Radical Wisdom: The Natural Laws of Business & A Meaningful Life
Is a partial scholarship for you?
We believe in making personal growth and education accessible to everyone, which is why we offer partial scholarships on a needs-aware basis for many of our programs.
These scholarships support individuals facing financial challenges, including — but not limited to — members of underrepresented communities. If financial stress might prevent you from attending a workshop, we encourage you to apply.
Partial scholarships, provided through the Association for Growth and Education, are limited to 2–3 seats per workshop and reviewed in the order received. We recommend applying as soon as possible, as scholarship decisions are typically confirmed 90–120 days before the workshop date.
Ari Weinzweig
Co-founder of Zingerman’s Community of Businesses | Author of Zingerman’s Guide to Good Leading | Named by Inc. Magazine as one of the World’s Top 10 CEOs
Chip Conley
MEA Founder, Hotelier + Hospitality Entrepreneur, Bestselling Author
Be a Rebel. Defy “Business as Usual” – and Create Success You Actually Believe In
You’ve proven you can play the game. You’ve built wealth, built influence, and maybe even started thinking about what comes next.
But here’s the truth: playing by the old rules doesn’t excite you anymore.
You don’t just want to succeed. You want to rebel against business as usual and create something you’re proud to put your name on. Something you're proud to show your kids and grandkids as proof that business can be a force for good – and create a better world for future generations.
But right now, it may not feel like what you’ve built reflects that vision.
The danger? Achieving temporary success that falls short of making the difference you hoped for.
The future you want isn’t about “more” – it’s about meaning.
You dream of creating an organization where:
Here’s the radical wisdom that will bring that vision to life:
Rebel business leaders Ari Weinzweig and Chip Conley have spent their careers defying the old rules of business – and proving that success rooted in values, vision, and humanity is not only possible, but powerful.
For the first time ever, they are coming together to teach a four-day workshop on the Natural Laws of Business they’ve uncovered through decades of practice – timeless principles that can transform a company into a movement and turn work into meaningful impact.During your four days with Ari and Chip, you will…
Break from the tired playbook of endless growth and learn the Natural Laws that create real progress.
Defy hollow capitalism by designing success that’s profitable and principled.
Transform your company from a job factory into a movement that ignites meaning and pride.
Rewrite the rules of leadership so every decision reflects your deepest values.
Harness rebellion as a tool for impact, building a business you can believe in – and the world actually needs.
Who this workshop is for
Meet Your Faculty
Ari Weinzweig
Visionary Entrepreneur | Co-Founder, Zingerman’s Community of Businesses
Ari challenges entrepreneurs and leaders to defy convention and reimagine business as a force for good. His philosophy blends rebellious spirit with timeless principles – dignity, vision, and humanity at the center of every decision.
In 1982, Ari co-founded a small deli in Ann Arbor that grew into the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses: a nationally admired group of ventures generating tens of millions in revenue, known as much for its culture as its cuisine. Recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the World’s Top 10 CEOs, Ari has become a leading voice on values-driven business and is author of the influential Zingerman’s Guide to Good Leading series.
Through his teaching and writing, Ari equips leaders to reject outdated models of success and build organizations that inspire meaning, pride, and progress. His work shows that rebellion – when guided by vision and values – can transform companies into communities and work into impact.
Rule Breaker: Specializes in challenging tired playbooks and replacing them with radical wisdom that works.
Vision Builder: Guides leaders in crafting compelling, values-driven visions that inspire real change.
Culture Shaper: Helps organizations become places where profit and purpose thrive together.
“We believe leading with positive beliefs makes a positive difference.” – Ari Weinzweig
Chip Conley
Hospitality Entrepreneur | Strategic Advisor, Airbnb | Founder, Modern Elder Academy
Chip challenges entrepreneurs and leaders to think differently about growth, culture, and the role of wisdom in business. His philosophy blends entrepreneurial daring with human-centered leadership — creating companies where both people and profits thrive.
At age 26, Chip founded Joie de Vivre Hospitality and grew it into the second-largest boutique hotel company in the United States. Later, he joined Airbnb as Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy, helping transform the company into the world’s leading hospitality brand while scaling culture and trust across millions of hosts and guests. Today, as the founder of the Modern Elder Academy (MEA), Chip is pioneering midlife wisdom as a competitive advantage for entrepreneurs and executives alike.
Through his bestselling books, including Wisdom at Work and PEAK, Chip equips leaders to apply timeless principles of psychology and purpose to modern business challenges. His work demonstrates that entrepreneurial success comes not just from disruption, but from building organizations rooted in vision, values, and meaning.
Entrepreneurial Pioneer: Built Joie de Vivre into one of America’s most innovative hotel companies.
Disruptive Strategist: Helped Airbnb scale globally while keeping culture at its core.
Wisdom Advocate: Teaches leaders how to integrate purpose and human insight into lasting success.
“When the world is in the midst of change, when adversity and opportunity are almost indistinguishable, this is the time for visionary leadership and when leaders need to look beyond the survival needs of those they're serving.” – Chip ConleyOur Agenda at a Glance
Sunday:
4:00 PM: Arrival / Check-In
5:30 PM: Welcome Reception & Dinner
7:00 PM: Orientation Session
Monday:
7:30 AM: Mind + Body
8:30 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Classroom Time
1:15 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM: Free Time
3:00 PM: Classroom Time
5:30 PM: Free Time
6:30 PM: Dinner
8:00 PM: Evening Gathering
Tuesday:
7:30 AM: Mind + Body
8:30 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Classroom Time
1:15 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM: Free Time
3:00 PM: Classroom Time
5:30 PM: Free Time
6:30 PM: Dinner
8:00 PM: Evening Gathering
Wednesday:
7:30 AM: Mind + Body
8:30 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Classroom Time
1:15 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM: Free Time
3:00 PM: Classroom Time
5:30 PM: Graduation + Celebration Dinner
Thursday:
7:00 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Checkout / Departure
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
*Please note all times are estimates and that not all “classroom time” activities take place in the actual classroom.
Step into transformation in the high desert
Rising Circle Ranch | Santa Fe, USA.
Our spectacular Santa Fe campus is located on an upscale regenerative ranch featuring traditional Pueblo architecture and nearly 2,600 acres of wildlife, hiking trails in the arroyo, and awe-inspiring beauty. Close to historic Santa Fe, an artisan’s mecca.
PLUS: Gourmet from-scratch meals, snacks, and drinks featuring locally sourced ingredients, made by our in-house chefs
Optional: Explore the Ranch on Horseback
Our Rising Circle Ranch spans 2,600 acres of New Mexico high desert, offering guided horseback riding for all experience levels through diverse terrains under the vast Southwest sky
You’ll experience highlights like:
Horseback riding is an optional add-on activity you can book once you arrive on the ranch. Whether you’re seasoned or brand new to horseback adventures, this guided experience lets you discover the ranch’s natural wonders alongside our gentle horses.
Your Workshop Also Includes:
Your work is too important to waste on hollow success.
The old rules won’t get you where you want to go. Keep following them, and you risk building a company that looks impressive from the outside but leaves you empty on the inside – and fails to make the difference you know you’re capable of.
Join Ari and Chip in Santa Fe and unlock the radical wisdom that will allow you to achieve success that’s both profitable and principled – and helps create the kind of world you want to leave for future generations.
Book your spot today
Radical Wisdom: The Natural Laws of Business & A Meaningful Life
Is a partial scholarship for you?
We believe in making personal growth and education accessible to everyone, which is why we offer partial scholarships on a needs-aware basis for many of our programs.
These scholarships support individuals facing financial challenges, including — but not limited to — members of underrepresented communities. If financial stress might prevent you from attending a workshop, we encourage you to apply.
Partial scholarships, provided through the Association for Growth and Education, are limited to 2–3 seats per workshop and reviewed in the order received. We recommend applying as soon as possible, as scholarship decisions are typically confirmed 90–120 days before the workshop date.
The program was spectacular. It really surpassed my expectations. I was really surprised about how the course was curated. There was such a warm intensity and personal touch to it.
I experienced MEA as a newly diagnosed multiple myeloma cancer patient, and as a result of the things I’ve learned - I’ve banished the anxiety of being a cancer victim, am in remission, and living with a newfound energy and purpose.
Just know how grateful I am for the joy fuel you all put in my rocket ship. When I want to feel loved or just need a good smile I can think of my time at MEA, which came at the perfect time to encourage me on my journey. Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this different from other business workshops?
Most programs focus on tactics to grow faster or squeeze more profit. Radical Wisdom is about breaking from that playbook. You’ll learn the Natural Laws of Business — principles that create lasting success rooted in values and vision. This isn’t a seminar on “management hacks.” It’s an immersive experience led by two business rebels who’ve proven that profit and purpose can fuel each other.
Do I need to already run a company to benefit?
No. Whether you’re leading an established organization or considering launching something new, this workshop will give you the frameworks and practices to build success that actually excites you. The Natural Laws apply no matter where you are on the journey.
Is this just about making my business more socially responsible?
It’s about much more than corporate social responsibility. Ari and Chip will show you how to infuse values and vision into the core of your business model – so purpose isn’t an add-on, it’s the engine. The goal isn’t just looking good to customers; it’s creating a company you believe in.
What will I actually walk away with?
Over four days, you’ll:
- Learn the Natural Laws of Business that drive principled success.
- Clarify your personal and organizational vision.
- Gain proven tools to align daily decisions with your deepest values.
- Leave with a practical roadmap for building (or rebuilding) a business that makes money and makes a difference.
What’s included in the investment?
Your enrollment covers everything: four days of immersive workshop sessions, all materials, luxury accommodations at MEA’s Santa Fe campus, chef-prepared meals, and unforgettable group experiences in the high desert. The only additional cost is your travel to Santa Fe and any personal expenses.
Why learn from Ari and Chip together?
Each has built iconic companies by defying conventional wisdom: Ari with Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, Chip with Joie de Vivre and later Airbnb. Both have turned rebellion into radical wisdom – frameworks that entrepreneurs around the world study and apply. This is the first time they’re teaching together, making it a rare chance to learn from two of the most innovative business thinkers of our time.
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.
Daniel Booz
Lucas Erie
Leslie Bartlett