Pros
There are talented people throughout the organization, and the role had the potential to be incredibly fulfilling.
Cons
I don't typically leave negative reviews, but I believe it's important to share my experience for anyone considering joining Raise. The recruiting work itself was rewarding, and I genuinely enjoyed building relationships with candidates and clients. Unfortunately, my experience with leadership overshadowed everything else. One of the company's core messages is "self-management" and empowering employees to take ownership of their work. In my experience, however, the reality was very different. The culture felt heavily micromanaged, and it often seemed that following instructions was valued more than bringing forward new ideas or challenging existing processes. The biggest reason I chose to resign was my experience with the VP of Operations, Mary. What should have been a constructive discussion about performance instead felt intimidating, unprofessional and left me with the impression that my future with the company was already being questioned rather than supported. Instead of coaching or collaborating on solutions, the conversation made me feel that my continued employment could be used as leverage. That is not the kind of leadership that helps people grow or perform at their best. Another aspect of the culture that I found frustrating was the constant encouragement to "never struggle in silence." Employees were repeatedly told to reach out whenever they needed help or guidance. I took that advice. On the few occasions where I sought support from Surbhi and Vishnu, I left feeling that my willingness to ask for help was later viewed through the lens of performance rather than development. Whether intentional or not, that sends a clear message to employees that asking for help may come with consequences. It's not surprising that people eventually stop speaking up and later just write reviews here. Another factor in my decision to resign was my attempt to pursue an internal transfer. I saw it as an opportunity to continue growing within the company. After professionally responding to my performance feedback with historical KPI data that I believed provided important context, I felt the situation only deteriorated further. I was later told that efforts were being made to prevent my internal transfer. While I can't speak to every decision behind the scenes, it left me feeling that my opportunities within Raise had come to an end, and resigning became the only realistic choice. My biggest disappointment wasn't the workload—it was the disconnect between what leadership says and what leadership practices. The company talks about trust, autonomy, open communication, and psychological safety, but my experience reflected micromanagement, intimidation, and a culture where employees may think twice before being honest or asking for support. I'm not writing this review out of resentment, nor am I seeking any further action. I'm writing it because I hope senior leadership takes an honest look at the employee experience and holds leaders accountable for the culture they create. Raise has talented employees and significant potential, but that potential will continue to be limited if leadership behaviors don't align with the values the company promotes. If you're considering joining Raise, ask meaningful questions during the interview process about leadership style, internal mobility, how performance feedback is delivered, and whether employees truly feel safe speaking up. The answers to those questions will tell you far more than any company presentation ever will.
