Dynamic tech start-up that probably won't reach its full potential due to CEO
Pros
Great office, great view, more-than-decent compensation package Most of the colleagues are friendly and helpful (most) Dynamic, fast-moving company
Cons
If you do join the company, you had better get on the CEO's good side; of course, in general, you don't wanna be on anybody's bad side, regardless of which company, but it's even more so the case here in SparesCNX. Because over here, it really is "my way or the highway" when the CEO makes the decision. Don't expect any meaningful discourse with him as he will impose his stance on you. There is a clear lack of empathy, even maturity on his part. If he does not manage to convince you of his view, he will employ HR to have a second round of communication with you, but in a more subtle and sensitive manner (because he is indeed extremely direct and brash). You may feel perhaps you can come to some sort of consensus with HR, but don't be fooled, whatever your grievances are, they are just going to fall on deaf ears. Don't expect HR to act as a bridge and help you find a common ground, after all, we all know HR is there to protect the company anyway. And of course, it doesn't help to have such an imposing CEO - even if HR herself may disagree with CEO, there's nothing she can do about it since her job is at stake anyway. That being said, this communication issue is not the only reason that this review's headline is titled as such - after all, many successful companies have authoritative CEOs. Put simply, it's a big question mark what the CEO does for the company really; which CEO disappears from the company for a good 11 weeks without any communication at all during that period, especially if the company is in a critical phase of growth? And why would he agree to hold a physical Town Hall in the midst of the pandemic, even when the government already explicit announced that work from home is the default? Why risk the lives of many workers just to conduct some periodic quarterly announcements in-person? It just does not make sense, clearly the CEO thinks he is way above the law and everyone else in the company. The last point would be that, while not necessarily a con, if one does join this company, you have to learn things fast and don't expect guidance. It was extremely tough and demanding for me for the first 3 - 6 months such that it took a toll on my mental health, but I did survive.