Pros
I worked with SheKnows Media as a Software Engineer during the time that Carl Hixson was their Chief Technology Officer. During that period of time SheKnows was in the process of making a pivot to from a traditional digital agency and media company to a technology enabled enterprise with a focus on influencer marketing. Carl Hixson was hired to lead the digital transformation of the company and prepare them to be competitive in a rapidly changing advertising marketplace. In a period of 2 years under Carl Hixson’s leadership he implemented a strategic plan that enabled optimization of the product and technology team, modernization of the technology stack, and adoption of an Agile software development methodology. I was very inspired by the leadership that Carl provided to our technology group. We were a very motivated and high-performing product / technology group under Carl’s leadership. Some facets of the transformation process resulted in the re-alignment of our technology organization to strengthen the company for future growth - which can result in separations, and some disgruntled employees. Carl Hixson was asked to join the company to spearhead the organizational transformation. When I read some of the other disrespectful posts on Glassdoor I was compelled to submit my point of view. I truly enjoyed working at SheKnows Media. Carl Hixson is one of the most talented managers that I have worked with in my career, and it was amazing to be a member of his team. I believe that the digital transformation plan that we were able to execute was a considerable factor in the recent acquisition of SheKnows Media by the Penske Group. PROS: -Dynamic company with a startup culture -Very talented CEO with deep insights into the digital advertising space -Smart people with a passion for women’s empowerment -Culturally aware and strong influencer marketing network
Cons
-Company sometimes in flux due to the rapidly changing social media marketplace -Need to establish a career path structure for the workforce -Executive leadership team should communicate the strategic vision more frequently