Mission-Driven Nonprofit with Deep Cultural Issues & Untrustworthy Leadership - Complete Coach tnAchieves Employee Review

- Despite being a small nonprofit (around 55 employees statewide), there is a stark divide in power between leadership and the rest of the team. Leadership—including managers and senior staff—are almost exclusively individuals who started as COMPLETE Coaches themselves. While this might suggest upward mobility, it instead creates an insular, clique-like culture that resists accountability and reinforces unhealthy norms. - Leadership and HR operate in lockstep with the CEO, making it difficult to raise concerns or navigate issues without fear of retaliation. The organization often disguises performance issues as “growth opportunities,” which deflects responsibility from management and structural issues. I personally experienced this when my manager, with whom I had a consistently strained relationship, placed me on a “Growth Plan.” This was framed as support, but in truth, it was used to keep me in my role without addressing the root cause of our misalignment. Before the growth plan went into effect, I had already voiced concerns about the heavy workload and lack of support within the organization. However, my concerns were dismissed, and I was told by HR that I was being “inconsiderate” and needed to “pull myself up by my bootstraps.” As a result, my mental health suffered, and I came to work stressed and overwhelmed daily. For nearly two months, every aspect of my work—from internal and external communications to time management—was documented, which only added to my stress. - The workload is extremely heavy, and the travel expectations are high, particularly during busy seasons like Mandatory Meetings and Summer Bridge. These times feel like a test of endurance rather than a celebration of service, and the pressure to perform under intense scrutiny often feels like professional hazing. - tnAchieves consistently recruits former teachers and recent college grads, who are passionate but often unaware of the emotional and physical toll the role will take. These employees are overworked and underpaid, with little support or flexibility in return. - There is a serious lack of awareness—and at times, a lack of respect—when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion. On multiple occasions, I was made to feel uncomfortable in the office due to inappropriate or distasteful remarks made by superiors about race or politics. When I attempted to advocate for myself and raise concerns, I was met not with support, but with a sudden “change in policy” that further undermined my position and sense of safety. - Despite operating in major Tennessee cities like Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville, there has yet to be any real effort from the organization to implement inclusive or identity-affirming DEI programming for staff or the communities we serve.