This is a highly toxic, fear-based environment. The culture encourages self-preservation over collaboration, with a constant undercurrent of blame. Open dialogue and differing perspectives aren’t welcomed—instead, they’re often treated as threats. Communication tends to be surface-level and fake, then turns hostile behind closed doors.
Leadership appears more focused on maintaining control than supporting growth. There’s a noticeable pattern of building employees up, only to diminish their confidence around key moments like promotions or raises. It creates an environment where people begin to question their own value unnecessarily.
There’s also a disconnect between expectations and support. Employees are expected to be deeply invested in the company, but that investment isn’t reciprocated in a meaningful way.
From a creative standpoint, the bar feels low, and creative perspectives aren’t respected. In some cases, leadership comes across as overly self-assured while making decisions that undermine the very people they’re meant to empower.
The relationship between creative and account teams is also misaligned. Account teams are expected to advocate for creative work with clients, but in practice, they often act as additional gatekeepers. Creative teams are required to navigate excessive internal critique and approval layers just to get work in front of clients, which slows momentum and weakens outcomes.
Creative teams, in particular, are undervalued compared to other departments, both culturally and financially. Opportunities are not distributed equitably—while other departments regularly attend conferences and offsite events, creatives often have limited access to even local or day-long development opportunities. This reinforces the perception that creative output is expected, but creative growth is not prioritized.
Ultimately, this environment wasn’t a fit for me. Since leaving, I’ve found a much healthier and more supportive workplace, which reinforced how challenging this experience had been.
PS- I left on my own, so this isn't a "disgruntled former employee getting back at the company for being fired" :)