In the high-stakes world of tech startups scaling into global giants, the concept of “founder mode” has emerged as a potent, if controversial, management philosophy. Coined by Y Combinator co-founder Paul Graham in a widely discussed essay, it describes a hands-on, detail-oriented approach where founders dive deep into operations, bypassing traditional hierarchies to drive innovation and efficiency. At Airbnb, this mode has been epitomized by CEO Brian Chesky, who credits it with the company’s rebound from pandemic lows to an $84 billion valuation. But for executives working under such leaders, navigating founder mode requires a delicate balance of alignment, autonomy, and adaptability.

Chip Conley, a former Airbnb executive who served as head of global hospitality and strategy, offers rare insights into this dynamic. Joining the company in 2013 at Chesky’s invitation, Conley witnessed firsthand how founder mode can propel a business forward while challenging conventional management norms. In a recent interview with Business Insider, Conley emphasized that managing a founder in this mode starts with belief in their vision. “I joined Airbnb because I believed in Brian,” he said, highlighting the importance of shared conviction as the foundation for effective collaboration.

Aligning with the Founder’s Vision

Conley advises executives to immerse themselves in the founder’s mindset, often by engaging in skip-level meetings and direct involvement in projects that might typically fall outside their purview. This approach, inspired by Steve Jobs’ playbook, which Chesky studied extensively, involves slashing bureaucracy to foster agility. As detailed in a Fortune profile from July 2025, Chesky’s adoption of founder mode included hands-on hiring and operational tweaks that mirrored Jobs’ detail obsession, leading to streamlined processes and renewed growth.

Yet, this intensity can border on micromanagement, a pitfall Chesky himself has addressed. In an October 2024 interview with Business Insider, he clarified that founder mode is about “being in the details” rather than mere swagger, urging leaders to balance immersion with trust in their teams. Conley echoes this, suggesting executives manage upward by providing concise, data-driven updates that respect the founder’s bandwidth while asserting expertise where needed.

Navigating Challenges and Building Resilience

For industry insiders, the real test comes during crises. Posts on X from tech influencers like Startup Archive in April 2025 highlight how founder mode echoes early PayPal strategies, promoting based on craft rather than managerial prowess—a tactic Chesky employed during Airbnb’s AI-driven adaptations. A May 2025 piece on IndexBox notes Chesky’s emphasis on founders’ “deep connection” to their companies, enabling transformative changes amid expansions like Airbnb’s push into experiences and AI integrations.

Conley warns that without mutual respect, founder mode can lead to burnout or conflict. He recommends setting clear boundaries, such as dedicated feedback sessions, to ensure executives’ voices are heard. This resonates with broader sentiments on X, where users like Sahil Lavingia in late 2024 described it as “GOD Mode,” underscoring its god-like control but also its potential for outsized results.

Adapting to AI and Future Growth

As AI reshapes industries, founder mode’s relevance grows. A two-week-old report on IndexBox details Chesky’s advocacy for this hands-on style to counter AI challenges, promoting agility over rigid structures. Conley, reflecting on his tenure, stresses mentoring founders to evolve, perhaps by incorporating external advisors to temper instincts.

Ultimately, managing a founder in this mode demands empathy and strategic patience. As Airbnb continues its evolution—evidenced by Chesky’s discussions on Apple succession in an April 2025 Daring Fireball post—executives must view it not as a hurdle but a catalyst. For those in the trenches, Conley’s playbook offers a roadmap: believe deeply, engage boldly, and adapt relentlessly to thrive alongside visionary leaders.