BERKELEY, CA, July 21, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Nanette Cowardin-Lee has been featured on the Marquis Masters Podcast. The podcast celebrates leaders and innovators who have shaped industries and inspired generations. Each episode features an intimate conversation with a Marquis honoree, uncovering the personal stories behind their professional success. The show reveals what it truly takes to lead with purpose, resilience, and authenticity.

Organizational psychologist, author, and workplace bullying strategist Dr. Nanette Cowardin-Lee joined host Ryan Estes on the Marquis Masters podcast for a compelling conversation about the growing epidemic of workplace bullying, its profound impact on employees and organizations, and the urgent need for meaningful cultural and legislative change. Drawing on more than 25 years of research, advocacy, and firsthand experience, Dr. Cowardin-Lee shared practical strategies for recognizing workplace bullying, setting effective boundaries, and building resilience in today's increasingly challenging work environments.

During the interview, Dr. Cowardin-Lee noted the dramatic rise in reported workplace bullying, citing research that shows the percentage of American workers experiencing workplace bullying has climbed significantly over the past decade. She explained that workplace bullying is far more than occasional conflict or personality differences; it is a persistent pattern of harmful behavior that escalates over time and often includes intimidation, exclusion, sabotage, public humiliation, and group "mobbing." Left unchecked, these behaviors can cause lasting psychological trauma, diminish employee performance, and drive talented professionals out of their organizations.

A central theme of the discussion focused on the distinction between everyday workplace conflict and true bullying. Dr. Cowardin-Lee emphasized that bullying follows a recognizable pattern of repeated behaviors designed to undermine an individual's confidence, reputation, and professional standing. She encouraged employees to document incidents carefully, recognize early warning signs, and understand that traditional human resources processes do not always provide adequate protection for employees experiencing sustained workplace abuse.

Reflecting on her own experience as a workplace bullying target, Dr. Cowardin-Lee described how retaliation following her experience ultimately inspired her academic journey and career devoted to helping others. Her experiences led her to earn a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology and dedicate her work to supporting individuals recovering from workplace trauma while advocating for stronger legal protections for employees. She stressed that the United States still lacks comprehensive legislation specifically addressing workplace bullying, making education, resilience, and advocacy more important than ever.

The conversation also explored the role of leadership in creating psychologically healthy workplaces. Dr. Cowardin-Lee urged executives and managers to move beyond written policies by establishing clear behavioral expectations, meaningful accountability, and coaching-oriented leadership practices. She highlighted the importance of effective onboarding, ongoing employee development, and creating organizational cultures where respect, collaboration, and psychological safety are actively modeled by leaders rather than simply encouraged through policy statements.

Throughout the interview, Dr. Cowardin-Lee discussed practical techniques for employees facing bullying, including developing healthy personal boundaries, responding assertively without escalating conflict, and aligning workplace communication with personal values. She explained that resilient boundary-setting is one of the most effective long-term strategies for discouraging repeat bullying behaviors while preserving professional relationships whenever possible.

Dr. Cowardin-Lee also addressed emerging workplace challenges, including the impact of artificial intelligence, organizational restructuring, and increasing job insecurity, all of which can contribute to heightened workplace stress and incivility. While acknowledging technology's benefits, she emphasized that organizations must continue investing in human-centered communication, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills, noting that successful workplaces ultimately depend on people, not technology alone.

During the interview, Dr. Cowardin-Lee highlighted her book, "10 Steps to Overcome Workplace Bullying: From Recognition to Resilience," which provides readers with practical guidance for identifying bullying behaviors, understanding the emotional impact of workplace abuse, and navigating the recovery process. She also discussed her resilience training programs, educational initiatives, and ongoing legislative advocacy aimed at establishing stronger protections for employees nationwide.

Beyond her professional work, Dr. Cowardin-Lee shared her commitment to community service through neighborhood leadership, moderation of Workplace Bullying Safe Harbor, and providing trauma-informed resources for individuals navigating workplace abuse. She also described how gardening, drawing, and creative expression help her maintain resilience while supporting individuals experiencing workplace trauma.

The full episode of the Marquis Masters podcast offers business leaders, HR professionals, managers, and employees practical insights into recognizing workplace bullying, fostering healthier organizational cultures, and building workplaces where respect, accountability, and psychological safety can thrive.

To follow Marquis Masters, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and watch full video episodes on the Marquis Who's Who YouTube channel. Stay connected to conversations that explore mastery, meaning, and impact.

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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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