I worked for Greg Everage for two years and nine months.
He was a misogynist bully who belittled me, intimidated me, and caused me extreme distress. He discriminated against women multiple times. His behavior should not have been tolerated. He received too many second chances.
It’s no coincidence that sexual assault was his undoing. HR consistently protected him until something terrible happened. Our coworker should have been protected. What happened to her never should have happened. I stood up to him and a system that wasn't on my side. I pushed for positive change. The warning signs were there and ignored.
When I transferred in early 2017 to my new job, I gave myself a week to shorthand what transpired (the blueprint of these stories). A form of therapy. Get it all out of your system and forget about it. Isn't that what we are often tasked with doing in our culture as women? Endure quietly and move on. I want to see that cycle end.
I carried depression and anger on my shoulders for a long time.
I was angry at the company. Why weren't you the dream I envisioned those first three years?
I was angry with the HR reps. Why did you protect that awful, dishonest man? Why didn't you see my path of good intentions?
I was angry with myself. Why couldn't you be more like Cindy? Why couldn't you just shut up, smile, and take the abuse on the chin? It was just a job for her, but to me, it meant so much more.
I was most angry with Greg. How dare you mar this dream for so many people? You took up an invaluable space that so many people vie for. And you wasted it. You wasted it with your ego and your insecurity and your inability to treat women colleagues—and specifically your subordinates—with equality and respect.
I left the company in 2020, and in that time, many have asked, "Do you want to come back?"
I would. For the right job, the right team, the right leader. The problem is, I've heard that this very blog is controversial. Some managers, having read my story, are wary to hire me.
Is this fair retribution for speaking the truth? I would like to have a conversation with those people who see me as the troublemaker—the antagonist—in this story. Regardless, I want to work for someone that would be proud of their employee for asking why, for defending others against discrimination, and for keeping leadership accountable.
Years ago, as a little girl, I dreamed of working for this company. I wanted to be a part of a great purpose: bringing incredible games to people all around the world. Hopefully I could inspire others the same way that I was. I still don't want to be president, but I would gladly be part of the team again. Their mission is to bring smiles to people's faces...and that includes the people that work within their very halls. That's been the mission the whole time—since I was a little girl enamored with the games—and still today.