Navigating Workplace Toxicity: Pelin Kohn Of City of Montpelier On Strategies for a Healthier Work Environment
An Interview With Vanessa Ogle
Provide Mental Health Resources — Offering counseling or wellness programs is essential.
Toxic work environments can have a significant impact on employees’ mental health, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. From poor communication and office politics to bullying and burnout, toxicity in the workplace can manifest in many forms. What are the most effective strategies to address and overcome these challenges? How can organizations and employees work together to create healthier, more supportive work environments? In this interview series, we are talking with with leaders, HR professionals, organizational psychologists, business leaders, and experts about “Navigating Workplace Toxicity: Strategies for a Healthier Work Environment.” As a part of this series I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Pelin Kohn.
Dr. Pelin Kohn is an immigrant leader, community advocate, and city councilor in Montpelier, Vermont. Originally from Turkiye, Pelin moved to the U.S. in 2017 and quickly became a dynamic force in local government, championing inclusivity and community engagement. She has established a youth committee in Montpelier to empower middle and high school students with a voice in civic matters, demonstrating her commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders. With a background in academia and experience in local leadership programs like the Vermont Leadership Institute, Pelin brings a unique perspective shaped by resilience and a passion for public service. She is also the founder of the YouTube channel New Directions in Leadership and the LinkedIn newsletter of the same name, where she shares insights on transformative leadership, book reviews, and interviews with influential leaders. Pelin is an advocate for women, immigrants, and marginalized voices, and she continues to inspire others through her dedication to building inclusive, empowered communities.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
Thank you for having me! In my career path, I have combined personal experiences with a commitment to understanding and advocating for transformative leadership. I moved to Montpelier, Vermont, from Turkiye in 2017 and soon became involved in community leadership. I served as a city councilor and participated in programs like the Vermont Leadership Institute, where I gained insight into local leadership. Resilience has guided my journey, especially after leaving a toxic academic environment, which helped me redefine my value and purpose in leadership and public service.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Being elected to the city council of Montpelier as an immigrant woman was one of the most interesting moments of my life. It was both challenging and rewarding to navigate the political landscape as an immigrant. Firsthand experience made me realize how important representation is and reaffirmed my commitment to doing my part for the community. My experience in this role helped me understand the unique challenges newcomers face in leadership positions, and it motivated me to work toward making leadership more inclusive.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
In one of my early public speeches in English, which is not my first language, I mixed up the words. I noticed a few puzzled expressions in the audience, and it wasn’t until later that I realized I had implied something I did not intend!
This little language mishap taught me the importance of preparation and double-checking my phrasing, especially when working in a second language. It also reminded me to laugh at myself and not take things too seriously — after all, language is a journey, and sometimes mistakes make the best memories!
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
The book 21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari has also been highly influential in shaping my perspectives on leadership and society. Harari’s work challenges readers to confront the pressing issues of our time, from technological advancements and global politics to the deep ethical questions that leaders must address in the modern era.
One lesson from the book that resonates deeply with me is the idea of maintaining clarity in a world full of overwhelming information. In my leadership journey, especially as a city councilor and community advocate, I often face the challenge of staying focused amidst conflicting narratives and rapid change. Harari’s insights remind me to continuously seek wisdom and context rather than getting lost in endless data or short-term solutions. This approach has helped me stay grounded in my values, particularly when advocating for immigrant voices and inclusivity in leadership spaces.
This book is a powerful reminder of the responsibilities we have as leaders in the 21st century — to think critically, act ethically, and prioritize the greater good.
Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?
“Stand in your value.” I have embraced this quote throughout my career, especially after leaving my academic position due to toxic leadership. It reminded me to remain steadfast in my self-worth, regardless of the circumstances, and that has been a guiding principle in every role I’ve taken on since. It’s helped me rebuild with confidence and purpose, focusing on work that aligns with my values.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Let’s start with a simple definition so that all of us are on the same page. What does does workplace toxicity mean?
Workplace toxicity refers to an environment where negative behaviors, such as disrespect, lack of support, or exclusion, are prevalent. It’s a place where individuals feel undervalued, unsafe, or unable to thrive. A toxic workplace can severely impact both mental and physical health, eroding the quality of work and relationships within an organization.
Can you describe a time when you personally encountered or helped resolve workplace toxicity?
Sadly, two female leaders created a culture of harassment and exclusion in my academic career. I made the difficult decision to leave because it wasn’t aligned with my values. Since then, I’ve used my experience to advocate for healthier work cultures by emphasizing respect, transparency, and open communication in all my leadership roles.
What were the key signs that the environment was toxic?
A lack of transparency, constant tension, and a lack of appreciation were the most noticeable signs. Leaders prioritized their own agendas over the team’s wellbeing, which created a culture of distrust. In the end, our ability to succeed as a team was hindered by a lack of innovation and collaboration. Unfortunately, I learned from this experience that the organizational culture encourages toxic leaders. As opposed to thinking the people are toxic, now I think the toxic organizational culture is the reason for the toxic environment and toxic leaders.
What are some of the most common causes of toxic work environments, and how can leaders recognize these issues before they become pervasive?
Common causes include poor communication, lack of recognition, and favoritism. Leaders can recognize these issues by paying attention to team morale, encouraging open dialogue, and actively seeking feedback. A leader who remains connected to the team’s experiences can often identify issues early and address them before they escalate.
What steps can employees take to address workplace toxicity if they feel uncomfortable or unsupported by leadership?
Employees should first look within their organizations for allies who can provide support and guidance. Documenting specific instances and talking to HR can also be helpful. However, employees should not forget that HR always supports the organizational culture and, in most cases, HR’s job is to protect the institution. Change may not be possible within an organization, so it may be best to explore other options that are more aligned with one’s values.
What role does mental health play in navigating workplace toxicity, and how can both employees and organizations prioritize mental wellness?
Managing workplace toxicity requires a healthy mental state. Offering resources, promoting open conversations, and creating policies that protect employees’ wellbeing are ways that organizations can support mental wellness. Setting boundaries, seeking professional help when needed, and practicing self-care can help employees prioritize their mental health.
Can you share some strategies or practices that individuals and teams can implement to create a healthier and more productive work environment? Please share your “5 Strategies For A Healthier Work Environment”?
Absolutely! Here are my “5 Strategies For A Healthier Work Environment”:
Open Communication — Encourage transparency and regular check-ins.
Recognition and Appreciation — Recognize small and big wins alike.
Foster Inclusivity — Create spaces where diverse voices are valued.
Encourage Work-Life Balance — Support flexible working arrangements.
Provide Mental Health Resources — Offering counseling or wellness programs is essential.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
To foster a more equitable society, I would launch a movement called “Inclusive Leadership in Every Community.” This initiative would train leaders to actively recognize and include marginalized voices, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, feels empowered to contribute. A significant aspect of this vision came to life in Montpelier, where I established a youth committee to give middle and high school students a platform. By involving young people in decision-making, we can cultivate a new generation of leaders who are engaged, informed, and inclusive from the start. Empowering youth and marginalized voices would drive meaningful, long-lasting change in communities everywhere.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
If I could have a private breakfast or lunch with anyone, it would be Madeleine Albright. As an immigrant woman who became the first female U.S. Secretary of State, her journey exemplifies resilience, strength, and an unwavering commitment to public service. Madeleine Albright’s story resonates deeply with me, as she not only broke barriers but also used her platform to advocate for democracy and human rights worldwide. I would love to discuss with her how immigrant women can amplify their voices in leadership and bring unique perspectives to the table. Her experiences navigating complex international landscapes while staying true to her values would provide invaluable insights into fostering inclusivity and empowerment on both local and global scales.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can follow my work through my YouTube channel, New Directions in Leadership, where I discuss transformative leadership practices and interview inspiring leaders. I also publish a newsletter on LinkedIn under the same name, where I share insights, book reviews, and updates on my latest projects.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.
Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.
Navigating Workplace Toxicity: Pelin Kohn Of City of Montpelier On Strategies for a Healthier Work… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.