"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg E95: Trump’s New Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering on Growing Uber | Emil Michael on Growing Uber | Emil Michael
Nov 16, 2024
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.
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Delete Uber Crisis Unfolds
- Emil Michael was on vacation in Mexico when "Delete Uber" went viral after surge pricing was suspended during an airport strike.
- He scrambled to explain the situation but felt helpless as many users deleted the app in protest.
Shift in Tech Press and Media Trust
- Early tech's adulation shifted to skepticism as startups grew; press became more critical over time.
- Media distrust increased, fragmenting public belief and making it harder to control narratives.
Secretive Uber China Sale
- Emil Michael closed Uber's China sale to Didi in a secretive, high-intensity 60-day deal involving secret meetings in Macau.
- The process required absolute secrecy and trusted personnel to protect against leaks.