This week, we’re speaking with Leandre Johns, Chief Operating Officer  at cannabis tech startup Flowhub, and previously an early General Manager at Uber. In keeping with the spirit of Adventures in Growth, Leandre charted his course to tech leadership via a non-traditional route, working in cancer research, prior to attaining an MBA at the Kellogg School of Management. Shortly after graduation, Leandre joined Uber to launch and manage the Dallas market as one of the first city GMs outside of the regional headquarters. He later worked in the public policy and vertical takeoff and landing vehicles divisions at Uber before leading operations at Metropolis and Flowhub, where he’s currently the COO. 

In this episode, Leandre talks about public vs. private approaches to problem solving, his measured approach to taking risks, and hiring well-rounded and diverse teams to fuel creativity. We also discuss the Uber DNA of data-driven innovation and moving quickly, and some of the early experimentation of different splashy offerings through the app, including Aston Martins, BBQ, s’mores, and helicopters.

Welcome to Adventures in Growth!

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(0:00:08) - Leadership and Professional Journey 

Leandre touches on tech leadership, risk-taking, diverse team-building, Uber DNA, Flow Hub COO role, and cancer research experience.

(0:10:05) - Career Transitions and Evaluating Risks

Leandre shares his journey from consulting to business school and tech leadership, exploring risk taking strategies.

(0:17:26) - Professional Choices and Startup Speed 

Leandre shares his journey to tech leadership, insights on consulting and startup speed, and the risk benefits of investing in business.

(0:21:41) - Risk Reward Calculus 

Leandre Johns emphasizes due diligence, risk appetite, and crafting an offer to reduce risk and create opportunity in the changing job market.

(0:32:46) - The Decision to Join Uber

Leandre shares his approach to due diligence before joining Uber.

(0:36:05) - Uber's Culture of Experimentation and Innovation

Uber's culture of experimentation is outlined, including building a grassroots following, feedback, 'best idea wins' and market tests.

(0:50:36) - Uber's Experimentation and Team Building

Uber innovated with drone BBQ delivery, Uber Fire, Uber Pet, and cost-benefit analysis to stay competitive.

(1:03:06) - Replicating Uber's Success and Lessons Learned

Leandre Johns shares his experience of joining Uber, taking risks, and creating innovative solutions to deliver barbecue via drone.

(1:15.33) - Quickfire Questions

We ask Leandre our set of quick fire questions about leadership, counterintuitive wisdom, and advice he would give himself 10 years ago. 

Book Recommendation: Premonition, by Michael Lewis 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leandre-johns

Email: leandre.johns@gmail.com

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