast
Learn more about narcissism, burnout, and protective tools in our Diversity Dictionary course: otherbox.co/education
Subscribe, share, and rate the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Acast or wherever you listen.
Whether you’re just starting to question a toxic dynamic or deep into your healing, we hope this podcast helps you name it, understand it, and start to heal from it. Because work should work for you.
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Narcissism At Work podcast is out now and is available wherever you listen to your podcasts. Check out our resources page here for support. Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with Other Box.
