APRIL 27, 2021 — A CASUAL COMMENT CAUGHT ON VIDEO AND A CEO LOSES HIS JOB WITHOUT REGARD TO HIS VALUE TO THE COMPANY.
Nothing matters. Not the CEO’s education, experience, ability, skillset, previous performance, or future value to the company. The company caves.
Nashville, Tennesee-based Visuwell, an innovator in telemedicine delivering enterprise-ready telemedicine platform and solutions to 300+ hospitals, has announced that the company has terminated their CEO, Sam Johnson, for an imprudent remark on social media.
It appears that someone captured a video, now gone viral, of Johnson appearing to argue with gay high school senior, Dalton Stevens, over his choice to wear a red prom gown in an outdoor area of the Harpeth Hotel located in Franklin, Tennessee.
Succumbing to mob pressure on social media platforms, the company issued this statement...
"We unequivocally condemn the behavior exhibited by Sam Johnson in a recent video widely circulated on social media. After investigating the matter and speaking to individuals involved, the VisuWell Board of Directors has chosen to terminate Mr. Johnson from his position as CEO, effective immediately. Gerry Andrady, our President and COO, will lead the company through this important time.
VisuWell’s culture emphasizes respect, kindness, and compassion, especially for those from traditionally marginalized communities, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy for intolerance of any kind. Mr. Johnson’s actions contradicted the high standards we set for ourselves in promoting the health of those who use our platform.
We share the concerns that so many have expressed on this matter and look forward to announcing concrete steps we are taking in support of the LGBTQ community in particular over the coming weeks."
"In response to those asking for additional clarity on Sam Johnson’s termination as CEO, we can confirm that Mr. Johnson is no longer employed by VisuWell in any capacity. He no longer has a position on the Board of Directors or any informal advisory role. His behavior was not representative of our values, which include respect and compassion for all."
Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?