Spend 12 months with Chip Conley creating your 10-Year Purpose Plan

Our journey starts January 2026 — limited to 20-28 people max

The MEA

Purpose Fellowship

Spend 12 months with Chip Conley creating your 10-Year Purpose Plan

Our journey starts January 2026 — limited to 20-28 people max

3 Destination Retreats
Monthly Online Meetups
Monthly Forum Meetings
1-on-1 Sessions with Chip
Quarterly Fireside Chats
Apply by Nov 1st
for a free room upgrade (value $2,500)

*Special couples rate available – learn more below

Have Questions?
Connect with our helpful team of Advisors

Book a Call

Imagine spending a full year with Chip Conley designing the most purposeful decade of your life.

You’ve spent years building a career, a business, a reputation.

The milestones are behind you. The balance sheet looks good. Friends and colleagues see you as accomplished, even enviable.

But here’s what they don’t see…

The persistent question that keeps rising: Now what?

  • The work that used to fulfill you – but now feels like going through the motions
  • The exit that gave you freedom – but also left a void you’re struggling to fill.
  • The retirement that looks perfect on paper – but feels strangely empty.
  • The sense that time is moving faster, and you don’t want to waste the next decade drifting.
  • The awareness that while you’ve achieved much, you haven’t yet defined the impact you want to make or the legacy you want to offer.
If any of that sounds familiar, you're not alone.

Many high-functioning people reach a point where the old roadmap no longer works – and they find themselves slightly bewildered about what comes next.

And there’s a reason so many accomplished people get stuck here.

Why most next chapters fail before they begin...

Even the best-laid plans rarely go far on their own.

Without structure, accountability, and expert guidance to point the way forward, most people drift. They confuse clarity with commitment, inspiration with execution, and busy work with a clear sense of purpose.

That’s why so many ambitious “next chapters” falter after a few months – the initial spark wears off, momentum stalls, and there’s no one to hold you accountable or help you course-correct.

Even if you keep hitting goals and feel like you’re moving forward, if your work isn’t aligned with the things that matter most to you now, you may find yourself living a life you never really wanted in the first place: success on the outside, but emptiness within.

Real and lasting fulfillment requires more than a spark of inspiration.

It requires tapping into something deeper – a clear sense of purpose and what psychologists call generativity: the desire to establish and guide the next generation, often expressed through mentorship, creativity, community, or legacy-building.

Without that anchor, next chapters often collapse back into busyness or distraction. But when generativity is present, it becomes the fuel for growth, contribution, and renewal.

And like any fuel, it needs the right container:
  • A circle of peers who understand your journey
  • Mentors who can guide you through the inevitable doubts
  • And a framework that keeps you moving when life gets noisy
Most of all, it takes time. Time to slow down, ask the deeper questions, build new practices, and gain clarity that lasts a decade, not just a season.

The high achiever’s trap: rushing into what’s next

High achievers are wired to move fast. To fill the void left by one chapter with another as quickly as possible. To leap into new projects, roles, or commitments without pausing to ask if this is really what they want.

But what if the more radical move isn’t acceleration – it’s pause?

What if the most courageous thing you could do right now is take twelve months to get truly clear on who you are now, what you value most, and how you want to invest your energy in the decade ahead?

This is the essence of the “Midlife Atrium”: a threshold space where you’re invited to step out of the busyness of life and into a more intentional way of being in order to curate what’s next.

From drifting to deliberate: a new way forward

Many of MEA’s alumni – leaders, entrepreneurs, creators, change-makers – have entered this season of asking deeper questions about what comes next. They know they want to live with purpose, vitality, and clarity. And they feel increasingly called to express their generativity and contribute to something beyond themselves – shaping the people, projects, and communities that will carry their impact forward.

What they’ve lacked is the time, the structure, and the right companions to chart a new course.

That’s why Chip has created the MEA Purpose Fellowship – for accomplished midlifers who are searching for significance and refuse to drift into their future, just like you.

What would 12 months of guidance, community, and accountability mean to you?

Your year with Chip includes:
  • Quarterly one-on-one coaching with Chip himself – time dedicated solely to your questions, your growth, your next steps.
  • Monthly cohort sessions and quarterly fireside chats where Chip shares new insights, frameworks, and personal guidance.
  • Three in-person retreats where you’ll learn directly from Chip and a circle of remarkable peers, while forging friendships that last well beyond the program.
This isn’t a keynote or a classroom. 

It’s a rare chance to be mentored, challenged, and supported by Chip in the most personal way he’s ever offered – while gaining access to the wisdom and accountability of a small, hand-selected group of accomplished midlifers who are asking the same question you are:

What’s next, and how do I live it with purpose?

Who this is for

The MEA Purpose Fellowship is designed for accomplished midlifers who are ready to trade momentum for meaning and step into their most purposeful decade yet.

This includes:
  • Post-work explorers — those preparing for or moving beyond retirement, seeking to craft a vibrant next chapter.
  • Transition navigators — people in the midst of reinvention after selling a business, leaving a role, or experiencing a major life shift.
  • Legacy builders — individuals drawn to mentorship, community, or generativity, eager to shape the impact they’ll leave behind.
  • Creators and meaning seekers — those called to awaken curiosity, creativity, and new ways of expressing themselves in midlife.
  • Leaders and influencers — executives, entrepreneurs, or changemakers ready to evolve their definition of success and embrace purpose-driven leadership.

The results that will redefine your next decade

Direct mentorship with Chip Conley – quarterly one-on-one sessions plus monthly cohort touchpoints where Chip guides you personally.

A clear roadmap for your next decade – no more drifting! You’ll leave with a generativity plan grounded in clarity, vitality, and purpose.

Three transformative retreats – immersive gatherings in Santa Fe and Baja that reset your perspective and accelerate your growth.

Accountability that works – Smaller monthly peer forums and partner accountability to  ensure you actually follow through.

A circle of accomplished peers – 20-28 Fellows in total, all navigating similar transitions, offering challenge, camaraderie, and support.

Momentum beyond the program – a deeply bonded alumni group with lasting connections so the journey doesn’t end at graduation.

A year-long framework that keeps you moving forward

Join Chip and your cohort for three transformational retreats at our campuses in Santa Fe and Baja:
Retreat 1

Transitions & The Hero’s Journey

January 18–22, 2026 | Santa Fe, NM
Step away from daily demands to reflect on the transitions that brought you here – and the ones ahead. With Chip and your peers, you’ll map your own Hero’s Journey, clarifying the identity shifts, challenges, and opportunities that will define your next chapter.
Retreat 2

Purpose & Legacy

June 28–July 2, 2026 | Baja, Mexico
In the beauty of Baja, reconnect with your sense of purpose and the legacy you want to shape. Through guided practices, storytelling, and community, you’ll explore how to turn wisdom into impact – mentoring, creating, and contributing in ways that endure.
Retreat 3

Capstone & Commitment

November 15–19, 2026 | Santa Fe, NM
Bring together the insights and growth of your fellowship year into a clear vision for the decade ahead. Step into your legacy as you share commitments with your peers and celebrate this milestone of purpose and leadership.
These retreats are your opportunity to step away from daily demands, immerse yourself in nature and community, and do the deep reflective work that can only happen in person. Each gathering is a reset – a chance to clarify your path, strengthen bonds with your cohort, and accelerate the design of your next decade.

3 Destination 

Retreats

Monthly Cohort Sessions

Gather as a full fellowship each month for a live 60-minute session with Chip and MEA faculty. These touchpoints keep your learning alive, spark fresh insights, and ensure the whole cohort moves forward together.

Monthly Forum Meetings

Every month, you’ll also meet in a small peer forum of 6–8 Fellows for candid sharing, honest reflection, and mutual accountability. This is where deeper bonds form and where ideas turn into real action.

Quarterly 1:1 Coaching with Chip

Each quarter, you’ll have a private 30-minute session with Chip dedicated to your journey. These conversations provide personalized guidance, traction, and support right when you need it most.

Quarterly Fireside Chats

Four times a year, gather with your cohort for intimate fireside dialogues with Chip and notable guests. Expect candid stories, practical wisdom, and the kind of inspiration that comes from behind-the-scenes conversations.

Accountability Partner

By the end of the first quarter, you’ll be paired with a peer partner for micro-check-ins between sessions. This simple structure ensures you stay committed, supported, and never walk this journey alone.

Your month-by-month roadmap to purpose

January

Transitions & Identity

Begin your Fellowship year by reflecting on the transitions that brought you here and the identity shifts ahead. Map the contours of your Hero’s Journey for the decade to come.

February

Energy & Longevity

Discover tools and practices that support clarity, resilience, and sustainable vitality – so you can feel energized and fully present for every step of the journey ahead.

March

Personality Types & Talents

Use personality frameworks and strengths assessments to better understand yourself – and how to bring your unique talents into the next chapter.

April

Creativity & Possibility

Experiment with new ways of seeing and thinking. Expand your sense of possibility and uncover creative approaches to reimagining your future.

May

Generativity & Values

Deepen your awareness of what you most want to pass on – through mentorship, creativity, or community – and align it with your core values.

June

Purpose & Legacy

Step back to articulate your deeper purpose and clarify the legacy you want to create. Explore how wisdom and service can shape what comes after you.

July

Mindset Obstacles & Limiting Beliefs

Identify the inner barriers that hold you back and learn practices to move beyond self-limiting narratives. Build the confidence to step into your next chapter fully.

August

Leadership & Mentorship

Explore new models of leadership in midlife. Consider how you can mentor others, share wisdom, and lead with authenticity and influence.

September

First Draft of Purpose Plan

Synthesize your learning into a first draft of your 10-Year Purpose Plan, capturing the themes, experiments, and insights you’ll refine in the months ahead.

October

What Needs to Change?

Get candid about the shifts required – habits, structures, or commitments – to align your life with your emerging plan. Strengthen accountability with peers.

November

Presentation of Purpose Plan

At the capstone retreat, share your 10-Year Purpose Plan with your cohort. Step into your commitments and celebrate this milestone of clarity and purpose.

December

Action Plan & Celebration

Translate your Purpose Plan into a concrete action plan. Transition into the Alumni Guild with momentum, allies, and structures to carry your roadmap forward.

Tangible takeaways
that stick long after
the Fellowship ends

You’ll walk away with…
  • Clarity of purpose – a personal Purpose Statement and Life Domain Audit that illuminate what truly matters for the years ahead.
  • Traction through action – 2–3 tested “purpose experiments” that translate ideas into lived experience.
  • Your Hero’s Journey – a compelling narrative of who you are and the chapter you’re stepping into.
  • A Generativity Roadmap – a detailed, decade-long plan that maps your vision, projects, habits, allies, and rhythms of review.
  • A 12-month Execution Plan – concrete steps to begin living your roadmap immediately after the Fellowship.
  • An enduring peer community – a circle of accomplished Fellows who will hold you accountable and remain allies long after graduation.
Only 20-28 people worldwide will share this journey with Chip in 2026 — will you be one?
Complete your application today

Why Chip Conley is the perfect mentor for this season of your life

Chip Conley, NY Times bestselling author of Learning to Love Midlife, Wisdom at Work, The Midlife Manifesto, and more.

If you’re here, you already know Chip Conley – as MEA’s founder, a thought leader on midlife and aging, and someone who has spent decades building communities that change lives.

What makes the MEA Purpose Fellowship different is that, for the first time, Chip isn’t just leading a workshop or giving a talk. He’s walking alongside you for an entire year.

That means:
  • Direct access – four private coaching sessions and monthly touchpoints with Chip, focused on your life and your questions.
  • Behind-the-scenes wisdom – fireside chats where Chip shares candid stories and frameworks not found in books or keynotes.
  • A guide who’s lived it – as an entrepreneur, author, and community builder, Chip has navigated reinvention and purpose in midlife himself.
  • A connector of people – Chip is a social alchemist who has a gift for curating rooms where peers become allies and conversations lead to real change.
This Fellowship is Chip’s most personal program yet – his way of giving a small circle of people the time, attention, and mentorship they’ve been asking for.

The impact of Chip’s

guidance, in their words

Chip Conley has been visionary in creating MEA. I am so impressed by how he has merged his genius of hospitality with the imparting of wisdom which the world needs, and which so many of us are craving. Walking alongside him for this deep, intensive experience will be a delight and a gift.

―Krista Tippett
Peabody-Award winning broadcaster and creator of On Being

Chip has discovered the key to unlocking the power of purpose. Having the privilege of co-teaching gatherings with him, I have witnessed how he clearly and gracefully coaches people to discern their calling in midlife and beyond.. He has helped me, personally, to deepen and expand my call “to grow and to give to life”. I cannot imagine a better choice of one’s precious time than to join Chip on the 12-month Purpose Fellowship path.

―Richard Leider
Founder, Inventure-The Purpose Company
Senior Fellow, University of Minnesota Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing
International bestselling author, The Power of Purpose, Repacking Your Bags and Life Reimagined

If we are lucky enough, midlife will find us all, but that doesn’t mean crisis has to accompany it. The brilliant and beloved Conley reminds us that with transition and uncertainty comes possibility. No, our doors are not closed after forty, fifty, sixty: in many ways, they are more open than ever.

―Esther Perel, psychotherapist, author and host of Where Should We Begin

Chip will be your guide in learning how to cultivate a beginner’s mind with the ability to learn and grow… He’ll show you that wisdom has very little to do with age and everything to do with approach. He’ll teach you that when you open your eyes, ears, and heart, you’ll find that everybody has a story worth hearing.

― Brian Chesky, CEO and co-founder of Airbnb

With large doses of wisdom and frequent sprinkles of wit, Chip Conley shows how all of us can approach our 40s, 50s, and 60s with intention and wonder.

―Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of When, Drive, and The Power of Regret

I’ve never met anyone more inspiring than Chip Conley; I think of him as the C.E.O. of joy, of kindness and of light. During each of the five-day workshops I’ve co-taught with him, I’ve been overwhelmed by the skill and grace with which he led every last person towards a deeper sense of purpose and a richer sense of what a good life means. He seems to have read so much, to have traveled everywhere and to have developed an uncommon wisdom about bringing people into a sense of both intimacy and community.

He invites every participant to his house to swim, he answers every e-mail almost instantly and he listens and leads with the most profound emotional intelligence. By week’s end, all of us are inspired and moved at the core, almost in tears at having uncovered a truer way of cherishing the second half of life.
―Pico Iyer
Essayist and Novelist
Author of The Art of Stillness and Autumn Light and Aflame: Learning from Silence
Fellow, Royal Society of Literature

Who this is for

The MEA Purpose Fellowship is designed for accomplished midlifers who are ready to trade momentum for meaning and step into their most purposeful decade yet.

This program is for you if you are:
  • At a crossroads – recently retired, sold a business, or winding down a career and asking “what’s next?”
  • An MEA alum or longtime admirer of Chip’s work who has wished for a way to go deeper than a single workshop or retreat.
  • Financially resourced and time-flexible – able to commit to three retreats and regular touchpoints across twelve months.
  • Motivated to grow and give back – eager to explore purpose, service, and creativity while contributing to the growth of your peers.
  • Looking for clarity, structure, and accountability to design a decade-long roadmap that aligns with your values and vitality.
  • Excited by community – drawn to learning and bonding with a small hand-selected group of accomplished Fellows from diverse backgrounds.

Who this is not for

The MEA Purpose Fellowship is intentionally small and highly curated. To protect the experience for every Fellow, this program is not a fit if you are:
  • Looking for a quick fix – this is a year-long journey, not a weekend retreat or a burst of inspiration.
  • Unable to commit the time – full participation requires attending three retreats and showing up consistently for monthly and quarterly touchpoints.
  • Expecting concierge-style consulting or therapy – Chip and the faculty guide the process, but the transformation comes from your engagement, your peers, and your willingness to do the work.
  • Uncomfortable in community – this is a peer-driven experience where candor, generosity, and accountability matter.
  • Not ready to invest – financially, energetically, and emotionally – in your next chapter.
This Fellowship is for those who are serious about designing a meaningful decade ahead – and eager to do so alongside Chip and a remarkable group of peers.

Why this Fellowship stands apart from every other program

Plenty of programs promise inspiration. Some even offer community. And some offered by prestigious universities come with price tags north of $85,000.  

The MEA Purpose Fellowship is different:
  • Depth over days – this isn’t inspiration that fades once you’re home. It’s a full year of immersion, integration, and accountability.
  • Chip, unfiltered – direct, ongoing access to Chip’s mentorship in ways he’s never offered before. Chip gets paid $50,000-$75,000 for one-hour speeches and we know you’ll find your small group and 1-on-1 time with him priceless.
  • Cohort chemistry – A maximum of 28 Fellows handpicked for alignment, generosity, and ambition, ensuring a circle where trust and candor thrive.
  • From ideas to action – you’ll leave with a concrete roadmap, tested experiments, and the habits to make change stick.
  • Extraordinary value – peer institutions charge three times as much for programs that deliver far less personal access or tangible outcomes. (Not to mention the superlative experience you’ll have at our world-class retreat centres in Santa Fe and Baja!)
This isn’t another retreat. It’s an experience designed to reshape the next decade of your life.

Designed for busy people who don’t want another obligation — but do want lasting change

The MEA Purpose Fellowship is built to fit into your life, not take it over. Most of the engagement happens in short, high-impact touchpoints:
  • Monthly cohort sessions – just 60 minutes, designed to spark fresh insight and keep you moving forward.
  • Monthly peer forums – intimate conversations with 6–8 Fellows that keep you accountable without overwhelming your schedule.
  • Quarterly coaching with Chip – focused 30-minute sessions, tailored to your questions and goals.
  • Three 4-day luxury retreats – immersive resets that give you space to reflect, renew, and accelerate your growth.
In between, you’ll have flexibility to engage as deeply as you choose with your accountability partner and purpose experiments. 

It’s a rhythm that works: steady enough to create momentum, spacious enough to fit into even the busiest life — and powerful enough to transform the next ten years.

The question isn’t whether you can afford the time or investment – it’s whether you can afford not to.

Why waiting another year isn’t an option

Midlife used to mean slowing down. Today, it’s a new beginning – but only if you pause long enough to design it with intention.

Too many accomplished people drift into this next chapter without clarity, wasting years in uncertainty or distraction. 

The truth is, your future won’t wait. And the longer you put off reimagining it, the harder it is to break old patterns.

The MEA Purpose Fellowship offers the rare chance to stop, reflect, and chart a deliberate course — before the next decade simply happens to you.

With Chip as your guide and a small circle of peers by your side, you’ll step into a future that’s not just successful, but truly meaningful.

What it takes to

secure your seat

The MEA Purpose Fellowship is a premium, high-touch experience – a full year of mentorship, reflection, and accountability designed to shape the next ten years of your life.
Your investment

$20,000

This includes:
  • All three transformational retreats (Santa Fe and Baja)
  • Shared accommodations and meals at MEA campuses during retreats. (*Private rooms also available – see note below.)
  • Monthly cohort sessions and peer forums
  • Quarterly fireside chats with Chip and guests
  • Four private one-on-one coaching sessions with Chip
  • Program materials and access to MEA’s digital platform
* Register by November 1st and get a free private room upgrade for all three in-person retreats. After that date, you’ll have to pay a one-time $2,500 upgrade fee to guarantee a private room for all three retreats.

Special couple's rate available

If you’d like to go on this year-long journey with your spouse or partner and are happy to share a room at our in-person retreats, we’d love to offer you a couple's rate of $16,000 each. Imagine the impact of not only deepening your own clarity and purpose, but also walking this path together – strengthening your bond, supporting each other’s growth, and building a purposeful future together.

By application only

A hand-picked circle of peers

Because this Fellowship is designed for a highly curated group of participants, admission is by application only. 

Here’s how it works:
Submit your application — share your goals, motivations, and readiness for the journey.
Advisor conversation — shortlisted applicants will be invited to a call with an MEA advisor.
Acceptance & registration — if approved, you’ll secure your seat with your deposit and begin preparing for January 2026.
Applications are now open for the 2026 cohort. 

Only 20-28 Fellows will be admitted worldwide and we expect the spots for this program will disappear quickly.

If you’re interested, submit your application ASAP to see if you qualify.
Yes! I want to be a part of this

Register by November 1st and receive a free private room upgrade for all three in-person retreats (value: $2,500)

Your questions, answered

How much time will I need to commit?

The Fellowship is designed to integrate into your life, not overwhelm it. You’ll attend three five-day retreats and participate in monthly 60-minute cohort calls, monthly small peer forums, quarterly fireside chats, and four private coaching sessions with Chip. In between, you’ll choose how deeply to engage with your accountability partner and purpose experiments.

There will also be a curated reading list of books and articles, but they will be optional and not required.

Where do the retreats take place?

The three retreats are held at MEA’s world-class campuses in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Baja, Mexico. These destinations are intentionally chosen for their beauty and restorative energy, creating the space to step away from daily demands and reflect deeply.

Do I really get one-on-one time with Chip?

Yes. Each Fellow has four private 30-minute sessions with Chip during the year, in addition to monthly cohort sessions and his presence at all three retreats. This is Chip’s most personal program yet, designed to give you unprecedented access to his mentorship.

How is the cohort selected?

Admission is by application only. We look for accomplished, growth-minded individuals who are motivated to design their next chapter and generous in spirit. Diversity of background, experience, and perspective is key to creating a vibrant and supportive cohort. Only 20-28 Fellows will be accepted worldwide.

What if something comes up and I can’t attend one of the retreats?

We strongly encourage full participation in all three retreats, as they are the anchors of the program. That said, we understand life happens. If you must miss one, you’ll still be able to engage through monthly calls, forums, and coaching sessions to stay on track.

What happens after the Fellowship ends?

Graduation isn’t the finish line — it’s a handoff into the MEA Fellowship Alumni Guild. You’ll continue to have access to your peers, accountability structures, and MEA’s alumni opportunities, ensuring your roadmap stays alive and supported.

How much does the Fellowship cost?

Tuition is $20,000, which includes all program components, retreats, accommodations, and meals at MEA campuses. A private room upgrade is available for $2,500. Payment is structured as a $10,000 deposit upon acceptance and a $10,000 balance due 45 days before the first retreat.

Are scholarships or discounts available?

Because of the intimate scale and high level of access, we are not able to offer scholarships or discounts for the Fellowship. We do, however, offer generous scholarships for most of MEA’s in-person workshops in Baja and Santa Fe.

Who is this Fellowship best suited for?

The Fellowship is designed for accomplished midlife professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs (ages 45–75) who are ready to trade momentum for meaning, invest in their growth, and design the most purposeful decade of their lives.

Still deciding or have questions?
Connect with our helpful team of Advisors

Our Advisors are all MEA alumni who can offer genuine insights into our programs. They’re passionate about helping you finding the right fit to make your next chapter the best one.

BOOK a cAlL

Daniel Booz

Lucas Erie

Leslie Bartlett