dear Maya: my CEO is in the Epstein files
welcome to dear Maya, where I answer real questions from real employees navigating the mess of modern work.
dear Maya,
This week we found out that our CEO was mentioned in the Epstein files. He’s made a public statement but there has been no internal communication about it—it’s like they’re pretending it’s not happening. I work with a lot of outside vendors and I’m embarrassed to be attached to the company. It’s on my LinkedIn. I’m not sure what to say if someone asks me about it and I feel like our leaders should address it? Should I leave? I don’t want to be associated with something like this. Am I crazy?
dear “my CEO is in the Epstein files,“
whew! ok. first, you’re totally not crazy. our leaders have completely lost the plot and unfortunately a lot of our CEOs are compromised in ways we couldn’t have imagined. it also bothered me SO much when companies addressed things externally before they talked to us internally. like hello, I literally represent you every day—talk to me!
but unfortunately, they care way more about managing external perception these days. the chief comms officer and CEO are working to mitigate anything internal to “not cause distractions.”
I can imagine the conversation right now...
Epstein CEO: Are people saying anything? What’s going on? What are people saying? (Because of course he’s paranoid and embarrassed. As he should be. also assuming “he” because duh).
Chief Comms Officer: We checked in with leaders across different levels. We did an audit of Slack and employee socials—internal conversation around this is low and increased by 2% in the last 24 hours. Best move is to not say anything and draw attention to it.
they’re hoping it blows over.
this is how a fear-based leader acts who is not sorry at all. one who doesn’t care about y’all and is only concerned with how things look and mad he got caught.
a good leader would address it. apologize for their actions. acknowledge how it’s affected you. recognize that you represent the company every day and that their goal should be for it to be something you’re proud of—and that he failed you. maybe even take some time away to reflect and to not create more distractions for the work that you all have to get done as you make him more money!
but that’s not what you’re getting. so here’s what you can do…
1. you can say something to your direct leader.
something like:
“I’m really disappointed that this isn’t being addressed internally. The actions of the CEO reflect on us and our ability to do business and build trust with our partners. I would appreciate him saying something to us—or leadership providing language that we can use if someone asks.”
part of the goal here is for you to always feel like you’re in integrity. don’t come into agreement with the corporate BS. You want to walk away knowing you did your part.
and the truth is—if enough of you say something internally, they’ll have no choice but to respond. because now it is the distraction they were hoping wouldn’t happen.
2. reminder — this job is not who you are.
it’s what you’re currently doing. it’s your current destination—not your identity. he does not represent you. you being there is not an indictment on your character.
most of our leaders are compromised these days, and we’re always going to find creeps wherever we work. that doesn’t mean you have to leave. if you have a strong value system, you feel confident in your ability to line something else up, and you want to bounce—by all means, go. but the next company probably has a compromised CEO too.
so it’s less about loyalty to the company and more about you doing great work, getting what you need from this place, and keeping it moving. this won’t be the last place you work.
unfortunately, we are in a time where it’s pretty dark. sometimes our job is to be the light in the darkness.
3. if your vendors bring it up...
say something like:
“His actions don’t represent me, and I [insert how you actually feel]. But I’m here to do a job and make sure you have what you need.”
and keep it moving.
every person you work with is a future collaborator, a future reference, a future opportunity. your reputation is built on how you do the work and the integrity you carry, not the name on the building.
hope that helps. and I’m really sorry that this yet another thing that you’re having to navigate at this time.
sending you so much love wherever u are,
m
p.s. have a question? submit it anonymously maya@ourbestwork.co.
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Follow The Leader is created for the people leaders who care about the people doing the work. If these insights resonate with you and you’re interested in bringing our expertise into your organization for speaking, workshops, or facilitation, reach out to maya@ourbestwork.co.
Brilliant and timely, Maya. Sooo much resonance. Thank you for the light and helping as we all work to navigate and nurture our own inner integrity and light in these dark times. 💡