Why Toxic Men Become CEOs (and How to Stop It)

Secret Leaders with Dan Murray-Serter & Chris Donnelly

You've seen them—the red-faced, power-tripping, emotionally disconnected CEOs barking orders while morale sinks. But how did we get here? And more importantly… how do we fix it?

This isn't just another workplace rant—it's a deep dive into the dark psychology of leadership, the gendered traits that dominate boardrooms, and the systemic bias that keeps emotionally intelligent leaders out of power.

In this video essay, we expose, why toxic traits like dominance & cold toughness get rewarded, how history, stereotypes & corporate pipelines keep weak men on top and roadmap to build better leadership—without sacrificing results.

This week, we’re dropped an interview episode with Sam Conniff—serial entrepreneur and the mind behind the #HardAsNails campaign. He’s shaking up outdated norms about what it means to be a man and a leader. We unpack how to spot toxicity in yourself, your colleagues, even your friends—and how to build something better. It’s raw, real, and packed with insights.

Watch Sam Conniff Interview on our profile now..

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