Markus Zehentner

With an extensive and varied career over more than two decades, Markus Zehentner has worked in multiple sectors, including the Austrian judicial system, IT consulting, and the finance industry. He earned his doctorate in law in Austria after conducting research at UCLA Law School. He has also served as a portfolio manager in New York City. Currently working as a senior legal counsel, Markus applies his comprehensive professional background and experiences to his role as the author of Breaking Free from Toxic Leadership.

Several years ago, Markus’s journey was marked by significant personal and professional challenges. During a particularly demanding phase in his career, exacerbated by a severe family health crisis, Markus reached a crucial turning point while undergoing therapy. It was during this period that he met Claudia Schwinghammer, who was initially his therapist and later became a collaborator. Their professional relationship has since evolved, fostering a collaboration that not only rejuvenated Markus’s personal drive but also catalyzed their work on this book.

Markus combines his legal acumen, diverse industry knowledge, and extensive research to equip readers with strategies to recognize, resist, and overcome manipulative behaviors in the workplace. His dedication extends beyond mere professional expertise, involving a thorough investigation into psychological and organizational behavior to enrich his guide.

His story is one of empowerment, dedicated to helping others reclaim their autonomy and thrive despite adversarial conditions. Today, Markus continues to inspire and advocate for healthy workplace dynamics, sharing his insights and experiences to foster environments that promote well-being and resilience.