Aspirational at first, but quickly soured
Pros
When I first joined the company, management appeared to value my experience and expertise, and I felt I was making a significant impact in a department that needed structure and direction. However, this changed when my contributions were overshadowed by a manager who lacked essential leadership skills. I quickly realized that my input was no longer appreciated. I do agree with the vision of the company and believe the CEO is genuinely out to make a difference in the world.
Cons
Axon promotes the concept of "expecting candor" but it's crucial to tread carefully, as some managers prioritize their own image over honest feedback. Being too forthright can lead to negative consequences, including comments like "maybe Axon just isn't for you." I encountered this firsthand when my manager said "My 13-year old daughter understands this; why don't you?" in response to a procedure he was supposed to implement and oversee. Public shaming on calls was not uncommon, and favoritism was prevalent. I also informed this same director about a potential issue that could escalate if not addressed, providing a written report for clarity. Unfortunately, he chose to ignore it and later blamed me when when the situation deteriorated. Additionally, he edited a document on his desktop instead of using the shared team document and then reprimanded me for not addressing his unrecorded comments - this exemplifies unqualified leadership. Moreover, employees from other teams will just be fired without warning, leaving no contingency plans in place. Common phrases you will hear from management will be "you should just know that" and "you're just causing trouble" if you attempt to solve problems or seek clarification on processes. Furthermore, the HR department seems to lack a solid understanding of relevant labor laws, as many staff members are quite young and inexperienced. While Axon may promote its culture and mission during the recruitment process, the reality is that compensation is low, and the work environment can be toxic and challenging. I encourage anyone considering a position here to seek out a company that genuinely values your skills and contributions.
