Former Google executive and leadership strategist Ginny Clarke is sounding the alarm on one of the most insidious threats to professional growth — colleagues who pretend to be allies while quietly undermining you behind the scenes.
In a recent post on Instagram (@ginny_clarke), Clarke described how “the most dangerous workplace manipulators don’t attack you directly — they wrap their sabotage in fake concern and helpfulness.”
“Ever trusted a colleague who seemed genuinely supportive, only to discover they were building a case against you?” she wrote. “Trust your gut when something feels off. The people collecting your vulnerabilities aren’t your friends.”
The post, which has quickly resonated with professionals online, was accompanied by a video in which Clarke recounted a personal story from her corporate career.
“I remember working with a colleague who always seemed supportive,” Clarke recalled. “She’d ask thoughtful questions about my projects, offer to help, and even defend my ideas in meetings. I considered her an ally in a competitive workplace. Then came performance review season — and I was shocked to hear feedback that mirrored my private conversations with her.”
According to Clarke, her colleague had weaponized confidential information to make her appear “incompetent rather than proactive,” later deflecting responsibility by claiming she was only trying to help.
“She expertly reframed everything,” Clarke said. “Her ability to twist reality left me questioning my own perception of events. That experience taught me that manipulation isn’t always obvious. The most skilled manipulators wrap their tactics in the appearance of care, concern, or even helpfulness.”
Recognizing covert manipulation
Clarke, who now runs a leadership development platform and YouTube channel, said she shares such lessons to help professionals recognize covert manipulation before it derails their confidence or career trajectory.
Her video has struck a chord with thousands of professionals who say they’ve faced similar “performative allies” in toxic workplaces. Many praised Clarke for addressing a form of psychological manipulation that often goes unrecognized until significant damage has been done.
“Workplace betrayal is hard to prove because it hides behind politeness and professionalism,” Clarke noted in a follow-up comment. “But your intuition is data — trust it.”
Clarke continues to use her platform to discuss leadership, organizational behavior, and career resilience, encouraging employees and executives alike to prioritize authenticity and emotional intelligence at work.
