The Cult of We is a book that delves into the world of WeWork, one of the most valuable and talked-about startups in recent years. The book takes readers on a journey through the company’s rise to fame, its inner workings, and the events that ultimately led to its downfall. Written by Eliot Brown and Maureen Farrell, the book offers a detailed account of the company’s history and the people who made it what it is today.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: The Birth of WeWork
The first chapter of The Cult of We introduces readers to the company’s origins. It traces the journey of Adam Neumann, the founder of WeWork, from his childhood in Israel to his move to New York City. The chapter also provides insights into Neumann’s vision for WeWork and how he managed to convince investors to pour millions of dollars into the company.
Chapter 2: The WeWork Dream
The second chapter of The Cult of We explores the company’s growth and the impact it had on the commercial real estate industry. It also delves into the company’s business model, which was based on the idea of creating a sense of community among its members. The chapter highlights the company’s rapid expansion and the efforts of its employees to keep up with the pace.
Chapter 3: The Cult of Adam
The third chapter of The Cult of We focuses on the personality of Adam Neumann and the impact he had on the company. It describes how Neumann’s unconventional behavior and leadership style helped him create a cult-like following among his employees. The chapter also provides insights into Neumann’s personal life and how it affected his decision-making at WeWork.
Chapter 4: The SoftBank Rescue
The fourth chapter of The Cult of We describes the company’s financial troubles and the events that led to its near-collapse. It also provides details about the SoftBank rescue, which saved the company from bankruptcy. The chapter highlights the tensions between WeWork’s management and SoftBank, which ultimately led to the departure of Adam Neumann.
Chapter 5: The Aftermath
The fifth and final chapter of The Cult of We looks at the aftermath of the SoftBank rescue and the efforts made by the new management to turn the company around. It also provides insights into the future of the commercial real estate industry and the impact of the pandemic on the company’s operations.
Conclusion
The Cult of We is a fascinating book that offers readers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most talked-about startups in recent years. The book provides insights into the company’s origins, its rapid growth, and the events that ultimately led to its downfall. It also offers a detailed account of the company’s business model and the impact it had on the commercial real estate industry. Overall, The Cult of We is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of startups and the inner workings of a successful – and ultimately failed – company.
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