Episode description

In this episode of 'The Skip' podcast, host Nikhyl Singhal discusses the challenges and implications of ex-growth companies in the current market landscape. He delves into the consequences of overvaluation, the impact on employees and company culture, and the emergence of a new crop of prudent, conservative growth companies. Nikhyl provides valuable insights for those considering joining or staying in ex-growth companies and emphasizes the importance of exploring other stages of companies for more lucrative opportunities.

Time-codes:

00:00:00 Introduction to the episode focused on growth companies and ex-growth companies.

00:02:00 Explanation of the three main stages of companies: startups, growth companies, and big tech or late-stage technology companies.

00:05:00 Market shift towards sustainability, impacting growth companies and their focus on innovation.

00:07:00 The challenges faced by executive teams in ex-growth companies as they transition from growth to sustainability.

00:10:00 - Executives are getting fired or layered in growth management teams due to skills mismatch or other factors, leading to organizational changes.

00:12:00 - The cultures in hypergrowth companies are becoming more aggressive and toxic as CEOs exert pressure and anxieties increase.

00:13:00 - Compensation was great in these companies, but with the drop in valuations, executives are making significantly less than they expected.

00:17:00 - Advice for individuals in or considering joining an ex-growth company: the culture will likely worsen, equity may not generate expected returns, and exits may not happen easily.

00:23:00 - Nikhyl discusses the consequences of overvaluation and adjusting expectations in terms of growth and valuation.

00:25:00 - He highlights the potential resentment and frustration among employees who feel undervalued while contributing to the company's survival and eventual success.

00:26:00 - Nikhyl points out the existence of a new crop of growth companies that are more prudent and conservative, offering a more attractive option for job seekers.

00:28:00 - He emphasizes the need to be wary of ex-growth companies and consider other stages of companies that could be more lucrative.