In a dramatic turn of events, Meghan Markle’s attempt to step into the CEO role of her American Riviera Orchard (ARO) brand has met with unanimous rejection from all potential candidates.
This setback comes amid a troubling trend of high-profile exits from her and Prince Harry’s Archwell organization, most recently highlighted by the departure of Chief of Staff Josh Kettler after just three months on the job.
The mounting resignations have sparked concerns about Meghan’s management style, which some insiders claim is driving away valuable talent, leaving ARO in a precarious position.
The numbers tell a stark story: nearly 20 employees have left the company, a situation that is described as unprecedented for a startup.
A source close to the situation shared with Closer magazine that this wave of departures speaks volumes about the internal climate at ARO.
The characterization of Meghan and Harry as “the toughest of taskmasters” paints a picture of a demanding workplace that may not be conducive to retaining skilled professionals.
Despite Meghan’s efforts to generate excitement for ARO—such as sending out branded strawberry jam jars to celebrity acquaintances and teasing a future line of rose wine—the brand has yet to officially launch any products.
This delay has led to speculation regarding whether Meghan is struggling to assemble the right leadership team and resources to realize her vision for the brand.
Branding strategist Lucy Green weighed in on the situation, suggesting that the jams might have been an early attempt to demonstrate proof of concept to attract talent and investors.
However, the current lack of clarity around ARO’s leadership raises questions about Meghan’s strategic direction and ability to steer the brand toward success.
Industry observers have noted the challenges ARO faces and are closely monitoring Meghan’s venture into entrepreneurship.
Some experts suggest that the brand’s difficulties could reflect Meghan’s own management approach and interpersonal dynamics.
A former employee from Archwell pointed out that Meghan’s demanding nature can sometimes come off as condescending, which could deter potential collaborators.
This sentiment is echoed by another insider who reiterated that Meghan and Harry’s management style is perceived as excessively demanding, further complicating the brand’s staffing crisis.
As the turnover continues, it becomes increasingly clear that finding individuals willing to work under such conditions is proving to be a significant hurdle.
Despite these mounting challenges, sources close to Meghan assert that she remains committed to her role as CEO of ARO.
However, the ongoing delays and staffing issues have led to speculation that she may be struggling to juggle her entrepreneurial aspirations alongside the demands of her high-profile public life.
As the saga surrounding American Riviera Orchard unfolds, all eyes are on Meghan Markle.
The world is watching to see if she can navigate these turbulent waters, overcome the obstacles in her path, and bring her vision to fruition.
Alternatively, the ongoing struggles of ARO may ultimately serve as a reflection of her challenges in the complex landscape of business and leadership.
In the world of startups, resilience is key, and Meghan’s journey is far from over.