I would rather run through a field of thistles naked than work for Discovery. - Consultant Discovery Employee Review

1.0
Oct 23, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

When the entire Performance Division resigned and left within days of each other because of the ‘CEO’s’ behaviour, I was proud to have worked with people who have morals and principles.

Cons

Discovery can only be explained as the ultimate caricature of an owner-run business. It’s not a financially successful, growing company with a positive culture, strong customer focus and great development for its people. It is purely a vehicle for the ‘CEO’ to act out his fantasies – lording it up over employees, surrounding himself with young women, arousing himself by ‘making big decisions’, telling everyone he’s the ‘CEO’ and ‘runs the place’, talking about ‘strategy’, giving self-congratulatory speeches in front of a captive audience, writing submissions for awards for himself, talking endlessly about his ‘business insight’ and ‘commercial thinking’, jabbering about ‘The Discovery Way’ (no one knows what it is?) etc. Ask yourself, are you a ‘CEO’ if there are no other executives, no board, and only one other ‘Director’ who is your wife? This simple demonstration of ego and lack of wit sums up the ‘CEO’ and Discovery. Who do you think you are kidding? There is nothing more awkward than being in the office to watch the ‘CEO’ walk past his wife in the morning and deliver - with a big creepy grin - coffee to the so-called 'Café Nero Club' (his favorite female employees). All of the previous negative reviews are accurate and to some degree probably underrepresent both the rumored financial problems the company has and its toxic culture – all of which are directly attributable to the ‘CEO’. Needless to say, the positive reviews are from the small coterie of sycophants that still work within the company and should not be taken seriously. I cannot describe in enough detail all of the many ridiculous situations that arose in my nine months with Discovery, but what kind of company runs out of toilet paper? Repeatedly. Such an own goal when you have clients in the building. Professional hires do not last long in this environment and new grads I’m assuming are just toughing it out to get some experience on their CVs before they can move on. One day the ‘CEO’ will pay someone to write a book about himself, and I would like to suggest the title: ‘Surviving 20 years in business but somehow not succeeding’.

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Discovery Response
6y
A disappointing and disingenuous review from a disgruntled ex-employee (who has now chosen to set themselves up as a competitor), who was given every opportunity to develop and progress. As a result of feedback about their behaviour and observations on the quality of their work, their probationary period was extended to provide opportunity for improvement. Notwithstanding that the information in this review is factually incorrect, and information selectively referenced for purpose, the reasons for their resignation provided in this review are at variance with those stated to the company. Given the relative experience and the focus on leadership & development within this employee%E2%80%99s remit, it would be reasonable to assume that any development and culture issues would have been raised during their tenure with the company, but there were none. Discovery continues to enjoy high retention rates amongst the team. Some have over 12 years with the company and the average length of service is almost five years. Those with the right attitude and behaviours continue to do very well and are recognised accordingly with significant opportunities for responsibility and progression. We welcome feedback from all our employees, but this appears to be a deliberate and a highly personal attempt to discredit the company and the founders.

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5.0
Jan 22, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Leadership, resources, mentorship, culture, flexibility

Cons

Disorganization at times; siloed teams

5.0
Aug 13, 2021
Anonymous contractor
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The team I worked for was wonderful. I have only great things to say about the Discovery team.

Cons

Not one bad thing to say about Discovery. Keep doing what you're doing, team.

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