a16z Podcast

Adam Neumann: This is How You Build Iconic Companies

562 snips
Jun 16, 2025
Guest
Adam Neumann
In a compelling conversation, Adam Neumann, founder of WeWork and Flow, delves into his transformative journey from public failure to visionary entrepreneur. He shares how his chaotic childhood fueled his passion for community and belonging. Discussing the loneliness crisis, he emphasizes the need for innovative housing solutions that foster connections. Neumann also addresses the current housing challenges for young people and explores Flow as a new model for community living, combining empathy, technology, and design to reshape real estate.
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Adam's Formative Community Story

  • Adam Neumann's childhood involved moving 13 times, often feeling like an outsider.
  • He gravitated toward befriending the uncool kids and building community wherever he went.
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Dyslexia Fuels Creativity

  • Being dyslexic forced Adam to think outside the box and find new solutions.
  • He learned to mask his difficulties and use his listening skills to succeed.
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Early Vision Meets Skepticism

  • Adam presented "concept living" in college but was rejected for being too ambitious.
  • This fueled his belief that young founders need guidance on achieving goals, not reasons why they can't.
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