It started with The Sopranos, then Breaking Bad. Recently, The Bear captured my attention. Now, the show that has me hooked is Industry, which is now streaming season 3 on Max.
This show dares to expose the raw underbelly of financial institutions, and let me tell you, it gets intense. Industry is a wild ride—sweaty, brutal, and raw. Last night, I watched Season 3, Episode 6, which was particularly vicious.
As a rideshare driver for over eight years with 30,000 rides under my belt, I often view the world through the lens of my job. Watching Industry, I couldn’t help but see parallels between the cutthroat finance world and a rideshare driver’s fast-paced, unpredictable life.
In this article, I’ll share five critical strategies from Industry that are universally applicable and can improve how we approach rideshare driving.
Background
Rideshare driving is more than knowing how to navigate streets. It’s about time management, quick decision-making, and fostering connections with people, all while maintaining composure in the face of challenges.
HBO’s Industry, a show about young bankers battling through the ruthless world of finance, offers surprising insights that resonate with the life of a driver.
While Industry focuses on investment bankers, its lessons are adaptable to any profession that requires flexibility, focus, and resilience.
Here are five strategies from Industry that can help you become a more successful rideshare driver.
1. Adapt to High-Pressure Environments
In Industry, the stakes are high.
One wrong move can cost millions, and characters constantly adapt to survive. As rideshare drivers, while we may not risk fortunes, we deal with our own high-stakes situations.
Sudden app glitches, last-minute detours, traffic jams, and unpredictable passengers are part of the job. The most significant pressure is from other drivers’ erratic and dangerous driving.
I can count on two hands the number of times I avoided a serious accident by proactively maneuvering around a careless driver.
Success in rideshare driving isn’t just about sticking to a plan. It’s about pivoting when things don’t go as expected. The ability to remain calm, adapt to changing conditions, and think on your feet is crucial.
Whether you’re dealing with difficult passengers or unexpected road closures, keeping a cool head and adapting is critical to thriving on the road.
2. Stay Data-Driven
In Industry, characters rely on data to make decisions.
The same principle applies to rideshare driving. To maximize your earnings, you need to understand the numbers.
You must track peak times, identify busy locations, and monitor surge pricing. Using the data within the rideshare apps can help you strategize when and where to drive to get the most out of each shift.
The most important statistic in today’s saturated market is the time of day you get the most pings. This is a factor not only of driver demand but also of driver supply.
Successful drivers don’t just hit the road randomly; they optimize their driving strategy by studying patterns.
Track your stats, such as hourly earnings, fuel efficiency, gas prices, and optimal driving times. Analyzing the data lets you fine-tune your approach, making your time behind the wheel more efficient and profitable.
3. Foster Client Relationships
Industry emphasizes the importance of relationships, both with clients and colleagues.
In rideshare driving, customer service is paramount. The way you treat passengers can significantly impact your ratings, tips, and even repeat business should you choose to do private rides.
Small touches, like offering phone chargers, keeping a clean car, and maintaining a polite, professional demeanor, can go a long way. Building a positive connection can make a lasting impression even in the brief time you spend with passengers.
High ratings, good reviews, and especially high tips stem from making each ride a pleasant experience.
4. Manage Stress Like a Pro
The characters in Industry face immense pressure but develop coping mechanisms to manage stress and stay on top of their game.
Similarly, rideshare driving can be mentally and physically exhausting. Long hours, heavy traffic, difficult passengers, puking passengers, and tight schedules can easily cause stress.
Learning to manage stress is essential for long-term success. Practice techniques like deep breathing, take regular breaks and prioritize your mental health to avoid burnout.
Maintaining your composure in stressful moments helps you stay sharp, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable driving experience.
I meditate for 20 minutes before I start my driving day. Meditation, in which I focus on my breath, forces me to relax, focus, and put everything in proper perspective. I remember that safe driving and avoiding an accident is job number one.
5. Always Look for Growth Opportunities
Industry showcases ambitious professionals constantly striving for improvement, and that same drive can benefit rideshare drivers.
Think of your driving career as a business, one with growth potential.
How can you improve your earnings?
How can you improve yourself?
Can you create a business based on the ideas you hear from your passengers?
Maybe it’s upgrading to a more fuel-efficient vehicle, branching out into deliveries, or offering premium rides like private airport rides. There are always ways to enhance your driving experience and increase profitability.
By continually seeking new opportunities, you can avoid stagnation and ensure that your business and life evolve with the changing market and personal growth.
Key Takeaways
Though rideshare driving and high finance seem worlds apart, both demand strategy, adaptability, and strong customer relations.
Industry reminds us that success, regardless of the profession, comes down to staying flexible, using data, building relationships, managing stress, and always seeking self-improvement.
As a rideshare driver, adopting these five strategies can help you stay ahead of the game.
Whether adapting to traffic changes, analyzing data to optimize earnings, fostering positive passenger relationships, managing stress, or exploring new growth opportunities, these lessons will enhance your driving skills and lead to long-term success.
Rideshare driving is more than just a job. It’s a dynamic business that requires constant improvement. Approach it with the mindset of the ambitious bankers in Industry, and you’ll survive and thrive in this ever-evolving industry.
Be safe out there.
