Odgers Reviews

I worked for Odgers Berndtson for a number of years as a consultant. When I joined it had a culture that reflected its then CEO Richard Boggis-Rolfe: traditional, if not slightly old-fashioned, courteous and decent. Under his successor, the firm has pushed to be, and be seen as, modern and thrusting. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a sea-change in corporate culture to one that is grasping, aggressive and, shamefully, in many aspects bullying and threatening. From a corporate perspective this is witnessed primarily in partners and consultants falling over themselves to try to take business from each other and, worse, from junior members of staff. But on a personal level it is seen in downright abusive behaviour, a number of examples of which have seen consultants leave the firm or be censured (although, unsurprisingly, not the firm’s higher billers!). The firm is keen to trumpet buzzwords and PR-speak about diversity and inclusion yet does little in practical terms to promote and support those ideals. Sadly, a number of the worst examples of bullying managers are female, with passive aggression a common tactic for those safe in the knowledge that their gender seemingly protects them from reproach. The CEO and COO appear completely disinterested in putting a stop to this.

Unprofessional in promotions, performance or any HR related issues. You either need to be a "favourite" (female and very attractive), or from the right background (public school), to get ahead. Sadly, it is much harder to get promoted if you are a woman who isn't prepared to flirt / flatter. D&I is paid lip service. HR are indiscreet. They have little influence over the business or ability to drive a positive culture or working practices. Whilst there are many great Partners in the business, the most influential are ego driven bullies, surrounded by people who flatter their egos. They are rude and regularly throw their weight around. Everyone else is expected to tip-toe around them. It feels like being in a 1980's law firm. The Group Leadership don't really have the clout to hold the Partners to account either. They talk a good game but in reality can't do much. On the outside this looks like a great firm, but unless you are male, privately educated and know senior people in the business this is not the place to progress.