While at Phoenix Labs, I found myself constantly being gaslit, micromanaged, and sidelined. There was no safe/confidential department or person I could speak with because we didn't have an HR department nor was there an impartial person who was not part of the senior management group. Also, whenever I voiced my issues or concerns I was shouted down or victim-blamed. It was honestly the worst job I ever had and STILL have nightmares about working at this place. By the time I left, I was a shell of a person. When I tell people of my experiences here I would still get anxious and emotionally upset because it was so scarring and horrible.
I found a mindless following while working here, where you suck up to the egos of senior management. I experienced first-hand colleagues who push and suck up.
Senior management used to say "We only hire winners." which was cool at first, but as time went on I realised it was more "we reward and promote self-interested corporate climbers." I also heard a lot of "We are a family", but it felt very hallow because it was strictly transactional.
There was a lot of talk about open and honest feedback culture. However, I never felt safe sharing my thoughts or feelings. There were times when I shared negative feedback with my manager and was victim-blamed and made me feel like it was my fault and no resolution or responsibility was taken. My manager was also in the inner circle of senior managers and since there was no official HR entity, there was no support or safe place to bring my issues, concerns or grievances.
My experience with the CEO was difficult as he is an insecure narcissist who pretended to care about me or my colleagues but because of his insecurities, he did not take negative feedback well at all. I found him to be an egomaniac who is obsessed with optics but he was also had to alpha all at the same time. Jesse was also the biggest gossip and any personal/sensitive information shared with him was a story that he shared with others as a way to make you feel like you were in his confidence. I experience this firsthand and it was very uncomfortable because there was a complete disregard for confidentiality.
