Internal conflict and lack of transparency hindered progress
Pros
Salary was competitive for the role Many colleagues were hardworking and wanted to do well The Product Lead was a standout – committed and capable, despite being overstretched
Cons
There was a tendency for senior leadership to express visible frustration at staff over circumstances beyond their control, which contributed to a tense working environment. The actual responsibilities of the role differed significantly from the job description. Priorities and expectations changed frequently, often without clear communication. HR policies were inconsistently applied or, at times, disregarded entirely. There were instances of veiled threats and passive-aggressive communication. I was pressured to work during a period of protected leave. A "guilt-first" mentality prevailed — asking questions, particularly of senior staff, was often perceived as insubordination. Overall, a strong blame culture existed, which stifled innovation and hindered collaboration.
