Blade CEO Admits Fake Spokesperson for 3 Years

Core Concepts

Blade's CEO admitted to creating a fake spokesperson, Simon McLaren, who never existed, to handle media inquiries and maintain public relations.

Abstract

Blade's CEO, Rob Wiesenthal, confessed to inventing Simon McLaren as the company's spokesperson for three years. McLaren was quoted in various news outlets despite lacking any substantial online presence. The fake persona was used to address press inquiries and write opinionated blog posts under Blade's logo. The scandal unfolded when it was revealed that McLaren did not exist and was fabricated by Wiesenthal and his team.

Stats

Blade went public at a valuation of over $800 million earlier this year.
Simon McLaren had no substantial online presence outside of a Blade email address, Twitter account, and Medium profile.
McLaren's personal website was registered through a proxy with an old photo of Graham Hill as his profile picture.
Blade attracted investments from Barry Diller and David Geffen before going public via a SPAC merger.
Wiesenthal acknowledged using the pseudonym for press inquiries due to the lack of a designated spokesperson.

Quotes

"As a small company, everyone has to wear many hats." - Rob Wiesenthal
"There are a lot of small companies that invent fake spokespeople." - Rob Wiesenthal
"My views are not subject to negotiation." - Simon McLaren
"Over the past few weeks, Blade's editing process has created the literary equivalent of melba toast." - Simon McLaren
"How inconsequential a story will the media be willing to cover?" - Simon McLaren

Key Insights Distilled From

Blade, the Uber for helicopters and chartered jets, had a fake spokesperson for 3 years

by Gabrielle Bl... at www.businessinsider.com 06-17-2021

https://www.businessinsider.com/blade-helicopter-had-fake-spokesperson-2021-6

Deeper Inquiries

How does the revelation about Blade's fake spokesperson impact their credibility in the industry?

Blade's use of a fake spokesperson, Simon McLaren, raises significant concerns about the company's credibility within the industry. By fabricating a persona to interact with the media and represent the company, Blade has misled journalists and stakeholders, undermining trust and transparency. The revelation that McLaren never existed calls into question the authenticity of Blade's communications and casts doubt on their integrity as an organization. This could have far-reaching consequences for Blade's reputation and relationships with key partners and customers.

What ethical implications arise from companies creating fictional personas for media interactions?

The practice of creating fictional personas for media interactions raises several ethical implications. Firstly, it deceives journalists who rely on accurate information to report objectively. By presenting a fabricated individual as a legitimate spokesperson, companies like Blade manipulate public perception and compromise journalistic integrity. Secondly, it undermines transparency and honesty in communication, essential components of ethical business conduct. Fabricating personas can erode trust with stakeholders and damage corporate reputation in the long run. Additionally, using fake spokespeople blurs the line between truthfulness and manipulation, raising questions about moral responsibility in corporate communications.

How can small companies balance transparency with effective communication strategies?

Small companies can balance transparency with effective communication strategies by prioritizing honesty while leveraging creative approaches to engagement. To maintain transparency, organizations should strive to be authentic in their messaging and avoid misleading tactics such as creating fictional personas or withholding critical information from stakeholders. At the same time, small businesses can enhance their communication strategies by focusing on clear storytelling that resonates with their target audience. By crafting compelling narratives based on genuine experiences and values, companies can build trust while effectively conveying their brand message. Embracing openness while utilizing innovative communication channels will help small businesses establish credibility without compromising authenticity.