In a recent appearance on "The Diary of a CEO" podcast, Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, delineated three fundamental differences between founders and managers, offering insights into his leadership philosophy and the operational dynamics of Airbnb.
Chesky likened founders to "biological parents" of their companies, emphasising the deep-rooted passion and intrinsic understanding they possess. "You can love something, but when you're the biological parent of something, it came from you, it is you," he stated, highlighting the unique connection founders have with their ventures.
He further elaborated that founders inherently have the "permission" to enact significant changes within their organisations, a level of authority that managers, who often join post-establishment, may not possess. This autonomy allows founders to navigate and pivot their companies with agility and vision.
Additionally, Chesky pointed out that founders have an unparalleled familiarity with their companies' origins and operations, enabling them to rebuild or innovate more effectively. This intimate knowledge stems from their involvement in every facet of the business from inception.
However, Chesky acknowledged the challenges founders face, particularly in scaling leadership to manage large organisations and planning for succession. He cited examples like Walt Disney and Steve Jobs, who, despite their visionary leadership, had to address these issues.
Addressing the concept of "founder mode," Chesky clarified misconceptions surrounding it. He emphasised that it's about being deeply involved in the details rather than exuding swagger. "Great leadership is presence, not absence," he asserted, underscoring the importance of hands-on leadership.
Chesky also highlighted the pitfalls of excessive managerial layers, warning against organisations where "managers manage managers," leading to a lack of expertise. He advocates for a functional structure where leadership is based on expertise rather than general management.
In practice, Chesky applies this philosophy at Airbnb by eliminating recurring one-on-one meetings, opting instead for group discussions that foster transparency and collective decision-making. He believes this approach enhances organizational cohesion and ensures that leadership remains connected to the core operations.
Chesky's leadership style, inspired by figures like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk, focuses on being the "chief editor" of the company, deeply involved in product development and strategic decisions. He monitors numerous projects simultaneously, dedicating significant time to project reviews and mentoring.
Furthermore, Chesky addressed the challenges women face in adopting "founder mode," noting that societal perceptions often hinder their ability to lead with the same hands-on approach. He called for a change in this dynamic, advocating for equal recognition and support for women founders.
Looking ahead, Chesky envisions expanding Airbnb's offerings beyond home rentals, aiming to introduce new services that enhance the travel experience.
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