Accuray – “Great technology in need of a shepherd to cross the chasm”

Pros

Working for a company that provides a truly disruptive, game-changing technology that makes a real impact on cancer patients' lives (How many jobs can you say that about?). People are intelligent and really passionate about the company, its customers, and patient care.

Cons

Company's grown significantly, is now a publicly traded company with fiduciary responsibilities to shareholders, and yet is still being managed like a startup; there is a serious lack of process and protocol for many key operational areas that you think would be a no brainer for a company of Accuray's age and size. Everyone I think has their heart in the right place, but I'm not sure there's a clear strategic vision nor proper management in place to realize that vision.

Advice to Senior Management

The company has had its up and downs, but its undeniable that the CyberKnife is a fantastic technology and one that truly can benefit cancer patients. Upper management needs to realize that while they were successful in taking the company public and their dream of making radiosurgery a treatment option for cancer patients is a noble one, new management might be needed to take the company to the next level and make that dream a reality.