Meghan Markle has been the subject of recent controversy, with conflicting accounts emerging regarding her leadership style. A Hollywood Reporter article painted a picture of a demanding and even intimidating boss, with an ex-employee describing her as a “dictator in high heels.” This source claimed that everyone was “terrified” of her and accused her of belittling others and disregarding advice. However, a different narrative emerged from current and former staff members who spoke to US Weekly.
Five employees described Meghan as a “great boss,” emphasizing her supportive nature and fair-minded approach. One key point they highlighted was her email etiquette. While Meghan does send emails early in the morning, often around 5 AM, she explicitly states that her team is not obligated to respond outside their regular working hours. Her emails often include a note saying, “My working day may not be your working day. Please do not feel obliged to reply to this email outside your normal working hours.”
This emphasis on work-life balance and respect for employees’ time reflects a thoughtful and considerate approach to leadership. Former staff members also mentioned that Meghan always shares credit with her team. “If you’re in a meeting and a great idea is referenced, she makes sure to give props to the person who generated the idea,” according to one ex-staffer. After significant projects or trips, she sends personal emails thanking each team member for their contributions. Another current employee added that they had never heard Meghan yell, describing her as giving clear direction and being “solution-oriented.”
Ben Browning, the former head of content at The Archewell Foundation, founded by Prince Harry and Meghan, has also publicly defended Meghan. He stated that the work environment they created was “positive and supportive.” “We all continue to be friends. The narratives we’ve seen suggesting the contrary are untrue,” he said.
The contrasting accounts paint a complex picture of Meghan’s leadership. While some sources portray her as demanding, others emphasize her support and respect for her team. It’s important to remember that both narratives come from individual experiences and perspectives, making it difficult to form a definitive conclusion about her leadership style. However, the emphasis on work-life balance, credit sharing, and team appreciation reveals a thoughtful and considerate approach to leadership.
