Pros
I have been with Calix for 7 years and have experienced tremendous personal growth. During this time, Calix has transitioned from being a traditional "dumb-box" company to a cutting-edge platform company. Unlike our competitors who remain stagnant, we have developed the most powerful cloud infrastructure in the broadband industry, along with incredible software and a growing ecosystem of partners and managed services. Additionally, our hardware systems are highly advanced and innovative. Calix is on the path of continuous growth, and any team member can achieve significant personal and professional development by being a part of this journey. If you have ambitions to grow, Calix is an exceptional place to be. One of the key advantages of working at Calix is our team-driven culture. The culture is owned by every team member, meaning that its quality is determined by our collective efforts. If the culture is positive and thriving, it is because we, as team members, have made it so. Conversely, if any issues arise, it is up to us to address and improve them. If you value accountability for your actions and have a desire to create a positive work environment, Calix is the right place for you. Another significant aspect of our work environment is the virtual nature of our operations. I firmly believe that claims about a declining culture requiring a return to physical workplaces are unfounded. Such calls for a return to the office are merely attempts to exert control. At Calix, we prioritize setting goals, providing coaching for success, and ensuring that our leaders maintain strong connections with every team member. While this approach may not be flawless, we continuously strive to enhance our leaders' coaching skills and foster a supportive virtual work environment. Perhaps the most important factor that sets Calix apart is our incredible customers. They are catalysts for transformative change in the communities they serve, using the power of broadband. By leveraging our technologies, even the smallest broadband providers can outperform slower legacy competitors and level the playing field through the democratizing power of the cloud. The investments made by our customers have far-reaching impacts on education, job opportunities, poverty reduction, local businesses, and more. If the prospect of being a part of this positive change excites you, I encourage you to explore our career opportunities. As the CEO, my primary responsibility is to focus on the success of everyone in our organization and support their growth. I firmly believe that if I fulfill this duty and every team member achieves success, our company will thrive. I embrace a mindset of continuous improvement, always seeking to be better, never settling for mediocrity. I am aware that I make mistakes, but I am fortunate to be surrounded by people who are willing to provide feedback and challenge me when necessary. Their partnership and honesty enable me to learn and become a better leader. Our mission at Calix is to empower even the smallest broadband service providers to simplify their operations, excite their subscribers, and increase their value for members (42% of our customers are not-for-profit co-ops), investors, and the communities they serve. This mission is not just a slogan; it is a reality that drives our actions every day. We are just scratching the surface of our potential, and the opportunities for growth and impact at Calix are vast. Join us as we embark on this exciting journey.
Cons
This is my truth. Read other team member's views for their truth. Growth is an exhilarating journey, but it can also be demanding. At Calix, we embrace a culture of hard work and dedication, where we go beyond the typical 9-5 schedule to achieve our goals. While some may view this as a drawback, others see it as a tremendous opportunity for personal and professional growth. The reality of our organization is that there is always more to be done because we are constantly evolving and expanding. And yes, I get tired too ... always take vacation, make sure you have a back-up, and then turn off your phone and email (I press this HARD with everyone - you cannot recharge if you work through a holiday). Same goes for the weekend, we have eliminated 90% of Saturday and Sunday email traffic ... because it is not required. We are not robots. It's important to note that remote work may not suit everyone's preferences and work style. If you thrive in a traditional office setting, Calix may not be the ideal fit for you. We have fully embraced remote work (since 2016), relying on video conferences to connect our team members. We encourage everyone to turn on their cameras during virtual meetings to foster a sense of connection and engagement. Additionally, we recognize the importance of face-to-face interactions, which is why we organize team meetings that involve travel when necessary. To maintain a strong sense of community, we have implemented local meet-ups in 30+ cities every quarter. In our virtual environment, we place a significant emphasis on being attentive to the well-being of our colleagues. It may require more effort to check in on others virtually, but we believe in creating a supportive and caring work environment. However, it's essential to acknowledge that remote work and our virtual intern program, which we launched in 2018 and now has 64 interns in 2023, may not suit everyone's preferences or circumstances. At Calix, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, and support. While the path we follow may not be for everyone, those who embrace the opportunities it offers will find themselves part of an exciting and dynamic organization.
