I worked at a very hip startup that was once on the move but then had crested and was on the slight decline.
1/

I was running a team of people who did video conferencing. They were really good at it, and I didn't know anything about the technology. One of the tricks I sometimes use in management is to shut up when I don't know anything.
2/
it was IT in a different gear than I'd seen before
e.g. your wiring had to be perfect, there would be decisions by people that required insane costs &
white gloves
3/
a day or two after they announce earnings, they want to do an All Hands where the CEO, CFO and various bigwigs claim credit for the smart work of their teams.
4/
This team runs that conference setup. It's a big deal and a lot of work, and this was the first one I'd run by myself. None of the old leaders
5/
In reality, of course, I didn't run a goddamn thing. C_____ was an expert at running a conference setup and it was going silky smooth. I did press a button that kept the stream from going down. Go me 😊
6/
As the largely conventionally pretty and hip employees walk in, the lights go berserk and they have loud bass heavy music to hype everyone up.
7/
https://t.co/Q8tf0zJYdF
If I recall it right, it was Video Phone by Beyoncé
8/
I get back to my desk after doing sweaty work in my nice clothes, and there's a scathing email from H______. She's an HR woman on the move, and my boss' boss is being asked to account for what's being said in the song.
9/
This is before #metoo, so nothing like that. Just an HR worker on the way up asking questions about sexism in the workplace. I recall thinking it was fair play. So I go to ask C_____ just to have my facts straight.
10/
I bring it up to C_____ and he stares at me blankly.
"That's a playlist we've used for five years."
2009ish checks out.
11/12
I had to write this contortionist both apology, and "say, fuck off with that shit."
12/12

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