'I take drugs, just not at work events': Australian CEO's Christmas party pep talk to employees is viral

Stephen Carter is the founder of Sharp & Carter. (Image credit: sharpandcarter.com.au)

Stephen Carter, CEO of the Melbourne-based recruiting firm Sharp and Carter, has sparked controversy after a video of his unorthodox Christmas party pep talk to employees surfaced online. In the Zoom meeting, Carter made eyebrow-raising remarks about drug use, infidelity, and workplace relationships, leaving many questioning his choice of words and tone.

“I take drugs myself, I just don’t do it at work events,” Carter said in the video, which one of his 203 employees recorded and shared on social media. “If you take drugs at the Christmas party, you will be fired. It’s a really strong rule.”

The video, now viral, shows Carter issuing cautionary advice peppered with blunt humour. “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 remarked. He further added, “If you are single, we’ve got lots of people who have met their partner here.”

Reacting to the viral clip, Carter told Herald Sun that he had been giving a version of this speech for seven years but admitted he would have chosen his words more carefully had he anticipated the leak. “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.”

Carter clarified the intent behind his speech, emphasising 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,” he stated.

Explaining his remarks on drug use, Carter shared that he hadn’t consumed drugs for about five years but saw no philosophical issue with them 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 said.

Carter’s speech also touched on maintaining professional boundaries during workplace events, reminding employees that laws view Christmas parties as extensions of the workplace. “The same professional behaviours apply,” he said, adding that his goal was to prevent problems before they arise.