They can’t hold onto talent.
Several of the previous posts acknowledge management shortcomings alluding to this.
Below are a few factors as to why Leadnomics is not a place for top-tier professionals:
• Lack of transparency towards business practices.
• Lack of transparency towards business direction.
• Lack of energy or enthusiasm.
• Leadership is nonexistent.
• No real trajectory for anyone ambitious.
• There is more focus on having the surface look of a startup than actually running like a smart one.
It is difficult to discuss Leadnomics without discussing the other companies related to it. They are very incestuous. A cofounder of Leadnomics is also the cofounder of several other businesses that all run into similar issues. What culture exists is akin to that of a frat. Very suitable for males, much more difficult for women.
There is no true strategic vision. For a 7-year-old business that plays as a fresh startup, things are very rote and there is little excitement in the day to day, week to week, month to month.
You definitely feel like a production function than having a stake in the success and identity of the company. The cofounders will travel abroad and flaunt it while you sit in the office pushing out the project flavor of the week.
This would be fine if compensation wasn’t simply entry-level pay. Expectations in the quality and productivity of work is that of senior level quality and commitment. Do not expect to be rewarded for this. Your production is expected and chalked up to being a part of the “start up hustle.” This hustle has occurred for 7 years and ongoing. Do not expect it to end anytime soon. There are other companies in Philadelphia that expect the hustle, but reward you for it.
Business practices are questionable. There is plenty written about those practices, all it takes is a quick Google search of the founders to learn about them.
There is a culture of fear. Since the employee exodus started occurring across all companies, tactics are used to keep current employees from knowing of or even attempting to look at opportunities outside of Leadnomics (and her other counterparts.)
Pettiness. People within this company will keep tabs on you after you’ve left. They all talk to one another. There is no confidentiality in reporting to your direct superior—you will be “told on” as though you are still in some elementary school social scene. This will happen despite you and others having left the company.
Hierarchy. You are definitely working for management, not with management.