Have you ever felt trapped in a system that’s supposed to empower you but instead chips away at your well-being? In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Kelly Stonelake, a former Meta executive who’s blowing the whistle on what’s happening behind the scenes at one of the world’s most powerful tech giants. 

From battling toxic corporate culture to confronting racial issues in virtual spaces, Kelly’s story isn’t just about one woman standing up - it’s about exposing the systemic issues that hold women back in the corporate workplace and getting all of us to fight for a safer, more accountable tech industry. If you’ve ever felt the weight of corporate silence or been pushed to the brink in a system that’s more about profit than people, this conversation serves as an eye-opener.

Kelly opens up about her time at Meta and the deeply toxic corporate culture she experienced, which led to her risking it all by taking on the company with a high-profile lawsuit. She reveals her fight to hold Meta accountable for the harm done, particularly to vulnerable users. As a former senior executive, Kelly sheds light on the urgent need for corporate accountability in an environment that prioritizes growth over people’s well-being, and how her treatment after speaking out about racial and cultural issues within Meta eventually led to her whistleblowing.

If you're interested in the human side of big tech and how systems of power perpetuate harm, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in to hear Kelly’s remarkable journey and discover how she’s taking a stand for change, even when it comes at great personal cost.

Two small corrections from Kelly: "After listening back, two quick clarifications to my comments in the spirit of accuracy. I said it is illegal for companies to collect data on children. Clarification: it's illegal to collect data on children without parental consent. Also, I said I was 21 when I was first sexually assaulted by my boss, but I misspoke. I was 23 years old."  

“It's a great privilege to be able to tell the truth.” 

~ Kelly Stonelake

In This Episode:

-The challenges of working with Horizon Worlds

-The role of senior leadership in perpetuating corporate culture

-The impact of being laid off, especially for neurodivergent individuals

-Meta’s disregard for product safety and how that impacts children

-Embracing the privilege of being able to tell the truth

-Kelly’s reflections on DEI and corporate accountability

-The emotional impact of being a whistleblower

-Discrimination and ageism in the tech industry

And much more!

Resources:

-Stonelake v. Meta - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kellystonelake_stonelake-v-meta-activity-7292542424248135681-wJi_/

-The Autistic Burnout Workbook by Dr. Megan Anna Neff - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1507223064

Connect with Kelly Stonelake:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellystonelake/

-Substack: https://overturned.substack.com/ and https://substack.com/@kellystonelake

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/