Big Technology Podcast Can Apple's Culture Handle Dissent? — With Cher Scarlett
Mar 30, 2022
Cher Scarlett, a former Apple engineer, pioneered a movement for pay transparency and bravely spoke out against Apple's culture. She shares her personal transformation from a challenging upbringing to a prominent tech role. The conversation reveals the paradox of Apple’s environment, where dissenters face isolation and secrecy. Scarlett delves into the complexities of advocating for transparency, the stark contrast between leadership styles, and the ongoing struggles for corporate accountability in the tech industry.
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Cher's Unlikely Path
- Cher Scarlett's background includes overcoming addiction and poverty to become a software engineer.
- This shaped her perspective and resilience at Apple.
Apple's Culture of Controlled Access
- Apple's culture appears open but controls information flow internally.
- Physical and digital access restrictions create silos, impacting transparency even on workplace issues.
The Catalyst for Change
- Cher Scarlett's advocacy for pay transparency began after experiencing discrepancies in her own pay after an internal transfer.
- This led to a company-wide survey and subsequent suppression by Apple.
