A CEO’s guide on how to thrive in the changing world | Chip Conley

He revolutionized hospitality, twice. Chip Conley, co-founder of Modern Elder Academy, shares his secrets to being able to evolve in an ever-changing world.

Chip Conley, founder of Joie de Vivre and former Airbnb executive, reflects on the dynamics of age, wisdom, and curiosity in the ever-evolving world.

In this Legends interview, Conley shares his experiences challenging conventional norms in the hospitality industry, navigating the dot-com boom and bust, and embracing the role of a "modern elder" at Airbnb.

Conley offers a thought-provoking exploration of the ways curiosity and wisdom intersect. In a world that's rapidly changing, discover why being open to new mindsets is not just an option but a key to longevity and happiness.

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About Chip Conley:

Chip Conley, founder of MEA, the first midlife wisdom school, and New York Times bestselling author, reflects on the dynamics of age, wisdom, and curiosity in the ever-evolving world.

In our Legends interview, Conley, who founded his boutique hotel company Joie de Vivre at 26 years old and was a former Airbnb executive, shares his experiences challenging conventional norms in the hospitality industry, navigating the dot-com boom and bust, and embracing the role of a “modern elder” at Airbnb.

Conley offers a thought-provoking exploration of the ways curiosity and wisdom intersect. In a world that’s rapidly changing, discover why being open to new mindsets is not just an option but a key to longevity and happiness.

[MomoBagel]

Airbnb has destroyed the neighborhood I live in. I live in the center of Warsaw, Poland. Until recently, it was a really nice place to live. There's lots of greenery - squares and parks, great transportation, plenty of bicycles and bike trails, and to top it off, there's a beautiful almost wild Vistula River running through the middle of the city. This is a really cool place. Or rather, it was. Because at the moment housing prices went up terribly, everyone wanted to have an apartment here to rent it out via Airbnb - or for an office. On the weekend it's empty and dead. No one is around except for some occasional tourists - who are delighted that it's so quiet and peaceful, but I'm not thrilled with their behavior. The garbage cans in the yard are filled with almost new furniture from IKEA, because renting under Airbnb requires nice furniture all the time. It's much more expensive in stores. I can't say anything good about Airbnb.

[darien]

Thanks for playing your part in worsening the housing crisis Chip. Between institutional investors and services like Airbnb and VRBO housing is just no longer accessible.

[lucys.]

Another guy from priviliged background preaching how people should think, briliant.

[alpucar]

Humility goes a long way when it comes to "lecturing" young people. It also spreads downward, where when you have the leadership in the company comprise of humble people, the rest of the company starts to become more humble, thinking "Wow, if these highly-successful people are this humble, then I should be that way too".

The two takeaways I got are:

1) Active listening and humility makes you a non-boomer.
2) Go out of your field in learning and use it to think outside the box. This is called "divergent creativity" and it works wonders, especially in traditional areas.

Thanks a lot for the insights!

[temporarynameful]

Step 1: buy and renovate a hotel at 26.
Step 2: profit
Step 3: self-actualization

[rikachiu]

Airbnb has destroyed home affordability.

[joan]

Not at all what this video’s thumbnail inferred

[Oscarggarcia]

Ah, the inspiring story of literally the Monopoly guy.

[YouMustBeConfused]

Pride in making AirBNB what it has devolved in to is a huge red flag.

[kinngrimm]

Looking at my 80 year old mother and then hearing something like "i am a believer in learning our whole lives" i must admit, that made me chuckle. Even though, my passed away grandmother had a saying "du wirst alt wie ne Kuh und lernst immer noch dazu" roughly translates into 'no matter how old you get, you still learn new things", though senile obstinacy and overall unwillingness to change their mind in many aspects seem some valid counterpoints. Hopefully i make it that long as these two to find out ^^.

[tanvikittur]

Did they post the video with the wrong title or something? Completely unrelated.

[-handala-]

Ok boomer, who’s money did a 26 years old use to buy a hotel. Leaving that bit out. Ffs.

[ss]

This is absolute drivel. He happened to be able to buy and rebrand a dodgy motel to suddenly cater and attract rock stars? 🙄 aka his daddy bought it and then he had mates in the industry to promote it.

[alexlopez]

Isn't Airbnb the reason why so many people in the country can't afford a house?

[flippinkays]

The whole lesson part of this video was less than 2 mins of its run time

[vade]

The thing that makes this so dumb is how unrelatable this guy is. He was rich enough to by his own hotel and then things escalated from there. Most people are trying to get food to mouth. Whats going to happen to my job due to the rise of AI? HOW DO I FUTURE PROOF THAT? I don't know and I doubt anyone knows and that doesn't make anyone stupid. It just means this is a very amazing and sometimes scary time to be living in.

[kanisch]

Probably got his starting capital from some rich dad.

[nicesuuue]

This might be out of topic, but he looks really youthful. If this is the effect of creativity and innovation to people, I think more people would want to think outside the box.

Great interview btw, and great editing as always!

[_Mute_]

Neat story, but there wasnt really much said? Stay flexible and think creatively. Okay cool 👍

[mrdeanvincent]

Chip should really go back and read more than the first chapter of Maslow's work.