Maureen Farrell

Maureen Farrell, a New York Times business reporter and co-author of "The Cult of We," dives into the dramatic tale of WeWork and its co-founder Adam Neumann. She discusses how charisma distorted investor judgment, leading to catastrophic financial choices. The talk covers WeWork's ambitious yet flawed strategies, highlights the eccentric culture within the company, and critiques its unconventional financial metrics. Also, she reflects on broader trends in startup investments and the accountability dynamic shifting in Silicon Valley.

Eliot Brown and Maureen Farrell, both Wall Street Journal reporters and co-authors of "The Cult of We," dissect the meteoric rise and fall of WeWork. They explore how WeWork’s branding transformed it into a tech giant, attracting irrational investment despite its real estate roots. The duo dives into the unpredictable venture capital landscape, emphasizing the influence of charismatic leadership and the cultural nuances affecting startup ambitions. Their analysis uncovers WeWork's legacy and the broader implications for the startup ecosystem.