• Fireside Chat

The Wisdom of the Elder: A Conversation with Mathew Knowles, Beyonce’s Father

Chip Conley & Mathew Knowles

Grab a front-row seat as Chip sits down for a virtual conversation with globally renowned speaker and entrepreneur Mathew Knowles (yes, Beyonce’s dad!), for a powerful exploration of mentorship, wisdom, and cross-generational collaboration.
In this special Fireside Chat, Chip & Mathew will discuss:

  • Influential Elders – The elders and mentors who shaped Mathew’s journey and the invaluable lessons he learned from them
  • Life Lessons that Become Future Wisdom – and how to share that wisdom with others in an impactful way
  • Balancing Family & Business – The unique rewards and challenges of being both father and former manager to two iconic artists, and the mutual learning that emerged
  • Bridging Generational Divides – How we can create meaningful connections in our increasingly age-segregated society

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from two pioneers who’ve witnessed firsthand how sharing wisdom and bridging generational divides creates magic – strengthening businesses, deepening collaborations, and tapping into exciting new possibilities for everyone involved.


April 1, 2025 2:00 PM PT 05:00 PM ET

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Meet Your Hosts

Chip Conley

Chip Conley is a hospitality entrepreneur, author, and the founder of MEA.

Chip is a three-time TED speaker and the New York Times bestselling author of Wisdom at Work: The Making of a Modern Elder and Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age. As founder of the second largest boutique hotel chain in America and “modern elder” to the young Airbnb founders, Chip is a globally-recognized thought leader on the future of work and the competitive advantages of a multi-generational workplace.

Inspired by his experience of intergenerational mentoring at Airbnb – where his guidance was instrumental to the company’s extraordinary success – Chip founded MEA in 2017 to help other people in midlife find their own meaningful way to keep learning and sharing the wisdom gained from their lived experiences to create fulfilling and exciting second adulthoods. Since then he has dedicated much of his life to reframing the concept of aging and helping people navigate midlife with renewed purpose and possibility.

Mathew Knowles

Music Mogul, Brand Strategist, Speaker, Global Brand Ambassador

Mathew Knowles is a globally renowned sought-after speaker, leader in sales & marketing, brand development, entrepreneurship, and educator at Pepperdine University and London College of Contemporary Music (LCCM). He shares his expertise with some of the world’s largest organizations and conferences, empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.

In addition to his business and entertainment achievements, Mathew serves as a Global Brand Ambassador for 23andMe and Zero Prostate Cancer, advocating for health awareness and early detection.As the driving force behind the development, recording, and distribution of some of the most iconic careers in culture – Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, Solange, and many more – Mr. Knowles has cemented over 25 major endorsements and tour sponsorships with major brands including Loreal, Pepsi, Walmart, Mercedes Benz, American Express, Nintendo, Giorgio Armani, McDonalds, Vizio TV, Samsung and many others.

Discover Upcoming Wisdom

Who Am I Now? Clarity and Freedom to Thrive

Jill Nykoliation & Derek Gehl
May 1, 2025 1:30 PM PT 04:30 PM ET

After decades of moving at a million miles an hour – striving, building, compromising, accomplishing – have you paused to reflect on who you truly are now?

Join host Derek Gehl for an illuminating conversation with human insight specialist and award-winning business leader and brand strategist Jill Nykoliation. From guiding global brands to coaching executives through pivotal life transitions, Jill brings a unique perspective on identity and reinvention.

Just a few things we’ll explore:

  • The Science of Identity – what research tells us about shedding outdated versions of ourselves
  • The Midlife Opportunity – why this stage offers unique potential for transformation
  • The Liberation of Clarity – how defining who you are now creates freedom to thrive

Whether you’re feeling stuck in old patterns, seeking greater purpose, or simply curious about the next chapter of your life – you’ll leave this live chat with practical insights and renewed excitement about who you’re becoming.

Crossroads & Classics: Navigating Transitions with Art & Literature

David Carl, Dr. Claudia Hauer, Mary Hofstedt & Kari Cardinale
May 6, 2025 1:00 PM PT 04:00 PM ET

Join host Kari Cardinale for a warm and enlightening conversation with St. John’s faculty David Carl and Claudia Hauer, alongside MEA facilitator Lead Mary Hofstedt. Together, they’ll explore how classics, art, and poetry light our path through life’s transitions in this special MEA and St. John’s College collaboration.

  • The Power of Literary Wisdom – How Victor Frankl’s insights on choosing our response creates space for personal growth
  • Ancient Philosophy in Modern Life – Unpacking Plato’s allegory of the cave and the universal hero’s journey
  • Art as Transition Guide – Georgia O’Keeffe’s Santa Fe journey and how visual art illuminates our pathways

Come discover how the classics can walk beside you through life’s biggest moments in this special gathering of MEA and St. John’s College.