There are currently over 800k hotel & accommodation Executives in the U.S. workforce alone
A Leadership Approach
Rethinking Leadership in a Rapidly Evolving World
In today’s fast-paced business environment, leaders are continuously challenged to rethink their management styles. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky has sparked a new debate with his approach known as “founder mode,” a term popularized by Y Combinator co-founder Paul Graham. Founder mode encourages leaders to adopt a hands-on, detail-oriented approach. While some critique it as micromanagement, others see it as a necessary shift for building resilient and innovative organizations.
Responding to Crisis with Hands-On Leadership
Chesky’s experience leading Airbnb through multiple crises illustrates the power of founder mode. At the Skift Global Forum 2024, he shared how the pandemic forced Airbnb to transform its operations. Within eight weeks, the company lost 80% of its business, prompting Chesky to make quick, strategic decisions to rebuild. His deep involvement allowed him to adapt Airbnb’s strategy effectively, setting an example for leaders facing disruptive challenges.
Inspired by the Legacy of Steve Jobs
Chesky found inspiration in the leadership style of Steve Jobs during Apple’s near collapse in the late 1990s. Collaborating with former Apple leaders Jony Ive and Hiroki Asai, Chesky embraced the value of understanding every business detail. This level of involvement, according to Chesky, is essential for making informed, strategic decisions—a philosophy he now applies at Airbnb.
Balancing Founder Mode and Micromanagement
The concept of founder mode has sparked mixed reactions, especially in Silicon Valley. Critics worry it risks micromanagement, but Chesky draws a clear distinction: founder mode involves partnering with employees rather than controlling every decision. “It’s like leading a cavalry and not knowing how to ride a horse—it makes no sense,” he explains. His approach demonstrates that leaders don’t need to do everything themselves but must understand key elements to guide the organization effectively.
Staying Connected to Drive Innovation
Founder mode reflects a broader trend in the tech industry where constant disruption demands agility and personal accountability. Chesky’s collaboration with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman underscores the importance of strategic partnerships. By embracing AI as the “ultimate travel concierge,” Chesky is positioning Airbnb to leverage technology as a competitive advantage, demonstrating how founder mode can drive innovation and tackle industry challenges.
Founder Mode as a Mindset for All Leaders
The lessons from Chesky’s approach apply beyond startups—founder mode is a mindset any executive can adopt. Successful leadership during disruption requires more than overseeing operations; it requires a deep understanding of the business, openness to innovation, and collaboration across all levels. Chesky’s leadership evolution offers a blueprint for executives to combine vision with execution effectively.
Building Resilient Organizations in a Changing Landscape
By adopting founder mode principles, executives can build organizations that are more adaptable, innovative, and ready for disruption. This hands-on, engaged approach empowers leaders to stay connected with their teams and remain agile in a world that demands resilience and a clear strategic focus.
“Culture is so incredibly important because it is the foundation for all future innovation.”
Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb
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