What should Airbnb's strategy be during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Certainly, I'll provide a detailed, strategic answer to the question about Airbnb's strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the structure and guidelines you've outlined. I'll present this as if I'm directly addressing the interviewer in a first-person perspective.

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for the travel and hospitality industry, significantly impacting Airbnb's core business model. Our task is to develop a comprehensive strategy that not only navigates the immediate crisis but also positions Airbnb for long-term success in a post-pandemic world.

Key business objectives for this strategy include:

1. Ensuring short-term survival and financial stability
2. Adapting to changing customer needs and safety concerns
3. Maintaining brand value and customer trust
4. Identifying new growth opportunities in a shifting market landscape

In addressing this challenge, I'll follow these strategic steps:

1. Clarify our strategic goals and context
2. Analyze the market and competitive landscape
3. Define our product vision and roadmap
4. Prioritize key initiatives
5. Develop an execution plan
6. Establish metrics and KPIs
7. Manage risks and create contingency plans

Let's begin by clarifying our strategic goals and understanding the broader context.

Step 1

Clarify the Strategic Goals (3-4 minutes)

• Based on the sudden market disruption, I'm assuming our primary objective has shifted from growth to survival and adaptation. Could you confirm if this aligns with the company's current priorities, or if there are other key objectives we should consider?

Why it matters: Determines if we focus on cost-cutting and core business preservation or if we still have room for innovation and expansion. Expected answer: Survival and adaptation are indeed the primary focus, but with an eye towards future growth opportunities. Impact on approach: Would balance short-term stabilization efforts with strategic investments in future-focused initiatives.

• Given the global nature of the pandemic, I'm curious about how it has affected our various market segments differently. Can you provide insights into which customer segments or geographical regions have been most resilient or shown signs of recovery?

Why it matters: Helps prioritize resources and tailor strategies to different market needs. Expected answer: Domestic travel and rural destinations have shown more resilience compared to international and urban markets. Impact on approach: Would focus on promoting domestic and rural offerings while preparing for a gradual return of international and urban travel.

• Considering the rapidly changing situation, how frequently is the company reassessing its strategic direction, and what level of agility do we have in terms of resource allocation?

Why it matters: Determines how quickly we can pivot and adapt our strategy as the situation evolves. Expected answer: The company is reassessing strategy monthly, with the ability to reallocate resources quarterly. Impact on approach: Would design a flexible strategy with clear trigger points for pivots and regular review cycles.

Based on these insights, our key strategic assumptions are:

1. The primary focus is on survival and adaptation, with cautious investment in future growth.
2. Domestic and rural markets offer the best near-term opportunities.
3. We need a highly adaptable strategy that can be adjusted quickly as the situation evolves.