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Andrew Mason's statement about being fired as Groupon CEO

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Re: Andrew Mason's statement about being fired as Groupon CEO

#11
post #6

Here's a copy of his statement. -- (This is for Groupon employees, but I’m posting it publicly since it will leak anyway) People of Groupon, After four and a half intense and wonderful years as CEO of Groupon, I’ve decided that I’d like to spend more time with my family. Just kidding – I was fired today. If you’re wondering why… you haven’t been paying attention. From controversial metrics in our S1 to our material w…

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Re: Andrew Mason's statement about being fired as Groupon CEO

#13
post #9

Full text of his statement: (This is for Groupon employees, but I’m posting it publicly since it will leak anyway) People of Groupon, After four and a half intense and wonderful years as CEO of Groupon, I’ve decided that I’d like to spend more time with my family. Just kidding – I was fired today. If you’re wondering why… you haven’t been paying attention. From controversial metrics in our S1 to our material weakness…

"My biggest regrets are the moments that I let a lack of data override my intuition on what’s best for our customers." Otoh Meg Whitman has said something like "if you can't measure it you can't manage it".

"If Groupon was Battletoads, it would be like I made it all the way to the Terra Tubes without dying on my first ever play through."

Wow, that's actually kinda a perfect analogy. I totally understand.

Re: Andrew Mason's statement about being fired as Groupon CEO

#14

I've had little respect for the way Mason ran Groupon, but I have immense respect for the way he's handling his dismissal.

Indeed - that's a really well written letter.

(Though cynical-me wonders how much of it is heartfelt and honest, and how much of it is carefully engineered spin - crafted and chosen by a team of psychologists/marketers. About the only admirable thing about Groupon, at least to me, is their magnificent use of language to persuade and influence both buyers and sellers of Groupon deals.)

Re: Andrew Mason's statement about being fired as Groupon CEO

#15
post #10

I've had little respect for the way Mason ran Groupon, but I have immense respect for the way he's handling his dismissal.

"for the way he's handling " Assumes he wrote the statement and wasn't helped by PR people of course. In that case he gets credit for at least listening to those more experienced than he is. Can't tell without seeing his reaction in other situations that are similar of course.

If you've ever seen, read, listened to anything from this guy, you know he doesn't use PR people. Trust me, this is straight from his mouth/mind.

Re: Andrew Mason's statement about being fired as Groupon CEO

#16

Full text of his statement: (This is for Groupon employees, but I’m posting it publicly since it will leak anyway) People of Groupon, After four and a half intense and wonderful years as CEO of Groupon, I’ve decided that I’d like to spend more time with my family. Just kidding – I was fired today. If you’re wondering why… you haven’t been paying attention. From controversial metrics in our S1 to our material weakness…

This is fantastic letter. If we could all get fired so gracefully.

Re: Andrew Mason's statement about being fired as Groupon CEO

#17

Full text of his statement: (This is for Groupon employees, but I’m posting it publicly since it will leak anyway) People of Groupon, After four and a half intense and wonderful years as CEO of Groupon, I’ve decided that I’d like to spend more time with my family. Just kidding – I was fired today. If you’re wondering why… you haven’t been paying attention. From controversial metrics in our S1 to our material weakness…

This has to be one of the most honest dismissal statements I've ever read. Major props to him.

Re: Andrew Mason's statement about being fired as Groupon CEO

#18

Full text of his statement: (This is for Groupon employees, but I’m posting it publicly since it will leak anyway) People of Groupon, After four and a half intense and wonderful years as CEO of Groupon, I’ve decided that I’d like to spend more time with my family. Just kidding – I was fired today. If you’re wondering why… you haven’t been paying attention. From controversial metrics in our S1 to our material weakness…

Regardless of what he did or didn't do with Groupon, I love this letter; it hit all of the points it should have and didn't say too much or too little. The humor, humility and hope really tie it all together.

Re: Andrew Mason's statement about being fired as Groupon CEO

#19
post #10

I've had little respect for the way Mason ran Groupon, but I have immense respect for the way he's handling his dismissal.

"for the way he's handling " Assumes he wrote the statement and wasn't helped by PR people of course. In that case he gets credit for at least listening to those more experienced than he is. Can't tell without seeing his reaction in other situations that are similar of course.

"John, I'm just been told that Groupon is announcing my termination tomorrow. If you could put me in touch with a PR person that's familiar with Battletoads, I'd be very appreciative."

Re: Andrew Mason's statement about being fired as Groupon CEO

#20
post #9

Full text of his statement: (This is for Groupon employees, but I’m posting it publicly since it will leak anyway) People of Groupon, After four and a half intense and wonderful years as CEO of Groupon, I’ve decided that I’d like to spend more time with my family. Just kidding – I was fired today. If you’re wondering why… you haven’t been paying attention. From controversial metrics in our S1 to our material weakness…

"My biggest regrets are the moments that I let a lack of data override my intuition on what’s best for our customers." Otoh Meg Whitman has said something like "if you can't measure it you can't manage it".

Different strokes for different folks.
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