Learning from those we don't necessarily like or want to be like is an important skill in my opinion. And I recently put that to the test.
While this interview did nothing to change my mind as a potential user of a BS product (never again), I will say it's a bit of a masterclass on management and ops. Despite my strong feelings about the company and its ultimate impact on the world, I must say I can see why this would be a good investment vehicle. Even a great place to work for the right people.
Respect to the entrepreneur for building a solid organization and team that makes good money. Can't say I can congratulate them on much else beyond this. And in that sense, I question how much others should strive to be like, or look up to Luca.
The bottom line? I recommend giving this a listen, despite serious reservations about Bending Spoons and their BS.
There's real value in studying leaders and companies you'd never want to emulate. You can learn operational excellence from someone whose mission you fundamentally disagree with. The trick is separating the mechanics from the ethics.
Next time you come across a leader who rubs you the wrong way, consider what they might teach you anyway.
