Thread regarding Appian layoffs

The founders appear to lack a clear strategic vision, and regional leadership seems to be comprised predominantly of individuals who align with corporate directives without question. Those who previously challenged leadership or offered alternative perspectives have either been fired or transitioned out on their own terms. The downhill trend continues...

The leaders in Product that left, resigned. They are near the top of the organization and have a peak behind the curtain into what the C-suite is doing. They are very good, most are long term employees and it should speak volumes that they left. Sanat will have his hands full filling that hole.

Looking forward to another SKO filled with the usual Partner-centric messaging, despite diminishing returns.
Our leadership continues to suppress constructive feedback and meaningful dialogue, directly contradicting our publicly advertised core values.
The latest round of regional leadership appointments reflects a concerning trend of self-serving career advancement, as these individuals consistently prioritize founder directives over cultural preservation.
Industry whispers suggest impending workforce reductions. Best of luck navigating the uncertainty ahead.
See you at SKO, assuming we're all still here.

What happened to those people in product who left? Did they resign or were they fired? They seemed pretty good from afar.

The C suite is implementing a strategy that will fundamentally change the company, and not for the better. They are actively pushing out long tenured employees in order to flatten the organization and bring in less experienced/less costly salaries. I can understand the need to change trajectory towards profitability but it’s pathetic that they are doing so under the guise of poor performance.

Sadly, they will find that those long timers are your most dedicated employees that are most impactful to the organization. With their departure so goes the once great culture of the company.

Most of the C suite, except for the founders of course, will find their time is also limited and when they don’t work out they will be replaced as well.

The downward spiral continues and since the Board of Directors continually fail to step in, it will just get worse.

Appian has dropped people and stayed within the VA “warn act” threshold of 500 heads for 3 years running by using rolling layoffs. Conveniently, these “performance reviews” always seem to happen right before year end earnings and investor guidance.
Remember when Matt said we’d be at 3000 employees within the fiscal year?

The results are weak so this year layoffs are coming soon. (But it’s totally performance driven. Don’t worry!)

Three "white" friends. Can we please keep the racism out of the discussion?

Agree. Appian continues the death spiral.

What's coming in the next two weeks?

There is a general lack on confidence in the entire C-suite amongst employees and that’s why people are leaving. Many of their decisions and strategies just don’t make sense. Additionally, they are pushing out some really good people. Other employees see that and lose confidence, become fearful they are next.

A lot of long timers seem to have left/jumped ship in the past 4 months.

What’s coming in two weeks!?

EMEA's newly appointed sales leader is expected to align closely with the directives set by the founders, focusing on advancing his own career trajectory. This shift will lead to an increase in employee turnover, encompassing both voluntary and involuntary departures.

The absence of a leader who can effectively challenge the founders may lead to a continued decline in business performance throughout 2025 and beyond.

What was once a highly regarded workplace has now transformed into a disorganised environment where employees are competing against one another. This shift has significantly impacted collaboration and morale.

Why do you think next two weeks?

Three key Sales leaders and career Appianites resigned this week and the annual Sales / Marketing RIF hasn’t happened yet.

Also, the December cuts were all “performance related” but were not in place of whatever will come in the next two weeks.