Brian Chesky - Founder Mode & The Art of Hiring

This podcast features a conversation between two speakers, one of whom interviews Brian, an experienced founder and investor. They discuss "Founder Mode," a concept Brian developed after observing issues at Airbnb as it scaled. Brian shares his experiences, including the challenges of transitioning from a founder to a CEO, the pitfalls of matrix organizations, and the importance of the CEO remaining deeply involved in product development. He emphasizes the need for functional organizations, lean teams, and expert managers. Brian also provides practical advice on hiring, such as prioritizing references, involving the CEO in the hiring process, and assessing candidates' ability to thrive in a Founder Mode environment. The conversation covers strategies for attracting talent, closing candidates, and dealing with board members who offer conflicting advice.