Toptal reviews

The CEO is the worst leader I have ever witnessed and creates a horribly toxic work environment, causing an obscene amount of turnover (and tears). I can handle a tough executive with high expectations from a competent leader who just wants the company to reach its full potential. That's what we all want. That's not this CEO. He thrives on publicly shaming his leaders in order to make himself feel bigger, because he doesn't actually know what he is doing. He has this alternative view of the universe that doesn't align with any best practice of a high performing organization. You can't disagree with him. He hires strong leaders for a reason because he needs them, though has no interest in them actually bringing those excellent outside perspectives to Toptal. It's his way or loud, angry, public humiliation. He has never really worked anywhere else, yet thinks he knows how mature companies operate. He has no idea. His influence (whether you work directly for him or not) will rip your guts in half emotionally. No matter how much he offers you, run far and fast the other direction. The damage to your mental health is not worth a day of working here.

Team morale is low. At first glance, it appears to not be a situation of micromanaging, but it turns out, Toptal has just figured out a way to automate the micromanaging process. If you're an independent worker/thinker, you'll quickly see how their system will dictate your day without any one individual needing to say a word to you. You'll be at the mercy of their automated systems. Also, the calls with the CEO are incredibly disappointing. What is meant to be an open door/open forum call, is really an opportunity for upper management to defend any and every thing that you may or may not have a problem with. This same attitude trickles down to middle management. Suggestions and constructive criticism are met with apprehension and suggestions for you to change your attitude rather than actually considered as something constructive for the company to look into. Additionally, don't be fooled by the allure of remote work. There is little to no work/life balance in many departments. You're expected to be attached to your phone, tablet, computer almost at all times.