Some business potentially completely overshadowed by a terrible leadership team. - Operations Kendo Employee Review

1.0
Oct 27, 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Sephora discount and free product around the holidays and new product launches.

Cons

Overall there's a lack of desire to move from a 'scrappy' start up into a successful and efficiently run company where people can come and grow their careers. However, every negative business/operational aspect is completely overshadowed by how terrible the leadership team is (VPs and above). I have never encountered a less mature and insecure group of 'leaders' in my career. Part of the issue is that the CEO and President don't put any type of emphasis on leadership training so most of these people were promoted too quickly and weren't adequately trained on how to actually manage a team. Another key issue is HR- despite consistent and continued feedback, HR does nothing to help improve or correct the negative behavior. Multiple people will report the same negative feedback about mean girl behavior, lack of inclusivity and a lack of fairness and professionalism and they're only met with "yes, we've received this feedback before, but that's her personality". This poor leadership causes most people to work in fear, develop extreme negative behaviors (backstabbing, excessive self promotion and general lack of collaboration) and creates an environment where it's difficult to get even the most simple of tasks completed. Before accepting any type of position here I would do some research and look at the time span of past employees on Linkedin. Turnover is insane and despite what you might be told in an interview it's not because of how "fast paced Kendo is" (actually moves very slow because no one can make decisions). Also, ask yourself if you're okay with your SVP commenting on your teammate's appearance (weight, clothing choices and lack of makeup), calling your peers/managers 'idiots' and gossiping about personal details of their direct reports while at social events. If you're okay with this type of behavior, then maybe Kendo is for you.

Explore other reviews about Kendo

5.0
May 5, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Ez work flow that everyone will like

Cons

No cons I currently think of

2.0
Apr 23, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There are some really amazing people to work with depending on the team you're on. Good exposure to what it's like to work on a celebrity brand and for a larger corporation (though it's also a con). They have a good selection of snacks, coffee, amenities.

Cons

There are some really awful people to work with. Lots of "mean girls" which will stay this way unless they swap out some people at the top. Huge lack of accountability, lots of blaming and pointing fingers. They have a beautiful set of principles that they don't follow. Processes are terrible - no one will take ownership and put proper ways of working in place. Kendo is best for younger folks just out of college so they can train you to believe this is the best way of working, and it's just not.

5
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