Chip Conley

I liked the theoretical aspect of the book that an older person like myself could continue my working life by serving as a mentor using my experience and skills that I have gained over the years. I liked the concept that there are companies and management actively seeking people in their 50s and 60s to help guide their younger employees and managers. The author is a successful CEO and my guess is that his experience in attracting opportunities for projects and work would be much higher than mine and most other people. However his book did serve a purpose in encouraging older people like myself to continue to learn and seek new and different opportunities whether they are in the workplace or in travel, hobbies and social activities.

My notes below:

"If there is one quality I believe defines wisdom in the workplace more than any other, it is the capacity for holistic or systems thinking that allows one to get the "gist"of something by synthesizing a wide variety of information quickly."

"Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens."

"Perennials are ever-blooming, relevant people of all ages who know what's happening in the world, stay current with technology and have friends of all ages.We get involved, stay curious, mentor others, and are passionate, compassionate, creative, confident, collaborative, global minded risktakers."

Superagers– –those who see almost no cognitive decline with age, tend to have something in common: they consistently work on difficult tasks that require ambidextrous use of their mind.… (mehr)

Chip Conley discovered the role of elder when he joined Airbnb in his early fifties. This book traces Conley’s evolution as a wise sage in a company led by millennials. He also provides many other examples of individuals who claimed their wisdom in the second half of their lives and continued to contribute to their workplaces and communities. Conley provides guidance on how to remain relevant in a changing world and continue to be a contributing team member at work. He offers specific actions to take and recommends resources to support making the transition to elderhood. He also makes the case to employers of the benefits of hiring older workers. The greatest benefit of reading this book may be the inspiration Conley ignites for those entering the second half of life. He makes it clear that veteran workers have much to contribute and that the workplace needs its elders. This is a book for those entering elderhood. It is also for those who work with elders. Employers will also benefit from the book by learning how to best profit from the wisdom of those with long experience. Through this book, Conley strikes a blow against ageism.… (mehr)