It’s not your fault. You deserve better.
Job stress is the # 1 threat to our mental health according to global reports.
In 2006, Tarana Burke, a brilliant activist dedicated to social change and community organizing, initiated the use of the term #MeToo on Myspace. In so doing, she fostered a sense of solidarity and empowerment among women of color who had experienced sexual abuse, by cultivating a shared understanding rooted in empathy. #MeToo became a global movement uniting those identifying as women of all backgrounds, skin, cultures, beliefs, and ideologies, along with others devoted to social change, human rights, civil rights, and social justice. It is with deep humility and gratitude, that we support that work as we add our stories about life-threatening job stress to the #toxicmetoo movement.
In today's fast-paced world, job stress, toxic people, bosses, and noxious work environments are not just personal challenges—they're global threats to mental health, carrying staggering economic costs. In the US alone, billions are lost annually, while the global economy suffers a trillion-dollar hit due to reduced productivity, decreased employee engagement, skyrocketing healthcare expenses, rising conflict, burnout, and high turnover rates. We used to think employees could circumvent burnout by applying stress-reduction strategies. We now know this was only marginally impactful. Why? Because burnout is systemic, not based on individual actions. Burnout is almost always caused by organizational or business demands, unclear expectations, occasional hypocrisy, and toxic conditions.
Addressing toxic workplaces and job stress is crucial not only for safeguarding psychological and personal safety but also for enhancing economic efficiency, promoting inclusivity, and creating healthier, more resilient communities, nations, and societies. It's time to prioritize mental health in our lives while recognizing the profound impact that positively joyous work environments have on both individual well-being and global economic health. It’s time for America to rise out of negativity, stress, and chaos. Welcome to the America Rises: “The Toxic No More” Movement. #toxicmetoo
We have doctors for our bodies and minds. But what about a “doctor” for the sick workplace?
Meet doctoral scholar, best-selling author, internationally-certified and experienced coach, Reiki Master Teacher, meditation guide, keynote speaker, and stress reduction expert Michelle Courtney Berry, founder of the non-profit America Rises and the creator of the “Workplace Doc” and “Toxic No More” Initiative. As an in-demand keynote speaker, experienced leader, and “toxic survivor,” Michelle has overcome numerous traumatic events and environments, defeated serious stress-induced health risks, and rose to become a Renaissance woman, an award-winning entrepreneur, a former Acting Mayor, a C-suite leader during COVID who will tell you, when it comes to trauma, she’s “been there, done that.” Considered an expert on the psychology of workplace behavior and for conducting thoughtful, ethical research, Michelle has identified the kinds of leaders and conditions most likely to disrupt toxic work, champion others, and build healthier workplaces, communities, and spaces. Having helped hundreds of thousands around the globe heal, and up-level self-care, she’s appeared on “Good Morning America,” opened for icons (Dr. Maya Angelou, Howard Zinn, and The Dalai Lama), received praise from Oprah Winfrey, and has devoted her life to leading leads content-rich, compassionate, and humorous sold-out events that captivate hearts, minds, and souls. Hop on in to learn more.
About Michelle Courtney Berry’s
"Workplace Coping Mechanisms and Leadership Styles Survey
Michelle Courtney Berry, "The Workplace Doc™"
In an era where toxic workplace cultures are increasingly scrutinized, Michelle Courtney Berry's latest research offers groundbreaking insights and solutions that promise to transform the modern workplace. As a best-selling author, award-winning researcher, and seasoned keynote speaker, Berry's work delves deep into the pervasive issue of toxic leadership and its detrimental effects on employee well-being and organizational health.
Her comprehensive study, highlighted in the "Workplace Coping Mechanisms and Leadership Styles Survey," reveals leadership's critical role in exacerbating or alleviating toxic workplace environments. Berry's research identifies workplace toxicity's manifest symptoms and underlying causes and proposes actionable strategies for fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and well-being.
Preferred Leadership Styles to Interrupt Toxic Work Cultures
Michelle Courtney Berry's research highlights that employees overwhelmingly prefer Authentic Leadership (28.75%) and Transformational Leadership (26.25%) to counteract toxic work environments. Authentic leaders emphasize ethical and transparent behavior, fostering trust and open communication. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate employees toward shared goals, creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture. These leadership styles are seen as effective antidotes to toxicity, promoting mental health and well-being by modeling non-toxic behaviors and supporting open feedback loops.
Employee Coping Mechanisms in Toxic Workplaces
Berry's survey reveals that employees primarily rely on external support networks, such as friends and family (55%), to cope with workplace toxicity. Other common coping mechanisms include seeking colleague support (46.88%) and engaging in hobbies and interests outside of work (44.38%). These strategies highlight the need for robust support systems within and outside the workplace. The data underscores the importance of creating a supportive work environment where employees feel safe to voice concerns and seek help without fear of retaliation.
Berry’s insights are timely and essential for leaders, HR professionals, practitioners, and employees seeking to create healthier, more productive work environments.
“Toxic Work, Healthy You: 10 Days to Building Mental & Emotional Wellness in Challenging Environments”
Finally, the perfect course designed by us, for us.
“Toxic Work, Healthy You: 10 Days to Building Mental and Emotional Wellness in Challenging Environments,” is a comprehensive, easy-to-apply, deeply-researched, and results-driven course with over 100 pages and 10 introductory videos designed by serial entrepreneur, America Rises founder and “Workplace Doc,” creator Michelle Courtney Berry, doctoral scholar, workplace expert, and former Cornell University Fellow. Learn how to put YOU first. Champion your well-being, prioritize self-care, and equip yourself with the best ways to navigate, deflect, and plan an exit if need by. This course continues numerous thought-provoking questions, and actionable strategies designed with your health in mind. Take it in as short a time as ten days or as long as you’d like. It’s yours for a lifetime. Not ready to buy? That’s fine. Get a sneak peek of Chapter One, by clicking below, today!
A certified coach who gets us.
Michelle Courtney Berry (she/her/hers) is the survivor of countless traumatic events (including but not limited to kidnapping, near-blindness, going deaf in one ear twice, catching on fire, rescuing a child from drowning, tending to terminally ill family members and clients, and dealing with constant fatigue of overachievement) as well as navigating numerous toxic environments, people, and relationships. You could say, she wrote the book on “Keeping Calm in Chaos,” figuratively, but she did write that book, literally. Wouldn’t you want to receive coaching on how to get healthy and live your best life from someone who’s “been there, done that?”
Join The “Toxic No More” Movement, Today!
What People Are Saying
“It was truly a gift to have Michelle come and work with our entire organization. The insights I have gained will stay with me for a long time, and I already see a marked difference in how I approach my work.”
— J.T., Program Participant, Michelle’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program
“Michelle was our national conferene’s anchor speaker. She knocked it out of the park.”
— Christopher Michalak, CEO, Virgin Pulse
“Michelle gave a terrific presentation on stress, time and your bottom line at our all-staff Human Resources gathering,”
— Mary George Opperman, former VP of Human Resources, Cornell University
