The Unexpected Truth About Having A Midlife Crisis | CHIP CONLEY | Unlock Your Potential #223

In this episode, I chat with Chip Conley, founder and CEO of Modern Elder Academy, NYT Best Selling Author, founder of the chain boutique hotels Joie de Vivre, and former head of Hospitality and Strategy at Airbnb. 

This episode unpacks the unexpected truth about having a midlife crisis by touching on the "modern elder" concept, midlife crises, and perspective shifts about aging.

In the first half of his life, Chip started a chain of boutique hotels called "Joie de Vivre." Eventually, Chip experienced a midlife crisis where he almost died from an allergic reaction to an antibiotic, and five of his friends committed suicide. During this time, Chip felt lost but knew he had more to give. 

After selling his business to Hyatt, Chip became the head of Hospitality and Strategy at Airbnb. Despite not being technologically advanced, Chip brought tremendous value to the Airbnb team with what they called "modern elder" wisdom.

A Modern Elder is someone as curious as they are wise, allowing them to learn and adapt to change while providing wisdom. Upon learning this new concept, Chip discovered his purpose of teaching others experiencing midlife crises about changing their perspectives on aging. 

This new perspective sets the foundation for a more meaningful, intentional life by practicing mindfulness and meditation and applying your wisdom to the second half of your life.

According to Chip, most people think their lives will go downhill after 50. However, developing midlife wisdom can help people take control of the last half of their lives by participating in meaningful experiences.

The episode ends with Chip explaining the student experience at the Modern Elder Academy. The academy's lessons use nature to teach leadership qualities to students, understand their purpose, and how to take their experience and wisdom to apply them to their purpose. 

Thank you, Chip, for sharing your wisdom and reminding the audience that it's never too late to live a meaningful life!

Check Out More of Chip’s Content Here 👇   

💻 https://chipconley.com/ 

💻 https://www.modernelderacademy.com/ 

📖 Wisdom @ Work - https://chipconley.com/wisdom-at-work 

💡 Wisdom Well - https://wisdomwell.modernelderacademy.com/ 

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Chip Conley
02:38 Chip’s story
06:05 Knowledge vs wisdom
09:57 Wisdom etymology
11:27 Life ahead of us
13:26 Lifespan / Healthspan
15:41 Blue zones
17:38 What gets better with age
21:13 How to extend your life
26:24 Learning new things
35:18 The Great Midlife Edit
37:21 Unlocking Wisdom
37:54 The origins of retirement
46:09 Midlife chrysalis
48:28 Modern Elderly Academy
52:50 Where to find Chip Conley