CEO of Madwell Ventures Expresses Irritation Toward Unpaid Staff: "You Fueled the Flames"
Chris Sojka, the Top Brass at Brooklyn Creative Shop Madwell, Stirring Controversy
The boss man of Madwell, a hip creative agency nestled in Brooklyn, Christopher Sojka, is catching heat from his own employees for his demeanor towards those facing financial hardship, according to communications seen by ADWEEK. The agency, boasting big-name clients like Verizon and e.l.f. Cosmetics, is rumored to be sinking financially.
Sojka's response? A cold shoulder and some pressure for employees to abide by Madwell's mandatory office attendance policy—Tuesday through Thursday—all while grappling with their own paycheck woes.
The Insider Scoop
A coworker speaking under the veil of anonymity revealed to ADWEEK that Sojka has been less than understanding to employees impacted by the delayed salaries. When distress signals were sent, the response was oftentimes condescending, according to this source.
Sojka's demands for in-office attendance are met with resistance from employees who are struggling financially due to said salary delays. In Slack messages obtained by ADWEEK, they've urged for some empathy and flexibility during these trying times.
Background Check
Christopher Sojka's leadership at Madwell has come under scrutiny for alleged erratic behavior and financial mismanagement. The agency has been going through a rough patch, with multiple payroll delays over the past six months. Despite these issues, Sojka insists on a lavish expenditure—a $17.5 million private jet to attract high-profile clients[1]. Many have called this decision into question, given the agency's financial woes.
Recently, Madwell furloughed around 20-30 employees (approximately 23-28% of its staff), as part of an effort to get its financial house in order[2][3].
Employee Morale
Morale among the employees is tenuous, with concerns not only about pay but also the agency's ability to navigate through these tumultuous times effectively. Sojka's defense of his decisions and reliance on external funding to keep the agency going have earned him criticism from employees and stakeholders alike[1]. The agency, however, continues to maintain its commitment to paying employees and vendors[2][3].
All in all, Sojka's unyielding stance on employee pay issues and questionable financial decisions have put him in the hot seat, with the agency's future remaining uncertain. The situation is further complicated by the overall leadership and financial management issues that have raised eyebrows among employees and observers alike.
- Christopher Sojka, the top employee at Madwell, is facing criticism from his own employees due to his handling of financial hardships within the workplace, particularly delayed salaries.
- In the midst of financial struggles at Madwell, Sojka has pressured employees to attend work on specific days (Tuesday through Thursday), despite their own financial difficulties.
- The science of workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness seems to be overlooked by Sojka, as his decisions have contributed to the decreased morale of employees at Madwell.
- The business strategy of Madwell, a creative agency with clients such as Verizon and e.l.f. Cosmetics, is in question due to Sojka's financial mismanagement, including the purchase of a $17.5 million private jet.
- On top of pay issues, employee concerns about the agency's future stability and leadership have grown, making careers at Madwell uncertain.
