In 30 seconds
Dara Khosrowshahi recalls his first reaction to the Uber opportunity and how Daniel Ek’s emphasis on impact changed his thinking.
- 1An initial refusalAfter reading about Uber’s problems, Khosrowshahi’s first answer to a call was no.
- 2Happy where he wasHe told Ek he had spent 13 years at his company and was enjoying his work.
- 3A question about impactEk’s emphasis on impact changed his perspective and helped him accept the opportunity.
Takeaways
- Khosrowshahi initially rejected the idea of joining Uber.
- He was happy after 13 years at his previous company.
- Daniel Ek’s question about impact prompted him to reconsider.
Read the edited text by chapter
The offer
Khosrowshahi recalls the call and his initial refusal.
Dara Khosrowshahi had read about Uber’s problems in the news when Daniel Ek pointed him toward the company. After Uber called, his first answer was an emphatic no.
A different question
He explains why he was happy where he was and recounts Ek’s response.
Khosrowshahi told Ek he had been at his company for 13 years, was enjoying himself and was happy. Ek responded: “Since when is life about happiness? It’s about impact.”
The decision
The conversation made him see the chance to make a difference.
That reframed the opportunity for Khosrowshahi. He realized he could make a difference at an important company, and decided to take it.
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