Airbnb CEO Challenges entrepreneurs with Existential Question
SAN FRANCISCO – airbnb CEO brian Chesky routinely poses a single, critical question to entrepreneurs seeking his advice: “Why does your company deserve to exist?” The query, revealed in recent interviews, forces founders to articulate the essential purpose and value proposition of their businesses beyond simply generating profit.
Chesky’s question underscores a growing emphasis on purpose-driven entrepreneurship, particularly as consumers and investors increasingly prioritize companies with a clear social impact. The Airbnb CEO believes a strong answer to this question is crucial for long-term success, especially in a competitive landscape where differentiation is paramount. It’s a sentiment echoed by other business leaders, like starbucks chairman Howard Schultz, who advises aspiring entrepreneurs to gain experience working for a company before launching their own, to understand organizational dynamics.
while speed and innovation are vital - as perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas stresses, advising entrepreneurs to move quickly and anticipate competition - Chesky’s question highlights the importance of foundational purpose. Srinivas cautions that triumphant companies generating significant revenue should expect imitation, emphasizing the need to build identity through rapid execution and user focus. However, Chesky’s challenge suggests that even speed and innovation must be rooted in a compelling reason for being.
