As the title implies, nothing is as it seems. So much felt false or untrue. In a desperate scramble to keep things going, management is prepared to say whatever is needed to staff, clients and whoever else.... Even if it is untrue and even if it goes directly against the advice from the staff who really do know.
A lot of money was wasted on excessive trips, conferences, diners that directly benefited the CEO, not the company itself. Perhaps there is a bigger agenda...
Culture is something that needs to be acted on by everyone, not just demanded by the CEO. People can't be bullied into having great culture. It just doesn't work!
Probation periods are for both staff and management. No one is the perfect fit straight away. Feedback needs to be given in both directions so that teams grow together. Don't just make it a one sided affair and toward the end of probation let someone go because YOU haven't put the effort in.