Culture of Contradictions - Creative Director Grizzly Employee Review

1.0
9 Oct 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

In general, the design and PM teams were very collaborative and kind. In my experience, everyone was galvanized by the difficult clients and the even more challenging personalities of the internal "leadership." Aside from team dynamics, the work/life balance is reasonable. The CEO has the right intent, and the founders genuinely want people to spend time with their families and enjoy life outside of their computers. The issue is a disconnect between intent and reality. One example is Grizzly's "adventure days"—a nice idea that encourages employees to take a workday off and spend it outdoors hiking or enjoying nature. A wonderful sentiment, but in reality, only about 10-15% of employees were actually able to participate.

Cons

Grizzly's leadership is disjointed and lacks the checks and balances that help an organization run smoothly. Speaking from the creative side, the founder and ECD is a heavy micromanager. As a result, the team is constantly looking over their shoulder, trying to anticipate his wants and needs rather than focusing on the audience or the client’s needs. This dynamic leads to high turnover, particularly in creative roles. In my experience working with this group, the founders have little experience outside the boutique agency space, and as a result, the team and overall growth of the company suffer greatly.

Explore other reviews about Grizzly

5.0
14 Sept 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

My experience at Grizzly is vastly different from some of the negative and, ultimately, unhelpful reviews here. I've been with Grizzly for 6+ years, which, in agency years, is about four years beyond typical tenure. I've seen individuals looking for a quick bump in title and the next opportunity, and those are the ones who often don't succeed at Grizzly. I attribute my success to the leadership's commitment to business growth, team development, and respect for ideas no matter where they come from while creating space for personal growth alongside professional growth.

Cons

If you're looking to be challenged, to work on accounts that hit a spectrum of industries, and to work alongside a team that cares about the impact of the work on people and culture, this is for you. If you're looking to be comfortable at a cruising altitude of bare minimum, there's probably a better fit elsewhere. The work culture is fast-paced, but that's what keeps things interesting. The team is ambitious, but that creates courageous work. The expectations are high, but that empowers the team to attain new heights. And the opportunities for professional development are yours to create alongside a core team with a passion for the same.

2.0
28 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Large scale projects that look good on portfolio. The people that used to work there were cool until half the company got let go after they said in a meeting that week that the company is doing great, trying to hire more people, and buying a larger office space.

Cons

The people that own it, bottom-line suck and pretty scummy. They throw everyone underneath them under the bus for problems that they have created. Once hired, start counting the days until your let go because its not a if, but when situation. They created a business that is repeat yearly offender told by former employees that they will take on people for a project and then let them go when its done, which is usually within the year. Don't take a job there if you have a family based on the fact that the rug will be pulled and you will be working 12 hour days that aren't given recognition. Sucks because the people other than management are super talented and really cool to be around, but at the end of the day no on is safe and secure with their jobs there.

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