6 important lessons CEOs can take from docuseries WeCrashed

WeCrashed (2022), is a recently launched AppleTV+ docuseries that relates the story of WeWork, a coworking space start-up co-founded by an eccentric couple – Adam and Rebekah Neumann.

In less than a decade, with his wife’s help, Adam expands WeWork from a single location to a worldwide brand with coworking spaces in 111 cities and 29 countries. However, Adam’s reckless spending, hard-partying lifestyle and questionable business decisions lead to his board of directors urging him to resign as WeWork’s CEO.  

This series brought about some reflection, and reminded me of certain important elements that can be catalysts to success. Here are a few key learning points I have come up with after binge-watching this series. 

1. If you believe in it, you can ‘sell it’. Early in the series, Rebekah advised Adam that if he wanted to become a successful businessman, he had to ‘care about what he is selling’. Be PASSIONATE about your vision. Adam tapped into the millennial need for ‘meaning and a community’.
   
   
2. A concept is reinforced through repetition of a conviction and the evangelisation of the message. REPETITION is key! Adam did just that to create his following. Muhammad Ali was quoted saying that ‘It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.’
   
   
3. Be BOLD, COURAGEOUS AND DARING – Adam did not shy away from reaching out to investors or business associates that could trigger his success.
   
   
4. Adam is shown as a creature of habit. He had various rituals, including celebrating success, making ‘Mondays’ the new ‘Fridays’. Maintain personal DISCIPLINE. Needless to say, he also had some not-so-good habits – but that is the topic of another article.
   
   
5. Adam got thrown several curve balls, however he was always ready to adapt and change. Remain FLEXIBLE & RESILIENT. Quoting a Japanese Proverb, ‘Fall seven times and stand up eight.’ One of his investors uses a riddle to tease Adam – he asks him ‘Who wins the fight – the intelligent guy or the crazy guy?’
   
   
6. Adam had a high degree of SELF-COMPASSION. Hetreated himself as a friend, focusing on his strengths, believing in his abilities, and creating an idea of excellence that he could define. He had his ways of anchoring himself and being in control.
   
   

WeCrashed is an entertaining series inspired by actual events and how ‘success’ can come crashing down. I would certainly recommend this series to CEOs in the start-up world, or anyone looking at coming up with a disruptive idea or concept.

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Karl Grech coaches leaders to inspire, motivate & engage their team. He supports people to gain confidence in their leadership role and helps them overcome challenging situations. Karl is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). He can be reached at [email protected] or visit www.karlgrech.com to learn more.