Building organizations that prioritize collaboration, trust, and compassion
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Airbnb lost 80% of its business within six weeks . Kate Shaw, an expert in talent development, shares how Airbnb's strong cultural foundation and core values enabled the company to navigate this unprecedented crisis. Shaw emphasizes that culture should be intentionally designed to foster resilience. At Airbnb, the commitment to values such as being a host, resourcefulness, and optimism created a supportive environment that allowed employees to thrive even in turbulent times. When faced with the need for layoffs, Airbnb approached the situation with unprecedented compassion, providing generous severance packages, extended healthcare, and personalized communications. This humane approach not only maintained employee dignity but also reinforced the company's resilience, enabling it to recover and innovate rapidly as demand returned. Shaw's insights highlight the crucial role of a well-crafted culture in building resilient organizations that prioritize collaboration, trust, and compassion, ultimately ensuring long-term success.
About the speaker
Kate Shaw is an executive coach and talent consultant. She has worked in talent development at Apple, Lucasfilm, and Airbnb.