‘At Meta I found myself wrestling my deputy in an MMA gym’: Nick Clegg on the culture shock of Silicon Valley

'At Meta I found myself wrestling my deputy in an MMA gym': Nick Clegg on the culture shock of Silicon Valley The article provides an exclusive extract from Nick Clegg's new book, where he reflects on the cultural differences he experienced when he joined Meta (Facebook) in 2018 as a political emigre from the UK. Clegg, who had no background in computer science or technology, was struck by the vast scale and remote location of Silicon Valley, which felt disconnected from the power centers of the East Coast. He describes the region as a natural home for idealists who want to challenge the establishment. The article highlights the stark contrast between Clegg's political background and the fast-paced, tech-focused culture of Meta, where he found himself "wrestling" his deputy in an MMA gym, an experience that exemplified the culture shock he faced. The extract provides a unique perspective on the mindset, mantras, and the leadership style of the tech industry, as experienced by an outsider like Clegg, who had to navigate a new, unfamiliar environment.