Pros
The opportunity to build something truly distinctive was enticing, and a start-up apparel brand was the perfect place for leaders to bring their years of experience…or so we thought.
Cons
Outerknown: A company adrift without a Compass My time at Outerknown was characterized by an utter lack of strategic vision and a complete disregard for the talent within the company. The executive leadership's inability to foster effective communication and collaboration created a toxic environment where innovation is stifled and employee morale stayed at an all-time low. The company consistently produces products that fail to resonate with consumers, despite overwhelmingly negative feedback. The marketing department, or rather, the complete absence thereof, along with a singular focus on E-commerce, has crippled the retail stores, leaving them to struggle onward without any support. And the company’s financial mismanagement is evident in its reckless disregard for its most valuable asset: its people. The recent layoffs of highly skilled and experienced employees, many of whom were recruited from industry-leading companies, is a testament to the company’s short-sightedness and complete lack of regard for its workforce. It is sad to witness such a promising concept squandered due to poor leadership and execution. Outerknown is a cautionary tale of a company that has lost its way and is rapidly sinking.