And from how he’s translated Maslow’s hierarchy of needs into a hierarchy of hospitality, to his deep understanding of Joseph Campbell’s revolutionary approach to storytelling, I knew his knowledge would be invaluable.

He affirmed that we all have a story to share and something to learn from one another. That if we take time to connect, we can learn anywhere and from anyone.

I was learning the less there is of me, the more room there is for the person I was mentoring.

Perhaps most significant for my future role as a Modern Elder at Airbnb was the fact he did his best to intern publicly and mentor privately.

It was from him I learned: Let your energy impact the people you’re talking to, as opposed to the other way around.