In the fast-evolving world of enterprise software, where artificial intelligence is reshaping productivity tools, Airtable’s chief executive is pushing his team to embrace experimentation in unconventional ways. Howie Liu, the co-founder and CEO of Airtable, a platform known for its no-code database solutions, has publicly encouraged employees to step away from their daily tasks to tinker with AI technologies. This directive isn’t about mandatory overtime or rigid training sessions; instead, Liu advocates for unstructured “play” time, even if it means canceling meetings or dedicating entire days—or weeks—to exploring AI tools that could enhance Airtable’s offerings.

Liu’s philosophy stems from his own hands-on experience with the company’s AI features. As detailed in a recent profile by Business Insider, he prides himself on being one of the heaviest users of Airtable AI among all customers globally. This personal immersion, he argues, uncovers practical applications that formal strategies might miss, fostering innovation from the ground up.

Encouraging Hands-On AI Exploration

The approach reflects a broader shift in how tech leaders are integrating AI into corporate culture, prioritizing curiosity over immediate output. Liu has gone so far as to tell staff, “If you want to cancel all your meetings for a day or for an entire week and just go play around with every AI product that you think could be relevant to Airtable, go do it. Period.” This sentiment, captured in the same Business Insider article, underscores a belief that short-term disruptions to schedules can yield long-term gains, such as identifying scalable workflows and product ideas.

Airtable, valued at billions and backed by investors like Benchmark and Thrive Capital, has been restructuring to embed AI deeply into its core. Liu’s strategy aligns with insights from a fireside chat he participated in, as reported by Salesforce Ventures, where he discussed evolving platforms in the AI era. By allowing employees to experiment freely, the company aims to accelerate the development of AI-native features, like agent-driven automation that can handle thousands of hours of work in seconds.

Restructuring for an AI-First Future

This isn’t mere rhetoric; Airtable has undergone significant organizational changes to support such innovation. In a podcast episode featured on Lenny’s Newsletter, Liu explained how he stepped back into an individual contributor role to focus on AI, while splitting teams into “fast thinking” and “slow thinking” groups to balance rapid prototyping with deliberate strategy. The goal is to equip product managers with AI-specific skills, ensuring the platform remains competitive against rivals like Notion and Coda.

Critics might question the productivity cost of such flexibility, especially amid industry-wide concerns about AI-driven job displacements. For instance, Duolingo’s CEO has noted in another Business Insider piece that AI could enable individuals to accomplish more without reducing headcount. Liu’s method at Airtable echoes this, betting that empowered employees will drive efficiency rather than obsolescence.

Balancing Innovation and Risk

Yet, the strategy carries risks, particularly in a market where AI hype meets economic realities. Airtable has faced its own challenges, including layoffs in 2023 as reported by Metaintro, which trimmed 237 workers to streamline operations. Liu’s push for AI playtime could be seen as a proactive pivot, but it demands a culture of trust—employees must feel secure in diverting time without repercussions.

Industry observers note that this model could set a precedent for other firms. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) from users like tech entrepreneurs highlight growing sentiment around AI’s potential to transform work habits, with some praising Airtable’s relaunch as an “AI-native app platform” that combines vibe coding with scalable agents. As Liu himself tweeted in June 2025, the focus is on embedding AI to automate mundane tasks, freeing humans for creative pursuits.

Implications for the Broader Tech Sector

For industry insiders, Airtable’s experiment raises questions about measuring success in AI adoption. Will unstructured exploration lead to breakthrough features, or dilute focus? Early indicators, such as Airtable’s AI Playbook shared on X by productivity experts, suggest it’s helping users organize chaos and save time without tool-switching.

Ultimately, Liu’s vision positions Airtable at the forefront of AI integration, where playing with technology isn’t a distraction but a core competency. As the sector grapples with AI’s disruptive force—evident in moves like Business Insider’s own pivot to AI amid staff cuts, as covered in Nieman Journalism Lab—leaders like Liu are betting that fostering a playful, exploratory mindset will separate winners from those left behind. In an era of rapid change, such bold encouragement might just redefine how companies harness AI for sustained growth.