321: How to Protect Your Reputation When Someone Throws You Under the Bus

Send us a text Every mid-career professional has faced that gut-punch moment when a colleague shifts blame, steals credit, or takes a public swipe to protect their image. In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, John Neral dives into why “bus-throwing” happens, how to stay composed when it does, and what to do next to protect your professional reputation without reacting emotionally. If you’ve ever felt the sting of embarrassment, anger, or self-doubt after someone undermined you, this episode gives you a clear, practical playbook to regain control, rebuild trust, and move forward with confidence. What You’ll LearnWhy fear, insecurity, and low psychological safety drive blame-shifting behaviorHow mid-career professionals often become easy targets when they hold responsibility without equivalent authorityHow to pause under pressure, stay calm, and separate truth from perceptionThe exact language you can use to clarify facts in a meeting or emailA simple documentation strategy that prevents misinformation and protects your credibilityWhen to address issues privately, when to set firm boundaries, and when escalation is appropriateHow to rebuild credibility through consistent performance and visible resultsWhy executive presence—composure, clarity, and confidence—is your best defense John also shares step-by-step recovery actions you can take after a professional setback to ensure your brand stays strong, your work stays respected, and your relationships remain authentic. Episode HighlightsHow insecurity, fear, and imposter syndrome show up in colleagues’ behaviorThe power of neutral, fact-based communicationSetting healthy boundaries to protect your energy and career reputationRebuilding trust and visibility through transparency and strong alliancesWhen and how to involve HR with clarity and documentation If you’re navigating a challenging workplace dynamic or working to rebuild your credibility, this episode will help you lead with calm authority and protect your professional reputation. Take the Next Step: Schedule a 45-minute Career or Leadership Strategy Session with Jo Support the show Ready to give your career the jumpstart it needs to whatever is next? Schedule a $197 Career/Leadership Strategy Session. Click here to learn more about how this transformative strategy session will help you. Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to: Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter Get The Mid-Career Promotion Blueprint to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career Join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here. Connect with John on LinkedIn here. Get John"s New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John"s YouTube Channel here.