Pros
- Coworkers: The best part of working at iCode was undoubtedly the people. I had the pleasure of collaborating with many talented and dedicated colleagues who were always willing to support each other. The camaraderie among NON-management staff created a positive and productive work environment. - Collaboration: Despite constant challenges, the collaborative spirit among peers made projects more enjoyable and rewarding. Brainstorming sessions and teamwork were highlights of my experience.
Cons
- Challenging Leadership: Working under CEO Abid Abedi was difficult. Despite his claims of fostering a great culture, any concerns about low morale were dismissed with statements like "they can work somewhere else." - Inappropriate Behavior: On multiple occasions, I witnessed Abedi using inappropriate and offensive language towards employees, calling them derogatory names (including 'f*ggot'). - Misaligned Priorities: It became apparent that Abedi's primary focus was not on helping children through coding and education but rather on competing with his business rival, David Graham. - Disregard for Staff Wellbeing: Abedi showed little concern for employee safety or wellbeing. During severe weather conditions, he insisted that everyone come into the office, regardless of the hazardous conditions and the long commutes most employees faced. - Lack of Direction: Abedi did not provide strong direction for the business but instead was well known among staff and franchisees for making major changes or launching new initiatives without sufficient research or planning. Many of these efforts failed, leading to frustration and a lack of trust between franchisees and corporate. - Impact on Morale: Abedi's attitude and management style led to a significant decline in morale, causing many employees to leave or actively seek new opportunities.
