Recode Decode: Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi (Live at Code 2018)

Leadership

Dara Khosrowshahi shares his strategic approach to leadership at Uber, emphasizing the importance of governance and culture. He highlights the need to resolve internal power struggles, focusing instead on the company's success rather than control battles 1. Dara believes in a collaborative approach, consulting with board members and fostering a constructive relationship with founder Travis Kalanick, despite initial challenges 2. He states, "My focus is on making a company succeed. I don't want to get into me versus someone else if I'm completely pure about the success of a company and don't think about politics."

My focus is on making a company succeed. I don't want to get into me versus someone else if I'm completely pure about the success of a company and don't think about politics.

--- Dara Khosrowshahi

Dara's leadership style involves strategic consultations with the board, including bringing in significant partners like Softbank, to steer Uber in a new direction 3.

   

Cultural Shift

Dara is committed to transforming Uber's internal culture by prioritizing inclusivity and diversity. He acknowledges the challenges in recruiting diverse talent and emphasizes the importance of developing talent within the company 4. "In order to build a diverse team, you've got to build a diverse slate," he explains, highlighting the time and effort required to achieve this goal.

In order to build a diverse team, you've got to build a diverse slate.

--- Dara Khosrowshahi

Dara also stresses the need for talent development, arguing that focusing solely on hiring can lead to a lack of growth within the company. He is committed to developing diverse talent over the long term, aiming to build real stars within Uber 5.

   

Strategic Vision

Dara envisions Uber as a comprehensive transportation platform, akin to the "Amazon of transportation." He aims to integrate various modes of transport, from bikes to public transit, to provide seamless mobility solutions 6. "We want to kind of be the Amazon for transportation," he states, emphasizing the goal of offering diverse services with real-time information.

We want to kind of be the Amazon for transportation.

--- Dara Khosrowshahi

Additionally, Dara is focused on expanding Uber Eats and exploring innovative mobility solutions like vertical lift and takeoff, addressing the growing urban population's needs 7 8. This strategic vision reflects Uber's commitment to evolving beyond traditional ride-sharing and embracing future mobility trends.