employer cover photo

Impact Coaching Network

Is this your company?

Toxic Work Environment Overshadows Rewarding Student Experience - Chess Coach Impact Coaching Network Employee Review

2.0
Feb 18, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Working with the students. That's it.

Cons

Working at Impact Coaching Network (ICN) was a deeply frustrating experience. While teaching and mentoring students was genuinely rewarding, everything else about the job was disappointing. The leadership was unprofessional, communication was poor, and there was a pervasive culture of dismissiveness and hostility. Management consistently failed to provide the necessary support or respect for employees to succeed. Work hours were unpredictable, feedback was rare (except when it was critical), and opportunities for growth were almost nonexistent unless you had been with the company for years. Certain members of leadership were particularly rude and condescending, creating a toxic environment where employees felt undervalued and disrespected. Additionally, the company was not always transparent about compensation, and there were instances of misleading information regarding pay. Some of my coworkers were seen berating the students. Ultimately, despite my commitment to the students, the lack of professionalism, empathy, and basic workplace respect made it impossible to recommend ICN as a place of employment. If you value a supportive and fair work environment, look elsewhere.

Explore other reviews about Impact Coaching Network

5.0
Jul 27, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Teaching kids chess has to be objectively more fun than an office job. The organization tries to help kids improve their chess, and coaches can see their students grow from both a chess perspective, as well as a general maturity perspective. I would rather do this job than be a DOE teacher, because all of the annoying aspects of the job (grading, lesson planning, etc.) are stripped away. Instead, you get to focus on a subject that you love and that the kids love.

Cons

It is not a typical 9-5 structure. There are opportunities to teach during the school day, in addition to after school and weekend tournaments, but one's schedule will not be as predictable as say, a DOE teacher's. If you don't love working with kids, this job is likely not a good fit.

4.0
Jan 14, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Being able to lead communities and inspire both children and coaches alike Business and marketing experience Collaborative, team oriented environment

Cons

There were times the environment could feel a bit intense, bordering on hostile. These times were rare but noticeable. Interpersonal background situations impacted leadership culture. Management could be a bit more empathetic at times. Overall I will say management is trying its best to run a business that successfully satisfies it's communities.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All