050: Chip Conley on Becoming a Modern Elder in the Workplace

On this awesome episode of Gen X Amplified, Adrion is joined by Chip Conley, bestselling author, hospitality entrepreneur, and strategic advisor to Airbnb.

During this great interview, Chip unpacks his latest book, Wisdom@Work: The Making of a Modern Elder. Part manifesto and part playbook, Wisdom@Work outlines and amplifies a much needed conversation not only about ageism in the workplace, but also a rallying cry for those in midlife to unlock the virtues of this stage in the curve of life.

Adrion and Chip also discuss how Gen X is now in the prime sweet spot of midlife, and why that's a good thing! Especially being in the position to facilitate mutual beneficial relationships with younger generations, especially Millennials.

Chip Conley is a bestselling author, hospitality entrepreneur, strategic advisor to Airbnb, and the Founder of the Modern Elder Academy.

At the age of twenty-six, Chip founded Joie de Vivre Hospitality and turned it into the second largest boutique hotel brand in the world. After selling his company in 2010, he joined Airbnb and, as head of Global Hospitality and Strategy, Chip helped turn it into the world's largest hospitality brand.

Chip has also written numerous bestselling books including PEAK and Emotional Equations.

But his latest book, titled "Wisdom@Work: The Making of a Modern Elder," was inspired by his post-50-year-old experiences as both a mentor and unexpected intern at Airbnb. And he is here to discuss not only his journey, but deep dive into this great book.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Chip decided to join a tech startup at this stage in his career, after successful leading his own business
• Hear the main motivation to write a manifesto that outlined his journey and stature at Airbnb as a "modern elder
• How to become a mentor and an intern at the same time
• Why the years of midlife as expanded since the term's inception over 40 years ago
• How Chip understood that soft skills and emotional acumen, generally found in elder generations, is much needed in the workplace in addition to digital skills
• The reason Chip created and founded the Modern Elder Academy
• How Gen X can embrace its place in the current modern multigenerational workplace
• And so much more!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Chip Conley's website
• Wisdom@Work (book)
• Modern Elder Academy
• Elizabeth White's website
• Chip on LinkedIn

Chip's Personal Theme Song

• “Beautiful Day" by U2

Thank you for listening!