The CEO is not happy... -- Image by G.C. from Pixabay
A Modern Retelling of "Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego"
At TitanCorp Global, loyalty wasn't just expected — it was demanded. Everybody in upper management had to inform the CEO of every detail going on in the company. He ran it with an iron fist. Every year, the employee reviews are done, and all of them must pass through the CEO's eyes and be letter-perfect. Many reviews were rejected and returned for redo.
One dark, cloudy day, the CEO called in his upper management. He wanted a new campaign to start, to greatly improve the company's brand and image.
The CEO launched a flashy new initiative. Every employee was expected to publicly endorse the company's "eco-friendly" brand campaign. The rule was simple: post the new eco-friendly" brand image and use the hashtag #TitanGreen on all their social media accounts, at the quarterly pep rallies, be business dressed and smile for the photo, post the happy image to all their social media accounts, and for the quick, positive company video, clap and cheer when the boss walked in.
No one would refuse to do this. They feared the wrath of the CEO and wanted to keep their jobs.
Hiding behind the scenes, TitanCorp Global was secretly dumping toxic chemicals into the river, and the holding ponds were not properly sealed, leaking toxic chemicals into the ground. Silencing everyone who worked or even consulted with the company with ironclad NDAs.
Most employees, again with fear, quickly responded with the directive. They valued their paychecks and company perks more than their principles. But three mid-level managers — Sam, Mike, and Ben — simply refused!
When the pep rally came, the giant screen behind the CEO blazed with the words: "Stand and Applaud for TitanCorp Global's Commitment to the Planet." Hundreds stood, clapping on cue. Except Sam, Mike, and Ben. They were wearing blue jeans, flannel shirts, and stayed seated.
The room froze in total disbelief. Immediately, the Cameras and video recorders were turned off. HR reps, with sweat dripping from their foreheads, scribbled notes. They knew what was coming.
Afterward, Sam, Mike, and Ben were summoned to the top floor. The CEO himself leaned across the giant mahogany table, voice smooth, deep, and ominously dangerous. "What part of this directive did you not understand! At TitanCorp Global, we don't tolerate disloyalty."
Sam answered calmly. "All of it, I'd rather flip burgers than fake loyalty.
Mike added, "You can pressure us, but our integrity isn't for sale."
Ben shrugged. "We're not going to pretend something is true when it isn't."
The CEO's smile hardened, and his voice boomed with anger. "Fine. Clear out your desks, your NDAs are in full effect, and when I'm done, you will be lucky to get a job as a janitor! Security will escort you out."
Within hours, the company's CEO set out a very concerning directive. His employees, all of them, were to post stories of misconduct from these three. No direct mention of the company, just the full names of each of them. Being afraid and seriously wanting to keep working, they proceeded. From Twitter to Facebook to LinkedIn, they posted. It was working; recruiters were blacklisting them, companies rejected resumes, and people from all over were sharing these false statements all over social media.
But then, something strange happened.
A popular independent journalist, familiar with this company, took notice of this firestorm of lies. His podcasts were extremely popular, and he did a segment on this issue, showing the good side of Sam, Mike, and Ben and the nasty side of this company.
On the podcast that day, he talked about the polluting the company does, how the employees are treated harshly, and the NDA that keeps them from talking about it. Then went on about Sam, Mike, and Ben, and the years they had worked for them. Then, without apparent reason, they were fired.
The floodgates opened. Former employees, on the condition of anonymity, talk of the travesties in the company and the hiding of the pollution. An activist started documenting the toxic waste going into the river.
There were more and more posts on social media showing the dark side of the company and the best sides of Sam, Mike, and Ben.
The tide turned. The EPA came in and shut down TitanCorp Global. The board of directors fired the CEO. Lawsuits were flying in faster than flies circling dung.
On the edge of permanent closure, the board of directors worked out a compromise with the EPA, created new leadership, added more transparency, and, to settle the lawsuits, they worked out a financial solution to the problems. Lastly, they very publicly apologized to Sam, Mike, and Ben.
A year later, the three friends sat in a really nice Café enjoying a fabulous lunch. Their work phones are constantly ringing with investors wanting to get into their new business. Their customer base grew steadily. And the employees were happy and enjoyed coming to work.
#SamMikeBenStrong was trending all over social media.
Based on Daniel 3
Synopsis:
In the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three men refuse to bow to the king's golden image — and are thrown into a fiery furnace. The king noticed a fourth person in the fire. They emerge unharmed. This modern retelling shows how integrity can withstand the "fires" of pressure and smear campaigns. When everyone else bows to lies, standing firm may cost you — but it can also set you free.
Tap to read the actual bible passage:
Story of Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego.
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