That latitude quietly disappears. Over time, the environment shifts from "we value your expertise" to something far more controlled and far less honest. Expectations escalate without corresponding support, resources, or recognition. When things go wrong, accountability moves in one direction only — downward.
Leadership's relationship with feedback is performative. Concerns are heard, acknowledged, and filed away. Nothing structurally changes. Goalposts move. Verbal promises are seldom honoured in practice. For anyone used to working in an environment where commitment means something, this is deeply frustrating.
The co-founder dynamic is a known issue at this point, and the recent reviews on here reflect what many of us have observed for some time: aggressive messaging, inconsistent treatment depending on whether you're currently in favour, and a communication style that would not survive scrutiny in a professionally governed organisation. Senior people who push back or set boundaries do not tend to stay long — whether by choice or otherwise.
The pattern is consistent and well-documented at this point: people who push back, set limits, or stop being convenient are quietly removed. It does not matter how strong their output is or how long they have been there. When the wind changes, it changes fast — and the process used to move people out is dressed up in language that obscures what is actually happening.
The talent at this company is exceptional. It is being wasted.
