A lot of people have already commented on the $1B+ in restructuring costs expected in Q4, mostly severance. And I think we all know exactly what that means.
But did anyone catch Brian Roberts’ comments at the very end of the earnings call?
That had to be one of the most spectacularly tone-deaf statements I’ve ever heard from a CEO. Is this man genuinely that disconnected from reality?
He actually talked about the incredible enthusiasm he’s feeling from employees and how excited everyone is about where the company is headed.
Seriously? What alternate universe is he living in?
If he bothered to set foot on literally any floor of any company building, he’d find something slightly different: fear, uncertainty, anxiety, and people genuinely freaking out about their futures. Morale is in the gutter. But apparently, from the executive suite, it all looks like sunshine and rainbows.
Maybe Brian hasn’t spent much time in the office lately? Sounds like someone could use a little RTO himself.
And the real irony? This is a perfect illustration of exactly why the company is in the position it’s in.
Nobody dares tell Brian the truth. Not the people on the front lines, not middle management, and apparently not even the executives at the very top. People are terrified of challenging him, so instead they tell him exactly what he wants to hear.
And Brian? He doesn’t seem particularly interested in hearing anything else. Why would he? He’s already convinced himself he knows everything.
That’s what happens when you surround yourself with people who are too afraid to tell you the truth. Eventually, you start believing your own PR.
A billion dollars in severance, employees terrified about their livelihoods, and the guy at the top is celebrating how enthusiastic everyone is.
You really couldn’t make this stuff up.