Watershed Reviews

Leadership decisions often feel very reactive and seem to lack clear long-term strategy. While agility should be valued, the constant shifts in direction can create instability and make it difficult for teams to pursue sustainable, long-term goals. The company frequently pivots based on evolving visions from the top, requiring employees to be highly adaptable at the expense of focus and continuity. This environment can hinder deep, meaningful progress and lower team morale over time—ultimately leading to frustration and burnout. Much of the leadership team, including the founders, appear relatively inexperienced, which sometimes shows in the decision-making process. Even seasoned senior hires seem to follow the founders' lead rather than stick with independent strategic perspectives. The hiring approach clearly places significant weight on educational pedigree and perceived IQ. While this results in a high-achieving team, it also narrows the range of perspectives and backgrounds represented, constraining internal diversity, creativity, and inclusivity.

Priorities can change quickly in a young scrappy startup