Brian Chesky’s new playbook

These Apple-centric practices and organizational approaches are becoming increasingly commonplace, especially in those companies trying to reinvent themselves as tech forward. I’ve practiced product and I’ve practiced various forms of marketing, and there were plenty of times where I was practicing product marketing without having a name for it. This idea that the connective tissue between the street/users and the engineers/designers is a function of the core skills you might need to sell something to someone feels like a productive way to reinsert qualitative rationality into a tech environment dominated by quantitative reasoning. So it’s helpful to hear Brian talk through his current rationale for adopting these practices and principles. Two minor critiques; Lenny it’s time to adopt a POV and push back on these folks you are interviewing. Many of them are constrained by their valley environments. For example, you asked (rightly) about work-life balance. Brian starts to address this question with empathy for how his lifestyle at 42 years old allows for a unique approach to managing this balance. But he never diverges from this thread of viewing work-life balance through the prism of his own lived experiences. Pushing back would have been appropriate, and perhaps necessary to help him understand the root of why people ask questions like this. This leads to one last critique; I would imagine working for Brian is an engaging, meaningful challenge. But what does that really mean for someone? What’s an example of how his approach has driven people away from Airbnb? It’s not a bad thing, it’s just actionable information so if we find ourselves reporting ti leaders with similar philosophies, we can be proactive. Product is an inherently unsafe role, but your podcast sometimes feels entirely too safe for the leaders who participate. We shouldn’t treat everything that comes out of these folks’ mouths as gospel.

I really LOVE this episode. Brian Chesky is a deep thinker and who always articulate the thought so clearly and strongly. I have learnt so much!

Brian's energy is unmatched. So much gems here!

Lenny - Your podcast is AMAZING! I only wish I had found it long ago. Brian - Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom. So generous of you!!!

This is the best episodes ever. I had this in my watchlist but only coming back to this. This jjst blew my mind.. A detailed teardown on twitter is coming very soon ❤

Lenny I've been binge watching your shows. They are so insightful and educational. Keep up the good work!

Brian is a great teacher❤

Thank you Lenny what a great episode, 10/10! Leaders are in the details, Brian Chesky!! Love it!

One of the greatest CEOs alive - and one of the most charismatic as well.

This is one of the best podcast you hosted, Lenny! Thanks!

This was incredible. I mean this had so much knowledge and wisdom being imparted, might have to watch twice to absorb it all.

Love the kitchen analogy between marketing and engineering! Great stuff ✨

This is the guest I anticipated most! Thank you, Lenny, and congrats🥳

Seriously, 7000 people and you get down to identifying what blocks each individual. You're a super human :))

Tons of gold, wisdom per words rate is so high. Thanks Lenny and Brian, I jotted down so many things I'm discussing with my team asap to re-evaluate how product & marketing works

this is one of the greatest and best podcasts I have listened to this year.

To be honest, there's just an incredible amount of self hype in the tech industry. There are just as talented people as this guy in my own team, perhaps even wiser and smarter...

I'll have to listen to this 10 times

So thoughtful questions Lenny, And Brain is the most thought leader of this generation.

Thanks for this awesome podcast. Really eye opening for someone who is pursuing a career as a start-up founder. Makes you question what is actually important.