After nine years of dedication, I was laid off, so it’s time to shed light on what’s really going on.
Caroline, are you aware of what’s happening under your leadership? The executive team is fragmented and struggles to align on basic operational and strategic direction - a challenge that’s visibly impacting the brand. The culture, particularly among the senior male leaders from Europe, is problematic and hostile. They frequently speak down to women that are more junior employees, while they contribute very little value by way of support or communication. The work environment is toxic and hostile, with specific individuals like RG (Global Planning) and TD (AMER) gaining reputations for behavior that undermines morale.
In APAC, the regional merchandising leader FH has been observed making inappropriate comments that question the intelligence of colleagues. These behaviors go unchecked in a culture where teams are stretched to their limits. Across functions, flags are raised for risk to business and morale constantly, yet no one appears to be taking anything seriously.
Operations could be a stabilizing force, but it’s clear from conversations with that team that they’re exhausted, under-supported, and seriously demoralized. I’ve seen tears, more than once, and their resilience is nothing short of remarkable given the situations they’ve been put in. Their treatment is deeply concerning, and some are questioning if it’s because it’s a team of women. It’s hard to imagine they’re not already planning their exits, which would be unfortunate during a time where the teams are already metabolizing significant change and need operations to support business continuity.
This extends beyond just one team. Promotions are stalled across multiple functions. People are openly seeking new roles. The only individuals who seem to succeed in this environment are those who stay quiet and compliant, a dynamic that doesn’t foster innovation or loyalty.
This company seems to have forgotten that people are its most valuable asset. You can’t mistreat them and expect retention, performance, or brand success. Caroline has an incredible background. I’d appreciate seeing her more present in holding her teams accountable.