to be the company’s first SVP of leadership and strategy. She dove into the role headfirst and quickly became known around campus for her positive attitude and her knowingly “wearing the band t-shirt at the show” way of coming to work dressed in an Uber tee each day. While at Uber, she implemented a, that would go on to be attended by thousands of employees—complete with lectures and all—focused on leadership and strategy.
“I’ve been inspired to see the Executive Education program ripple through an organization at an unprecedented pace, scale, and absorption. I’ll miss everyone here, but I also can’t wait to apply everything I learned to my next project — while wearing an Uber t-shirt, of course,” said Frei in her response to the internal memo announcing her decision to step down.Frei to serve as senior advisor to the company’s “culture strike team.
It’s clear looking at Frei’s background, and her words, that she chooses to work with companies that exhibit this kind of cards-on-the-table, all-in attitude. She commuted across the country from her Cambridge residence for Silicon Valley-based Uber and West Hollywood-based Riot Games because she saw a potential for improvement, even at times of crisis.
It’s also clear that she isn’t one to just be satisfied with a seat at the table. So, while Frei’s appointment may come off as a cheap bandaid for a company looking to quickly squash scandal, it would be unwise to write her off as a token meant to simply check a box 2019 deems necessary. Now, with Frei on board, WeWork may be a company to watch when it comes to workplace culture and diversity inclusion efforts.