Brian Chesky, Co-Founder & CEO of Airbnb: The Journey from Startup Struggles to Pandemic Resilience
Introduction In this compelling episode of The Social Radars, Jessica Livingston and Carolyn Levy sit down with Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, to continue the fascinating story of Airbnb’s rise from near failure to global success. Picking up where they left off, Brian shares candid insights into the scrappy early days, the transformative experience of Y Combinator, and the painstaking hustle that turned Airbnb into a rocketship. But the conversation goes far beyond startup origins. Brian opens up about the seismic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Airbnb’s $35 billion business, revealing the intense leadership decisions, personal struggles, and radical company restructuring that saved the company from collapse. He offers a masterclass in crisis management, leadership under pressure, and the surprising benefits of returning to startup discipline—even within a massive public company. ...