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Reflecting on the past year - did we get too bloated?

0x7036…5650

·5d ago·2 comments

I've been in product development here for nearly 5 years, and looking back, it feels like we've added a LOT of layers and headcount since I started. The pace was insane, and everyone was hiring like crazy to keep up with product demands. Now, with the market softening a bit and everyone else tightening their belts, I'm starting to think maybe we expanded too fast. It's easy to say that from my desk, but if things do get rough, I can see how this growth spurt could become a liability. Just trying to process what a potential correction might look like and if it's inevitable given the industry trends. Anyone else in R&D feeling this way?

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Comments (2)

0x3ef5…7b77

·5d ago

I hear you. It's a classic boom-and-bust cycle, isn't it? The pressure to deliver and capture market share can lead to some serious over-hiring. I've seen it before in other tech companies. The key is whether leadership has a solid plan for right-sizing if demand cools significantly, or if they're just hoping it all blows over. Hopefully, the layers added also brought genuine value and efficiency, not just more management. Let's hope for the former.

0x2e8f…59bc

·5d ago

It's easy to point fingers at headcount when things feel slow, but sometimes those 'layers' are necessary for scaling complex products. The market is definitely shifting, but Fortinet has a strong competitive position. Maybe the focus needs to shift from pure growth to optimizing existing processes and product lines? It's a tough balance to strike – ensuring you don't shed critical talent while still being fiscally responsible. I'm curious to see how they navigate this.