Reeves Wiedeman

Join Reeves Wiedeman, author of "Billion Dollar Loser," as he unpacks the dramatic story of WeWork and its controversial co-founder Adam Neumann. Discover how WeWork began, the wild idea of hiring a 16-year-old IT director, and how Softbank made a massive $4.4B investment on a napkin. Wiedeman analyzes whether Neumann was a visionary or a con artist and reveals the astonishing drop from a $96B valuation to near collapse. Dive into leadership missteps and the eventual ousting of Neumann—it's a captivating tale of ambition gone awry.

Reeves Wiedeman, a contributing editor at New York Magazine, delves into the dramatic history of WeWork and its founder, Adam Neumann. He reveals how Neumann's charismatic vision reshaped office culture but ultimately led to disillusionment as the company's grandeur crumbled. Wiedeman discusses the pivotal role of private investors in inflating WeWork's valuation and the consequences of its excesses. The conversation highlights valuable lessons on the risks of aggressive growth strategies and the need for sustainable practices in startup culture.

Reeves Wiedeman, author of 'Billion Dollar Loser,' dives into the ambitious highs and costly lows of startups like WeWork. He reveals the ethical dilemmas of high-growth ventures and their societal impacts. The conversation also touches on a significant investor meeting that highlights contrasting leadership styles. Additionally, there's a vibrant discussion on how social media shapes political accountability, exploring the responsibilities of platforms in an age dominated by digital discourse. A mix of serious insights and humor makes this an engaging listen!

Reeves Wiedeman, an author and contributing editor for New York Magazine, delves into the tumultuous story of WeWork. He uncovers how a dazzling valuation masked critical flaws in its business model, particularly its risky rent arbitrage strategy. The discussion highlights the impact of charismatic leadership, questioning the balance of charm versus substance in corporate success. Wiedeman draws parallels between WeWork and other Silicon Valley failures, offering lessons on accountability and the dangers of rapid growth driven by aggressive investments.

Reeves Wiedeman, author of 'Billion Dollar Loser,' delves into the meteoric rise and fall of WeWork and the eccentric behavior of its co-founder, Adam Neumann. He reveals the chaotic dynamics of startup funding and the tensions between ambitious leadership and investor caution. The discussion highlights the unsustainable choices and toxic culture at WeWork fueled by excessive partying. Wiedeman also explores Neumann’s complex personality, touching on the balance between visionary ambition and derangement. It’s a cautionary tale wrapped in intriguing anecdotes.