How we restructured Airtable’s entire org for AI | Howie Liu (co-founder and CEO)

08/31/25
Source: Lenny’s Newsletter by Lenny Rachitsky. Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of Howie Liu’s AI-Driven Transformation at Airtable

Howie Liu, CEO of Airtable, redefined leadership by becoming an IC CEO, actively coding and engaging with AI product development daily. Airtable reorganized into fast-thinking and slow-thinking teams to accelerate weekly AI innovations while maintaining long-term infrastructure. Emphasizing hands-on experimentation, Howie encourages all employees to play with AI tools, fostering a culture of creativity and agility. This transformation has driven Airtable’s growth to over $100 million in free cash flow and established new paradigms for AI-centric product teams.

Optimixed’s Overview: Transforming Leadership and Innovation Through AI at Airtable

How AI Reshaped Airtable’s Leadership and Product Development Strategy

Howie Liu, co-founder and CEO of Airtable, spearheaded a bold shift in company culture and operations by embracing AI at every level. His approach centers on becoming an “IC CEO” — a leader who dedicates significant time to coding and direct product involvement, blending executive oversight with hands-on technical contribution.

Key Structural Changes Enabling Agile AI Innovation

  • Dual Team Structure: Airtable split its workforce into two complementary groups inspired by Daniel Kahneman’s cognitive model: a fast-thinking AI platform team delivering rapid, weekly product releases, and a slow-thinking group focused on careful, long-term infrastructure development.
  • Mandatory AI Experimentation: Employees are encouraged to cancel meetings periodically to experiment freely with AI tools, promoting practical learning and innovation beyond theoretical knowledge.
  • Cross-Functional Skill Development: Product managers, engineers, and designers are urged to develop new competencies necessary in the AI era, including hands-on interaction with AI-driven features and agile iteration.

Leadership Lessons and AI Integration Best Practices

Howie challenges traditional CEO roles by advocating for direct technical engagement to stay connected with product realities and customer needs. His philosophy stresses that playing with AI daily—not just reading about it—is critical for teams to anticipate user requirements and innovate effectively.

Moreover, Airtable’s shift toward AI-centric workflows underscores the value of balancing rapid experimentation with deliberate long-term planning. This dual approach supports sustainable growth while maintaining a cutting-edge product roadmap.

Outcomes and Industry Impact

The radical reorganization and leadership style have propelled Airtable to exceed $100 million in free cash flow, illustrating the commercial benefits of integrating AI deeply into company DNA. Airtable’s experience serves as a model for startups and established companies alike aiming to thrive in an AI-driven marketplace.