Red Bull – “95% planning 5% execution. Better not have a family or they come second.”

Pros

Great benefits package, company car, most co workers are good to work with. Wear what you want, cool events.

Cons

Insane work load. In busy markets, 12-14hr days, 6-7 days a week. Useless layer of middle management implemented a year and half ago stalls any progress or creativity. Deadlines come out of nowhere and you always feel like you are not keeping up. Impossible to get a straight answer or decision without going thru numerous people to sign off on. Decisions change at moments notice. Slow to reimburse expenses and pay vendors because of approval process. Red Bull walks a thin line on ethical treatment of employees and equal employment issues. Numerous questionable decisions on hiring practices.

Advice to Senior Management

Get a CEO who understands the trends and customs of North America. This isnt Austria, France or Lebanon. Care more about your employees who got you to where you are in the market and help them advance. Think thru decisions and understand the reprecussions they will have.