A Masterclass in Toxic Leadership — Proceed with Caution
Pros
-Trauma bonds are strong. The friendships you form here may last a lifetime — forged under pressure, not unlike war buddies. -Bathrooms are spacious enough for a quiet breakdown. You’ll likely need it. -If you value money over self-respect and enjoy 24/7 availability with zero boundaries, you’ll thrive.
Cons
Leadership is built around one individual’s ego, not collective intelligence. Critical decisions — including basic equipment approvals — bottleneck at the very top, often delayed for arbitrary reasons. I once waited days to get a $10 cable approved. This was not a one-off. Public image is everything here. Internally? Expect to navigate a culture of performative loyalty, constant surveillance, and sudden shifts in narrative — especially around why people leave. We’re often told stories that don’t align with what we know. Everyone nods. No one believes it. Expectations include working weekends, holidays, and being reachable at all hours — not formally required, but very obviously rewarded. You’ll be publicly praised for sacrificing your life. Personal emergencies? A polite acknowledgment followed by business as usual. Candidates are treated like royalty. Employees, less so. If you’re wowed during the interview process, just know: the honeymoon ends the moment your contract is signed. Advice to Candidates: Skip the shiny pitch. Speak with ex-employees — not the ones handpicked for references. Ask about real turnover rates, approval processes, and what “ownership” really means here.
