Lyft: lessons from a well-aligned, value-based brand
No, unfortunately business cannot go on as usual. Why? Because our political situation is not "as usual". Power to those businesses and brands that dare to stand out by standing up for what they believe in.
Transparency and authentic communication means speaking your truth and feeling proud to uphold those values you hold dear to your heart. THAT is true leadership.
I was elated to receive the message below from #lyft:
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Hi Zsuzsa,
We created Lyft to be a model for the type of community we want our world to be: diverse, inclusive, and safe.
This weekend, Trump closed the country's borders to refugees, immigrants, and even documented residents from around the world based on their country of origin. Banning people of a particular faith or creed, race or identity, sexuality or ethnicity, from entering the U.S. is antithetical to both Lyft's and our nation's core values. We stand firmly against these actions, and will not be silent on issues that threaten the values of our community.
We know this directly impacts many of our community members, their families, and friends. We stand with you, and are donating $1,000,000 over the next four years to the ACLU to defend our constitution. We ask that you continue to be there for each other - and together, continue proving the power of community.
John & Logan
Lyft Co-Founders
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In other news, last October, Uber CEO Travis Kalanick said, “Oh my god, Donald Trump’s gonna win. I’m going to move to China if Donald Trump wins.” Yeah right... #alternativefacts Fast forward just a couple of months: Kalanick was named as one of Trump's strategic advisors and Uber is officially supporting the immigration ban. #spineless #sellout
We vote every day with our purchases and use of services. At least in the current political situation some things have become easy, and certain choices are crystal clear: bye-bye Uber app! #nomore
Here is to standing up for what we believe in. Every day in every way.
Xoxo, Z.
Helping MSPs scale, without driving themselves crazy.
7yKalanick isn't supporting the ban and has been somewhat misrepresented in all of this. But that is beside the point: as we face protectionism and nationalism in a globally connected world people will rally behind brands that express aligned values. Lyft jumped on the opportunity to clearly state a position that will rally many and alienate some, über more than anything just didn't say anything. By the way I think it is a bad idea to malign people for trying to advise Trump, I certainly would like him to get good, competent advice...