Do you have to be evil to succeed?

I’m back from a mini-sabbatical in San Diego.

I like to get away a few times a year to clear my head and boy did it need clearing.

I spent a lot of time walking on the beach and just chilling out.

If you know me, you know I’m always studying success and leadership.

I started watching The Dropout and Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber.

I don’t recommend watching them at the same time!

The Dropout is the story about Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos.

Super Pumped is the story of Travis Kalanick, the founder of Uber.

What an a-hole!

After working in Silicon Valley for 20 years and watching these shows made me think.

Do companies have to be evil to be successful?

When I worked in Silicon Valley it didn’t seem like an evil place.

I worked there in the 80s and 90s and it was a blast.

Our biggest perks were an espresso machine in the office, lots of free food, and Friday beer blasts.

Yes, I was in my 20s and working at the bottom of the food chain so I wasn’t privy to what was going on in the executive floor.