E95: Trump’s New Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering on Growing Uber | Emil Michael on Growing Uber | Emil Michael
Nov 16, 2024
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Emil Michael, former Chief Business Officer at Uber, shares behind-the-scenes stories from Uber's rapid rise and the crisis management challenges they faced, including a major backlash at JFK Airport. He discusses the political pressures on businesses like Uber and Lyft, emphasizing the delicate balance between corporate policies and public sentiment. Emil also reveals insights from strategic meetings with tech giants like Tim Cook, highlighting the complexities of negotiations and the emotional dynamics of trust and betrayal in high-stakes environments.
Emil Michael highlights the critical importance of crisis management, exemplified by Uber's struggle during the '#DeleteUber' campaign and the need for effective communication.
The intersection of politics and business presents significant challenges for companies like Uber, particularly in navigating employee expectations and government relationships post-Trump's election.
Negotiation in the tech industry relies heavily on building trust and personal connections, illustrating that emotional intelligence is key to successful outcomes.
Deep dives
The Impact of SaaS Pricing Strategies
Effective SaaS pricing strategies play a crucial role in driving business growth and revenue generation. Founders and executives from successful tech companies discuss how they leverage pricing as a competitive advantage. For instance, pricing leaders highlight the challenges and considerations involved in monetizing open-source software, addressing the balance between accessibility and profitability. By understanding customer needs and market dynamics, businesses can adopt pricing models that not only reflect the value of their offerings but also foster long-term customer loyalty.
Lessons from Uber's Crisis Management
The turmoil surrounding Uber during the '#DeleteUber' campaign exemplifies the challenges in crisis management within a tech company. Emil Michael recounts the helplessness felt as hundreds of thousands of users deleted the app, driven by a social media backlash following a misunderstood decision. The incident illustrates the importance of internal communication and maintaining morale among employees during external scrutiny. It also highlights the need for timely responses and proactive measures to mitigate potential damage in an era where public opinion can shift rapidly.
Navigating Political Landscape as a Business
The intersection of politics and business became a significant hurdle for Uber amidst changing leadership and public sentiment. Following President Trump's election, the company faced pressure from both employees and customers regarding its stance on political issues. Emil Michael reflects on the challenges of balancing corporate decisions in line with employee values while maintaining business relationships with government officials. This scenario underscores the complexities of corporate governance in politically charged environments and the necessity for transparency and coherence in messaging.
The Dynamics of Negotiation in Tech
Negotiation in the tech industry requires not only strategic thinking but also an understanding of emotional factors influencing decision-making. Emil Michael shares experiences negotiating critical deals, illustrating that successful outcomes often hinge on the relationships and trust built with counterparts. The importance of empathy and personal connections during negotiations becomes paramount, especially when negotiating acquisitions or navigating competitive landscapes. This insight emphasizes that effective negotiation blends rational strategies with an awareness of the human elements involved.
The Evolution of Ride-Sharing Legalities
Uber's journey reveals the evolving legal landscape surrounding ride-sharing and regulatory challenges faced by disruptive businesses. Emil Michael discusses how Uber managed to break down traditional barriers, leading to the legalization of ride-sharing in numerous countries globally. The company's approach of challenging outdated regulations highlights the delicate balance between innovation and compliance amid significant pushback from established industries. This narrative illustrates that while disruption can face intense scrutiny, it may ultimately result in beneficial changes to societal norms and regulatory frameworks.
Emil Michael, formerly the Chief Business Officer of Uber, talked to Erik Torenberg and Jesse Genet about the most intense moments during Uber's meteoric rise. Its been reported that he's on the short list of Trump's picks for US Secretary of Transportation. For full shownotes, visit: https://highlightai.com/share/f213f7ab-3627-4d15-b151-0238f9ebd159
Dive into the dark arts of SaaS pricing with Metronome CEO Scott Woody and tech leaders. Learn how strategic pricing drives explosive revenue growth in today's biggest companies like Snowflake, Cockroach Labs, Dropbox and more.
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X / TWITTER:
@jessegenet (Jesse)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@emilmichael (Emil)
@turpentinemedia
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