Pros

Like most places, Freddie does have some smart and really nice people.
The work-life balance in certain areas isn't actually that bad.
Probably a stable place, especially during the financial crisis.

Cons

Very academic.
Political.
Slow.
Not at all strategic.
Stagnant.
There are no "real" leaders or managers.

Advice to Senior Management

It'll be nice if the management is more pro-active, in terms of reaching out to employees and getting their feedback. Sometimes, it feels like the management lives in stone age and functions as academicians rather than strategists. Management should ensure that "managing people" is a course that is made mandatory for all managers. Finally, management could do a better job at hiring people.