Cannot Recommend - Anonymous employee Ocean Media Employee Review

1.0
Mar 17, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- There are some very talented and encouraging leaders among the management - Some incredibly smart and talented coworkers who make the job bearable

Cons

There is much that has gone wrong with the company in the last three years that it's difficult to put into words. It's been disappointing to watch how far the company has fallen, especially after having seen so much success in the early 2020s. Horrible decisions from upper management, unwillingness to change their ways to adapt to what paid media today, arrogance that leads to false promises, overwhelming low morale from layoffs, no bonuses/raises, secret promotions when we would be told there would be none - watching the spiral of OM has been a wildly painful experience. Given the current state of the agency, the outlook seems pretty bleak. I do not think it will last another year before they're fully absorbed into Empower.

Explore other reviews about Ocean Media

5.0
Nov 18, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The agency has a strong mix of people with deep media experience and good instincts. Collaboration is real, and people listen and contribute regardless of title. Leadership has always been open to new perspectives, tools, and ways of doing things but stays grounded in what’s practical and shaped by real world results. There is a balance between exploring new approaches and building on the experience that has driven successful campaigns for a wide range of clients over the years.

Cons

The economy has created challenges across the industry, and like most agencies, some tough decisions have been necessary. It’s not unique to Ocean, it’s just part of working in this space right now.

1.0
Jan 16, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Some of the accounts you work on are interesting, but aside from that not much.

Cons

Oceans Glassdoor rating has tanked over the past few years. However, there’s been a flurry of vague positive reviews in recent months despite the fact that things are worse than ever. 6 months ago the rating was a 2.4-2.6. Right now, the CEO has a 70%+ approval rating despite the fact that it’s a running joke among employees that he doesn’t do much aside from play golf. Not entirely sure what's going on here. It’s no secret that ocean has been on a downward trajectory these last few years. The overall headcount at Ocean has dwindled significantly due to ongoing layoffs and attrition. Ocean’s book of business is a joke of what it once was. The clients that brought in money and formed the identity of the agency are leaving one by one. I had two job interviews that skipped the “Why are you leaving your current position” question, it’s that bad. This place is ruled by politics and favoritism, senior leadership loves their little lapdogs. Don’t expect any recognition if you’re not among the chosen specials. This place doesn’t recognize talent, which is why employees and clients are leaving. Ocean’s outlook is incredibly grim. Salary evaluations were announced, performance reviews are postponed, and more clients are expected to leave. With the Empower acquisition, I would be shocked if Ocean exists in 10-14 months.

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