Episode 5 of "WeCrashed" commences in the bustling year of 2017, where Adam Neumann embarks on a mission to Chase Bank, his sights set on securing a new credit card with an astronomical limit of 50 million dollars. With an air of confidence, he challenges the teller to verify his identity through a quick Google search, banking on his fame to pave the way. Unsurprisingly, Adam's stature as an "Ultra High Net Worth Individual" (UHNWI) catapults him straight to the desk of JP Morgan's big boss, even though his personal finances stood in stark contrast to his booming business.
Enter Jamie, who steps forward as Adam's personal banking savior, raising the credit limit to an astounding 100 million dollars. However, amidst this financial high, Adam grapples with logistical nightmares spanning continents. From vermin-infested buildings to labyrinthine staircases, the cracks beneath the surface threaten to unravel the carefully crafted facade of success.
On the exterior, though, Adam basks in the glow of being named to the prestigious Time 100 list, as WeWork's frat-boy culture reigns supreme within its walls. He parades around in a werewolf mask, taunting competitors now eager for collaboration, while Rebekah, consumed by her ambitions, neglects her childly duties. Together, they make their way to the glamorous Time100 Gala, their public personas shining bright.
Yet, beneath the glitter, WeWork's financial quagmire deepens. Following a lackluster conference, Miguel delivers a sobering warning: Masa's resolve may be wavering, his eyes opened to the harsh reality that 1.8 billion dollars in revenue is being swallowed by 1.9 billion in losses. Adam's mantra of "We spend to grow" echoes hollowly, as the bitter truth of their precarious position begins to seep in.
Suddenly, a call from Jamie, with news from Tokyo, jolts Adam into action. Without hesitation, he boards his private jet, hurtling across the globe to confront and rectify the latest crisis threatening to bring his empire crashing down.
Adam's head was lost in the clouds of ambition, oblivious to the reality that Masa's expectations of an absurd ROI were beyond WeWork's grasp, until Miguel's sharp insight pierced through his reverie. With renewed purpose, they ventured to the grand halls of Softbank Headquarters, where Masa greeted them, showcasing his latest marvel – a robot that eerily resembled Paulie's robotic companion from the silver screen of Rocky IV. Yet, Masa's intentions transcended mere financial discussions; he exhorted Adam to embrace bolder dreams, to soar higher, in the quest for ultimate victory.
Back at the heart of WeWork, Elishia's arrival heralded a new chapter, but Rebekah found herself inadvertently overshadowed, a pattern that seemed to be a recurring theme within the company's walls. Frustrated, Rebekah embarked on a mission to redefine the company's ethos, seeking to distance it from the nebulous phrase, "Elevating the world's subconscious." To her, it lacked tangibility and substance.
Deeply concerned about the erosion of WeWork's core values, Rebekah confronted Adam that night, warning of the impending loss of the company's soul. Her concerns drove her to take decisive action, exposing Elishia's lack of understanding of the business and swiftly ushering her out of the door. Elishia's parting words, however, left a poignant mark on Rebekah, who, with tears stinging her eyes but resolutely in control, chose to seize the spotlight. Stepping into the unexpected spotlight of a photoshoot, she stunned and perplexed onlookers alike.
Undeterred by reason, Adam embraced the path of extravagance, determined to surpass even Masa's aspirations, envisioning a total domination of the coworking landscape. He boldly offered a year's worth of free memberships, a move that left the bankers aghast and apprehensive.
