Techie reveals how tyrant VP had his downfall overnight: 'Karma is real'

A software employee recently narrated an incident on the Developers India subreddit, showcasing a moment where destructive leadership eventually collapsed under its own weight. In the post titled 'Karma Is Real', the contributor described working at a young tech organisation that, for reasons unknown, decided to hire a domineering Engineering Vice President. From the moment he stepped in, the environment shifted dramatically. He imposed relentless pressure on the development team, demanding exhausting hours that stretched through nights and spilled into weekends. His intolerance for even the smallest error created a culture of fear, as people were dismissed instantly for minor slip-ups.

To tighten his grip further, he removed long-serving engineers and replaced them with people he had previously worked with, ensuring loyalty but destroying morale. However, the reign of intimidation did not last forever. Eventually, the chief executive realised the damage being done and dismissed the very leader who had uprooted so many.

Community Weighs In

The story sparked strong reactions online. One reader commented that they were facing a comparable situation, where a non-technical vice president had been steadily sidelining experienced staff and appointing individuals from his personal network.


Another user added that this pattern was all too familiar: a chief executive brings in an outsider, that outsider disrupts the existing team, removes veteran employees, fills the company with former colleagues, and ultimately fails to deliver—leading to their own exit.

Some disagreed with attributing the VP’s downfall to poetic justice. A commenter argued that it had nothing to do with destiny or karmic balance. Instead, it was a simple case of misaligned priorities between the leader and the organisation. If his goals had matched the company’s vision, he might have remained in power.

A final perspective came from someone who had witnessed similar situations firsthand. They explained that certain leaders behave just as harshly yet continue to rise, not because they are fair or competent, but because circumstances support them and their objectives fit the organisation’s direction at that moment.