About us
Our Mission
VENT is a platform focused on addressing toxic leadership and its impacts on individuals, communities, businesses, and the environment through impactful storytelling and in-depth research.
Our Approach
Through anonymous interviews, we gather stories of workplace incivility and exploitation, ensuring anonymity and highlighting systemic patterns of abuse across industries.
Our Goals
- Provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences.
- Transform trauma into awareness and actionable solutions.
- Research the effects of toxic leadership.
- Combat the normalization of workplace violence and harassment.
Storytelling and Education
Alongside written narratives, we produce cartoons and educational campaigns to convey these experiences.
Research
We engage with multidisciplinary experts and collaborate with researchers in organizational psychology as well as corporate social responsibility, and more.
For stories of toxic leadership experiences, check our Real Stories. For guidance on navigating unhealthy work environments, visit our page Self Help.
Vent in the media
The team
Kasia Musur
Research and Communications
Kasia founded VENT in the summer of 2022 after recognizing the destructive impact of toxic workplace environments and the recurring behavioral patterns among leaders who contribute to such cultures. Drawing on her educational background in Management, Social Anthropology, and Global Crime, along with over a decade of international experience in roles spanning social research, HR, and leadership development, Kasia created this platform to promote solidarity and mitigate the effects of toxic leadership through research and storytelling. In addition to her work with VENT, Kasia also leads lightup Germany e.V., an NGO dedicated to human trafficking prevention.
Dr. Eva Hoffmann
Technical Lead
Eva is an experienced software engineer with extensive expertise in developing innovative applications for prominent tech companies such as Klarna, DAZN and Beamery. With a Ph.D. in Science and Technology Studies, she also has a particular interest in the broader societal implications of technology. While studying at the University of Edinburgh, Eva connected with Kasia and is excited to work with her on developing technical solutions to empower individuals facing adversity in toxic workplaces.
Judith Lippold
Developer
Judith is a former sound engineer turned software developer holding a Bachelor of Computer Engineering. She works as a developer at Maschenfein. Judith is also Eva's mentee and joined the team of VENT to combine her passion for technology and advancing women in tech.
Najma Hussaini
Developer
Najma is a software developer and former programming lecturer. She obtained her BSc in Computer Science in 2014 from a university in Afghanistan and an MSc from TU Berlin in 2018. Najma is a former student of Eva. They met back in 2012 when Eva worked in Afghanistan as a lecturer and researcher. As a working professional with years of experience in a toxic workplace, Najma is motivated to contribute to reducing the impact of toxic leadership and helping people around the world by applying her technical knowledge to this vital project.
Cynthia Mathieu, PhD
Collaborator
Cynthia collaborates with VENT as a consulting expert working together to develop tools supporting victims of workplace harassment. She is a psychologist and professor of Organizational Behavior. She consults with organizations and teaches on topics relating to dark personalities in the workplace, employee selection, organizational fraud and leadership. She has published empirical research on leadership, employee selection, narcissism and psychopathy in the workplace, and employee well-being.
