Wisdom at Work: How to Become an Impactful Modern Elder
Is financial aid for you?
We believe in making personal growth and education accessible to all, which is why we offer financial assistance on a needs-aware basis for many of our programs.
We aim to support individuals facing financial challenges, including but not limited to members of under-represented communities. Our goal is to empower those who may face barriers in pursuing their educational and professional goals. If you're experiencing financial stress that might prevent you from attending our workshops, we encourage you to apply for assistance.
Chip Conley
MEA Founder, Hotelier + Hospitality Entrepreneur, Bestselling Author
Master the Art of Multi-Generational Leadership and Become Indispensable in Today's Workplace
In 2013, Chip Conley was asked by Airbnb's young founders to help turn their little tech start-up into a reputable player in lodging.
Despite being semi-retired with no tech experience, Chip became Airbnb's 'modern elder' over the next seven and a half years – someone as curious as he was wise – helping lead Airbnb to become the world's most valuable hospitality company. He learned as much from his Millennial colleagues as they learned from him.
Chip's approach offers a roadmap that any experienced professional can follow.
Five generations are working side-by-side for the first time in history, and most leaders are struggling to bridge the gap.
Miscommunication is rampant.
Collaboration feels forced.
Younger colleagues dismiss your experience as their pace overwhelms you.
You're missing opportunities because traditional leadership can't bridge generational divides.
Who is this for? Professionals who want to leverage their experience while staying relevant, leaders ready to turn generational gaps into competitive advantages, and anyone determined to combine hard-earned wisdom with fresh thinking to make themselves indispensable.
Join MEA founder and bestselling author Chip Conley for a 3-day deep dive into Modern Elder leadership, combining your hard-earned wisdom with a growth-focused beginner's mindset that thrives in constant change.
Transform generational diversity from your biggest workplace challenge into your greatest leadership asset, positioning yourself as the irreplaceable bridge-builder your organization needs.
Meet
Chip Conley
MEA Co-Founder | NYT Bestselling Author | Former Head of Global Hospitality & Strategy at Airbnb | Host of the Midlife Chrysalis Podcast
Chip Conley reframes what it means to age in the modern world.
A three-time TED speaker, Chip is one of the world's leading experts at the intersection of business innovation, psychology, and spirituality. As creator of the boutique hotel movement and modern elder to Airbnb's young founders, his intergenerational mentoring was instrumental to the company's extraordinary success. That experience inspired him to found MEA and dedicate his midlife years to helping people navigate this life stage with renewed purpose and possibility.
“Perennials are ever‑blooming, relevant people of all ages who know what’s happening in the world, stay current with technology and have friends of all ages. We get involved, stay curious, mentor others, and are passionate, compassionate, creative, confident, collaborative, global‑minded risk takers.” – Chip Conley
Supported By the MEA Team
Mary Hofstedt
MEA's Content Facilitator
Mary Hofstedt is an experienced non profit leader and educator who strives to advance a more hopeful, caring, and connected world. Her passion for youth and community development led her to work with Challenge Success, spearhead a coalition of youth and adult partners to develop a community arts center, and serve for ...
View BioLee Johnson
Head of Land, Livestock, and Mindfulness in Santa Fe
Lee likes to say that he’s as ordinary as dirt but as complex as soil. A former Course Director for the Colorado Outward Bound School and Certified Holistic Management Teacher, he has managed ranches in Nebraska and Tennessee as well as several ranches here in New Mexico. As steward of our four-square mile regenera ...
View BioThis Workshop Is For You If…
What you'll gain
Master Cross-Generational Communication
Develop proven strategies to connect authentically with colleagues across all five workplace generations, turning miscommunication and dismissiveness into productive collaboration and mutual respect.
Transform Your Experience into Strategic Advantage
Learn to package your decades of wisdom in ways that resonate with younger colleagues while staying curious and adaptable to their fresh perspectives and innovative approaches.
Build Your Modern Elder Leadership Toolkit
Acquire curiosity-driven questioning techniques and emotional intelligence skills that position you as the irreplaceable bridge-builder who unlocks innovation through intergenerational mentoring.
Become Indispensable in a Changing Workplace
Combine your hard-earned expertise with a growth-focused beginner's mindset, ensuring you remain not just relevant but essential as the trusted advisor who helps organizations thrive through constant change.
Our Agenda at a Glance
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
4:00 PM: Arrival / Check-In
5:30 PM: Welcome Reception & Dinner
7:00 PM: Orientation Session
9:00 PM: Free Time
Friday:
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
6:30 PM: Dinner
Saturday:
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
6:30 PM: Dinner, Dessert & Graduation
8:00 PM: Evening Gathering
Sunday:
7:00 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Checkout / Departure
*Please note that not all “classroom time” activities take place in the actual classroom.
*Please note all times are estimates as some activities go longer or shorter depending on the group. This agenda is meant to give you an idea of the general flow of activities.
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
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 Includes:
Become the Leader Every Multi-Generational Team Desperately Needs
The workplace has changed forever. Five generations are working side-by-side, and most experienced leaders are being left behind.
Projects go to leaders who can communicate across all generations. Promotions go to people who can turn generational diversity into team strength.
The leaders who master this skill now will become indispensable.
In just 3 days, you'll walk away with:
The choice is yours: step up and become the leader your organization can't afford to lose.
Book your spot today
Wisdom at Work: How to Become an Impactful Modern Elder
Is financial aid for you?
We believe in making personal growth and education accessible to all, which is why we offer financial assistance on a needs-aware basis for many of our programs.
We aim to support individuals facing financial challenges, including but not limited to members of under-represented communities. Our goal is to empower those who may face barriers in pursuing their educational and professional goals. If you're experiencing financial stress that might prevent you from attending our workshops, we encourage you to apply for assistance.
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
I’m in my 50s/60s – am I too old to change my leadership approach now?
Absolutely not. This workshop is specifically designed for experienced leaders like you. Your age and experience are actually your greatest assets – you just need to learn how to leverage them effectively with younger generations. Many participants find this is the perfect time to reinvent their leadership approach and extend their career impact.
Will these strategies work if I manage a remote or hybrid team?
Yes. The communication and mentorship principles you’ll learn apply across all work environments. We’ll address how to build trust and bridge generational gaps whether you’re working in-person, virtually, or in a hybrid setting. Remote work actually makes these skills even more critical.
What if my company culture is resistant to change or very traditional?
You’ll become the change agent who gradually shifts the culture. The workshop teaches you how to influence up, down, and across the organization without triggering resistance. You’ll learn to introduce new approaches in ways that feel natural and beneficial to everyone, including skeptical leadership.
I’m not in a formal management role – will this still be valuable for me?
Definitely. Modern Elder leadership is about influence, not just authority. Whether you’re an individual contributor, project leader, or subject matter expert, you’ll learn how to position yourself as the go-to person who bridges generational divides and unlocks team potential.
How quickly will I see results when I get back to work?
Most participants notice immediate improvements in their workplace relationships and communication effectiveness. Within 30 days, you’ll typically see measurable changes in how colleagues respond to you. The longer-term positioning as an indispensable leader develops over 3-6 months of consistent application.
I’m considering retirement in the next few years – is this workshop still worth it?
This could be your most valuable career investment. The workshop will help you transition from being seen as someone “on their way out” to becoming the irreplaceable wisdom keeper your organization desperately wants to retain. Many participants extend their careers by years because they become too valuable to lose.
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