How I Built This with Guy Raz How I Built Resilience: Brian Chesky of Airbnb
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Aug 13, 2020 
Brian Chesky, the CEO and co-founder of Airbnb, shares his journey of navigating the turbulent times brought on by the pandemic. He reveals how Airbnb faced an 80% drop in business and executed compassionate layoffs. Chesky highlights the shift towards nature-centric travel, emphasizing the changing desires of travelers seeking unique, personalized experiences. He reflects on the importance of resilience, connection, and core values in driving the company forward during challenging times, showcasing innovative strategies for recovery and adaptation.
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Early Airbnb Challenges
- Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia initially thought the hardest part of Airbnb would be convincing strangers to live together.
- The pandemic and a potential IPO proved much more challenging.
Human-Centered Layoffs
- Treat individuals with compassion and humanity, especially during layoffs.
- Avoid robotic or impersonal approaches.
Cereal Box Fundraising
- To gain traction, Airbnb's founders created and sold collectible cereal boxes.
- They made Obama-Os and Captain McCain's for the 2008 conventions.