Pros
StartOut's mission is paramount - especially amongst the social and political ongoings in recent years. The Founders StartOut supports everyday are ahead of their time in their respective industries - bringing creative and captivating innovations to the forefront. It is a true honor to support them in their work as well as share their stories to those outside StartOut's ecosystem. The colleagues I have the opportunity to work with everyday are immeasurable in talent as well as their commitment to StartOut's mission. The flexibly in work schedule allows for a 'range' of work-life-balance. Now... are we overworked - yes. Are we not compensated accordingly - yes. Does this change when leadership is stressed - yes. But it is a luxury to know I can build my schedule how I please as long as it serves the mission of StartOut.
Cons
There is a growing trend at StartOut by which "DEI" is suddenly suspected to have a dark side. Board of Directors: You are complicit. It is your duty- nay, obligation to provide safe spaces for StartOut's team delivering on KPIs you approved - not solely the safety of the leadership team. The quality of conversation and communication determine the tone of this organization - and you failed many of us in your grandeur of what is otherwise a protection of Andres. You need organizational cultural competency training just as much as Andres. You're not on the ground. You cannot vail the experiences and situations at StartOut for your own benefit or protection. Leadership: You continue to use the Board of Directors as a savior to articulate a false narrative that no wrong has/was/will be done - that no missteps were made on your watch. You foster an anti-collaborative ecosystem of micro-management. You refuse to stand up for our Founders unless they serve StartOut's narrative or future sponsorships with a cis-white-male lens. You do not stand up or advocate for your teams - mental or emotional safety directly. Sponsors: One of the questions asked an interview was my thoughts on capitalism. This was a clue that hierarchies are hot at StartOut - a finishing non-profit disguised for queer-cis-white-male advancement. I thought StartOut was a place for today and tomorrow's LGBTQ+ leaders - not to serve big corporations who have no interest in true advancement of StartOut's mission. I began to guess my role at StartOut when a lot of the cultural issues arose. Do I comply? Do I leave? Now that so many have left the organization will I be recognized -- or fired next? Is this a safe space for me moving forward? No employee should live with these questions or fears daily.