Unnikrishnan KP’s Post

Embora reconheça o erro, soa superficial e insuficiente. Primeiro, a frase "não alinhado com os valores da nossa empresa" levanta a questão: se isso realmente não reflete os valores da empresa, como algo assim foi aprovado e implementado? Esse tipo de erro sugere falhas estruturais mais profundas, como uma falta de diversidade e inclusão na equipe que toma essas decisões, ou uma desconexão entre os valores declarados pela empresa e suas práticas reais. Além disso, a nota não aborda quais ações concretas a empresa pretende tomar para garantir que esse tipo de incidente não ocorra novamente. Uma crítica justa seria exigir mais do que um simples reconhecimento de erro. A empresa deve se comprometer publicamente a rever suas práticas internas, talvez até implementar treinamentos sobre diversidade e inclusão, e garantir que futuras campanhas e eventos realmente reflitam os valores que dizem defender. Somente assim poderão reconquistar a confiança do público e dos seus colaboradores.

I still cannot comprehend how such a mistake could take place in the first place. This was not an inadvertent error but an actively made decision that reflects a deep-seated issue within the company's culture. To dismiss it as merely an error in judgment is an attempt to whitewash an act of blatant sexism. This incident deserves a clear and unequivocal sense of accountability. It’s not enough to issue an apology and move on; there needs to be a thorough examination of how and why such a demeaning and disrespectful idea was approved and implemented.

I think it is a bit too late for that. I will not and will not recommend anyone in my network to consider working at Palo Alto Netwoks for what transpired at the event. There is "in poor taste" and there is stuck in the early last century with employees who put no thought into how they will represent their company.

Resign, mate

Nope - this isn’t leadership - this is basic crisis communications 101. Sheesh. Try again. How could anyone in this day and age think - let’s get some pretty women and then put lampshades on their heads was a good idea? It’s like you went out of your way saying let’s make it super clear we don’t want to hear from women. That we don’t value women for their voices, for their thoughts or ideas - just their bodies. Your apology isn’t enough. How did this happen in the first place? Did you let some 13 year olds plan your event? Exactly what changes are you making? Can you show that your company isn’t the good ol’ boys club that it appears to be? Your words need to be followed by real actions in order to be effective. I think you missed that part of the crisis comms training.

This seems to be a damage control apology. It is not possible that a stunt like this gets done without multiple people signing off on it. So there must be multiple people at this company who thought it amusing to do this. It is 2024 and women are not objects of the male gaze! You show your company "values" with this, and your values are a bro culture that makes it very uncomfortable for women. I hope that other companies will avoid purchasing products from such a company. Edit: I just had a look at the home page. A dude dressed up with a gun strapped to his back to illustrate "Defend". More bro culture, and fits in nicely with thinking this stunt was okay.

It’s absolutely ridiculous that people think they are some kind of hero for apologizing.The apology is insincere at best and a mockery at worst. These decisions come from the absolute lack of diversity of thought in the room when the decision was made and if there were women in the room where this decision was made and they had to sit through someone pitching the idea of scantily clothed actual women with faces obscured by a company branded lampshade standing there like a furniture welcoming men to a cybersecurity event, that is so so sad, borderline abusive to the women of company. Specially if they didn’t feel safe to call it out or speak against it. An apology is the least they can do and they are no heroes for doing the bare minimum damage control after such a disrespectful act. 

In the cybersecurity industry , we all recognize that human error is inevitable, but it does not define the entirety of a company or an individual. From my experience, the Palo Alto marketing team has consistently demonstrated thoughtfulness and equity in their approach. It's refreshing to see a culture that not only acknowledges mistakes but also values acceptance and the importance of a genuine apology.