It was said that the only thing that could defeat the Roman Empire was itself. That proved prophetically true. Align is a titan in the industry - mighty and innovative having conquered many visible and hidden barriers in the orthodontic and dental fields. It is also true that there will be few competitors currently or on the horizon that will be able to topple Align/Invisalign on the competitive battlefield. However, there is one hidden enemy and that is the "Enemy From Within". It is unfortunate that unlike the Apples and Googles of the world, there is no common commitment to a higher purpose as there was in the early days with Align that we all embraced and enjoyed. It was "Align Against the World" and that made us better. However, now that common purpose is gone having left many early Align folks feeling as though they are on the outside looking in. Align strategically has made the decision to pay very well which endears many to endure the visionless march.
Within it's walls (and in the field sales team) exists back-biting and hidden personal agendas whereby self-serving individuals will do whatever it takes to get ahead (and they have, unfortunately). I like to say that not only did I choose to leave Align, but it left me 2 years before I left them. It was not the same company (purpose, vision, team) that propelled Align and Invisalign to change an industry. The culture of self-serving career growth hijacked a team that really cared about the company and would do whatever it took to defend and succeed.
Even in the best of times, Align (in my humble opinion) was too heavily focused on what "maximized shareholder value" as opposed to what endeared us to our customers. This strategic decision did actually work, although in an unconventional way because of it's continuous improvement in efficacy. In spite of dragging the customers through glass, Align has found and continues to find incredible success.
Who will watch Caesar's backside from those who want to climb the mountain of success?!?
