_edited.jpg)
When Brian Chesky first had the idea for what would eventually become Airbnb, the initial challenge was figuring out how to turn this spark into a real, functioning company. Every step along the way has been a challenge, a constant test of resilience and determination. But here’s the thing about building a company: as your company grows, you must grow with it. And that’s where the real secret to success lies.
Photo: Getty mages
Growing Together: The Key to Exponential Growth
As Chesky points out, the growth of a company is often exponential. But that exponential growth means you, as the founder or leader, must also grow at an accelerated rate. If the company is doubling in size every few months, you need to keep pace. The question then becomes, how do you keep up with a company that’s skyrocketing so quickly? The answer is deceptively simple: you surround yourself with the right people.
The Average of Your Five Closest Friends
One of Chesky’s friends once told him something that stuck: “You are the average of your five closest friends, or maybe you’re the average of the five people that you take counsel from on a daily basis.” Think about that for a moment. The people you surround yourself with, the ones you lean on for advice, support, and inspiration, directly influence your ability to grow and succeed.
Choosing Your Team Wisely
As challenges grow bigger, it doesn’t mean you can’t rise to meet them. But it does mean that the people around you need to be equipped to handle those challenges as well. Chesky highlights how having someone like Reid Hoffman (co-founder of LinkedIn) on their team, along with other brilliant minds like Jeff Jordan, Mark, and Jason from Andreessen Horowitz, has been instrumental in Airbnb’s growth. These advisors, with their wealth of experience and insight, have played a crucial role in guiding the company through its rapid expansion.
The Power of a Strong Support System
The lesson here is clear: growth isn’t just about the numbers on a balance sheet or the size of your company. It’s about the growth of the people involved, especially you. By surrounding yourself with individuals who challenge you, support you, and inspire you, you set yourself up to not just keep pace with your company’s growth, but to drive it forward.
In the fast-paced world of startups, where change is the only constant, having a strong support system is not just beneficial—it’s essential. The right team can make all the difference between stumbling at the finish line and crossing it with flying colors. So, choose your circle wisely, and let their strength fuel your own.
Listen to Brian Chesky:
Comments