Airbnb CEO: “IT WAS SO DARK WE NEARLY DIED!”. I Was Lonely, Deeply Sad & Wanted To Be Loved! [INSPIRING!] Brian Chesky | The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

Intro

In this episode of “The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett,” Steven interviews Brian Chesky, the founder and CEO of Airbnb. Chesky shares his journey from losing 80% of Airbnb’s business during the pandemic to rebuilding the company and taking it public. He discusses the importance of focusing on the first step rather than the mountaintop and how his passion for industrial design has influenced his approach to running a tech company. Chesky also opens up about his struggles with loneliness, the search for love and belonging, and the lessons he has learned about the importance of relationships and personal fulfillment.

Main Takeaways

The Journey of Airbnb

• Airbnb lost 80% of its business in 8 weeks during the pandemic.
• Despite the challenges, Chesky and his team rebuilt the company and took it public.
• Chesky believes in focusing on the first step rather than the mountaintop.

The Influence of Industrial Design

• Chesky’s earliest passion was drawing, which eventually led him to industrial design.
• Industrial design requires understanding of manufacturing, materials, sustainability, audience, and marketing.
• Chesky believes that industrial design education can be useful in running a tech company.

The Search for Love and Belonging

• Feeling different and not enough are two common human struggles that can haunt people.
• Chesky and many other tech entrepreneurs had challenges with authority, didn’t fit in, and wanted to be loved.
• Knowing the source of one’s motivation can lead to a healthier relationship with it, with a shift towards intrinsic motivation.

The Importance of Relationships and Personal Fulfillment

• Success and status can initially make a person happier, but eventually, they adapt to it and revert to their previous state of mind.
• Purpose, health, and relationships are more important than just pursuing success and status.
• Loneliness and isolation can be combated by reaching out and bringing people in.

Summary

A Journey of Resilience and Rebuilding

Brian Chesky shares the story of how Airbnb lost 80% of its business in just 8 weeks during the pandemic. Despite this setback, Chesky and his team were able to rebuild the company and take it public. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the first step rather than being overwhelmed by the end goal, highlighting the resilience and determination required to overcome challenges.

The Influence of Industrial Design

Chesky’s passion for drawing and industrial design has shaped his approach to running a tech company. He believes that understanding the principles of industrial design, such as manufacturing, materials, sustainability, and marketing, can be valuable in creating a successful business. Chesky’s background in design has also influenced his emphasis on creating a world and experience that goes beyond just providing a service.

The Search for Love and Belonging

Chesky opens up about his personal struggles with feeling different and not enough, which are common human experiences. He shares how many tech entrepreneurs, including himself, have had challenges with authority, a sense of not fitting in, and a deep desire to be loved. Understanding the source of one’s motivation and seeking intrinsic fulfillment rather than external validation is key to finding personal happiness and fulfillment.

The Importance of Relationships and Personal Fulfillment

Chesky highlights the limitations of pursuing success and status as the sole markers of happiness. While they may initially bring happiness, people often adapt to their new circumstances and revert to their previous state of mind. Chesky emphasizes the importance of purpose, health, and relationships in finding true fulfillment. He shares the challenges of loneliness and isolation that come with starting and running a business, and the importance of staying connected to loved ones and reaching out to bring people into your life.

Conclusion

Brian Chesky’s journey with Airbnb is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of focusing on the first step. His background in industrial design has shaped his approach to running a tech company and creating a world that goes beyond just providing a service. Chesky’s personal struggles with loneliness and the search for love and belonging highlight the importance of relationships and personal fulfillment in finding true happiness. Ultimately, his story serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs and individuals alike to prioritize purpose, health, and meaningful connections in their own lives.