‘I Take Drugs, Just Not At...’: CEO’s Unconventional Christmas Party Speech Goes Viral

Carter explained to Herald Sun that he had delivered a version of the same speech for seven years but acknowledged that he would have chosen his words more carefully had he known it would be leaked

Stephen Carter, CEO of Melbourne-based recruiting firm Sharp and Carter

Source : Sharp&Carter

Stephen Carter, CEO of Melbourne-based recruiting firm Sharp and Carter, has stirred controversy after a video of his unconventional Christmas party pep talk to employees went viral. During a Zoom meeting, Carter made provocative comments about drug use, infidelity, and workplace relationships, prompting widespread criticism of his language and approach.

In the video, Carter says, "I take drugs myself, I just don’t do it at work events," before warning employees, "If you take drugs at the Christmas party, you will be fired. It’s a really strong rule." The clip, recorded by one of his 203 employees and later shared on social media, shows Carter giving a mix of cautionary advice and blunt humour. 

He continued, "If you want to cheat on your partner, I would recommend 2024 has been a stark reminder it is probably not wise to cheat on your partner with someone at work.” He added, “If you are single, we’ve got lots of people who have met their partner here."

After the video went viral, Carter spoke to Herald Sun, explaining that he had delivered a version of the same speech for seven years but acknowledged that he would have chosen his words more carefully had he known it would be leaked. "Obviously, I didn’t expect it to get sent externally,” Carter said. “I probably would have chosen to use my words a bit differently if I knew that.”

He also clarified the intent behind his remarks, stating that his focus was on workplace safety and ethics. "I haven’t been exposed for sexually harassing dozens of staff, or caught in a compromising position, or passed out in a ditch. The intention obviously is to look after and care for my people so they don’t do damage to themselves and others," Carter added.

Carter clarified his comments on drug use by stating that he hadn't used drugs in about five years but didn't see a philosophical problem with their use in social settings. "Go and have drugs tomorrow for all I care, but don’t do it at the Christmas party or at work," he explained.

His speech also addressed the importance of maintaining professional boundaries at workplace events, reminding employees that Christmas parties are legally considered extensions of the workplace. "The same professional behaviours apply," he emphasised, noting that his intention was to prevent issues before they occurred.