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Book Review: ‘Don’t Be Evil,’ by Claire Stapleton
The New York Times • • business
Key Points:
- Claire Stapleton’s memoir, "Don’t Be Evil," chronicles her 12-year journey at Google, from enthusiastic English graduate to disillusioned employee and organizer of the 2018 Google walkout protesting the company's handling of sexual harassment.
- The book explores the transformation of a young woman who initially embraced the tech industry’s optimism but ultimately becomes critical of the corporate culture she once helped promote.
- Stapleton’s insider perspective sheds light on the contradictions and challenges within Big Tech, highlighting issues like toxic workplace environments and broken promises.
- The memoir aims to offer more than just exposé and anger, potentially providing valuable insights on preventing further deterioration in the tech industry’s culture.
- The narrative begins with a telling scene after the walkout, where Stapleton is asked to present her experience as if it were a routine branding campaign, underscoring the corporate disconnect from employee activism.
