Chip Conley

Chip Conley has transitioned from pioneering boutique hotelier and Airbnb executive to a leading voice on midlife wisdom and intergenerational collaboration. After founding Joie de Vivre Hospitality in 1987, Chip Conley transformed a single motel, The Phoenix, into a renowned ‘rock ‘n’ roll hotel’ before expanding the company to nearly 50 boutique hotels across California. Under his leadership, Joie de Vivre became the second-largest boutique hotel brand in the United States, managing hotels, restaurants, and spas, employing over 3,000 individuals, and generating revenues approaching $250 million. Conley’s innovative business philosophy, influenced by Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, was detailed in his acclaimed book, ‘Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow’.

Committed to socio-economic diversity, MEA offers scholarships to many alumni, ensuring broad access to its unique curriculum. Conley is a New York Times bestselling author of seven books, including ‘Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age’ and ‘Wisdom@Work: The Making of a Modern Elder,’ which was released in 2018. He has also delivered three highly regarded TED Talks, focusing on subjects at the intersection of business innovation, psychology, and spirituality, with his most recent talk on the ‘midlife chrysalis’ delivered in 2023. Chip Conley continues to be a leading voice in midlife wisdom and intergenerational collaboration, leveraging his diverse career experience to empower individuals and organizations globally.