Journeys: Maureen and Tony Wheeler, founders of Lonely Planet

This event was part of the Wheeler Institute’s new series Journeys, which spotlights inspiring individuals who have pursued impact-driven business careers. During the event Maureen and Tony Wheeler discussed their early days of building Lonely Planet, its transformation into a world leader in publishing, its transition from print to digital, and ultimately its sale. They reflected on the motivations behind their work, the moments they knew it was time to move on, the joys and challenges of running a family business, and how they channelled their entrepreneurial spirit into philanthropy. Sergei Guriev, Professor of Economics and Dean of London Business School opened and closed the conversation, which was moderated by Rajesh Chandy, Professor of Marketing at LBS, Tony and Maureen Wheeler Chair in Entrepreneurship and Co-Academic Director of the Wheeler Institute. Subscribe to our YouTube channel ➤ https://bit.ly/3bukgoT Visit our website ➤ https://bit.ly/3cl5b8m Follow our social media accounts: Twitter: https://bit.ly/3gGs1Kg LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/2TyBfQY Instagram: https://bit.ly/3cLK54D 0:00 Welcome & Introductions 7:17 The Origin Story: Regent's Park to the Wedding 11:02 The Hippie Trail & Lonely Planet Journey 18:33 Sailing to Australia on a Concrete Yacht 23:15 Arriving with 27 Cents & Writing the First Book 30:25 Creating the Lonely Planet Brand 32:16 Glueing Together the First Books of Asia 39:12 Balancing Marriage & Business 42:30 Moving to SF & Opening the USA Office 44:57 Selling to the BBC & Pioneering Digital Publishing 48:54 Traveling During Major Global Crises 52:22 Perspectives on Overtourism 53:41 Philanthropy & the Lonely Planet Foundation 57:18 Q&A: Avoiding Cultural Stereotypes 59:48: Q&A Praise for LBS & Lonely Planet 1:02:07 Q&A Tony and Maureen's Favorite Countries 1:04:09 Q&A: Choosing a Hotel 1:07:31 Closing Remarks