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John Mattone Global
Mainline Executive Coaching ACT Podcast
Episode 339June 4, 2025

339: Misguided Advocacy: The Rise of "Workplace Karens"

Rich BaronMaikel Bailey
Rich Baron & Maikel Bailey

Episode Notes

In modern workplaces, there are employees who consistently exhibit entitled, demanding, or overly critical behavior. Commonly referred to as “Workplace Karens” (a cultural term stemming from internet slang), these individuals often create friction within teams by resisting change, escalating minor issues, and expecting special treatment. While not necessarily malicious, their behaviors can disrupt workplace harmony and reduce overall productivity. In fact, workplace entitlement can contribute to resistance against new policies or leadership decisions, which is a common factor in why up to 70% of change initiatives fail.

Employees who fit this description often feel strongly about perceived injustices, whether real or imagined, and may express frustration in ways that drain organizational energy. They frequently act from a place of misguided advocacy, believing they are fighting for fairness or exposing flaws, but their approach can be overly aggressive or unconstructive.

Rich and Maikel tackle entitlement-driven negativity on this episode of Mainline Executive Coaching ACT.

Leaders, Lead Well!

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About the Hosts

Rich Baron

Rich Baron

Chief Operating Officer & Master Certified IL Coach

Master Certified IL Executive Coach, Lean Six Sigma, 100% Customer Retention (2006-2019)

As JMG's Chief Operating Officer and a Master Certified Intelligent Leadership Executive Coach, Rich brings diverse expertise in cultural transformation, operational leadership, and coaching leaders from emerging talent to CEOs.

Maikel Bailey

Maikel Bailey

Master Certified IL Executive Coach

Master Certified IL Executive Coach

Maikel Bailey is a Master Certified Intelligent Leadership Executive Coach with extensive experience in executive leadership, cultural transformation, and emerging leader development.

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