Current and former associates from the Fortune 500 bank I worked for for 20 years reach out to me from all over the country with their testimonies of abuse and unethical sales pressure, as well as to thank me for the courage my blog has brought them.
Below is an example of one of those messages received in the last week. This is a current Financial Center Manager in a state that I have received many testimonies from. I find that there are “hubs” or areas of the United States that seem to experience the abuse, discrimination and sales pressure at a greater level.
Executives, Sales Performance Managers, and leaders are transferred from state to state when HR continues to receive complaints of mistreatment by these leaders rather than terminating them.
Instead, HR leads the charge, along side the executive or abusive leader in question, in instilling fear into those that are reaching out desperate for help.
This is one of those examples.
Current Financial Center Manager 8:29 PM
I read your blog and all the testimonials
Heather Bryant 8:29 PM
😃
What do you think?
Current Financial Center Manager 8:31 PM
I am experiencing this presently.
Heather Bryant 8:31 PM
Oh no, I am so sorry!!! I know how awful that is. Can you share more? And how can I help you?!
Current Financial Center Manager 8:34 PM
Its very tough. If you have paying job to take me out of this that would help :)
Heather Bryant 8:34 PM
What specifically are you experiencing? Sales pressure or discrimination of some kind?
Current Financial Center Manager 8:36 PM
Nothing I want to discuss in this format.
Heather Bryant 8:36 PM
Totally get it. Are you comfortable speaking over the phone?
Current Financial Center Manager 8:37 PM
I did share your blog with others
Heather Bryant 8:37 PM
THANK YOU!
It's getting traction; 2 newspaper articles down and another one on the way. I will do everything in my power to bring mass exposure to this and put an end to it.
Please encourage others to share it too! I made "business cards" to pass out and many of my former colleagues, including those that reported to me, have requested I mail them some to pass out.
Current Financial Center Manager 8:39 PM
Are you still seeking legal action?
Heather Bryant 8:40 PM
I would love to chat with you more over the phone if you're comfortable, I keep all conversations private! Completely!
Yes I am in a lawsuit with BofA. It is on my blog :)
I filed to expose this- I'm sure you read on my blog I turned down 100k when they terminated me so I could save some minority women that reported to me, and eventually expose the company.
I am in contact with people all over the country who are filing their own lawsuits, or have filed already.
Current Financial Center Manager 8:43 PM
I am still with the company so I understand being terrified.
Heather Bryant 8:47 PM
I know all too well. TRACK EVERYTHING; all convos; who/when/where/what, all emails, dates, times, etc. IF for some reason you are terminated that will help your case big time.
I am in contact with someone that was discriminated against in TX and after connecting with me he has now filed a formal grievance with the EEOC.
Especially record dates/times/etc of all HR calls - they are there to silence and fire those that make noise.
Current Financial Center Manager 8:49 PM
I agree HR was of no help and it is when it changed the game for me.
Heather Bryant 8:51 PM
Try to remember as much as you can now and write it down. Including who you told what to if possible.
Someone else from (the same state as you) is messaging me now too, it seems to be a "hub" along with (other specific states).
Current Financial Center Manager 8:54 PM
I am for sure. I was glad to read your blog as I felt alone. I am glad to hear someone else from (the same state as myself) is reaching out. There are a lot of us that’s why I shared it.
I am sorry for what happened to you and all that you had to go thru.
Heather Bryant 8:56 PM
Well thank you, but I can tell you that it was the greatest thing. I have ALWAYS been a voice for the voiceless, which is why I spoke up in the first place 2 years ago. NOW I am no longer at that toxic company AND I am able to help so many more people on a much greater level to make REAL CHANGE!
It keeps me strong and moving forward every time I get a testimony from someone thanking me and asking for help. That person would have otherwise felt alone, as you did.
If you send me your email I can add you to my anonymous email update list. I would also love to chat with you and hear your personal story, see if there is any other advice or help I could offer.
Current Financial Center Manager 9:00 PM
I hope to soon feel as you do as I am actively looking.
I would love to talk to you if I could just have a day to think about it as I am presently still working there and I am the only support to my family if that is ok.
Heather Bryant 9:02 PM
I promise you it will be ok. It totally sucks right now and I know and understand the fear you are feeling which bleeds into every single part of your life.
What you are going through now is temporary.
I told someone recently that I wish I knew a year ago what I know now; that I was on the path I was supposed to be on, and went through all I went through, for a reason.
And I am living that reason now. And so it will be for you.
Stay strong. And let me know if/when you are comfortable chatting.
Current Financial Center Manager 9:04 PM
Yes fear stress has effected my home and health. Thank you for understanding I will message you when we can speak. Thank you for your blog.
(Identity and location withheld for protection)