What I’m Listening To: Chip Conley, Modern Elder

Yesterday on my bike commute home I heard an interview with Chip Conley who is promoting his concept of being a “Modern Elder”. As someone in her mid 30s who works in the Tech industry who has often been the oldest person in the room, the ideas brought forward by Chip were incredibly refreshing and welcome to me for 2 big reasons:

  1. There have been many occasions where I’ve felt the lack of experience in the young tech industry and knew that we were re-inventing the wheel in many things well established in business and wished to have a “real adult” in the room to guide us.
  2. When I look around the room and it skews so young I’ve wondered if the average age will grow with me or if I will start to struggle with being considered “too old to be relevant”.

Then this morning I wound up hearing him again on James Altucher’s Podcast:

401 – Chip Conley: How To Find Your Calling At Age 50 (Or Older)

I respect his humility – no matter how much experience and wisdom you have, there will always be things you don’t know. One of the secrets to a successful and fulfilling life is always staying curious & being willing and open to learning new things.

“I decided the only way I’d survive here is to be as much of a curious learner as I am the wise sage.”

Watch his full TED Talk:

 

Read more at: https://www.fastcompany.com/90255475/airbnbs-chip-conley-is-doubling-down-on-being-a-modern-elder

Or you know, just buy his book.