Editing Graham Gaylor (section)

== Leadership Philosophy ==

Across public statements, Gaylor has consistently communicated a few recurring values:

* '''Open expression''' — The decision to allow fully custom avatars, made in early 2014, reflects a philosophical commitment to identity freedom that predates the platform's success
* '''Transparency''' — The 2024 layoff email, published unredacted, is unusual in tech leadership; Gaylor explicitly named his own errors rather than deflecting to market conditions
* '''Long-term mission over short-term optimization''' — Repeatedly framing VRChat's purpose in terms of human connection ("where so many people have found friends, family, and happiness") rather than pure growth metrics
* '''Community as product''' — His promotional decision around tupper, the Furality partnership, and the emphasis on community infrastructure suggest a genuine view of the community as core product