Pros
I worked at Space Executive for several years, before deciding it is no longer a place I can stomach to be at. Since my departure, some have been asked why the firm faces incessant attrition despite glowing glassdoor reviews and a 100% CEO rating. Notably, one would be hard pressed to find positive reviews from previous employees. While I will expressly look to refrain from any subjective views to be best of my ability, perhaps this might shed some light on the discrepancies. Pros: - Strong commission structure. Beyond a doubt, the scheme is very attractive. That said, given the structure, it is not surprising that consultants have a short runway to perform and easily risk losing their jobs over a bad quarter. The revised commission structure came after several consecutive departures but personally I am unsure if it has been enough to retain top talent. - Excellent parties / work life balance The company, truly, throws spectacularly lavish parties. Drinks on Friday (or frankly most days) evenings are with near unlimited budget, making it an excellent environment for foreign professionals who would enjoy evenings out with members of the team. That said, with the heavy drinking, it certainly forms a clique of drinkers vs non-drinkers, that makes a tangible difference with the management that drinks. For top billers, or favoured individuals, there is little need for explaining if you don't show up, or leave before lunch. All are equal but perhaps some are more equal than others.
Cons
- Loves to threaten to take legal action, fairly or otherwise Every firm must defend their position and actions, when required. On that, I have to commend the management for being unafraid and always ready to escalate matters to lawyers. What I don't appreciate is their lack of discretion or judgement on when and who to do so. They have sued clients, staff and ex-staff over matters that are very ambiguous on whose fault it is, and from what I see with no positive outcome for the firm. They have regularly threatened litigation to departing staff, with ridiculously calculated claims of damages to the firm or threats of legal action on claims without any substantiation (that are sometimes entirely without merit). Personally, I feel it leaves the firm open for counter-litigation given the significant amount of likely unproven allegations that may possibly be defamatory in nature. -Questionable behaviour The management has little reservations about behaving badly, in my opinion. Whether it is about using inappropriate language, inappropriate behaviour with staff while drinking, or simply acting like a playground bully at times, I do not feel it becoming of a firm aiming to be top-of-mind. I do not think anyone is a bad person at heart, but I strongly feel that the management needs to be more aware that their behaviour is not at all private within an office setting. - Questionable management: The management has changed and the firm has arguably seen better days. Beyond simply the day to day operations, I am not sure if the firm's strategy in the quick expansion to London and North Asia is actually in the interests or benefit of those based here in Singapore. At times, as an employee in Singapore, one can wonder if it is a wise fiscal decision. - Snake in the grass One particular individual simply loves informing on the staff to the management. This particular person has no understanding of privacy, or matters spoken in confidence. The management, in turn, get a very coloured view of the situation from the informant - who oddly gains more credibility to the management by reporting on every possible infraction with KGB-like zeal.
