Billion Dollar Loser: The Epic Rise and Spectacular Fall of Adam Neumann and WeWork
How Ambition, Blind Spots, and a Cult of Charisma Created a Start-Up Torn Between Vision and Reality
About This Book
Dive into the wild story of ambition and excess behind one of the fastest-growing companies in history—and discover what happens when a powerful vision collides with hard realities. This journey uncovers lessons from the rise and fall of a charismatic founder, bringing to life the cultural and psychological forces that shape workplaces everywhere. By exploring real-world cases and deconstructing the hidden mechanics of decisions, readers learn to spot both the opportunities and pitfalls in their own lives, leadership, and organizations. Whether you're seeking practical strategies to drive change, understand group dynamics, or simply avoid the traps of unchecked optimism, this content arms you with tools for sharper thinking and more intentional action.About the Author
Reeves Wiedeman is an acclaimed journalist recognized for his deep dives into business, tech, and the psychology of leadership. Through a decade of reporting for top magazines, he has probed the motivations, missteps, and flashes of genius that drive the startup world. Wiedeman combines sharp investigation with engaging storytelling, making complex financial and organizational issues accessible to all readers. His expertise spans both the dazzling heights and hidden costs of entrepreneurship, equipping audiences to see through hype while still believing in the power of innovative ideas.
Biggest Takeaway
Readers can expect to gain a sharper eye for business dynamics, recognizing both the power and danger of bold visions. You'll learn how group culture shapes behavior, how to spot signs of misaligned incentives, and how to balance risk, ambition, and accountability. The lessons span leadership, personal development, and strategic thinking, helping you foster healthier teams, make smarter decisions, and lead with both empathy and realism. Whether you're launching a project, growing a company, or navigating personal growth, you'll leave with actionable frameworks and thought-provoking prompts that drive measurable improvement.
Key Insights from This Book
Explore the most important ideas and learn how to apply them in your life.
Why Charismatic Visionaries Succeed—And How They Lose Control
Scaling Culture Isn’t Automatic—Why Community Doesn’t Survive Hypergrowth
The Illusion of ‘Tech Disruption’—Understanding When a Business is Just Old Wine in a New Bottle
Blitzscaling: The Double-Edged Sword of High-Speed Expansion
Reality Distortion: When Group Optimism Turns into Dangerous Groupthink
Personal Branding: When Image Overpowers Substance (and How to Fix It)
Managing the Nickel: Why Attention to Little Costs (and Details) Shapes Long-Term Survival
Intention Setting: Transforming Meetings, Projects, and Relationships from the Outset
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