A cult with a heritage - Lead Consultant Thoughtworks Employee Review

2.0
Aug 11, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

* Technical excellence. The consultants, especially those who started years before the APAX acquisition, are some of the smartest people you'll see in the tech sector. * The internal "software dev" mailing list has high quality technical conversation. * If you're lucky, you may get staffed on a project where you learn interesting things about both business and technology. * Opportunities to be visit and work in offices and clients in many countries, again, depending on your luck and connections.

Cons

* Thoughtworks is a cult. You have a vague sense when you're in it. It becomes much clearer once you leave. It has all the hallmarks of a cult: adulation of its founder; widespread indoctrination that starts with TW University for graduate hires; vociferous advocacy of its "secret sauce", i.e. the TW way; and low tolerance for differences of opinion, particularly on the so-called "social justice" pillar. * About that pillar: there is a strangely dogmatic combination of neo-socialism and neo-liberalism that runs through the company, especially some in leadership positions. Any dissenting voices, even those who simply ask their political views to be left alone, are likely to be shouted down and ostracized. * Who you know and how you impress them weighs more than what you know and how you can contribute. Thoughtworks is more prone to this than the average company. The so-called flat hierarchy encourages consultants to curry favors on the grapevine. The one with the most favorable rumors is likely to get better projects and promotions. * The leadership teams seem to relish their roles as petty tyrants. If your project's Delivery Leadership Team, usually 3 people strong, has a loudmouth who dislikes you, it is very likely you'll find it hard to last on the project. What's more, you'll get obscure negative feedback like "difficult to work with", "doesn't align with TW values", etc., which is sure to dent your career aspirations.

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Thoughtworks Response
2y
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We're disappointed to know that your experience with Thoughtworks wasn’t the best. Regarding your feedback, we may not always get it right, but we’re committed to make Thoughtworks the best place to work for all Thoughtworkers. If you're open to having a personal conversation to share more details about the experiences you've had regarding your time at Thoughtworks please do reach out to me at tim.ogorman@thoughtworks.com.

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Cons

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1.0
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Cons

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1
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Thoughtworks Response
1mo
Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed reflection on your experience. We appreciate the perspective you’ve shared, including the contributions and growth you describe during your time at Thoughtworks. We appreciate the perspective you’ve shared, including your contributions during your time at Thoughtworks. Feedback like yours helps us continue reviewing how we support our teams, growth paths and overall employee experience. If you’d like to share more, feel free to reach out to tim.ogorman@thoughtworks.com
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