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Travis Kalanick, co-founder of Uber, has always embraced a fierce, competitive mindset, something he calls "being the wolf." One of his key lessons in business is knowing how to stay aggressive and adapt quickly, especially when faced with high-pressure situations. In one of his bold business stories, he illustrates exactly what it means to have that "wolf" mentality.
A Billionaire's Crisis and a Quick Auction
Kalanick shares an intense experience with one of his companies, where an investor, who once had billionaire status, was on the brink of personal bankruptcy. This investor, who owned 50% of the company, called and demanded to liquidate his shares within a week. With $7 million originally invested in the company, the stakes were high. The call sent the company scrambling to find a solution, and Kalanick had to think fast.
The Wolf's Strategy: Maximize Gains, Minimize Losses
Kalanick’s approach was far from ordinary. Rather than simply selling off the investor’s shares, they staged an auction with several venture capitalists, creating a competitive environment to drive up the price. But that wasn’t enough. In true "wolf" fashion, Kalanick's team aimed to turn this challenge into an opportunity. They proposed selling new shares of the company at a high price, using that capital to buy out the investor’s shares at a low price. This bold move not only reduced the investor's ownership from 50% to 25%, but it also added $5 million to the company’s bank account.
What It Means to Be the Wolf
For Kalanick, "being the wolf" means being sharp, aggressive, and ready to capitalize on even the most challenging situations. It’s about turning pressure into profit and ensuring that you come out stronger. His ability to quickly negotiate complex deals and take calculated risks highlights a key trait of successful entrepreneurs: the ability to think on their feet and never back down from tough situations.
Kalanick’s story is a powerful example of how business isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving under pressure and finding ways to turn potential setbacks into major wins. That’s what it means to be the wolf.
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