Uber CEO Kalanick apologises after argument with driver

Travis Kalanick, the chief executive of ride-hailing service Uber Technologies, has apologised after a video was released of him arguing with one of the company's employees after a journey.

Kalanick admitted that he treated the driver "disrespectfully" following the heated argument about fares on the company's app, and vowed to seek help on how to be a better leader.

Uber driver Fawzi Kamel uploaded the dashcam video of his conversation with Kalanick, in which the CEO told him that "some people don't like to take responsibility for their own s***. They blame everything in their life on somebody else."

In a blog post written by Kalanick, he said that "to say that I am ashamed is an understatement."

"By now I'm sure you've seen the video where I treated an Uber driver disrespectfully," the blog post read. "To say that I am ashamed is an extreme understatement. My job as your leader is to lead…and that starts with behaving in a way that makes us all proud. That is not what I did, and it cannot be explained away."

The tech guru added that he must "grow up" as the boss of the company, not long after Uber also faced allegations of sexual harassment and mismanagement within its ranks.

"It's clear this video is a reflection of me—and the criticism we've received is a stark reminder that I must fundamentally change as a leader and grow up. This is the first time I've been willing to admit that I need leadership help and I intend to get it."

Uber has grown significantly in recent years to become the most well-recognised alternative service to traditional taxi journeys, using a so-called gig economy system to match drivers and prospective passengers.