The Blog

Let’s be clear: It’s not paranoia—it’s pattern recognition. While everyone else is telling you to “stay positive,” we’re here to tell you what you already know: Sometimes your manager isn’t just bad at their job—they’re actively working against you. Let’s cut through the corporate gaslighting and talk about what’s really happening. 🚨 Sign #1: The […]

Sometimes it’s control dressed up as a KPI. Here’s how you know the difference: If you walk out of a ‘development chat’ wondering whether you imagined the problem… you didn’t. Start protecting your peace: Free guide – Navigating Toxic Workplaces → https://w-collective.co.uk/resources-new

Because mine wasn’t.Not even close. I was sold the usual story:Find your passion.Climb the ladder.Retire fulfilled and respected.(Maybe with a plant and a sad email from your boss’s PA.) But here’s how it actually went:I found the job.I climbed the ladder.And then I burnt out so badly I barely recognised myself. The truth?“Dream jobs” don’t […]

Look, if one more person tells me to wake up at 5am to “win the day,” I might actually scream into my 8am coffee. Some of us:👶 Have kids who think 6 AM is a perfectly reasonable time to discuss Peppa Pig’s family dynamics.💻 Worked late on that presentation.😴 Just really value our sleep. And […]

Let’s cut through the noise: Getting a response from senior leaders isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy. After 15 years in corporate environments, I’ve learned exactly what makes busy executives stop scrolling and actually hit reply. No more staring at a blank screen wondering if you’re being too formal or too casual. These templates work because […]

Let’s Be Honest: Having a toxic colleague isn’t just “workplace drama”—it’s a genuine threat to your mental health, career progression, and daily peace of mind. You know exactly what I mean. The colleague who:✅ Takes credit for your work in meetings✅ Undermines your contributions in subtle ways✅ Makes you question your own professional judgment✅ Masters […]

Ever had that moment in an interview when they hit you with a question so random you wonder if they’re secretly filming for a comedy show? 😅“If you were a kitchen appliance, which one would you be and why?”(Yes, that’s a real question someone got asked. And no, “wine opener” wasn’t the right answer 🍷) […]

Right, let’s cut to the chase. We’ve all been in those interviews where you’re trying to figure out if “What’s your biggest weakness?” is actually a trick question. (Spoiler: it kind of is.) But here’s the thing: while everyone else is giving the same tired answers, you’re about to drop responses that make hiring managers […]

Let’s talk about money, shall we? (And no, this isn’t another one of those “stop buying coffee” lectures ☕🙄). We’ve all been there—sitting across from our manager, palms sweaty, heart racing, trying to ask for more money without sounding like we’re plotting a bank heist. But here’s the tea: you’re probably making these classic negotiation […]

‘As previously discussed…’ (About that conversation that NEVER happened.) ‘No one else has a problem with this…’ (Ah yes, classic “let’s make you feel like the problem” energy.) Gaslighting at work isn’t always dramatic. It’s not always a boss slamming their fists on the desk, screaming that you’re imagining things. More often, it’s sneaky. It’s […]