Brian Chesky's secret mentor who died 9 times, started the Burning Man board, and built the world's first midlife wisdom school | Chip Conley (founder of MEA)

In this episode of Lenny's Podcast, host Lenny Rachitsky interviews Chip Conley, a seasoned entrepreneur and hospitality expert. They discuss Conley's experiences joining Airbnb in his 50s and working with CEO Brian Chesky, highlighting the value of intergenerational collaboration and the challenges of founder-led companies. Conley shares insights on navigating ageism in tech, the importance of curiosity and energy, and strategies for building a strong company culture. The conversation also explores Conley's earlier career building Joie de Vivre, his near-death experience, and his current work with the Modern Elder Academy (MEA), a midlife wisdom school aimed at reframing the narrative around aging and promoting personal growth. The episode concludes with practical advice for older professionals in tech, tips for hiring managers, and a discussion on leveraging AI, plus a lightning round covering books, movies, and life mottos.