Pros
• The data catalog product itself has a strong technical foundation, and the customer base is generally loyal despite recent challenges. • Between 2019-2022 they hired many outstanding people; hiring fell off the rails after that time pe • Certain benefits (e.g., "You Do You" stipend for work-from-home expenses) were initially a nice perk, though recently slashed. • Recent M&A activity may be a lifeline.
Cons
• Leadership Issues: The culture and leadership have significantly deteriorated since the departure of the CRO in September 2023. The CEO has been largely absent from meaningful engagement with employees or customers for the past few years, leaving the company without strong direction. There has been little to no communication from leadership during important company moments like holidays, world events, anniversaries, or after significant turnover. Employees are left feeling like numbers rather than valued contributors. • C-Suite Dysfunction: The C-suite is a mess and doesn’t have clear leadership or a strategy. The CEO's lack of visibility is compounded by a CMO who has no apparent vision or understanding of the market. Leadership is disconnected from the field and doesn’t engage with employees or customers meaningfully. The company’s inability to address its product and field challenges while dismissing competitors only highlights this disconnect. After losing the "Data Governance of the Year" award for their 2 key alliances in 2024, and the response from leadership was dismissive and insulting, further alienating the team. • Sales Management Problems: Sales leadership has created a toxic environment. A culture of favoritism runs rampant, and the current sales leadership seems more focused on maintaining their inner circle rather than supporting and developing their team. This has led to high turnover and a lack of trust. The sales team is essentially built on a revolving door of former colleagues from an antiquated technology, many of whom lack the skills needed to succeed at Alation. • Compensation and Benefits: Sales compensation plans are unclear, and Sales Operations seems unwilling to pay the sales team what they are owed. Benefits like the "You Do You" stipend have been cut back with little explanation, leaving employees frustrated. The company's inconsistent approach to benefits and incentives adds to a sense of dissatisfaction. • Lack of Strategy and Product Focus: Sales strategies change with each SKO, and the company struggles to keep its messaging and training aligned with its actual goals. The constant shifting leads to confusion both internally and externally. There is little to no innovation or excitement surrounding the product, and Alation is struggling to compete with more agile, forward-thinking competitors in the data catalog space. • No Career Growth or Team Culture: There are very few opportunities for career advancement or development. Employees are not supported in their growth, and the lack of social or team-building events creates a disengaged, siloed culture. All-Hands meetings feel scripted, insincere, and disconnected from the realities of the business. The recent promotions are a step in the right direction, but the employees will need a lot of coaching and handholding. This isn’t a strong suit of the current leadership.