Vantaggi
Red Balloon is a company that takes its time interviewing candidates; my interview process was among the longest in my career. It was also one of the most stimulating: Every interview was an exchange of relevant ideas and an invitation to create a dialogue, rather than simply a forum for asking and answering questions. Several months into my tenure I understand the purpose and value of this approach. Everyone in this company is invested in collaboration and pursuit of a common objective. There is room for every opinion, because it has already been determined how each person can contribute, and space is made for them to do that. Creativity and innovation get paid lots of lip service in today's workforce, but here those qualities actually matter, and are expected. Every day I find motivation to contribute and enhance the team in my own way, and feel that my effort matters. To have that, in addition to vibrant culture and brilliant colleagues, is truly exceptional. This is a truly unique place, with leadership whose values and objectives don't stop with making and selling some of the best cybersecurity solutions in the market. It also values people, the work culture and making a difference. That's exceptional.
Svantaggi
In startup culture you don't always know where the guardrails are, and not every task or role is clearly defined. Often, if there is a problem it will be imperative on you to not only define it but to push the solution. Depending on your mindset, these are not drawbacks, especially if you take a creative approach to solving problems of all types: technical, communications, policy and cultural included. That said, people with long experience in more hierarchical structures, those who expect responsibilities with clearly defined parameters, may find this way of doing business too free-form.