It was overshadowed by a culture of disrespect from the top down. The board's behavior was often outright bullying, with public call-outs, dismissive comments, and a general lack of regard for employee well-being. Speaking up with ideas or concerns was met with hostility, and it wasn't rare to be silenced or humiliated in front of your peers. This kind of treatment was a daily reality, and it didn't matter how hard you worked or how good your intentions were. The board's aggressive style created a toxic atmosphere that was tough to work in. It felt like they were more interested in throwing their weight around than in what we were actually achieving as a company. To make matters worse, there was a clear inner circle—those with personal ties to the board—who seemed immune to the rules and repercussions. This favoritism led to a skewed sense of accountability and a workplace that felt unfair and divided. The low pay didn't help either, especially considering the amount of stress we were under. Endless meetings were less about progress and more about the board flaunting their achievements, which didn't exactly inspire confidence or loyalty. It's no surprise that many of us, particularly the most skilled and dedicated, decided to leave. The combination of low pay, lack of respect, and a bullying culture from the board made for an environment that was hard to stick around in.