If you're still reading this, I'm assuming that you either didn't check off the bullets below, or still have some doubts. Let me clarify that my star rating is based off my personal experience, and some of the 5 star reviews are actually legit reviews.
These are the reasons I left:
* The gaslighting. The CEO will tell you he doesn't want you to work long hours, but then tell you the successful people do. He'll also say you don't do bad work and then set a goal to "never do bad work again". I think it's just inexperience and poor leadership skills. If you think I'm making it up, just go read how the CEO shuts down reviews that make him look less than perfect. I'm fairly certain the response to this review will be equally aggressive.
* As I mentioned in the pros, the women in the SEO team are mostly sheltered from the worst of the accidental misogyny rampant in the rest of the company. However, it's still felt when interacting outside the team. The greater problem is that the team members perpetrating this behavior don't have the emotional intelligence to recognize it in themselves.
* The cliques. Your experience and knowledge matter much less than being liked. So, regardless of your skillset, you'll do well to get into the "inner circle early on". Otherwise, your chance of being considered for internal projects or good clients could be low.
* Lack of support. Multiple times, I raised my hand to point out client issues that needed escalation. None of those times was I given the support I needed, which made me feel more pressured and stressed out than I should have been.
* The clients. I've worked in a number of industries and never experienced so many issues with getting recommendations implemented. I do think the company is actively working to fix this issue across the board.
*Conservative leadership. I agree that the top feels like the good ole boys' club. You have the right to your own opinions, but those opinions should be put aside during working hours.
*Directive Daily. This was supposed to be an opportunity to learn and get support for your clients but the bulk of the calls turned into a primer on how to market like the CEO, with few actionable suggestions.
Directive is not for you if:
* You're introverted/shy/quiet/a wall flower. Image is very important and the company wants a team full of thought leaders to bolster the agency's public appearance.
* You've never worked at an agency. The lack of support and self-directed learning can make the job overwhelming.
* You need/want regular feedback and goals. It seems to be slightly different for newer people with other ADs, but I got neither.
* You're in the Alphabet Army. The conservative nature at the top of the org makes it an org that's LGBTQIA+ friendly on the surface it is, but not at its core - which is what matters.
So that's the gist of Directive. For the right people, it's an amazing opportunity to grow and expand your career opportunities. For other people (including this reviewer), it can feel toxic and stagnant. Hope this helped.
