Brian Chesky: Defining Core Values that Stand the Test of Time

Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, believes that every great company needs enduring core values—principles that define who they are and remain constant, even as everything else evolves. These values aren't just surface-level behaviors or temporary rituals; they are the foundational elements that make a company unique and guide its actions for decades to come.

Brian Chesky, CEO, Airbnb

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What Truly Defines a Company?

According to Chesky, many companies and individuals mistakenly think of things like honesty and integrity as their "core values." While these are certainly important, they aren't unique—they're what Chesky calls integrity values, which everyone should have by default. But for a company to truly stand out, its core values must go beyond the basics.

Chesky challenges us to ask, what truly makes us different? If you could only pick a few things that define you or your company, what would they be? These are the values that will shape your decisions and actions over time.

The Importance of Writing Down Core Values Early

Chesky shares a valuable lesson he learned from Tony Hsieh, the late CEO of Zappos. Zappos wrote down its core values when they had already grown to 100 employees. Reflecting on this, Hsieh told Chesky that he wished he had done it sooner, as defining core values early would have made it easier to steer the company’s culture from the start.

Airbnb took this advice to heart. Before they hired a single employee, they wrote down their core values. By doing so, they ensured that every future hire would align with the company's principles and mission.

Why Core Values Matter

At the heart of Chesky’s message is the idea that core values create consistency and clarity. They help a company navigate challenges, scale responsibly, and stay true to its mission. Core values are the compass that keeps a company grounded as it grows and evolves. Without them, businesses risk losing sight of what made them special in the first place.

So, whether you're running a startup or managing a team, take the time to define your core values early. It might just be the secret to long-term success.

Listen to Brian Chesky:

Source: Y Combinator: Live "Lecture 10 - Culture (Brian Chesky, Alfred Lin)"