Uber Suicide?
by Miki Saxon
Have you noticed that Uber-frenzy has eased off? It’s a nice change to see other lead stories taking its place.
The most valuable private company in the world is definitely at a crossroads.
There is one thing that’s definite and that is that without new leadership that can staunch the blizzard resignation at all levels, galvanize the troops, lead the change to a radically new culture, and keep all the wheels turning in sync Uber easily could fall from its vaunted position.
In short, the new CEO needs to be someone with a sterling reputation, a string of high profile successes, and a believable visionary who people will trust.
Is that how you would describe Marissa Mayer?
The last thing that Uber needs is someone who defends Kalanick and seems to excuse what happened.
“I count Travis as one of my friends. I think he’s a phenomenal leader — Uber is ridiculously interesting.”
Mayer, who may be campaigning for the Uber CEO role, added: “I just don’t think he knew. When your company scales that quickly, it’s hard.”
Mayer went on to say that Uber was going through the same kind of thing Google went through when Eric Schmidt was brought on as CEO to help founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page.
But Mayer is not Eric Schmidt; in fact, her two main qualifications seem to be being female and buddies with Arianna Huffington.
Of course, there’s a long way to go and a number of other names being bandied about.
If she is hired I’m sure the investors will be excited to watch Uber take the same path as Yahoo.
Image credit: Mike Mozart
