Avoid Cookson Adventures if You Value Your Well-being and Effort - Project Manager Cookson Adventures Employee Review

1.0
May 28, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Exciting Industry: The core business of bespoke adventure travel is inherently fascinating and offers the opportunity to work on unique and inspiring projects. Potential for Unique Experiences: If you can navigate the internal challenges, the nature of the work itself can be interesting.

Cons

Poor Management: There's a significant lack of clear direction, inconsistent decision-making, and a general sense of disorganization from leadership. No Appreciation for Effort: Despite significant effort and dedication, employee contributions consistently go unnoticed and unrewarded. Hard work is taken for granted. Absent and Disruptive Founder: The founder is largely detached from daily operations but frequently intervenes in ways that undermine progress, demonstrating a lack of understanding and creating chaos. Toxic Work Environment: The internal culture feels demoralizing and disrespectful, making it difficult to thrive or feel valued. Lack of Internal Execution: While the external product is appealing, the internal operations and employee experience are severely lacking.

Explore other reviews about Cookson Adventures

1.0
Mar 23, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Projects can be interesting at times.

Cons

The overall environment can feel toxic, with an outdated, male-dominated culture that does not reflect modern workplace standards. There are elements of “laddish” behaviour, and some interactions from senior staff can feel unprofessional or inappropriate. Diversity is lacking, particularly at senior levels, contributing to a narrow and exclusionary culture. Expectations are applied unevenly. Some employees are closely monitored, while others have significant freedom, including frequent lateness, extended absences, or minimal visible workload. Workload distribution is highly unbalanced. Entry-level employees often carry a large proportion of the work for relatively low pay, while others appear underutilised despite higher compensation. Pay is average at best, with a noticeable gap between senior compensation and junior salaries. Micromanagement is prevalent, with excessive control over tasks and workflows, reducing autonomy and making it difficult to work efficiently or confidently. Work-life balance is poor, and long hours are often expected. The office environment is poorly maintained, including inadequate lighting, insufficient seating, broken equipment, gas leaks, and pest issues.

2
5.0
Jun 4, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

No day is ever boring, even for those working outside of the trip planning and hosting roles. Vibrant office with a move to a larger premises to come this year. Great variety of talent and personalities at the company which makes it a pleasure to go in to the office and meet everyone three days a week. Exciting times at Cookson.

Cons

If you’re a little on the lazy side and want a quiet life - don’t apply!

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