Burn Down The Theatre
A sharp, unflinching manifesto against performative leadership and institutional theatrics. Burn Down The Theatre dismantles the illusion of progress and demands systems built to sustain—not entertain.
When Symbolism Pretends To Be Progress - Systems Rot
Institutions aren’t failing because of a lack of ideas—they’re collapsing under the weight of polished gestures and hollow initiatives. They trade discomfort for stability, substance for storytelling, and outcomes for optics. This isn’t a trend.
It’s an epidemic.
“Reading this felt like having my internal monologue leaked. We spent millions trying to convince ourselves we were ‘supporting innovation' and making an economic impact. I wish I’d read this five years ago.”
— Former Senior Director, Economic Development Agency
Who's This For?
If You Have Ever...
Sat in Meetings Where Everyone Nodded, Knowing Nothing Changes
Watched Talent Walk Out the Door Because The Culture Was All Toxic
Been Told Your Ideas Were “Too Disruptive”
Spent More Time Complying Than Aligning
Watched Problems Be "Solved" With A Slide Deck
What The Book Exposes
How Polished Mediocrity Became the Norm
Why Transformation Initiatives Fail—Again and Again
How Well-Meaning Leaders Get Trapped in Theatrics
The Cultural Signals That Expose Rot
What It Takes to Rebuild Trust, Structure, and Momentum
Why Mindset Shifts Scale
Structural Integrity in the Face of Egos
“The uncomfortable truth is, most of us in academia are conditioned to follow processes, not to build. Michael doesn’t just call it out, but offers a path out. I've worked with him for over a decade now and he is quite blunt, but truly cares about others succeeding and actually helps.”
— Founder & CEO, Biomedical Engineering Startup
About The Author
Michael Rhiness is a seasoned entrepreneur and strategist with over two decades of experience in the tech industry. He has launched and scaled ventures across sectors burdened by bureaucracy and outdated processes, turning seemingly unfundable problems into profitable outcomes. Michael has a track record of rebuilding companies on the brink and creating traction in non-existent markets. As the leader of TRGT’s investments and services, he is dedicated to supporting those who have something to prove and the resolve to prove it. Beyond his professional endeavors, Michael is an avid learner and writer, exploring topics at the intersections of history, philosophy, and the human condition, aiming to bridge past insights with contemporary challenges.