Season 4: Episode 7 - The Dark Triad and Burnout with Daniella Haig
Throughout Series Four of Burnout to Brilliance, we've been exploring some of the less visible contributors to burnout. We've looked beyond workload to consider the influence of trauma, nervous system regulation, adverse childhood experiences and narcissistic relationship dynamics.In this episode, we continue that conversation by exploring another fascinating, and often misunderstood, psychological concept: the Dark Triad.Joined by business psychologist and therapist Dannielle Haig, we unpack the three personality traits that make up the Dark Triad: narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy. We explore how these traits can quietly shape workplace cultures, leadership behaviours and the psychological wellbeing of the people around them.Importantly, this is not a conversation about labelling people or encouraging armchair diagnosis.Instead, it is a thoughtful exploration of why certain personality patterns emerge, how they influence organisations, and why prolonged exposure to relational unpredictability can leave even highly capable people feeling emotionally exhausted, hypervigilant and, ultimately, burnt out.In this episode we explore:What psychologists mean by the Dark TriadThe differences between narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathyWhy these personality traits often overlapHow childhood experiences and early environments may contribute to personality developmentWhy some leaders rise rapidly despite leaving psychological damage behind themThe relationship between power, charisma and organisational successHow chronic relational uncertainty creates emotional hypervigilanceWhy burnout is often driven by relationships rather than workload aloneWhy high-performing professionals frequently over-adapt around toxic leadershipThe importance of psychological safety, recovery and supportive relationships in protecting against burnoutConstant Emotional Calculation is Exhausting...One of the greatest drains on our energy when working with controlling leaders is the constant emotional calculation involved.As Dannielle explains, our brains are wired to seek safety through predictability.When we're continually walking on eggshells, second-guessing reactions, managing moods or anticipating the next unexpected interaction, our nervous systems rarely get the opportunity to settle.Over time, heightened emotional hypervigilance becomes exhausting.It slowly consumes the very cognitive, emotional and relational resources we rely upon to stay well.This conversation reinforces how burnout can arise because of walking on eggshells for too long within environments and relationships that don’t feel psychologically safe.About Dannielle HaigDannielle Haig is a Business Psychologist, Therapist and Executive Coach whose work explores the intersection between personality, leadership and organisational psychology.Drawing together research from psychology, neuroscience and business, she works with organisations and senior leaders to better understand complex personality dynamics in the workplace, helping teams navigate the challenges that can arise when high-performing individuals also display darker personality traits.Her research spans the neuroscience of personality, psychometric assessment and organisational behaviour, alongside a professional doctorate exploring female resilience in high-pressure, male-dominated environments.Resources mentioned during the conversationThe Prince - Niccolò Machiavelli Stop Walking on Eggshells - Paul Mason & Randi Kreger Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle - Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski Research by Professor Adrian Furnham on workplace derailers Connect with Dannielle HaigLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannielle-haig/Connect with Jayne Morris MCCLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaynemorrismcc/Continue the conversationIf this episode resonated with you, you may also enjoy:Narcissism and Burnout with Kathleen SaxtonAdverse Childhood Experiences and Burnout with Linda LewisTrauma, the Nervous System and Burnout with Dr Susanna PetcheTogether, these conversations build a broader understanding of how our relationships, environments and nervous systems shape our capacity to thrive.About Jayne MorrisJayne Morris MCC is one of the UK's leading Executive Burnout Coaches and founder of Balanceology.She works with senior leaders, organisations and coaches to understand burnout through a whole-person lens, combining coaching psychology, neuroscience, nervous system regulation and relational awareness to help people move beyond survival towards sustainable success.Jayne is the author of Burnout to Brilliance: Strategies for Sustainable Success and host of the Burnout to Brilliance podcast.Connect with Jayne Morris MCCThe UK’s leading executive burnout coach & author of Burnout to BrillianceLinkedIn: @jaynemorrisMCCBurnout to Brilliance on AmazonFollow BalanceologyLinkedIn: @BalanceologyWebsite: www.balanceology.ukAbout BalanceologyBalanceology is a leading coaching organisation dedicated to preventing workplace burnout and restoring sustainable success. Through talks, workshops, trainings, coaching and retreats, Balanceology supports individuals and organisations to work well, live fully, and thrive.The Balanceology Certified Burnout Coach CPD Training is ICF accredited and carries 64 CCEUs





