Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber

How Silicon Valley's Boldest Startup Redefined Success—and Catastrophe—On Its Own Terms

Mike Isaac

8 Key Insights

About This Book

Dive deep into the untold story of Uber's meteoric rise and chaotic culture, and discover how ambition, stubbornness, and unchecked growth can rewrite the rules of business—and what happens when those very rules snap back. This narrative doesn't just recount the drama of tech's wildest ride; it equips you to harness the same strategies behind breakthrough innovation—without falling prey to the pitfalls of hubris and toxic culture. Unpack lessons from real-world leadership, rapid adaptation, and data-driven disruption, while learning how to balance intensity with ethics, resilience, and self-aware decision-making.

About the Author

Mike Isaac is a seasoned technology journalist whose front-row reporting has spanned Silicon Valley’s booms and busts. A lead tech reporter for The New York Times, Isaac is acclaimed for his investigative insight into the people and companies shaping the digital era. His coverage stands out for its rare blend of narrative flair and dogged research, giving readers a window into both headline-making shake-ups and the quiet moments where culture and character are forged. With ‘Super Pumped’, Isaac delivers hard-won lessons for anyone interested in tech, leadership, or the future of work.

Biggest Takeaway

Readers can expect to develop a sharper sense of entrepreneurial opportunity, understanding how to identify and seize market inefficiencies. You'll gain practical tools for building winning teams, handling high-stakes negotiations, and scaling ideas despite entrenched resistance. Just as crucially, you'll be challenged to recognize the warning signs of burnout, bad culture, and ethical drift, so you can steer projects (and yourself) toward sustainable success. This knowledge will help you navigate power, risk, and rapid change with clarity—at work, school, or any leadership role.