8mo
This is difficult to read, but I appreciate you being candid with your experience. When someone walks away from our company with the experience you’ve described - feeling belittled, unsafe, and unvalued - that reflects on me as a leader. No title, no success, no growth excuses the responsibility I carry for the culture we create. I prided myself on what we created at 2toLead to drive and build the culture and there never was a bias of prejudice that drove our continuous focus on improving and iterating.
I have been reflecting and acknowledge that my directness did cross in scenarios where it was harsh. It's something that I have struggled with as I have always made excuses where I'm failing to slow down, listen, and respect the human being in front of me. I regret that my words and actions left you feeling diminished rather than supported. To you, and to anyone who’s felt the same, I am truly sorry.
You also called out something I take very seriously: the experience of women on our team. The fact that you felt unsafe is unacceptable. I need to be more intentional - not just about hiring women, but about ensuring their voices are heard, their work is recognized, and their careers are supported here.
Since your departure, here are a few commitments I’m making as a result of feedback like yours:
- Changing how I give feedback as I’m working with a coach to learn how to deliver constructive feedback that builds confidence instead of tearing it down.
- Recognition first as I will personally make it a practice to acknowledge contributions before critiquing work.
- Safer spaces as we are introducing more regular anonymous feedback opportunities and ensuring psychological safety is part of every leadership conversation.
- Gender equity as I’m committing to improving representation at all levels, and not just in hiring, but in how women are empowered to thrive and lead.
I can’t undo your experience, but I can take it to heart and ensure it changes me, and us, going forward. Thank you for saying what was hard to say. I promise you it won’t be ignored. ❤️🩹
