I landed a job at Airbnb and was thrown into the chaos that is typical for a fast growing start up, pre IPO. I did career defining work there, and tried hard to influence, but didn't have the tools or self awareness to navigate the company politics. The rejections really started to wear on me and I was driven to the darkest moment of my life. 

This episode discusses themes of substance abuse. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out for support. Help is available and healing is possible.

• U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 or visit ⁠988lifeline.org⁠

• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) — 24/7 helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

• ⁠The Trevor Project⁠ (for LGBTQ+ youth) — 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678

Theme song: “Breaking Out” by Nick Deutsch

Produced + edited: Rikki Gunton

Connect: Follow the journey on Instagram and LinkedIn

Want to bring this kind of real talk to your company or stage? Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com

(0:00) Take Care of Yourself as You Listen

(0:56) Taking Time to Find the Next Role

(1:36) Allen – Building the Marketing Team

(5:07) A Fresh Start at Airbnb

(6:12) Working on Instant Book

(6:47) Chaos Was Just Part of the Culture

(7:08) Allen – Celebrate the Team, Not Just Yourself

(8:40) Leading From Ego, Pride, and Fear

(9:10) A New Manager – The Opposite of Allen

(9:33) Steph – Struggling With the New Leadership

(13:24) Airbnb Plus & Luxe – Working With Brian Chesky

(14:33) Going Into Victim Mode to Regain Control

(15:43) Losing a Good Leader – Shifting Into Protection Mode

(16:28) Searching for Relief in Food, Sex, and Drugs

(18:11) Beau – We Didn't Know How to Be Vulnerable

(22:30) Getting Fired – It Came as a Shock

(23:51) Steph – We Tried To Make Sense of It

(27:48) Leaders Need Tools and Support to Succeed

(29:38) Allen – Change Happens on a Micro Scale

(35:17) The Whisper – My Internal Wake-Up Call

(38:33) Asking for Help – Well-Intentioned but Poorly Implemented

(41:24) Jon – How I Met My Husband in London on Instagram

(45:57) Lessons from The Hoffman Process