Pros
I appreciated the consistent effort by the management at SAM Labs to align with their core values of pushing for clarity and holding the rope. It is one thing to claim to value something and another to demonstrate it, and SAM Labs is often on the right side of that coin. For example, all-hands meetings were often dedicated to providing transparency and inclusion in the company's decision-making process, which I believe contributed to a culture where all team members felt valued and motivated to succeed. Moreover, I have felt grateful for the way Jo and others at SAM Labs have been supportive of my choice to pursue another career path. Though I have left the company, the team at SAM Labs has been nothing but positive and kind in my transition, offering to help wherever possible. Finally, as a former teacher, I greatly appreciated the way that SAM Labs acknowledges the valuable perspective that former educators can bring to an ed-tech company. Many of my coworkers at SAM Labs were also former teachers who are able to leverage their experience to develop a product that helps make a positive difference in the lives of students and teachers.
Cons
If I had to identify an area for growth at SAM Labs, it would be clarity around procedures. To me, it sometimes felt like we were building the plane as we were flying it, which occasionally led to some inefficiencies and confusion. However, I think this is to be expected at a growing start-up company and I believe the wonderful folks at SAM Labs are actively addressing this area for growth.