The Unspoken Sabotage:$8.3 Billion Lost When Abuse Silences High-Achieving Women

High-achieving women are often seen as unstoppable... until they quietly fade. Behind many of these disappearances lies a devastating but overlooked reality: emotional and narcissistic abuse, often occurring in secret, at home, while they continue to show up at work.

In this bold and eye-opening talk, bestselling author and survivor-turned-speaker Marysol James shares how covert abuse erodes women’s confidence, cognitive clarity, and professional presence, leading to underperformance, burnout, and ultimately, departure. The cost is staggering: an estimated $8.3 billion in lost productivity in the U.S. alone.

Combining compelling personal narrative, research-backed insight, and practical recommendations, Marysol empowers leaders, HR professionals, and Chief Wellness Officers, to recognise the signs, respond appropriately, and build trauma-informed cultures that don’t just protect women, but also retain them.

Because when abuse goes unseen, companies lose more than people: they lose brilliance, innovation, and long-term leadership potential.