Pros
People are genuine and willing to collaborate.
Cons
Nepotism was rampant—out of a 10-person team, about 3 employees were related to the CEO. This created a workplace where favoritism was common, and decision-making often felt biased rather than merit-based. The company operates in the global health sector, developing low-cost medical devices for underserved regions. While this mission is admirable, leadership frequently prioritized cost-cutting over product quality and functionality. In one internal meeting, the CEO openly stated that we "didn't have to give 100%, just need to get funding from institutions." This mentality directly contradicts the ethical standards expected in global health, where product reliability can mean the difference between life and death. Workplace culture was another major issue. The CEO regularly made inappropriate jokes, fostering a toxic environment. Additionally, I witnessed highly questionable management decisions, such as an employee being let go right after returning from paternity leave. The most unprofessional experience I had was being verbally berated by the CEO over trivial matters, such as adjusting the office thermostat. When I pointed out that swearing at employees was inappropriate, he responded, "Actually, I can." This was just one example of a broader pattern of disrespect and poor leadership. Ultimately I was laid off a week after reporting this incident to HR. While I cannot say for certain that my termination was retaliatory, it certainly raised concerns about how the company handles workplace issues. If you are considering working here, be aware of these red flags. The mission may seem meaningful, but leadership’s approach often undermines it.
