Back to all episodes Episode 19

David Siegel on Surviving the Impossible: The Day Meetup Went Online

with David Siegel, CEO of Meetup

July 23, 2025 | 35 minutes

About this episode

When COVID hit, Meetup's entire reason for existing, bringing people together in person, was suddenly impossible.

David Siegel shares how he made the critical decision to pivot Meetup's core mission online within 48 hours, and what that rapid transformation taught him about leadership and adaptability.

Topics covered

  • Rapid business model pivots
  • Mission preservation vs adaptation
  • 48-hour transformation decisions
  • Leading through existential threats
  • Virtual community building

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