Cold Call How Lyft’s CEO Got the Company Moving Again
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Sep 16, 2025 Ranjay Gulati, a Harvard Business School professor and author of 'How to Be Bold', joins to discuss how Lyft’s new CEO, David Risher, tackled declining market share and low morale. They delve into bold leadership during challenges, emphasizing innovation and customer focus as keys to reviving the company. Gulati shares strategies on fostering collective courage within teams and navigating uncertainty, showing how leaders can turn fear into a competitive advantage. This conversation is rich with insights on growth and resilience in the rideshare industry.
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From Purpose To Commoditized Competition
- Lyft shifted from a purpose story to competing in a commoditizing duopoly dominated by Uber.
- That forced rethinking strategy when differentiation eroded and price competition rose.
Set Clear 100‑ and 300‑Day Plans
- If you're the new CEO, outline concrete 100-day and 300-day plans immediately.
- Use clear short-term milestones to build momentum and credibility.
The Success Trap Freezes Innovation
- Success can create a 'success trap' where firms play not to lose instead of to win.
- That freeze response kills experimentation and accelerates commoditization.
