–Keeping it plain, some leaders must leave Blavity if the board and executive team care about Blavity's employer reputation.
–The churn rate of employees at this company (both through voluntary and involuntary separation) is very telling of the internal culture. Under specific leaders, most direct reports never survive; they either quit or are let go within a year (If they last any longer, they're beyond miserable.)
–There's no strategy, just reactive tactics. I came to Blavity with 6 years of strategy work and the role I was taking on was a STRATEGY focused role. However, only a select few leaders actually know what's going on at the company while everyone else is stuck doing tasks and fulfilling orders.
–The gaslighting, shaming, and bullying culture is real and quite disgusting (it even comes from the most senior leaders)
–There's very little investment in employees. They'll work you like a dog and say "Be grateful you have a job in this market." Limited pay raises and career advancement.
–It's incredibly difficult to get any work completed given how almost half of the company is made of freelancers and contractors with limited contracts
–You're always expected to "get it done" even if the work is outside of your expertise. This is typical startup culture which I understand but... Blavity is nearly 10 years old... grow up and build some decent infrastructure and systems (more importantly checks and balances) that can last longer than 4 months
–There are too many incompetent leaders who misuse their authority. Don't you just Love that :)
It's sad because this review will change nothing at Blavity but I hope it'll be useful for folks considering roles there. I'm not saying I was a perfect employee, but it's common knowledge now that you do not come to Blavity to grow your career. They'll chew you up and spit you out when they're finished. Your wins will never be recognized.
