Toxic at the top - Anonymous employee WildAid Employee Review

1.0
Jan 3, 2019
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

WildAid's field-level employees around the world are talented, dedicated, and behave with integrity. Those with least exposure to the CEO are sometimes able to achieve positive change. Schedules are flexible and the CEO is rarely in the office, which provides a modicum of relief.

Cons

My experience observing the CEO as people manager revealed behaviors that appeared ineffective, dictatorial, obsessive, pedantic, argumentative, and lacking emotional intelligence. I witnessed and heard about assertive women routinely targeted and forced out of the organization. In my opinion, the other two senior executives behaved cowardly when conflicts arose between the CEO and employees. They appeared unwilling and unable to manage upward, or to support their employees through the dysfunctional environment created by the CEO. WildAid is an analog organization losing relevance in a digital world. It has has no strategy to connect the CEO's dated "vision" to his myopic and repetitive suite of tired tactics. Rather than address these failings, the he and his hand-picked pay-to-play board of major donors seemed more interested taking their families on luxury wildlife trips and socializing with obscure "celebrity" ambassadors. It is sad to see smart and accomplished people fall for the CEO's vapid razzle-dazzle showmanship. Meanwhile, staff continues to turnover and over again as newly-recruited talents become discouraged and disaffected. Don't be fooled; the emperor has no clothes. Apply elsewhere.

Explore other reviews about WildAid

5.0
Jan 8, 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

A very focused and capable team making a big difference. It has a start-up culture so if you can get projects moving, there are plenty of opportunities to take on a bigger role. Very creative and enterprising. Great opportunity to take on major projects. Strong performance is rewarded. Strong financial management. Very competitive compensation and benefits package.

Cons

Fast-paced environment and high expectations with a very lean team. Senior management provides guidance and the team is very cooperative but the people who fit best are self-starters and good communicators. Working across many time zones, languages and cultures can be a challenge.

3
4.0
Oct 13, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great people who are all there to make a huge impact in the environmental, conservation and climate change space.

Cons

Start up vibes. But that can also be a pro.

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