In a surprising turn of events, Meghan Markle‘s American Riviera Orchard (ARO) is grappling with a significant staffing crisis.
The Duchess of Sussex’s recent attempt to step into the CEO role herself has been met with unanimous rejection from potential candidates.
This setback comes on the heels of several high-profile exits from her and Prince Harry‘s Archwell organization, including the recent resignation of Chief of Staff Josh Kettler, who lasted just three months in the position.
The alarming trend of nearly 20 staff members leaving ARO paints a troubling picture of the brand’s internal dynamics.
According to a source close to the situation, this exodus is unprecedented for a startup, raising eyebrows about the sustainability of Meghan’s vision.
The insider described Meghan and Harry as “the toughest of taskmasters,” suggesting that their demanding nature may be driving away top talent.
Despite Meghan’s efforts to generate excitement around ARO, such as sending out branded strawberry jam jars to celebrity friends and hinting at a future rose wine line, the brand has yet to launch any products officially.
This delay has fueled speculation that she is struggling to assemble the right leadership team and resources necessary to realize her entrepreneurial dreams.
Branding strategist Lucy Green highlighted the uncertainty surrounding ARO’s leadership, stating, “It could be that the jams were the precursor and example to show proof of concept to talent and investors.” This raises questions about what direction the brand is heading and how Meghan plans to steer it forward amidst the current chaos.
Industry observers have been closely monitoring Meghan’s venture into entrepreneurship, and many are beginning to draw connections between the brand’s struggles and her management style.
A former employee from Archwell remarked that Meghan can be quite demanding and sometimes comes off as condescending, which may deter potential hires from joining ARO.
This sentiment resonates with those familiar with the inner workings of the brand, as another insider echoed concerns about Meghan and Harry being “very demanding and difficult to work for.” Such characterizations have only intensified worries about the future of American Riviera Orchard and Meghan’s ability to lead effectively.
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 might be overwhelmed, struggling to juggle her ambitious business goals with the pressures of her high-profile public image.
As the narrative surrounding American Riviera Orchard unfolds, all eyes are on Meghan Markle.
The world is left wondering whether she can navigate the complexities of business leadership and turn her vision into reality or if the brand’s ongoing difficulties will ultimately reflect her personal challenges in this new arena.
With the stakes higher than ever, the pressure is mounting for Meghan to demonstrate her capability as an entrepreneur.
The unfolding saga of ARO may serve as a litmus test for her aspirations, revealing whether she can rise above the hurdles and carve out a successful niche in the competitive landscape of the food and beverage industry.
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