A Journey of Vision, Curiosity, and Reinvention

Chip Conley reflects on creating Joie de Vivre in his twenties, learning the hotel business from the ground up, and developing his leadership style through mentorship, culture-building, and navigating fast growth. He describes how the company evolved through major economic downturns, prompting him to eventually transition out after realizing he no longer felt the creativity and freedom he sought.

He shares how midlife transitions led him to co-found the Modern Elder Academy, the world’s first midlife wisdom school, where he helps people reframe aging through curiosity, growth mindsets, and openness to becoming beginners again. Conley explains how risk-taking, intuition, reciprocity in networking, and mutual mentorship across generations have shaped his journey and continue to guide his work today.

Notable Quotes/Highlights

• “The employee comes first, because if you do that really well, they’re going to do it for your customers.” 
• “Curiosity is the wellspring from which creativity and innovation come.”
• “The only way we get better is by taking risks… I like to think of my failures as noble experiments.”
• “To be a ‘mentern’ is to be a mentor and an intern at the same time.”
• “Don’t get so wrapped up in what your purpose is. Get more focused on what you’re purposeful about.”

Closing Reflection

Chip’s insights encourage embracing curiosity, taking small risks, and staying open to reinvention. His experience highlights the value of wisdom, connection, and purposeful action at any life stage.

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