Pros
While it’s challenging to highlight many positives, I would say that the marketing efforts have significantly improved, and the team is truly a pleasure to work with.
Cons
I have observed numerous instances where Partners, Senior Partners, and a particular Managing Director have reduced female colleagues to tears. The Industrials team operates separately from the rest of the company and frequently takes on searches they shouldn’t, reflecting a lack of care and respect towards colleagues.
I’ve also been involved in a programme aimed at promoting a positive work culture externally, which feels uncomfortable and misaligned with the internal reality. The CEO has shifted from an open-door policy to engaging exclusively with what I would describe as "his inner circle." I’m unclear about the COO's responsibilities, as they are known primarily for a ruthless streak. I recall a meeting where they committed to addressing some of the cultural challenges but then openly went back on their word.
It was disappointing to see a high-performing partner leave last year; the company is led by inexperienced leaders with backgrounds in a small boutique environment characterized by a closed-door, bullying culture. I have since met that Partner, and it’s clear they are excellent at what they do. It’s easy to see why the majority of clients they’ve partnered with continue to work with them.
Partners are using the track records of previous fee earners who completed assignments at other firms. I was asked to prepare a client deck featuring a majority of track record information that doesn’t belong to Norman Broadbent.