Wisdom at Work; The Making of a Modern Elder

Wisdom@Work: The Modern Elder’s Guide to Thriving in a Changing Workplace

Experience is making a comeback—here’s how to put your wisdom to work.

At 52, after selling the boutique hotel company he founded and ran for 24 years, Chip Conley found himself at a crossroads. Then came an unexpected opportunity: the young founders of Airbnb invited him to help scale their disruptive startup into a global powerhouse. Though he had deep industry expertise, Conley was twice the age of the average Airbnb employee, lacked digital fluency, and reported to a CEO young enough to be his son. What he quickly realized, however, was that he wasn’t just there to teach—he was also there to learn.

This journey led Conley to embrace the concept of the “Modern Elder,” someone who blends wisdom and experience with curiosity, adaptability, and a beginner’s mindset. In today’s fast-moving, youth-driven workplace, he argues, companies are waking up to the irreplaceable value of emotional intelligence, mentorship, and judgment—qualities that never go out of style.

Part manifesto, part practical guide, Wisdom@Work challenges ageist stereotypes and makes the case for treating age as a form of workplace diversity. Conley redefines what it means to be an “elder” and offers insights for anyone navigating mid-career transitions, working beyond traditional retirement, or striving to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving job market.

If you’re looking to reinvent your career, embrace lifelong learning, and turn experience into an asset rather than a liability, Wisdom@Work will help you chart your next chapter.