1. The executive team (Morgan, Aaron, Jeff*) are blatantly detached from the entire company. Throughout my entire period of employment Morgan never even introduced herself, when Aaron was in the office he'd walk past the entire sales floor and speak to no one, and Jeff is based in the Atlanta office so there's no real expectation for his presence. Overall, they carry themselves as if they're internal celebrities who are above the folks who actually run their company.
2. There is no safe space for employees. The People Operations team is rude, non-responsive, and ironically comprised on no black people. There were instances where I'd express a concern and was met with a one liner that left no room for discussion. Additionally, they'd implement policies that were biased, informal, and oppressive. Overall, they exist out of formality, but aren't at all useful.
3. The mission is money. As mentioned in my pro, I'd say everyone joins this organization because of the mission that's portrayed in the media. However, internally, we're tasked with selling empty dreams and making it easier for (predominately white) companies to pander to & recruit black talent. That seems to be the true value proposition of Blavity.
4. Morgan and her inner circle harass/haze staff. Do yourself the favor and ask any former or current employee about their experience working with Morgan before choosing to contribute to "her company".
5. Any ideas you contribute individually will essentially be stolen while "Morgan and team" will take credit. It absolutely takes team effort to execute ideas, however, she refuses to amplify anyone but herself. Blavity's platform should be accessible to internal talent (especially the black creatives) to stand on and amplify their work. Instead, you always feel the risk of being shoved into the shadows of the very organization designed to help other black folks shine. The irony in this place in never ending.
6. There are no incentives to working here. You give, give, give, and all they return in exchange is "we're a start-up, we can't afford to...." - but there's always budget for Morgan/Aaron to fly first class, stay in the penthouse suite, and entertain "clients" (aka friends in the industry) for the sake of social media moments.
7. If it's not obvious, your happiness doesn't matter here. I'd even go as far to say that you'd be more unhappy here than you are in an all white work environment. I absolutely was.
8. If you're a small black business with no budget - they'll treat you like everyone else....like you don't matter.
