Hi members!
I hope your weekend was pleasing and restorative. This week, we’re looking at a story that’s been all over the news, but could still use the kind of context and perspective you get from our field guides. The topic for mid-May is Boeing, a company in the midst of a crisis as its popular 737 Max series of jetliners sits grounded, after mechanical failures caused two planes to crash within months of each other and for similar reasons.
Boeing’s place in global industry is, quite possibly, unparalleled. The American company has enjoyed being the US’s largest exporter for years, and has been a major player in what is now an effective two-company market for commercial aircraft. This duopoly is shared with Airbus, Boeing’s European arch rival, and that’s where the story of the 737 Max goes from being one about sensors and software, to one about competition, barriers to entry, and national ambition. Looking at these issues this week are two writers, our Asia bureau chief Tripti Lahiri from Hong Kong, and Quartzy repoerter Rosie Spinks from London. Both will be contributing articles looking at the business issues Boeing’s been facing, as well as where the company goes from here. We kick things off, as usual, with a state of play by Rosie, that will get you up to speed on everything that’s happened in the last seven months.
We’ll also have our usual installments of Private Key this week, as well as a new video feature: A members-only video series in which successful business leaders share their skills with Quartz members. This week, General Assembly CEO Jake Schwartz explains how he motivates his team to take moon shots—and actually deliver.
And are you in New York on Tuesday? Like breakfast? Like books by economists about risk that include visits to brothels and interviews with paparazzi photographers? Then join us join Quartz reporter Allison Schrager for a members-only breakfast conversation Tuesday, at 8am at World of McIntosh House about her brand new book, An Economist Walks Into a Brothel. Also joining us will be two experts at evaluating risky life and business decisions: veteran NY paparazzo and former photo editor at Us Weekly, Peter Grossman, and convicted con artist and former CFO at “Crazy Eddie,” Sam Antar. Click here for more information.
Have questions? Comments? Ideas? Send ’em our way! Write us at members@qz.com.
We’ll also be conference calling this Friday, so stay tuned for that. Until then, I hope you enjoy all the great stuff we’re planning for this week.
Here’s to a rewarding day,
Sam Grobart
membership editor