A new book titled “The Cult of We: WeWork, Adam Neumann, and the Great Startup Delusion” sheds light on the inner workings of WeWork, revealing startling details about the company’s educational venture, WeGrow, and its founder, Adam Neumann, and his wife, Rebekah Neumann.

WeGrow’s Unconventional Setting

The book unveils the unconventional setting of WeGrow, housed on the third floor of WeWork’s Chelsea office. Described as a serene environment resembling a meadow, the school offered vegan lunches, Hebrew lessons, and daily meditation sessions alongside its academic curriculum.

Weekend Dinner Parties

Authors Eliot Brown and Maureen Farrell disclose that WeGrow’s classrooms doubled as venues for weekend dinner parties hosted by Adam Neumann and his wife, Rebekah. These gatherings often left the school in disarray, with teachers arriving on Mondays to find the aftermath of the festivities.

Vision Behind WeGrow

Rebekah Neumann’s vision for WeGrow stemmed from her desire to create an educational institution that aligned with her high standards. Seeking mindfulness, Hebrew teachings, and a progressive curriculum, she founded WeGrow with an annual tuition fee of $48,000.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite its promising start, WeGrow faced internal challenges and controversies. Staff members recount battles over curriculum, facility aesthetics, and teacher salaries. Neumann’s reluctance to acknowledge the financial strains faced by teachers raised eyebrows among the staff.

Transition and Rebranding

Following Adam Neumann’s departure from WeWork, the company announced the closure of WeGrow. Rebekah Neumann subsequently repurchased the school and plans to rebrand it as “Student of Life For Life” (SOLFL) or “soulful,” signaling a new chapter for the educational venture.

The revelations from “The Cult of We” offer a glimpse into the ambitious yet tumultuous journey of WeGrow and its founders, highlighting the complexities of merging education with corporate culture.