One of my fellow co-speakers was Chip Conley – who has been one of the sources of inspiration for creating THE EMBASSIES. We ended up chatting and next time Chip was in Europe, we met for dinner. Over the years, Chip has become somewhat of a mentor to me, my “Modern Elder.” Being featured here today is somewhat of a dream coming true.
My name is Jan Garde, founder of THE EMBASSADORS OF GOOD LIVING. A kind of “Soho House” model for the Boomer generation. Our mission goes beyond creating spaces—it’s about crafting environments that foster meaningful interactions for people of all ages. We believe in a quality of life that doesn’t diminish with age.
Founded in Switzerland but at home globally, THE EMBASSIES strives to craft spaces where the fear of aging is replaced with excitement for the future. People can live permanently or temporarily with us. You always wanted to live in Paris or Copenhagen? We are building a network of EMBASSIES globally for people to move locations and – one day – feel globally at home.
Before launching THE EMBASSIES, I’ve visited well over 100 retirement communities, across continents and cultures. I wanted to understand the true problem at hand. Why do some people want to live in retirement communities and others are afraid of ever “ending up” there? Throughout my research, one thing became strikingly obvious. The number one thing people hate most from Asia to America? The fact that there are only old people around. Social Isolation.
It’s this mission to create places that are engaging and inviting for people of all ages to foster a community that is benefiting people of all ages. A platform to connect, exchange and grow. A platform for co-mentorship. For passing on wisdom and experience and getting fresh insights and perspectives. A platform for Ambassadors who want to change the status quo and make tomorrow better than today. Together.
I’m super excited to announce the launch of our very first AMBASSADOR magazine. This beautiful print publication (Yes print is not dead!) articulates our mission and showcases the vibrant world we aim to build—a world filled with excitement, no matter our age.
The launch of our AMBASSADOR magazine marks a pivotal extension of this ethos. It’s more than just a publication; it’s a curated collection of thought-provoking articles and interviews that shine a light on our various activities and the remarkable individuals who fuel our vision. The magazine is a testament to the global community we’ve fostered, composed of tenants, members, and visitors who are all part of this expansive journey towards a better way of living.
In this inaugural issue, we feature insights from influential figures such as Ilse Crawford, a giant in interior design known for her human-centric approach. Tyler Brûlé, the visionary behind Monocle and Wallpaper magazines. Gay Browne, an environmentalist and author who brings a unique perspective on sustainable living. David Stewart, founder of AGEIST. Hoteliers Martin Rink and Christoph Hoffmann. Michael Townsend, author and breathing coach – and many more. Each of these ambassadors brings their wisdom and expertise to the pages of our magazine, helping us mold the narrative of modern, sophisticated living.
A special highlight was our conversation with Chip Conley, recorded during a visit to the Modern Elder Academy. We delved into topics such as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the value of co-mentorship, and the inspirations behind the Academy. Chip’s philosophies resonate deeply with our mission, particularly his views on the richness of intergenerational exchange and the ongoing journey of learning and adaptation as we age.
We are working on the first opening of THE EMBASSIES in the next months if you are curious and would like to keep in the loop – register your interest on embassies.com
For those eager to explore this vision in more depth and check out Chip’s interview and to get an inside look at the stories and people behind our brand, the AMBASSADOR magazine is now available for purchase at embassies.com/shop.
Dive into the pages of our magazine and join us on what promises to be an enlightening adventure. We are not just building spaces; we are crafting the backdrop for the next chapter of our lives.
Thank you for reading and for embracing the idea that the best is indeed yet to come.
-Jan
After over 20 years in marketing and customer experience design, Jan founded THE EMBASSIES OF GOOD LIVING in Zurich, Switzerland. His mission is to inspire people to look forward to tomorrow. Jan holds degrees from University Inholland and Stanford Business School. He is married, the father of two teenagers, and is dedicated to building cross-generational experiences.