In a recent talk at the Skift Global Forum in New York City, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky discussed the concept of “founder mode” and its importance for business leaders. Chesky believes that many CEOs lack a deep understanding of the products they sell, which he sees as a major issue. He argues that the CEO should be the chief product officer, with a detailed knowledge of the company’s offerings. Chesky cited Steve Jobs as an example of a leader who was deeply involved in the details of the product, rather than delegating to others and simply empowering them to do their job.
Chesky’s comments on “founder mode” sparked controversy in Silicon Valley, with some questioning the idea of CEOs needing to maintain a founder’s mindset as their companies grow. However, Chesky clarified that the key question is not whether the CEO is the founder, but rather their understanding of the product. He emphasized the importance of being deeply involved in the details of the business, rather than adopting a hands-off approach. Chesky’s leadership style is inspired by visionaries like Jobs, Walt Disney, and Elon Musk, who were known for their hands-on involvement in their companies.
The term “founder mode” has been criticized for promoting divisiveness in the conversation around leadership styles. However, Chesky stated that he did not coin the term and insisted that a leader does not need to be a founder to have a founder’s mindset. He believes that any CEO, regardless of their founding status, can benefit from being deeply involved in the details of the product and business. Chesky stressed the importance of understanding the product more than anyone else in the company, regardless of the CEO’s specific role.
Chesky discussed the potential pitfalls of being too involved in the details, noting that it can come across as micromanagement. He cited Jobs’ approach of partnering with employees rather than micromanaging them, emphasizing the importance of being hands-on without stifling creativity. Chesky argued that being in the details allows leaders to assess the quality of their team and ensure that they are performing at a high level. He criticized the common leadership advice to hire great people and let them do their job, stating that great leaders are deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of their companies.
Overall, Chesky’s talk at the Skift Global Forum highlighted his belief in the importance of being deeply connected to the product and business as a CEO. He challenged the idea that leaders should step back and empower their employees without being actively engaged in the details. By advocating for a founder’s mindset regardless of founding status, Chesky sparked a conversation about the role of CEOs in understanding and driving the success of their companies. Whether or not his approach to leadership is widely adopted, Chesky’s emphasis on being in the details serves as a reminder of the impact of hands-on leadership on business success.
