Zendesk

You get to work with some incredibly intelligent and empathetic people (at least the ones below senior management level).

Recharge Fridays have been great. Though I can’t see the new owners continuing this into 2023.

Stocks were good for a while. They hit highs of almost $160 last year.

Terrible leadership decisions have destroyed much of what we built. It’s sad to see the hard work of so many being undone by the hubris of the leadership and the board.

First, there was that disastrous attempt to acquire Momentive (mostly known for SurveyMonkey) for $4 billion, which shareholders voted against in record numbers. Then, there was the choice to not be acquired for $130, as this was 'too low'. Then, there was the search for a buyer, only to conclude that Zendesk should stay independent, only to u-turn two weeks later and accept an offer for $77.50.

We were given stocks as part of our salary package; we were encouraged to buy into an ESPP discount scheme. All of this was said to help give us a sense of ownership in what we were building (we were last told this two weeks ago in a leadership Q&A). Now, the stocks have been sold for a price lower than it has been for much of the past four years. There are many of us who have lost money on taxes and ESPP.

The CEO’s initial explanation for this decision and its very real consequences for us? "That’s life." From a company that claims to care about its employees. Leadership is completely unprepared to talk to us like adults, nor to take ownership for the bad calls they’ve made. Instead, we get meaningless, glib corporate soundbites.

Years of hard work, for this.

The board is there to question rash decisions from the CEO and hold him to account.

Elect members who will do this.

Be honest, open, and admit your mistakes. Unless you restore employee trust soon, you will be facing an exodus.

Take a look at what publications are saying about us. We are a laughing stock right now.