"WeWork was premised on the idea that even the most iconoclastic entrepreneurs couldn't build a business without help."
The idea of community was a significant consideration for Adam, who argued that the 90s and early 2000s had been characterized by a culture of self-centeredness. Instead, Adam founded WeWork on the idea that collaboration and community is an important aspect of any business, and is essential for success.
"They had joined WeWork in part because it promised an escape from the rat race- a solution, even. But the focus on building a community, and creating a better way of working, seemed to be taking a back seat to conversations about efficiency, growth, and the company's valuation."
Here, Wiedeman tells us that employees had started to grow disillusioned with WeWork to some extent. Overall, there was a general feeling that the company had rejected its revolutionary and idealistic values, and was instead striving for success and wealth above all else.
"Adam was the dreamer and the dealmaker; Miguel kept WeWork grounded."
Wiedeman discusses the roles and responsibilities of Adam and Miguel in setting up the company. While Adam stepped into the role of CEO, navigating meetings and partnerships with charisma and personality, Miguel kept the pragmatic, day-to-day operations of the company running smoothly. As such, Wiedeman suggests they were a compatible business partnership in many ways.
