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Brian Chesky on the Power of Being Shameless

Brian Chesky, the co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, attributes a significant part of his success to one simple quality: shamelessness. According to Chesky, people who are shameless learn quickly and achieve success because they aren't afraid to ask for help.


Brian Chesky
Brian Chesky

Most people hesitate to reach out to others, fearing rejection or feeling embarrassed. However, Chesky and his co-founder, Joe Gebbia, embraced a different approach. They were unabashedly proactive in seeking feedback and advice, regardless of whom they had to approach.


Shameless people learn really quickly and are successful. Most people are just afraid to ask people for help.

Chesky recalls how they sought advice from investors and reached out to renowned entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos, who eventually became an investor in Airbnb. They even sought wisdom from legends like Warren Buffett. This willingness to ask for help and learn from others played a crucial role in their journey.


"You seek out people, and most people are really nice, and they'll help you if they can," Chesky says. This mindset allowed Chesky and Gebbia to gain invaluable insights and build a network of support that significantly contributed to Airbnb's growth.


In essence, Chesky's advice is clear: don't be afraid to ask for help. Being shameless can open doors to learning opportunities and connections that might otherwise remain closed. It's a reminder that successful people are often those who are not afraid to reach out and seek the guidance they need.


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