The article tells the story of Maya, a fictional character working in a small public relations agency in the UK, who describes the idealization of her job quickly turning sour due to the presence of a toxic boss. This manager imposed impossibly high standards and publicly berated employees who failed to meet them, creating a hostile work environment. Maya shares incidents where her boss would insult staff in front of their peers, often using derogatory language that went beyond constructive criticism to personal attacks.

Maya recounts a particularly harsh incident involving a colleague who announced plans to hire a personal trainer before her wedding. Reacting cruelly, the manager left a photograph of a "fat bride" on the colleague's desk, showcasing a level of bullying that many workers experience under toxic leadership. The piece explores how such detrimental workplace behaviors can contribute to severe emotional distress among employees, provoking feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.

The article also raises awareness about how pervasive toxic leadership is, encouraging readers to reflect on their experiences at work. Strategies for identifying and dealing with a toxic boss are highlighted, emphasizing the need for a supportive work culture that promotes respect rather than fear. By sharing such stories, the piece aims to foster discussion on the issue and empower individuals to address toxicity in their workplaces.