The culture I experienced here was deeply unhealthy. Leadership operated with an “in or out” mentality, where belonging felt conditional and fragile. It often had little to do with performance or character and more to do with arbitrary factors like how you looked, how you dressed, how much you flattered the right people. If you were too capable, you risked being seen as arrogant. If you were too honest, you risked being labeled “a hater.” That dynamic created an environment of fear and favoritism, not trust.
On my very first day, my manager openly criticized RF at length, describing him as an awful and selfish person. That set the wrong tone from the jump and it revealed how fractured the leadership team was. It left me feeling like there was no safe ground to stand on and no consistent example of healthy leadership to look to.
I don’t use the word “toxic” lightly but it applies here. The culture encouraged superficial loyalty while discouraging real candor and accountability. The result was damaging, both professionally and personally. I still carry the weight of that experience.
