I worked at Xero during a time when it was widely known for its #beautiful software and strong human values. However, since 2020, I observed significant changes in the company culture and structure.
Over time, the focus shifted towards hiring full stack developers, which resulted in many senior and advanced front-end engineers either leaving or being reassigned to back-end work. During my last few months at Xero, I noticed a decline in morale—many colleagues no longer appeared motivated or inspired. The vibrant culture and emphasis on #human values seemed to diminish, and people began to feel more like cogs in a machine rather than valued team members.
Promotions and recognition became less about innovation or creativity, and more about how quickly tasks could be completed, often without room for critical thinking or reflection on the bigger picture. I also noticed some leadership appointments that seemed misaligned with the requirements of technical roles; for example, our team once hired a Head of IT with a background in mechanical engineering but limited experience in software development. While diversity in leadership can be positive, in this case, there was a noticeable skills gap that impacted team dynamics and technical direction.
Recently, I learned that the architectural team was disbanded altogether. As any developer knows, software architects play a vital role in guiding the technical vision and maintaining the integrity of complex systems. This decision suggested a shift away from deep technical leadership, which may not serve the company well in the long run.
Xero was once a place of great inspiration and collaboration. My hope is that the company finds its way back to prioritizing innovation, employee well-being, and the technical excellence that made it stand out.
