2020 was going to be a big year for Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky: With a valuation around $31 billion, Airbnb was going to go public on March 31. And then the pandemic hit. Within weeks, Airbnb was gutted and Brian was forced to lay off 25 percent of his staff. “It would have been so easy to just spiral,” Brian Chesky says. “But every moment is a moment for us to be doing something that’s defining, to make us better.” On this episode of Back to Biz with Katie and Boz, co-hosts Katie Couric and Bozoma Saint John talk to Brian about how he quickly pivoted his company and how travel will be forever changed. In the wake of the national anti-racism protests, Airbnb has also had to reckon with its record on discrimination. Brian Chesky shares his regrets on not doing more sooner on race and the steps the company is taking now to make the platform and the company more equitable.  

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2020 was going to be a big year for Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky: With a valuation around $31 billion, Airbnb was going to go public on March 31. And then the pandemic hit. Within weeks, Airbnb was gutted and Brian was forced to lay off 25 percent of his staff. “It would have been so easy to just spiral,” Brian Chesky says. “But every moment is a moment for us to be doing something that’s defining, to make us better.” On this episode of Back to Biz with Katie and Boz, co-hosts Katie Couric and Bozoma Saint John talk to Brian about how he quickly pivoted his company and how travel will be forever changed. In the wake of the national anti-racism protests, Airbnb has also had to reckon with its record on discrimination. Brian Chesky shares his regrets on not doing more sooner on race and the steps the company is taking now to make the platform and the company more equitable.  Sign up for Katie Couric’s morning newsletter, “<a href="https://katiecouric.com/newsletter">Wake-Up Call</a>.” Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>

Tired of political headlines that feel like déjà vu? Wondering if you actually need to care about every controversy? This season, Katie’s asking those same questions—and talking to the people who have real answers. From political insiders to sharp-eyed journalists, she’s breaking down what’s worth your attention (and what’s not), with smarts, sanity, and even a little humor. Because none of us can be tuned in 24/7—but we can stay informed without losing our minds. 

Tune in every Thursday and join Katie Couric and her guests for a conversation on NEXT QUESTION.

Tired of political headlines that feel like d&eacute;j&agrave; vu? Wondering if you actually need to care about every controversy? This season, Katie&rsquo;s asking those same questions&mdash;and talking to the people who have real answers. From political insiders to sharp-eyed journalists, she&rsquo;s breaking down what&rsquo;s worth your attention (and what&rsquo;s not), with smarts, sanity, and even a little humor. Because none of us can be tuned in 24/7&mdash;but we can stay informed without losing our minds.&nbsp;
Tune in every Thursday and join Katie Couric and her guests for a conversation on NEXT QUESTION.

Next Question with Katie Couric

Back to Biz with Katie and Boz: Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/d6c375c4-c8fc-4c72-ac55-ae28005e0dff/transcript

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