Breaking News: CEO Demoted

[@vlogbrothers]

Hi! Thanks for being here with us. This pinned comment comes to you in four parts: 1. Get Sun Basin Soap and experience the clink of settling ice in a glass of lemonade: good.store/pages/sun-basin-soap 2. Get awesome coffee: good.store/pages/awesome-coffee 3. Get awesome socks: good.store/pages/awesome-socks (All these products are now available at good.store, our one-stop shop that lets you subscribe to a better world). 4. HUGE THANKS to everyone at dftba.com for their support and hard work over the last several months. I'm so, so, so excited to welcome Laura "LJ" Joukovski to the role of CEO at dftba. -John

[@PRDreams]

Welcome Laura, wishing you an overabundance of success!🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@3countylaugh]

❤

[@AndreaCrisp]

I just saw her LinkedIn profile. Yay! A female CEO who's extremely qualified and has a picture of herself laughing?! YES! Looks like a great fit. So happy for you, Hank, LJ and everyone at DFTBA and companies!

[@aj-sz8mu]

just got some from each shop! Shipping seems to be one fee for all 3 shops. if that helps anyone btw.

[@Kazemba]

​@@Ducky69247Welcome to Nerdfighteria! We're raising money to help Partners in Health build hospitals in impoverished places, and that's been one of our most important values as a community for a very long time now. Our holidays raise money for charity. Our sales raise money for charity. This is not an ad for soap; it's an invitation to join the community in a long term aid project to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Sierra Leone.

[@blizardfires]

World record CEO speedrun. Truly a remarkable accomplishment.

[@HolaMindy]

Now try British Prime Minister. There's a tough run to break.

[@scottjacoby2594]

@@HolaMindyI came here to make the same comment! Arghgh!

[@jmgriffee]

CEO any%, glitchless! (Unless we consider Hank's cancer a glitch. Which we probably should. Glad that glitch got patched out.)

[@GhostPuddle]

Didn't go to jail, CEO run disqualified.

[@mikestroyan4322]

Alan Fishman did it in 17 days. But he took the shortcut of riding a company into the ground. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_H._Fishman

[@evilbull8995]

never have I been so happy to see a CEO demoted before

[@m.c24601]

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[@vlogbrothers]

Same. And I've been happy to see some CEOs get demoted. -John

[@jacobschwartz6579]

Yeah! I mean, there were some Disney CEOs that had some really good demotions. But this is still the best CEO demotion I’ve ever seen!

[@alarcon99]

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[@CaptainStitchyPants]

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[@ash-bob3398]

Congratulations on the promotion back to unpaid intern!! 🎉 You did such a great job as CEO and being a brother! Very happy for you John. Now, I must buy some soap.

[@denisehunley9583]

I’ve never been so happy about someone I admire losing a job ❤ best news possible, guys

[@vlogbrothers]

Getting demoted while also getting Hank Not Promoted is my biggest win of recent years. -John

[@alarcon99]

@@vlogbrothersthat J&J TB situation was no small thing either my dude

[@TVNerd3]

​@@alarcon99DEFINITELY NOT!! US NERDFIGHTERS FOUGHT!!

[@anisa2273]

haha that's the best@@vlogbrothers

[@Reallycoolguy1369]

​@@alarcon99Hey wait, did they get J&J to agree not to enforce the secondary patents?! I haven't heard this yet

[@sleepyheadsarah]

I did my PhD research on how hard it is for people to describe odors. I am actually crying over Zoe's beautiful descriptions of those soap smells and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

[@melodysmash]

Whoa, that's so cool! I ran into the issue when I had to write product descriptions for my handmade candles. I ended up describing evocative little scene vignettes. My family pokes fun at it by describing them as Seinfeld-style J. Peterman product descriptions.

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

We can consider that an expert opinion. Scientifically approved descriptions of smells.

[@cottage-core_]

Please tell me more about your research

[@sleepyheadsarah]

@@cottage-core_ Okay! First off, lots of people have noted in the past that smells are hard to describe, but they're not sure why. Some think it's because little swirling clouds of odor molecules don't occupy a single location in space or a fixed point in time. Others believe it's because the brain areas responsible for processing odor information are not well connected to language areas. My project was about how to measure people's experience of odors without asking them to describe anything. We also found that telling people what they were smelling significantly changed how they experienced it. For example, if a person with no other context information smells black pepper, they tend to notice its floral and woodsy qualities. But if you tell them it's pepper, they shift to noticing how earthy and spicy it is. Overall smell science is really cool and I encourage you to read more if you're interested!

[@DM.123]

​@@sleepyheadsarahThanks for sharing - that actually sounds very interesting!

[@kylekrizizke6115]

I look forward to seeing all of the cool new projects Hank will make now that hes not a CEO. Gotta fill up that time somehow.

[@yuvalne]

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[@drcatboy9278]

i think he's still the CEO of complexly!

[@glennhower9265]

Gotta keep that "Days Since Hank Green Started a New Thing" counter low

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

@@glennhower9265 Hmm, does "not being CEO" count as a thing?

[@JohnYowan]

My step-mom just died from cancer last week, and watching all of these videos discussing the everyday impacts of cancer on your lives has made me feel like my family isn't alone. Obviously your impacts are much different than mine, but some things, especially the earlier parts were extremely relatable to the early parts of our situation. Anyway, thank you both for being very open about it and not avoiding the subject.

[@lillian9513]

So sorry for your loss. Sending some hugs your way.

[@Bowtiedhillbilly]

Very sorry for your loss.

[@Mgdr2011]

So sorry for your loss!!! i send you a hug🫂

[@karinwolf3645]

Hugs to you and fam!! 🙀🤗😰💖💋💖💋💖 I hope all goes well for you. 😟

[@RedHair651]

Aw that sucks, I'm sorry to hear that

[@abdullahenani9670]

I’m SO happy for you, congratulations! You’ve been doing a great job being a brother and CEO, we’re proud of you (and Hank!), now you can return to living the dream as the unpaid intern.

[@nickwilliams330]

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[@ryandonnell3382]

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[@abdulelahenani9737]

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[@SenselessUsername]

Alternatively, a bit like that other demoted CEO (Linus at LTT), you can be the "chief vision architect" for inspiring non-leadership or something.

[@ShannonRose99]

I am very happy to hear about your demotion (weird things we get to say as nerdfighters) and I am cautiously optimistic to see a real business business CEO taking over. Obviously you both made this decision carefully, but it’s weird to see Hank take off that hat permanently. Luckily for us all Hank has an abundance of hats.

[@IrisGlowingBlue]

An absolutely remarkable number of hats

[@totalweirdo8538]

And even more these days, after the chemo! More than one hat he doesn't need to wear anymore!

[@ishanghoshcoutinho4912]

And he’s still going to continue the beautifully foolish endeavor to gain more hats

[@StonedtotheBones13]

Just. So many. 😂

[@MissingRaptor]

My favorite is the squid hat 🐙

[@kioshekat7931]

Feel like this is the only situation I can say: Congratulations on your demotion!

[@photofaery]

Never been happier about a demotion! Congratulations 🎉 (to you both)

[@chashahjohnson]

Congratulations to everyone involved here! Anyone else nervously hopeful about the new CEO? I'd love to learn more about her, maybe she could do a Question Tuesday here! Also wondering if the pod is coming back, I miss it.

[@teresaellis7062]

I love that phrase "I wasn't the protagonist of this story." What a great way of saying, "This isn't about me right now." Also, a wonderfully humble and caring way of thinking. You are AWESOME! Both meanings of the word apply.🥰🥰

[@is-yn6jf]

And a big deal coming from John who has said in the past he usually sees himself as the protagonist

[@gardenandcalico]

love that they let the intern run the company for a while

[@kashiichan]

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[@josie_99]

This comment is SO underrated.

[@sherrysung8334]

🤣

[@PsyKeks]

Great way of phrasing it! 😄

[@will_wtr]

this is poetry to rival soaps

[@mariacargille1396]

Welcome to the new CEO, and congrats, John! Now you and OWCA's Carl can resume duking it out for the honor of being my all-time favorite unpaid intern. :D

[@vlogbrothers]

Carl is so great. I feel like he and I would get along. -John

[@divanshukumarmahajan4803]

​@@vlogbrothers OH, my! John Green is a fan of (or just watches, or at the very least is aware of) one of my all time favorite shows! Is it so for Hank, too?

[@laineylarsen245]

​@@divanshukumarmahajan4803He has seen it! He reviewed it awhile back along with other kids' shows in a video titled "A Surreal Decent into Madness" - his review of Octonauts was my favorite but really they're all great 😂

[@DoctorsSong]

Dan Povenmire needs to see this comment.

[@meganofsherwood3665]

Considering Dan Povenmire posted a short about entering his "Hank Green Era"...

[@rockpaperlazer]

Customer service is phenomenal. Love your team. I tried the soaps and as much as I loved the smell of my showers (navigator is like a spa day every day) it wasn't the right fit for me. Y'all emailed to remind me I had subscribed so I would have a chance to cancel. How I wish business was done.

[@vitormelomedeiros]

I have never given money to PIH because I don't live in the US and don't make a lot of money, so it's hard to participate in the P4A due to scheduling and especially buy physical stuff which I would LOVE to own like that amazing soap. However, I just got a raise and might be able to give directly very soon. The work John and Hank have been doing all these years with PIH is probably one of the most beautiful, awesome things I've ever seen on the internet, at least in my 15ish years on it ❤

[@3countylaugh]

Congrats on your raise🎉

[@denisehunley9583]

Congrats! Everyone can be involved in P4A, regardless of income. Watch the stream, vote for projects, and *share* the good work that’s being done with your friends, family and colleagues.

[@arleyantes9321]

A fellow Brazilian, I suppose. Why is it so hard to send a few bucks to a charity outside this country? Even donating to Wikipedia was almost impossible a decade ago, because you had to pay exorbitant fees far greater than the amount you wanted to donate.

[@enzopenguin]

Congrats on the raise!!🎉

[@vitormelomedeiros]

@@arleyantes9321 right on the money (or on the lack of money, in this case 😅)

[@sophhnavarro]

Oh man, Zoe is straight up writing poetry on these soap bar descriptions, love it!

[@TheRexisFern]

Thank you John, for doing your best as acting CEO. Thank you Hank, for doing the job so well before! And congratulations and thank you Laura for stepping into such a position willingly, and I look forward to the future!

[@p4ticus]

John consistently updates right before my therapy appointments and it’s perfect

[@hpete97]

Congrats on your demotion, John! Looking forward to this new chapter! (Ps the soap is indeed phenomenal, just like the coffee and socks)

[@WildflowersCreations]

Congratulations on retiring as CEO and on finding a new one! Can't wait to get to know her better over the coming years.

[@morticiahavisham]

Congratulations on the demotion! 🎉

[@cogspace]

I'm an emotional wreck so take it with a grain of salt but Zoe's soap poetry (Soapetry? Zoetry? Zoapetry.) literally made me tear up. I'm so excited to receive my sampler pack!

[@cogspace]

And congrats on the demotion John!

[@pamelah1220]

Zoepetry is awesome

[@JulieHerrick]

John, congrats on the demotion. 🎉. Laura, welcome to the team 🎉. Hank, congrats on reaching remission 🎉. So many things to celebrate 😊

[@IrisGlowingBlue]

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[@Ashtarte3D]

"I speedran CEO" made me smile so hard. Good job on the Any% record John!

[@alexschindler]

That title made me smile right away. Welcome back, Hank! And welcome to Nerdfighteria LJ!

[@jaycampbell9354]

Wow! When I saw Hank's video on his cancer being in remission, my first question was "Hey, are you going to return as the CEO?", and this answered that question in the best way possible!!

[@sketchyphoenix7315]

It's a bit odd, but I can't help but latch onto, "I was not the protagonist." Accepting your place as a supporting character in someone else's story is such a powerful thing. The "sidekick" can only do their best work when they have accepted their place as a sidekick, even when we all remain the protagonist our own story. In a parasocial sense, it's very easy to see John and Hank as protagonists of this channel, but seeing the two of you balance that with mutual respect and love is wonderful. The past few months of vlogs have felt like John holding down the fort as that supporting character. I'm happy to see it and work to remember it for my own relationships.

[@mikekeenan8706]

John, you are a wonderful person, fully appreciated by Hank and all the rest of us. Thank God for the Green Brothers and for all they do to make the world better. I love both of you guys for a million different reasons, my friends.

[@karlikay94]

So glad Hank is doing so much better! 🎉

[@DasRissaBB]

I'm still working my way through the sample pack but the first I tried was navigator and omg I did not realize how much of a game changer exfoliating soap would be! My skin feels so smooth after and when washing myself it feels kind of scratchy but like, in a pleasant way?! Wild stuff. I want to use the rest of my sample pack but may give into temptation and buy some full sized of Navigator first. Speaking of working with great people though, I would like to give a shoutout to Ryan in DFTBA's customer support who went the extra mile to make sure I received my socks when there was a miscommunication in regards to my changing address. Thank you Ryan and the rest of the DFTBA team for all the great work you do!!

[@Kazemba]

Delighted for John, Hank, and LJ in this peaceful transfer of power 💜

[@prophetessoftroy]

Congratulations on your imminent demotion! 🎉 and thank you for doing it 10000% while you were in position. I feel like I’ve learned so much about the various DFTBA interests while you’ve been serving that I wasn’t aware of before, so thank you for sharing that aspect of it all with us. Now I need to go buy some soap.

[@amandamcquade1272]

😉🫧🫧✨️

[@LiveWire937]

Congrats to you both on the awesome demotion! I know you've worked hard for it, and you really deserve it. ... That felt super weird to say, which is kind of exactly why I felt it had to be said. The opportunity to say something so utterly absurd in full sincerity is one that should never be passed up.

[@CL-go2ji]

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[@MysterySteve]

I'm so glad that so much effort is going into describing the selection, regardless of the fact that I'm loose enough that I would probably enjoy any and every one of them

[@Israfilled1409]

Welcome back Hank! So happy for you🎉 So happy John can go back to his true calling as an unpaid coffee intern, we missed his meh memes EDIT: ¿?no hank ceo?¿‽ a true reminder to never comment before reaching the end of the video

[@3lapsed]

My socks made it on time. From my perspective you did amazing at the helm of the company. Congratulations on your demotion! 🎉🎉🎉

[@Thetechnicolorchild]

Thrilled about your demotion! Also as a person with a new job, there will be new soap in my future! ✨

[@VariTimo]

I really encourage everyone to read the full descriptions for the soaps on the website. They’re some truly beautiful poetry.

[@shelbyrobert3804]

When I saw the title I was honestly really worried that Hank was going to go back to having 300 jobs and was going to seriously hurt himself. Glad that's not the case and welcome to the new CEO!

[@cryptidcutiecosplay]

Delighted at the news and also can I just say the photography on the new soap is absolutely phenomenal!! It looks amazing!

[@EyeGlassTrainofMind]

Oh the joys of having completed a challenge and coming out better for it! So happy for both you and Hank in being able to comfortably hand DFTBA over to another fantastic human. 🎉 to not being spread thin!! Can't stop smiling!

[@eatwhatukiii2532]

That. Is. AMAZING! Thank you for donating all that to help pregnant women and their children.

[@turtle_soda]

Well the company isn’t bankrupt so I’d say your tenure as CEO was a resounding success. Luv ya John and hank, hope for the best

[@dylansoltis146]

Me in tears after hearing that ice in lemonade description.

[@kitkatelife8014]

So glad to hear of your demotion and of Hank's improving health! Gotta say, I read the doobleydoo v. early in the video and was concerned to see a third party, but was relieved to hear it was a direction you were all heading in before Hank got sick, perhaps in an effort to "take it down a notch." So happy that y'all seem happy!

[@katbh]

I am so delighted for ALL OF YOU. 🎉

[@R.M.MacFru]

Congrats to all the CEOs past, present, and future! Definitely the first time I've seen a leadership change that every last person involved was happy about.

[@jrsydvl7218]

Great to hear.

[@Chris_and_Cory]

Not the CEO I'd be happiest to see step down, but admittedly for vastly different reasons I'm happy to see this particular CEO get a break haha.

[@Beryllahawk]

I love how thrilled John is to discover soap-and-perfume ad copy, hehe The descriptions really ARE something more akin to poetry. It's great fun to read all sorts of soap and perfume descriptions, and THESE sound amazing. I really want that sample pack - time to find room in the budget!

[@Rory626]

John's arc from CEO to unpaid intern is such a hilarious and wonderful thing to behold

[@gianinamorales8597]

To have your writing complimented by JOHN GREEN and to deserve every word of praise - what an achievement! I wish I could buy those soaps; I could do with a bit of those feelings they evoke.

[@darkstark907]

I have never been so personally invested (kind of literally with subscriptions?) In a company where i am fully excited and happy for 2 demotions and 1 promotion. This is amazing, guys. So happy for you both, and for dftba.

[@PRDreams]

I didn't think I was going to get sentimental, but here we are... arriving at Feelstown 😢 Both of you have been excellent for the brands and it is sad to see you guys go, but also, I can't wait to see what you guys will do next. I'll be sure to follow you guys here as I've been done for ages. ❤🎉 You did it John!❤🎉 ❤🎉Congratulations ❤🎉

[@shaynannigans]

Congrats on taking it down a notch 🎉🎉🎉

[@anna._olsen_]

congrats on your demotion john!!! you did a great job as temporary CEO and i’m so glad you found the right person for the job.

[@beauregardgovoni4784]

I loved that the unscented soap still got a fun description! they were so well written.

[@elizabethkendrick3209]

Congratulations on your demotion Kirkland Hank Green! I hope Hank is well enough to resume Dear Hank and John soon.

[@biancafrancisco8377]

Exceedingly happy about these news 🥺 excited to see LJ work, would love it if you made a video with her!

[@louismyers8845]

I think you are the happiest person to be demoted from CEO ever

[@eonarose]

I wasn’t so sure about your soap but those descriptions won me over.

[@CaptainStitchyPants]

Congratulations, you made it through! Best demotion news ever 💜

[@burnyizland]

You know I have a young child because with your lead up to that I was honestly expecting it to end in 'dump,' not 'bath'! Yay for you both!

[@zacharybarkey5711]

I do hope we get to see a lot more about the new CEO, Laura. The reason I trust dftba so deeply to not only supply me with quality products but to be responsible and charitable with 100% of the profits is because at it's core is two brothers who I built a deep moral trust for over a decade. I do not have a deep trust of Laura, and that is scary. I'm sure she will do great, but it would put me at ease to get to know her even a fraction as much as I know you two.

[@VaterAyotte]

SO very well done to you John!! And all of you, for keeping things going like you did. Keep up the good work(s)!

[@blueberrymuffin113]

Sun Basin Soap sounds amazing - once you get a warehouse in Europe like for The Awesome Socks Club, I will definitely try your soaps out!

[@demiahsmith270]

Congrats on the demotion! Enjoy your lack of position and your well deserved return to social media intern!🎉

[@itsvondell]

I don't have any place in my life for fancy soaps but I'm so grateful the opportunity for these soap descriptions being written existed

[@annahimmel]

congratulations on the demotion!!!

[@countco]

I have been waiting for this update!!! Hank, congratulations on reaching remission. John, congratulations on getting out of meetings

[@skylerwitherspoon]

Congrats on the demotion!!

[@kirkskywalker1701]

I'm glad to have begun my awesome socks club membership under your term as CEO

[@Jared-C]

Congrats to the both of you. On a side note, the new packaging for the awesome socks club knocked my...comfortable food coverings off.

[@theotherlauren]

My reaction on seeing the title: oh he must be thrilled! John: I AM THRILLED

[@Evergreen64]

Glad that your brother is on the mend! And great job while he was out. Don't sell yourself short! You both are very creative and wonderful people!

[@issymartin6197]

Congrats LJ! Good luck in the new role xx

[@pixiepearls3]

Congratulations to you and Hank!!!! I'm so happy for you both!!

[@ObiMomKenobi13]

I got the soap today. You are a great spokesperson. Glad you are stepping down, though, for your own wellbeing. 🎉

[@SewlockHolmes]

Woohoo!! Congratulations to John, Hank, and LJ!! Also, can confirm that Sun Basin soap is excellent! I got Enigma and it's both cleansing and buttery smooth. Everything you'd want from a bar of soap!!

[@titania642]

We thank you for your service John!

[@SoujanyaVenkatesh21]

Congratulations to the both of you!! I'm so happy! Aahhhh! I'm so glad Hank's alright, great news! 😁

[@bigdadbeefsticks]

I've been more than happy to watch CEOs get demoted in the past, but this is the first CEO I've been happy FOR. I'm glad things are looking up for you guys, congratulations! 🎉

[@bamboozi]

Congratulations John! So proud 🥹 Congrats LJ!

[@jeffh8800]

Congrats man! Time to update your resumé. Also I'm so glad that sentence ended with "bath". It definitely felt like, "I have just take the greatest..." was going...elsewhere.

[@myronalcock4716]

Great news, Beeg hug to you both!

[@nilavanathi7336]

Congratulations!

[@vanessawhitneypro]

Cheers! Love You Both!

[@SSGARFIELD99]

Just bought a sample soap pack now can't wait to try them

[@jordimartinez6640]

those soap descriptions made me tear up. they are beautiful

[@bmo14lax]

Lol John's run as CEO is so hilarious to me and as soon as i saw the title I cracked up super hard. Thanks for filling in John, you're always the best.

[@cinders1831]

You had me at Costco CEO...bought socks. Now Zoe has me at ice cubes clinking the glass...buys soap

[@yellowticket9673]

My heart hurt when I heard of your brother's diagnosis, and now, seeing the joy as you announce that you quit, not because you hate the job, but because the circumstances forcing you into the position have been positively and happily resolved, replaces that hurt with swelling joy!

[@ObeyCamp]

I love it when the McElroy Brothers are mentioned outside their own network. As a 90's kid, those three are so funny, and their dad, Clint, is a riot too. Merle Highchurch is my spirit father.

[@armas_ectos]

So much more smooth and positive than certain other companies on KZbin that recently had CEO handoffs...

[@drewbrock815]

Our favorite social media intern is back!!

[@rileysmith3038]

great news!!! I know y'all work so hard on the ground yourselves, it's so cool & encouraging to see that, but it's gotta be nice to be able to take some steps back from the process and trust the work to people who you know are just as passionate and awesome as you are. I wish the new CEO lots of luck and I look forward to the return of the memes!

[@skylerwitherspoon]

I got a sun basin soap sample pack forever ago but never used it until yesterday and I can finally confirm the soap is very good!!!