Bird’s Comeback Story: Inside the Turnaround with Co-CEO Michael Washinushi

02/06/2025 55 min Episodio 303
Bird’s Comeback Story: Inside the Turnaround with Co-CEO Michael Washinushi

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Episode Synopsis


What happens when one of the biggest names in micromobility files for bankruptcy? In this exclusive interview, Bird Co-CEO Michael Washinushi joins host Prabin Joel Jones to break down the company’s dramatic turnaround. From Chapter 11 restructuring to a bold shift in strategy, discover how Bird is rebuilding its position as a leader in sustainable urban transportation.Learn how Michael transitioned from CFO to CEO during a crisis, retained critical city permits, cut operational costs, and set Bird on a new path toward growth. Whether you're in mobility, startups, or urban tech, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, financial strategy, and navigating tough times.👉 Topics covered:Bird’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy and recovery strategyLeadership transition: CFO to CEOMicromobility business models and revenue optimizationCultural overhaul and operational efficiencyThird-party vehicles and hardware strategyThe future of shared electric scooters and urban mobility📍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more interviews on micromobility, sustainability, and innovation in urban transport.00:00 The Birth of Bird: Revolutionizing Urban Mobility01:40 Michael's Journey: From CFO to CEO05:13 Navigating Challenges: The Turnaround Strategy08:34 Cultural Overhaul: Post-Bankruptcy Bird11:58 Motivating the Team: Retention and Transparency15:29 Revenue Resilience: Strategies During Bankruptcy18:49 Tough Decisions: Streamlining Operations22:31 Building Brand Loyalty in Micro Mobility25:50 Metrics that Matter: Revenue and Customer Retention29:43 Understanding User Price Sensitivity32:18 Post-Bankruptcy Metrics and Surprises34:56 Strategies for Reducing G&A Costs39:24 Hardware Strategy and Market Positioning44:21 Geographical Expansion and Market Focus48:43 Future of Shared Micro Mobility

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