# How I Built Resilience: Brian Chesky of Airbnb

- Show: [How I Built This](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this)
- Published: 2020-08-13
- Length: 23m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-08-13-how-i-built-resilience-brian-chesky-of-airbnb

## Summary

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky discusses how the company survived an 80% drop in business during the pandemic by raising $2 billion, laying off 25% of staff with generous severance, and pivoting to domestic travel. He details the shift from international tourism to 'drive-to' destinations, national parks, and unique accommodations like RVs and treehouses, while implementing new cleaning protocols and Wi-Fi verification for remote workers. Chesky also reflects on the emotional difficulty of leadership during crisis, the decision to resume the IPO process, and the realization that Airbnb's core mission is connection rather than just travel.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-08-13-how-i-built-resilience-brian-chesky-of-airbnb#t=0) Introduction: Brian Chesky and the Pandemic Crisis
- [2:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-08-13-how-i-built-resilience-brian-chesky-of-airbnb#t=124) Layoffs, Severance, and Leadership Humanity
- [6:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-08-13-how-i-built-resilience-brian-chesky-of-airbnb#t=418) Financial Survival and Host Support Programs
- [13:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-08-13-how-i-built-resilience-brian-chesky-of-airbnb#t=789) The Pivot to Domestic Travel and RVs
- [17:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-08-13-how-i-built-resilience-brian-chesky-of-airbnb#t=1039) Cleaning Protocols and Remote Work Features
- [20:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-08-13-how-i-built-resilience-brian-chesky-of-airbnb#t=1236) Resuming the IPO and Lessons on Leadership

## Topics

- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Fundraising & investors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fundraising)
- [Growth, exits & acquisitions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/growth-exits-and-acquisitions)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Airbnb (company)
- U.S. Bank (company)
- Joe Gebia (other)
- Obama O's (product)
- Frontline Stays (product)
- Enhanced Cleaning Protocol (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [How a Strong Company Culture Leads Through Crisis with Dan Stutterheim](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2020-06-09-how-a-strong-company-culture-leads-through-crisis-with-dan-stutterheim) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [44 - Philippe Erhart - leadership in a crisis and how sustainability and diversity connect](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2020-12-29-44-philippe-erhart-leadership-in-a-crisis-and-how-sustainability-and-diversity-c) (People of Packaging)
- [EMS@C-LEVEL Season #1 Episode #2 with Creative Electron's Dr. Bill Cardoso](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2020-08-07-ems-c-level-season-1-episode-2-with-creative-electrons-dr-bill-cardoso) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [Leading Your Team in the New Normal | Sales & Marketing Game Changers Mini-Series | Ep. 4 of 4](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2020-10-02-leading-your-team-in-the-new-normal-sales-marketing-game-changers-mini-series-ep) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [#331: 28 Days To Save The World: Lessons Learned from a Pandemic Month of Supply Chain Issues](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2023-08-10-331-28-days-to-save-the-world-lessons-learned-from-a-pandemic-month-of-supply-ch) (Global Medical Device Podcast)

## Citing this page

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