Startup in free-fall disguised as a strategic agency - Senior Leadership Tallwave Employee Review

1.0
7 Oct 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

* A few talented, mission-driven people remain—though most have left. * Occasional exposure to large enterprise work through AMEX, if you're lucky enough to be staffed there.

Cons

* Dangerously unstable business model: Nearly 80% of revenue is tied to a single client (AMEX), which is severely understaffed and at risk of attrition. The strategy has always been to expand into other business units but AMEX just borrows hours from their one annual retainer and that stakeholders work suffers. Largest client, smallest team assigned to service them. * Massive layoffs: The company has shrunk from over 75 employees to fewer than 15 in just a few years, due to consistent client losses and an inability to generate new business. When someone leaves or there is a RIF the responsibilities and workload are absorbed by whoever is left. * Toxic leadership culture: One leader responsible for growth is known for sabotaging colleagues internally. Push back or question their approach, and your role becomes vulnerable. Incredibly smart narcissist who isn’t capable of being a leader and refused to have a team report to him, but tries to dictate everyone’s behavior. * Gaslighting from the top: Executive leadership routinely misleads the team with empty promises of growth, stability, or opportunity. The reality is rarely aligned with the narrative. * Fake culture: What’s presented as a values-driven, inclusive company is largely a facade. Internal politics and cliques dominate decision-making. * Severance is insulting: Laid off employees—including executives—are given minimal, often delayed severance. * CEO lacks accountability: While the business flounders, the CEO continues to take lavish vacations and gaslight team about success.

Explore other reviews about Tallwave

5.0
29 Jul 2024
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

As a team member, I feel encouraged to step outside of my comfort zone and take calculated risks. The company's emphasis on lifelong learning and development is invaluable. I appreciate the opportunities to expand my skill set and contribute to diverse projects. One aspect I particularly enjoy is the strong sense of camaraderie and support, despite being a fully remote employee. The team feels like a close-knit community where everyone is valued and heard. I appreciate the company's commitment to work-life balance and its focus on employee well-being.

Cons

While the small team size allows for a high degree of autonomy and ownership, it also means wearing multiple hats at times. This can be challenging but also rewarding as it provides opportunities for diverse skill development.

1.0
11 Feb 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Talented people who try hard despite the environment. Remote flexibility.

Cons

Tallwave’s culture has effectively collapsed. Despite heavy emphasis on being “values-driven,” leadership behavior is inconsistent, exclusionary, and damaging. Favoritism is openly practiced, with the CEO investing time and attention in chosen employees while disregarding others. Communication is performative rather than honest. Long-tenured employees have steadily exited, leaving burnout and significant loss of institutional knowledge. Having since worked under strong leadership, it’s clear how much effective management matters. Its absence in recent years at Tallwave significantly contributed to the company’s cultural decline. The company’s approach, or lack thereof, to employee separations reflects broader gaps in professionalism, process, and leadership accountability.

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