"We're both leaving the company." Her eyes welled up as she spoke the words to the young woman across the table, who clearly wasn't expecting this. I hadn't intended to eavesdrop, but while starting off my day at the local coffee shop, I couldn't help but be drawn into the drama unfolding at the table to my left. "I want nothing but to see this company grow and succeed, but I can no longer be a part of it." The teary-eyed woman went on to explain to her manager and friend how the CEO of the young startup was unapproachable, unpredictable, moody, and - at his worst - terrifying. She and her now-husband, who had met and fell in love while working for the startup, had decided to leave together. Apparently, the CEO intimidated not only this young couple, but many of the employees he led.
