Pros
- It’s a neat product and fun to sell - There’s a select few people at the company who are really talented (Talent team, CS team, teams in Tel Aviv, select members on the sales team) - Relative autonomy on the sales side Fantastic CS team + CS leadership - I learned what *not* to do when scaling a sales team (which is arguably just as beneficial as what *to* do)
Cons
1. Leadership: For the most part - ineffective and inexperienced. The decisions leadership makes at the high level make one question whether or not the company is in good hands. Numerous decisions were made over time that lacked any and all insight. Serious decisions are made by 2-3 people behind closed doors who, incidentally, are all making those decisions for the first time — completely neglecting those they hired to assist in that same decision making process. This results in talent feeling ineffective, disrespected, and ultimately — resentful. 2. Culture: At one time it was a fun and collaborative environment. However, overtime Yotpo made some poor hiring decisions which ultimately had a permanent and long lasting negative impact on the overall culture. Culture is top down. When the mantra of the org is defined by a few ego-centric individuals, the rest of the org inherits this same self-centered mindset. There isn’t a single individual to blame — it’s been more of a failed group effort from the top down. 3. Communication: There is literally none. Zero transparency. It’s actually pretty incredible how this company has no idea how to communicate internally. Instead, it results in a waterfall effect. Overtime, it becomes apparent that this is actually done on purpose which seemingly suggests a malicious intent. Toward the end of my time with Yotpo I became very disappointed with how myself and others were being treated — and no one was doing anything about it. Many talented people have come and gone from the company and what’s fascinating is no one seems to be bothered by it. It’s as if leadership is under some sort of spell — “why would anyone want to leave?” is a frighteningly popular sentiment. If Yotpo wants to continue to grow, it needs to hire smart and experienced individuals — instead of relying on those who may have outgrown their use. In this case, the grass actually IS greener.