Photo by Ryan Shiver.
Allen Narcisse is the CEO of Gigs, a marketplace that lists jobs with varying degrees of flexibility and requiring different skill levels. He previously had leading roles at UberEATS and Lyft, and was COO of Workrise. Before sitting on a panel for the Zócalo/The James Irvine Foundation public program in Oakland, “What Is a Good Job Now? In Gig Work,” he swung by the green room to chat vinyl, Iowa, and Denzel.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever had?
I love my job now. But one of my favorite jobs was working at the L.A. Times. Right out of business school, I worked in strategy; I launched online video, relaunched the Travel section. I loved being able to talk to the leaders in the newsroom. The leaders on the business side were my mentors. It was an incredible opportunity. Who knows, one day I could go back.
Who is your dream dinner guest—dead or alive?
Denzel Washington. This is a common icebreaker at Lyft: Who would you take a ride with? I just saw him on TV today. He’s so hilarious and thoughtful. He spoke at Lenny Kravitz’s Hollywood star ceremony. He wasn’t prepared at all. He was wearing a sweatsuit. Good humor, wisdom. Training Day is one of my favorite movies.
What would you serve Denzel?
A whole branzino. Just made one for my wife. I feel confident in the recipe. I hope he’d like it.
You collect vinyl. What is one of the most prized pieces in your vinyl collection?
I’ve got a Billie Holiday original. I’ve got Erykah Badu’s Mama’s Gun, original press. I’ve got Kendrick Lamar. Fleetwood Mac. I’ve got a big range of records. I need to spend more time with my records.
What inspired Gigs marketplace?
I spent a lot of time working at UberEATS. Working with drivers, getting to know them personally. Then at Lyft. My first startup was a marketplace for freelance journalists. It’s called Ebyline. We basically created a virtual Associated Press and got about 10,000 journalists signed up. At the end of the day, one consistent theme is supporting people earning the way that they want to earn. The idea was: How can you give more empowerment, support, transparency, ease, to let workers know all the opportunities that are around them, so they can choose the best opportunity for themselves? Workers need more support and empowerment and context for the things around them.
What’s something you miss about Iowa?
Family. Just incredible traditions, board games, holidays, snow. I go back twice a year. It’s a magical place. I’m fortunate to have two homes. I’m really proud to be an Iowan.