Big Technology Podcast Out At Twitter — With Simon Balmain
Nov 4, 2022
Simon Balmain, a former senior community manager at Twitter, shares his firsthand experience of the company's recent layoffs and the emotional turmoil within. He discusses the chaotic atmosphere post-Elon Musk's acquisition, highlighting breakdowns in communication and morale. Balmain reflects on leadership changes and their impact on company culture, as well as Twitter's struggle to adapt its revenue model amidst fierce competition. Ultimately, he emphasizes the need for empathy and community support during such challenging transitions in the tech industry.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Abrupt Layoff Notification
- Simon Balmain found out about his layoff when his laptop and other work accounts were remotely locked.
- He received a vague follow-up email later, citing legal processes.
Rollercoaster Acquisition
- Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter was a rollercoaster.
- His unpredictable behavior created uncertainty, from the initial offer to attempts at withdrawing.
Internal Mood During Acquisition
- Elon Musk's public criticism of Twitter created a bizarre and distracting atmosphere.
- Internal communication from previous management was limited, but better than under new management.