Recode Decode: Brian Chesky, Airbnb CEO

Paris Event

The Airbnb conference in Paris was a significant event, bringing together hosts from around the world to celebrate and collaborate. Brian Chesky described the initial days as filled with elation, as he addressed 5,000 hosts from diverse locations like Uzbekistan and Cuba 1. The conference aimed to strengthen the partnership between Airbnb and its hosts, emphasizing their role as business partners rather than customers. Chesky highlighted the importance of listening to hosts and incorporating their feedback into Airbnb's mission and product development 1.

The idea that we're partners with our hosts. So I used to tell the people in our company, our hosts are not our customers, they're our partners.

--- Brian Chesky

The event included product launches and discussions on Airbnb's mission, creating a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and innovation.

   

Crisis Response

The atmosphere of celebration at the Paris conference was abruptly shattered by the terror attacks. Brian Chesky recounted the harrowing experience of receiving alerts about multiple attacks throughout the city, affecting both employees and hosts 2. Airbnb quickly set up a command center to account for all 645 employees and 5,000 hosts present in Paris. Despite the chaos, Chesky emphasized the resilience and unity displayed by the Airbnb community during this crisis.

We saw the worst in humanity through these senseless acts, but we also saw the very best in humanity.

--- Brian Chesky

The company managed to ensure the safety of all its employees and hosts, showcasing a remarkable level of crisis management and community support.

   

Community Strength

In the aftermath of the attacks, the Airbnb community demonstrated incredible resilience and solidarity. Brian Chesky reflected on the generosity and support shown by employees and hosts, which he described as truly inspiring 2. The crisis highlighted the strength of Airbnb's community, as employees and hosts came together to support one another in a time of need. Chesky noted the significant role of Airbnb's community in overcoming challenges, both during the crisis in Paris and in broader contexts like the political landscape in San Francisco 3.

The amount of generosity that I saw was unbelievable.

--- Brian Chesky

This sense of community and resilience is central to Airbnb's identity, reinforcing its mission to connect people and foster a sense of belonging.