Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky shared his personal experience on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast, revealing that reaching his career goal of taking Airbnb public through an IPO did not bring the happiness and fulfillment he expected. In fact, Chesky described the period surrounding Airbnb’s IPO in December 2020 as “one of the saddest” in his life.
Chesky explained that he had believed achieving success and taking his company public would solve all his problems and bring him contentment. However, he found himself feeling more isolated and less satisfied than ever despite the company’s skyrocketing valuation.
The CEO reflected on his journey, noting that he initially moved to Silicon Valley and co-founded Airbnb in 2008, working closely with his co-founders, Joe Gebbia and Nathan Blecharczyk. As the company grew, so did the families of his co-founders, and Chesky found himself with more alone time. In response, he poured all his energy into making Airbnb even more successful, hoping it would fill the void in his life.
Chesky’s experience aligns with findings from a long-term Harvard University study that started in 1938, which suggests that career and financial success do not necessarily lead to increased happiness. Instead, the study emphasizes the importance of “social fitness,” or regularly nurturing relationships, as a key factor in personal contentment.
The study underscores that money can provide security and control but cannot buy happiness. It highlights the significance of meaningful connections and relationships in fostering happiness and well-being. Positive relationships can reduce stress, promote personal growth, and even contribute to longer life.
In response to his own feelings of loneliness and emptiness, Chesky decided to reinvest in his social fitness. He took steps to connect with others, including listing his own home on Airbnb, hosting guests, and offering tours of Airbnb’s headquarters. This effort to rebuild his social connections coincided with Airbnb’s launch of Airbnb Rooms, a service that allows hosts to rent out individual bedrooms in their homes, resulting in a positive impact on the company’s stock price.
Chesky’s story serves as a reminder that achieving career goals and financial success, while important, may not lead to the happiness and fulfillment we seek. Nurturing meaningful relationships and connections with others can play a crucial role in our overall well-being and satisfaction.
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