Pros
My experience working for Milan Laser was contradictory. On one hand, the people working in the clinics were great; they were hungry for direction, encouragement and support. The interview, hiring and training process was for the most part very positive and at first impression, the field leadership team seemed open to outside perspective and points of view. Corporate partners are quick to act and provide strong support to the clinics in the field.
Cons
Despite a tumultuous 2020, the company was highly profitable and poised for growth, but only within a very limited construct. Upper management discourages deviating from a formulaic way of managing: heavy micromanaging and checking boxes to drive a result. Employees are replaceable and this company does not worry about turnover or the cost of onboarding and median tenure of the company is 1-2 years. Company culture is one-sided, presented only to outside clients and prospective employees. From the inside, it is all about sales and sales alone. Immense pressure from Regional Directors to deliver results at all costs. Employees even feel pressure to forge online reviews. There is no leadership development and sales managers are solely there to sell laser hair removal packages and should do so without question. Executive management is very green in scope and experience, with poor communication in messaging and process. Situations arise that should be handled at the clinic level but must be escalated so no one can make a decision independently. Regional Directors have clear favorites and are not open to outside ideas or opinions. Don't ask WHY because you'll be quickly labeled insubordinate and pushed out if you rock the boat. Clinic Managers are promoted to DM without multi-unit management experience (or any outside management experience for that matter). There is no work-life balance and DMs are expected to manage minuscule details that hinder the development of their teams. Compensation does not equal expected workload and bonus structure and payout at this level is unclear and inconsistent. Milan's corporate culture should embrace talent development and value employees as more than money makers. And this needs to start at the top...with the Doctors who run the company leading the charge. It is unclear how much they know is broken within the field organization. Unfortunately, the status quo is the priority, disruptors beware. I am so glad that my employment at Milan Laser is over.
