https://bravado.co/war-room/posts/i-took-the-bait-and-beginning-to-regret-it

link above is my original post about my skepticism of this Series A start-up I joined in September.

Company meeting today laying off the entire sales team. 25 people including most leadership roles (managers and directors), roughly 30% of org.

$20 million raised and funded just 2 quarters ago and. majority of our team was hired within last 3-5 months.

Pretty taken aback. Lot of tears from those who didn't see the writing on the wall.

Rather be spiteful and say "why is this happening to me..." I'm keeping the perspective of "what can I learn from this..."

Lot of dirty laundry aired as the staff being let go joined one final zoom meeting together to vent.

Very wild stuff and hard to process.

My hope is that the founders and remaining leadership team retained learn from their mistakes. 10 other colleagues let go just 6 weeks ago. We were assured we had plenty of time to get ramped up and hit quota.

It was hard to hear colleagues and friends ask the hard questions..."where did all the funding go? what happened to the 15 months of runway? Right before the holidays?"

Interesting experience for sure.

My advice to those job searching and desiring to join a startup in the early stages...

1) please utilize the resources within Bravado academy. Ton of great insights and recommendations to help you vet these companies. Ask as many questions as possible. Ask to see finances. If they are hesitant, instant red flag.

2) Trust your gut.

Took the bait and I was right. Update.

Comp Advice: First Time RVP of Sales

Marketing Problems

Under performing rep with tons of excuses.

How would you handle this 1 on 1?

Death by internal meetings

Can I rant real quick about my boss?