BELINDA JOHNSON

Persistence pushes me to be bold and seek out the opportunities I've wanted. It starts by envisioning what you want, no matter how big or small, and believing that you can achieve it.

Being an online platform, we ran into challenges with Cuba's lack of Internet accessibility. We were able to work around that by creating a program unique to Cuba where many local hosts are working with hosting partners who have Internet access and can help them manage their Airbnb requests and bookings.

That's what I love - to be pushed out of my comfort zone.

Some of my legal colleagues are the most creative people I know!

In my spare time, I volunteer at my daughters' schools so I can stay involved with the activities and parent/teacher community.

When I pull my hair back in a ponytail, that's how you know I'm having a hard day.

We want for everyone to be treated with dignity and respect in any situation. And so we've been thinking about how do we use our platform to empower women. More than half of our hosts are women, and many are using the extra income to start their own businesses.

When I learned about Airbnb, I was like, 'Wow, this is an amazing, new way to travel; it's about community, and there's a lot to figure out to clear the way,' so I was really drawn to that.

Homesharing is about dialogue, not disruption.

At the end of the day, you have to do what you think is right and be human.

My best advice to young women looking to get into both travel and tech is to put yourself out there, get out of your comfort zone, and be persistent.

It's important to contribute to group discussions, but if all you're thinking about is when you'll get the opportunity to speak - and stressing about whether you'll sound smart - you won't be fully engaged in the conversation.

I'm thankful to be in a position in my career where I can advocate for better policies and partner with future generations, like my daughters, to be a voice for change.

Every challenge that comes up is just a problem that needs a solution.

It's important for anyone working at a hyper growth company such as Airbnb to embrace learning and be open in order to keep pace with the changing environment.

When I went into a start-up in tech, I knew I could always go back to a law firm.

I've always liked diving into new things.

After law school, I put on my power suit and worked at a series of law firms. By the time I was at my third in six years, it dawned on me that a traditional law job wasn't for me.

I'm always moving furniture and things around in my house.

In the morning, I look at my calendar and think about whether things that aren't critical can be moved to the next week.

I like cutting through complexity and trying to get to the kernel of an idea.

I'm in bed by 10, but I may not actually go to sleep until 11. It doesn't take long. I just breathe in and out maybe 10 times, and that does it.

Cities have unique home-sharing policy needs - a dense, urban city may have different concerns than a historic vacation town or a non-traditional travel destination.

Lead by example. Women often wait for permission instead of acting, and I try to encourage bold action.

It is important for me to carve out time in my schedule to spend quality time with my family.