Monocle 24: The Entrepreneurs: Recent Episodes
Monocle
Monocle 24’s weekly tour of the most inspiring people, companies and ideas in global business, whether they are starting from scratch, reinvigorating the family firm or developing new technology.
We are in Toulouse as Qantas unveils the aircraft that it hopes will redefine long-haul travel with 22-hour direct flights from Sydney to London and New York. Plus: we meet the CEO of Aquarius Aerial Firefighting.
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As more alcohol-free drinks hit the shelves, we meet two founders who carved their own path in the booming market. Lucy Isles talks about Sablière, an alcohol-free sparkling cuvée from Edinburgh. And: we head to Merano to meet Maria-Elisabeth Laimer, co-founder of Italy’s first handcrafted alcohol-free beer, Freedl.
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Harvard Business School lecturer DJ DiDonna talks about the importance of sabbaticals and why intentionality in time away from work is a win-win for employees and bosses alike. He shares findings from his new book, ‘Big Time Off: The Transformative Power of Sabbaticals and How to Take One’.
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We meet the founder of Neurospace, the only privately funded German space start-up to have secured contracts with both Nasa and SpaceX. Plus: We visit Slatnar, a Slovenia-based ski-maker.
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Olivier Perdriel stops by Monocle’s Paris bureau to discuss his boutique aviation business, which started with a single aircraft and now operates a fleet of long-range and ultra-long-range jets. He discusses navigating geopolitical uncertainty and why relationships remain his company’s greatest competitive advantage.
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Anthony and Laura Fletcher, the husband-and-wife co-founders of One Track Club, discuss how they turned a free running club into a fast-growing business and share lessons on what it takes to scale a personalised service.
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Jean-Marie Mognetti, the CEO and co-founder of CoinShares, talks about how he helped build one of Europe's leading-digital asset managers.
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As the Barack Obama Presidential Center opens in Chicago, we meet a husband-and-wife team whose brand studio was appointed the prime design partner for the historic civil landmark. Tom Crabtree and Patricia Callaway discuss Manual’s work with the Obama Foundation and the inherent challenges to a presidential commission.
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Monocle’s Fernando Augusto Pacheco meets Chloé Bouscatel, co-founder of Sant Roch, Paris’s newest and largest sauna. Plus: Fernando chats champagne and magazines with the CEO of Publicisdrugstore, a Parisian institution on the Champs-Élysées.
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Architect and designer Jason Lempieri speaks about Tombino, a project that turns manhole-cover designs from cities around the world into functional art. Plus: we head to Tallinn to meet Andreas Tiik, co-founder of ÖÖD.
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We meet Roland Horne, founder and CEO of WatchHouse, a coffee chain with almost 30 global locations and counting. Plus: former private-jet broker Alex Hunter discusses why he left aviation to pursue hospitality and the relocation of his celebrated Chelsea restaurant, The Sea, The Sea, to a bigger site.
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Andrew Mueller speaks with Hamdullah Mohib, acting CEO of Abu Dhabi-based satellite manufacturer Orbitworks, about the UAE’s rapidly growing space industry, the company’s recent deal with France’s CNES and the journey from his diplomatic role as Afghanistan’s ambassador to the US to the space sector.
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Colin Chinnery and Purat ‘Chang’ Osathanugrah discuss their respective cultural institutions in Beijing and Bangkok. We explore how they’re making art more accessible, as well as sound culture and the challenges posed by AI.
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Oribe co-founder Daniel Kaner talks about creating a luxury haircare brand that brings fashion, fragrance and performance together. He shares why the best time to innovate is when you’re gaining momentum. Plus: Dilli House founder Arpit Kaushik on going against the grain and creating an ‘anti-perfume’.
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Founder Aaron Benjamin shares how his Tokyo-based luxury fashion brand Ichijiku grew out of a collection of gifted kimonos and has since evolved into what he describes as more of an art gallery than a traditional label. Plus: executive advisor and tea ambassador, Rona Tison, on Ito En’s global expansion.
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We meet Jarkko Antila, CEO of Kuva Space, a Finnish company using AI-powered satellites with hyperspectral cameras to monitor activity on Earth, from timely intelligence to detecting dark and stealth vessels at sea. He explains the company’s technology and its mission to launch more than 100 satellites by 2030.
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Former DJ and Music Concierge founder, Rob Wood, explains his approach to designing the sound of luxury brands worldwide, curating music for clients including Rosewood Hotels, Belmond and Cathay Pacific. Plus: Hôtel de l’Arcade’s Laetitia Brandariz-Berrut on managing three Parisian properties and flying the Swiss flag for hospitality in France.
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Other co-founders Jack Blumsom and Gleb Petrenko discuss how they started a wine company championing less-explored regions after a fateful holiday in Georgia, one of the oldest wine-producing countries. Plus: how a trip to Kyoto inspired Italy native Silvia Mella to launch New York-based Japanese tea company Sōrate.
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Do brands down under need international approval before making it big at home? Dimitri Weber, founder of Australia’s first luxury fragrance house, Goldfield & Banks, talks about what businesses can learn from Aussie exports such as Kylie Minogue and Nicole Kidman. Plus: why the country is a surprising perfume powerhouse.
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Is there a new playbook for great, British brands? Founder Daisy Knatchbull shares the latest from Knatchbull, the first Savile Row shopfront exclusively for women. She discusses the importance of her global trunk shows and the brand’s ready-to-wear collection. Plus: Toby Gauvain on Gaudium, a new private-membership community.
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Luxury décor studio Rokos’s founder Jim Rokos talks about the creative advantages of dyslexia and why he sees it as an edge in designing his sculptural objects. Plus: How new work platform Vizzy caught the eye of job-hunters and clients such as Burberry, Tiffany & Co and Louis Vuitton.
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Mysterious objects spotted over the Nordics have sparked speculation online but they’re not aliens. Kelluu co-founder Jiri Jormakka explains the technology behind the company’s hydrogen-powered autonomous airships and how they operate in GNSS-jammed environments near the Russian border. Plus: travel expert Maggie Draycott discusses her new venture, Club Aviator.
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Belmond CEO Dan Ruff shares his journey from globetrotting foodie to leading one of the world’s most esteemed luxury travel brands. He explains why LVMH’s acquisition pushed Belmond to focus on desirability over growth. Plus: how childhood travel experiences at Disney’s Epcot and eating pasta in Venice shaped his career.
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Michigan native Carrie Solomon talks about moving from the Midwest to Paris, her unconventional path into the French culinary scene and how returning to the kitchen led her to open a neighbourhood bistro while rebuilding her life after personal loss.
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For many, smart glasses still carry baggage brought on by early flops in the space and more recent privacy concerns. Can they shed their bad reputation? Even Realities co-founders Will Wang and Nikolaj Schnoor outline their anti-camera, design-led approach and why clarity of vision could help to outmanoeuvre Big Tech.
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Peter Harrison, Richard Mille EMEA’s CEO, on the Swiss watchmaker’s growth and navigating the changing needs of luxury consumers. Plus: Strawberry Group’s Emilie Stordalen on taking an active part in shaping customer demands.
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We meet Frédéric Robles, CEO of French tech-hospitality platform Namastay. And: the CMO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority joins to discuss a district-transforming project just minutes from downtown Riyadh.
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Alistair Hughes, managing director for Savoir Beds, talks about the storied history of the century-old bedmaker who has, literally, supported figures including Winston Churchill and Marilyn Monroe. He discusses craftsmanship and changes in premium markets. Plus: we meet global strategist Farah Ragheb, founder of leadership consultancy The Simplified Model.
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Donald Trump’s threats about taking control of Greenland have thrust the island into the global spotlight, drawing journalists and tourists alike. In Nuuk, Monocle’s Andrew Mueller explores what this attention means for local entrepreneurs, speaking with Casper Frank Møller, CEO and co-founder of adventure travel company Raw Arctic.
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Meadow’s CEO, Victor Ljungberg, shares how smart design can create a practical alternative to single-use packaging. Plus: Lombard Odier Group’s UK CEO, Mark Goddard, talks about Britain’s entrepreneurial environment.
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We meet Charlotte Staerck, founder and CEO of the UK’s first luxury aftercare and restoration service, The Handbag Clinic, to assess the health of the circular fashion economy. And: former Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs talks about the changing expectations of travellers and his role at Capella Hotel Group.
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Ahmed Elhawary talks about navigating the ups and downs of launching Mayfair Jets just weeks before the pandemic. Plus: The CEO and president of The Leading Hotels of the World, Shannon Knapp, on 2026 travel trends.
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We check in with friend of the show Laurent Kleitman, CEO of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, to discuss its Austrian debut. Plus: Retail veteran Rania Masri El Khatib on her sustainable fashion label, The Giving Movement.
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Designer Alexander Neumann talks about the creation of Misfits, a tactile wooden blocks stacking game that started as a student project and is now stocked by more than 35 retailers worldwide. Plus: we catch up with the co-founders of Suri about launching new products ahead of a busy season.
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Nomad founder Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte tells us why he brought his remarkable, roaming design showcase to Abu Dhabi airport’s decommissioned Terminal 1 – a modernist marvel designed by Paul Andreu. Plus: the duo betting Indian food could be the new healthy morning staple.
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Klättermusen CEO, Gonz Ferrero, talks about balancing heritage and innovation at the Swedish technical apparel brand. And: Edzard van der Wyck joins us to discuss Sheep Inc’s success at the intersection of sustainability and style.
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Dr Brendan Nelson, president of Boeing Global, talks about the company’s turning point as airlines in the Middle East place record orders. Plus: A catch up with Dubai Airports CEO, Paul Griffiths. And: Monocle’s Gulf correspondent, Inzaman Rashid, rounds up the deals and stories that defined the Dubai Airshow 2025.
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Synhelion co-founder Dr Gianluca Ambrosetti joins us in Zürich to explain how his team is turning sunlight into usable liquid fuel. He talks about the big name partners backing the technology and why scaling solar-made fuels could transform the aviation and mobility industries without overhauling existing infrastructure.
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Entrepreneur and Childs Farm founder Joanna Jensen shares how a know-it-all attitude can stall growth and why confidence alone can’t save a struggling enterprise. She discusses lessons from her new book, ‘Making Business Child’s Play: How to Build a Winning Brand’, a practical guide to creating companies that last.
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Nicolas Budzynski, the CEO of globally acclaimed French Mediterranean restaurant La Petite Maison, shares his expansion plans and why he keeps his team focused on long-term vision. Plus: A dispatch from Aalto Founder School.
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L’Objet founder Elad Yifrach talks about the value of materiality in design, smart collaborations and growing a luxury decor brand celebrated for its commitment to craftsmanship. Plus: we meet the boss of Kachimode, a Japanese firm that investigates whether real estate properties are haunted.
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António Amorim, the CEO of the world's leading producer of cork, talks about the surprising versatility of the material and its many uses in industries from wine to aerospace and construction.
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N.Peal’s owner, Adam Holdsworth, discusses his measured approach to the company’s expansion strategy and collaborations. Plus: We meet Tomokuni Tsuji, the CEO of Sanrio, the Japanese entertainment business behind Hello Kitty.
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We visit Wandl in Ruhpolding, Bavaria, where a husband-and-wife team host corporate retreats in a historic alpine farmhouse. Teams leave behind dull hotel rooms to breathe fresh mountain air and find new focus for leadership.
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Rejoice! Rosé season doesn’t have to end. We meet husband-and-wife duo Stephen and Jeany Cronk, the founders of award-winning rosé brand Maison Mirabeau, which is now sold in over 40 countries. They share how a risky move to Provence paid off and why rosé deserves a place on festive tables.
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We meet Ece Gözen, co-founder of Gozen, the biotechnology company behind Lunaform, a biomaterial now catching the attention of major fashion houses such as Balenciaga and offering a new approach to sustainable design.
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How Italy is positioning itself to become Europe’s next tech hub. Plus: author Mehran Gul on ‘The New Geography of Innovation: The Global Contest for Breakthrough Technologies’. And: Kagi founder Vladimir Prelovac on the search engine’s answer to combating internet AI slop.
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We meet Pietro Collina, co-founder of Whitebox Cocktails, a company making full-strength, single-serve classics such as negronis, espresso martinis and cosmopolitans. Collina talks about creating canned cocktails and scaling the brand to international shelves.
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Founder Scott Hudson shares the story of Henrybuilt and how the company constructed a business around custom kitchen systems that combine design, craftsmanship and function.
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Founder Natalie Enslöw shares how she launched Fjör, a skincare brand tackling dryness, sensitivity and other skin issues with advanced microbiome technology and a purpose-driven approach.
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We explore different ways to build community through entrepreneurship. June O’Sullivan talks about the role of social enterprise in shaping modern business. Then: Alexei Korolyov meets the founder of an independent Viennese cafe chain.
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CEO of Cata, David Brunier, shares his journey to creating a next-generation SaaS platform that launches fully branded consumer apps with no coding and minimal upfront costs, including the top app in Singapore.
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Aera co-founders Jas Minhas and Olof Larsson join us at Midori House to discuss how things have been ticking along at their watch brand since Minhas’s previous visit. Plus: Monocle’s Brenda Tuohy on Geneva Watch Days trends.
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French-Togolese architect and co-founder of Studio Neida, Jeanne Autran-Edorh, talks about the future of design in Togo and how her work is making an impact internationally.
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Jonny Lake and Isa Bal, co-founders and masterminds behind the two Michelin-starred Trivet in London, discuss their latest venture. Plus: Simon Kim chats about shaking up the traditional American steakhouse with the acclaimed Cote.
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Roberts Treize shares the story of Sporonex, a Latvian startup developing sustainable acoustic solutions using mycelium and circular-waste materials.
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Laurent Kleitman stops by Monocle’s Paris studio to reflect on the state of luxury hospitality, Mandarin Oriental’s takeover of the Lutetia hotel and the group’s starring role in season three of The White Lotus.
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Didrik Dimmen is the co-founder and CEO of Auk, an award-winning indoor smart-gardening system that makes it easy to grow fresh herbs, salad plants and even vegetables, no matter the season.
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We mark two centuries of passenger rail with a look at what’s down the line. Björn Bender, CEO of Rail Europe, discusses the direction of travel.
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What does it take to share something that’s rooted in place with the world? Naoki Mita discusses Le Furo’s “craft onsen” – concentrated hot spring solutions that capture the therapeutic benefits of Japan’s mineral-rich waters.
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Feng Chen Wang is a Chinese, London-based fashion designer who embodies what it means to update tradition. Her eponymous brand creates pieces that are deeply personal yet globally resonant, merging traditional Chinese references with modern tailoring, sportswear influences and futuristic silhouettes. As her brand marks a decade of boundary-pushing design, Wang reflects on her upbringing in Fujian, collaborations with major brands such as Converse and why straddling cultures is her superpower in both design and business.
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Charlie Maas, co-founder of Papa Salt, talks about testing 59 distilled recipes before settling on their gin, which uses native Australian botanicals. Plus: a florist’s mission to elevate the status of the country’s wildflowers.
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Archer Aviation’s founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, joins to discuss the UAE launch of the ‘Midnight’ eVTOL. Is a 20-minute Dubai-Abu Dhabi commute in the offing?
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Ole Scheeren is the award-winning German architect behind some of the world’s most ambitious and unconventional buildings. From tech campuses in Asian megacities to residential apartment blocks in Vancouver, Scheeren’s designs seamlessly bridge opposing aesthetics and functionalities. In this episode he tells us about the power of cross-cultural collaboration and how this can enrich the lives of those who live, work and gather in his spaces.
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We meet the founder of outdoor-adventure emporium Arksen to hear how the lifelong thrill-seeker built a business to share his love of exploration and bring a new approach to the industry.
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Founder and creative director Vania Leles shares the story of how she became a gemologist and launched her brand, Vanleles, an African high-jewellery brand.
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What does it take to grow ambitious start-ups into impactful businesses and foster diverse, inclusive leadership from the start? Roxanne Varza is director of Paris’s Station F, the world’s largest start-up campus. Previously head of Microsoft’s French start-up activity and named by Business Insider as one of tech’s 30 most influential women under 30, she tells Monocle’s Tom Edwards what it takes to be a Station F company and how to champion progressive change in the workplace.
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Adam Brinkworth, founder and CEO, and strategy lead Nick Roberts return to Midori House to discuss the company’s 35th birthday and why human connection remains at the heart of the agency’s vision.
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Alex Wilcox is the founder and CEO of Dallas-based US regional air carrier JSX, which has won customers and plaudits thanks to its distinctive hop-on/hop-off service.
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Balineum founder Sarah Watson discusses the challenges facing Stoke-on-Trent, aka “The Potteries”, the historic heart of the UK’s ceramics industry. Plus: how she’s investing in its revival by supporting future talent and local manufacturing.
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Theco-founder and CEO of Wahu Mobility, Valerie Labi, talks about launching Ghana’s first electric-bike manufacturer, scaling the business despite early doubts and her plans to expand into new markets.
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Pure Effect co-founder Linda Rosendahl Nordin explains how the Swedish biotech company uses beneficial microbes to clean fabrics without washing. Plus: Morjas founder, Henrik Berg, talks brand growth, footwear and launching a women’s line.
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Founder Stavros Kois shares how he grew a small optical shop in Syros into a globally recognised brand offering distinctive eyewear and silk scarves inspired by the style and story of the Greek island.
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Max De Lucia, co-founder of sonic branding studio DLMDD, discusses bringing his creative approach to the world of fragrance.
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Roxana Saidi, founder of Táche, shares how a lightbulb moment in a Parisian café led to the creation of her pistachio-milk brand. She discusses international expansion, new collaborations and sustainability.
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Could the circular economy be the answer to climate change? Monocle’s correspondent in New Delhi, Lyndee Prickitt, meets India’s foremost expert on the circular economy, Shalini Goyal Bhalla. She is the managing director of think-tank International Council for Circular Economy and has written books on the subject. She tells us about the opportunities that moving towards a circular model would provide for business and innovation, as well as the planet.
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We get summer skincare tips from world-renowned aesthetician Sophie Carbonari. Plus: we head to the southwest coast of France to meet two surfers-turned entrepreneurs.
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Monocle’s Gregory Scruggs reports from Los Angeles, where wildfires devastated communities earlier this year. He meets the brothers behind Crest Real Estate, a property firm taking a thoughtful approach to help the city recover.
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Former chef Amelia Christie-Miller has long been obsessed with brands that have the power to shape consumer behaviour. In 2021 she created Bold Bean Co to change the perception of beans, encouraging people to see them as more than a mere pantry ingredient. In this conversation with Monocle’s Tom Edwards, Christie-Miller discusses how she disrupted the food industry by shifting age-old narratives – through everything from her product and marketing strategy to workplace culture – and converted fatigued consumers into loyal customers.
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James Vowles, Atlassian Williams Racing team principal, stops by Midori House ahead of the British Grand Prix to discuss the F1 team’s progress, decision-making under pressure and long-term thinking on and off track.
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We meet Sally Boddington, co-founder of British fashion brand White Coco. Since launching in 2012, she has opened three shops and expanded her range. Boddington discusses growing the business and the value of collaborations.
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Charles Landry is an international adviser on the use of imagination and creativity in urban change. He has written many books on the subject, including ‘The Creative City: A Toolkit for Urban Innovators’. His work seeks to help cities unlock their potential and become resilient, self-sustaining places. In this episode he speaks to Tom Edwards about how intentional design can nurture culture in a city.
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Thomas Flohr, founder and chairman of VistaJet, talks about building a global business aviation company, breaking industry convention and what’s next on his radar. Plus: highlights from the Paris Air Show.
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Stephen Bates shares how a series of serendipitous eureka moments led to the creation of Rheon Labs, a smart-materials company developing energy-absorbing technology to better support and protect the body.
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When it comes to good leadership, professor John Amaechi knows a thing or two. Amaechi is an organisational psychologist and founder of APS Intelligence, a consultancy dedicated to helping organisations cultivate high-performance, ethical workplace cultures. He also happens to be a former basketball star and the first Briton to ever play in the NBA. John Amaechi talks to Tom Edwards about the moments in his life that have taught him about the importance of being able to lead people to positive change, the current challenges to DEI initiatives, and why being the driving force behind positive friction can be the way to make progress.
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A special edition featuring Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation CEO, Albert Wong, and advisor Allan Zeman. They explain how the city’s leading innovation and technology ecosystem fosters worldwide impact.
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Per Fredriksson, founder of Stockholm-based premium menswear label Circle Of Friends Studio, reflects on launching the brand in 2015 and how his lifelong career in fashion manufacturing shaped its focus on high-quality denim.
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Lena Patriksson Keller and Jonas Clason, co-founders of European denim house Jeanerica, discuss their long-standing creative partnership and timeless Scandinavian design. And: we meet the creator of the autonomous mobility vehicle, Iino, in Tokyo.
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Victoria Aguirre shares how her career in photojournalism and travels through Latin America inspired her to launch Pampa, a B Corp-certified brand focused on artisan craftsmanship, heritage and sustainable production.
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Asia perfume special: we meet Ruth Chao von Gehren, the founder of Ode Ona, a Hong Kong-based fragrance house. And Jun Lim talks about his artistic perfumery from Seoul, Born to Stand Out.
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Cornelius Klimt shares the story of Calma Compania, an Austrian brand making plant-based mosquito spray, which he launched in 2024 with co-founder Hemma Marenzi. Today, it’s found in some of Europe’s most thoughtful hotels.
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Håkan Agnevall, CEO of Wärtsilä, discusses how the company is helping to shift entire industries toward a 100 per cent renewable future. Then: what’s next in entrepreneurship education with Augment co-founder Ariel Renous.
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Finnmark Sauna’s founder, Jake Newport, shares his passion for Finnish sauna, including how his personal experience with its healing benefits inspired him to launch a business that brings authentic sauna experiences to the UK.
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Julia Hobsbawm is an author and the CEO of global work trends and change network Workathon. In this episode she shares how to build a healthier relationship with our online lives and offers a blueprint for navigating digital spaces with decency and respect.
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We shift into summer mode with warm-weather style and two brands that radiate sunshine: Bucharest-based fashion label Les Vacances d’Irina and Australian accessories house Helen Kaminski.
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Matt Meeker, founder and CEO of Bark, explains how the company’s mission to make dogs happy has evolved from selling chew toys to launching Bark Air, the world’s first airline designed for dogs.
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David Hieatt is the founder of Hiut Denim Co and The Do Lectures, an idea- sharing platform featuring some of the world’s most interesting thinkers. He has previously worked for some of the biggest advertising agencies in the world and was the founder of sportswear brand Howie’s. Hieatt didn’t have the most traditional path into his career. Despite not finishing his education, the thread that runs through his career is a commitment to learning. In this episode he tells Tom Edwards about how being open to continuous education has taken him on an incredible journey and why sometimes you take your lessons from the most unexpected places.
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Lifelong friends and business partners, Johnny Smith and Daniel Willis, talk about their Michelin-starred restaurant, Luca, and their latest venture, Smith & Willis, a new hospitality group that builds on their partnership restaurants.
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We meet Marta Agueda Carlero, co-founder of Material Alternative Design (MAD), a design company fuelled by fungi. She discusses how MAD uses mycelium in its manufacturing to create sustainable climbing gear.
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Monocle’s Tom Edwards is joined by serial entrepreneur Dumi Oburota to discuss the power of being present and of meaningful exchange. From his experiences in the music industry, nurturing the career of acclaimed British rapper Tinie Tempah to closing deals on his newly founded drinks brand Severan, Oburota tells us why he’s a firm believer in the magic of human connection.
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Monocle’s editor in chief, Andrew Tuck, talks about the business opportunities in Indonesia. Plus: we hear from the co-founder of a design studio in Singapore and contemplate the virtues of phone-free spaces.
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We meet Mariah Levin, executive director of beVisioneers, a global fellowship backed by Mercedes-Benz that equips young innovators with the tools, funding and network to build scalable ventures tackling environmental challenges.
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An ode to Italian hospitality. Two brothers from Bologna discuss the global expansion of their pizza chain, Berberè. Then: we raise a glass with the long-time friends from Cosenza leading London’s Bar 45.
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In the first episode of Monocle’s collaboration with Pullman Hotels, Monocle’s Tom Edwards is in Dubai to meet the architect and founder of design practice Roar, Pallavi Dean. A seasoned globe-trotter, Dean is no stranger to new geographies and beginnings. We ask her how activating change can help to breed the resilience and agility needed to grow.
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East Fork Pottery founder and CEO Alex Matisse shares the story behind launching his Asheville-based pottery company and its new collection, a collaboration with Les Héritiers Matisse.
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We discuss the crowning achievements of two leaders behind brands with royal seals of approval: the president of a 500-year-old Japanese confectionery company and the CEO of a Swedish haircare brand beloved by the country’s royal family.
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We meet the founder of Tennibot, an Auburn-based company making autonomous robots for racket sports. Haitham Eletrabi talks about the global demand for their products and the company’s latest launch: Partner, a smart ball machine that mimics human shots and moves around the court, creating a realistic playing experience.
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Carolyn Dailey, author of ‘The Creative Entrepreneur’, shares lessons from industry leaders, such as Grammy-winner Nile Rodgers and restaurateur Ruthie Rogers, on building purpose-driven businesses. Plus: Mark Roberts talks about ‘The Entrepreneur Within’, his guide for driving innovation from inside any organisation.
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We meet Jens Holzapfel, business director at Nordic Air Defence, a Stockholm-based start-up developing compact, non-explosive drone interceptors. Holzapfel talks about the company’s flagship product, the Kreuger100, and why Europe needs more homegrown defense technology to address quickly evolving security challenges.
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Turbulence makes flying unbearable for some and uncomfortable for all. As bumpy skies become more common, we meet the CEO of an aviation company that’s focused on making flights smoother with groundbreaking turbulence-cancelling technology.
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Mindvalley founder, Vishen Lakhiani, discusses whether AI has the potential to transform our approach to work and enhance overall wellbeing by eliminating unnecessary tasks, and allowing us to dedicate more time to building meaningful, real-life connections.
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Europe’s tech scene is often seen as trailing the US and China but startups across the continent are challenging that perspective. We meet two founders that are shaking up the industry and proving that ambition, collaboration and smart risks can make Europe competitive again.
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Ian Flood shares how a late-night chess game with his then-flatmate and fellow architect Chris Prosser sparked the idea to design sets inspired by city skylines, with pieces shaped like famous landmarks. He discusses how they founded Skyline Chess and grew it into a thriving business, now featuring 12 cities and a growing portfolio of custom sets for developers, architects and corporate clients.
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Canva co-founder and chief product officer, Cameron Adams, shares how the company’s culture of simplicity and positive social impact drives its success. Plus: what’s next for the company and its two-step plan to balance profitability with global good.
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Ian Rickwood never planned to get into the carwash business but when he saw how outdated the service was, he spotted an opportunity. Rickwood shares how Aquasonic is using smart tech and Formula 1-inspired drying to change the game.
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From the pavement to the pool, we meet the founders of two brands moving the needle in the fitness world. Oliver Powe talks about the philosophy that underscores Acid Running’s approach to design. Then: the innovation and development behind Zygo, the world’s first underwater-streaming headset.
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We meet Elliot Andre, founder of EX-A Studio, a unisex jewellery brand featuring abstract shapes and out-of-this-world pieces. He tells us how he went from self-taught designer to seeing his creations in Nordstrom and on Netflix.
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Is quality in business best served by a slower approach? We discuss the merits of journalism that takes its time with the co-founder of Danish digital-news platform Zetland. Plus: we talk timeless furniture with the woman behind Vinterior.
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Frank Roop shares the story behind The Textilium Project, a platform that curates natural high-quality textiles for creatives who want great design without needing to hire a professional. He shares the sources of his fabrics and why good materials make all the difference in a space.
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We meet Priya Paul, a hotelier who set out to redefine boutique hospitality in India by building a thriving group with dozens of locations. Plus: Christoph Hoffmann talks about how the 25hours Hotel brand maintains its DNA while growing and the importance of individualised products in hospitality.
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Monocle’s Helsinki correspondent, Petri Burtsoff, meets Stora Enso CEO, Hans Sohlström, at the company’s striking new timber headquarters.
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We discuss clean-mobility breakthroughs with two founders pushing the boundaries of flight. Plus: how their innovations are reshaping the nearly $1tn airline industry as it races toward decarbonisation.
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We meet former Penguin Random House editor Meru Gokhale, who used her 20 years of publishing experience to create Editrix, an AI-assisted editing tool. Plus: how following “tech bros” on X helped her to launch the business without a tech background.
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We meet the CEO of Casa Batlló, a cultural masterpiece that continues to inspire more than 100 years after its creation. Plus: how a Danish design brand is making smarter furniture that can adapt to changing needs over time.
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Co-founder and CEO Andreas Cleve talks about how Corti’s healthcare-specific AI foundation model enhances patient care by cutting admin work and giving doctors more time to focus on what matters most.
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We explore innovation in motion from the road to the skies. Polestar CEO, Michael Loescheller, shares his optimistic outlook for Swedish EV maker in 2025. And: we hop aboard Greece's first scheduled helicopter airline, Hoper.
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We meet the founder of the Italian-made luxury handbag label Sevda London. Sevda Mutlu talks about building her brand, its upcoming collaboration with the Ritz Paris and how her Turkish heritage inspires every design.
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We meet a former magazine editor who leveraged her experience to launch her own womenswear brand. Then: fresh from fashion’s front rows, Monocle’s Natalie Theodosi talks about the trends shaping the market.
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John Roescher, CEO of Raw Materials, shares why the digital design agency prides itself on an unconventional business model. We discuss how its unique approach helps it to stand out and land big clients.
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What do sailing and wealth management have in common? For Vincent Lecomte, CEO of BNP Paribas Wealth Management, both require vision, adaptability and trust. Lecomte joins ‘The Entrepreneurs’ to explain how a turbulent economic landscape requires investors to embrace new challenges, manage risks and adapt to new strategies.
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Helgi Óskarsson, CEO of 66°North, shares how the brand went from outfitting Icelandic fishermen to a globally recognised name in outerwear. We discuss its ethos, retail expansion and new exhibition at Copenhagen Fashion Week.
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As societies get older, how can we support wellbeing from infancy to later life? We explore both ends of the spectrum as we meet the co-founder of an organic infant formula company and head to an Italian medical spa that claims to hold the secrets to longevity.
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Magnus Renfrew, co-founder of Art SG, shares the inspiration behind Southeast Asia’s leading international art fair, highlighting Singapore’s emerging art ecosystem and its unique role in attracting global collectors, artists and galleries.
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We meet former corporate lawyer Alexia Karides, who left the legal briefs behind to launch Ysso, a jewellery brand crafting handmade pieces. Then: we take a peek inside the pages of our latest title, ‘Greece: The Monocle Handbook’.
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We meet Florian Miguet, the co-founder of Clim8, a French company using smart thermal tech to develop apparel with personalised heating and cooling systems. x
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Monocle’s Tomos Lewis meets Toronto-based entrepreneur Mark Bordo, the co-founder and CEO of Vetster. Bordo talks about how telemedicine is reimagining pet care, improving access to leading veterinary support and enabling vets to extend care beyond clinic hours – keeping their four-legged patients wagging their tails.
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Colin Waggett, CEO of luxury gym chain Third Space, discusses the company’s expansion model, London’s fitness market and how smart real-estate partnerships contribute to its success. Plus: Monocle’s editor in chief, Andrew Tuck, shares what’s on his radar for 2025.
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Eric Heerema, CEO and owner of Nyetimber, discusses the brand's journey to becoming a global leader and how it's broadening its reach by exporting to more than 20 countries and expanding its product range. Plus: how the Maldives plans to diversify tourism by targeting new markets and offering a range of accommodation.
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Co-founder and CEO Emma Lewisham discusses the origin story behind her eponymous skincare brand, an innovative natural line blending efficiency and sustainability. She discusses the company’s focus on circularity and science-based formulations, as well as the challenges of disrupting the competitive beauty industry.
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We discuss the 10-year long development process behind the world’s first inflatable cycle helmet and how Ventete spotted the cultural shift toward active, eco-friendly commuting. Plus: how to stay ahead of trends in 2025 from business to travel and hospitality.
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Founder and designer Andrew Flynn talks about the origin for his green-thumbed venture, Potr, a smart line of origami-like plant pots that are self-watering and made from waste-materials. He discusses the product’s design and development, the challenges of its initial market launch and the brand’s impressive expansion into Japan.
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We discuss how Finland's stability, trust in institutions and exceptional quality of life cultivate an environment that supports a skilled workforce, advanced technology and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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Petter Kukacka, founder of the Stockholm-based creative studio, The Great Exhibition, talks about his childhood dream of building an office rollercoaster and the design challenge his audacious project posed.
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Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings talks about his latest venture, Powder Mountain, a pristine ski resort in Utah that’s also an outdoor art museum. Plus: we head to an elite business school in Lyon that’s celebrating 40 years of helping entrepreneurs launch their innovative ideas.
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How do you transform a declining neighbourhood into a destination for global art and retail? Craig Robins, the developer of the Miami Design District, talks about Miami Art Week 2024 and the role of art in enhancing wellbeing and uniting communities.
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‘Thinking Bigger’ author Sarah Dusek talks about her mission to help women secure capital to create large-scale businesses that make a difference. And: Tim Duggan discusses his new book, ‘Work Backwards’, a powerful guide for reimagining the life-work balance.
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We meet Nuria Torras, the founder of Lekkid, a Barcelona-based toy brand focused on promoting creativity and imagination in children through educational play.
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We meet the co-founder of European Sleeper, a railway company reviving night trains and connecting great cities across the continent. And to ensure we’re travelling in style, we’ll hear from the founder of Tom Àdam, a Berlin-based loungewear brand revered for its PJs.
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Shilpika Gautam talks about her journey from the trading floor to environmental work. She discusses how a transformative – and record-breaking – experience paddleboarding the Ganges catalysed the founding of Opna, a greentech company focused on accelerating climate action.
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Hear insights from two leaders driving cultural change through the power of music. Monocle’s Tomos Lewis heads to Havana’s Cayo Hueso district to meet a Grammy-winning resident of the Cuban capital who restored a grand 1930s building into an 11-key hotel with Caribbean rhythm at its core. Plus: Mag Rodriguez talks about his new app, Even, a platform tackling the tough times artists face in the streaming era.
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We meet Sarah Bell, founder of Evermore London, a luxury-candle and home-fragrance brand made from sustainable ingredients, nature-inspired scents and fine UK craftsmanship.
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We explore how heritage and a commitment to artisanal quality builds enduring brands with the founders of two eponymous luxury labels. Luca Faloni reflects on a decade of elevating Italian menswear and Oyuna Tserendorj shares how her Mongolian roots inform the ethos of her cashmere brand.
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We meet the creator of ‘The Future Flip Book’, a creativity tool designed to spark millions of innovative ideas by allowing users to create combinations that align with their unique goals.
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We discuss growth strategies from Sweden to South Africa as we meet the CEO of Peak Performance to hear about the importance of bricks-and-mortar retail for building communities. And: why creating meaningful touchpoints with customers in physical retail spaces can help new brands flourish.
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Newlane co-founder Dominic Cotton talks about creating a foldable bike helmet for urban commuters. He shares how a London bike ride sparked the idea, challenges of achieving certification and how key partnerships have propelled their growth.
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We explore innovative solutions for urban living and enhancing quality of life in cities. First, we meet the founder of Urby, a smart development company that blends apartment living with the hospitality flair of boutique hotels. Then: we catch up with Markus Freitag, founder of compact cargo-bike company Flinc, which is reshaping the way that Switzerland rides.
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Beyond its fairs, Art Basel wants to stay top of mind with a foray into retail. Monocle’s Sophie Monaghan-Coombs speaks with chief growth officer, Hayley Romer, at the new Art Basel Shop in Paris to see how its pop-up stores reflect its cities in every product.
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Deborah Honig, chief customer officer for Samsung Electronics in the UK and Ireland, talks about how the multinational technology giant is harnessing artificial intelligence to elevate its product ecosystem, boost accessibility and empower consumers, all while staying true to the brand’s legacy of innovation.
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Yola Jimenez launched Yola Mezcal to preserve her family’s traditional recipe of the spirit from Oaxaca, Mexico. Today the brand is thriving thanks to her commitment to slow growth, sustainable production and staying true to its original roots.
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We meet a New York-based interior designer who champions a traditional approach to craftsmanship and inspiration. And: Monocle’s Nic Monisse talks about the latest patterns in the industry.
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Peter Jüriado and Mathias le Fèvre discuss their collaboration for Stenströms’s 125th anniversary collection, inspired by Scandinavian nature and vintage style. They reflect on blending tradition with modern fashion ahead of the collection’s launch in Stockholm.
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An episode that’s millennia in the making: we meet the founder of the world’s first de-extinction and species-preservation company, to hear how it’s using ancient DNA to bring back animals including the woolly mammoth and dodo. Plus: do natural diamonds, forged over millions of years, outshine lab-grown gems?
Snoggos co-founders Julie and Max Wedel discuss their vegan dog-supplement brand that creates products designed to support canine joint, skin and digestive health.
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Real-estate developer Adam Gordon talks about Wildflower Studios, the state-of-the-art media facility in New York City which he co-founded with Robert De Niro, aiming to create a hub that supports the Big Apple’s local and creative communities. Plus: we meet the founders of Rally, a new music festival.
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Co-founder Andreas Grape talks about the journey to launching Nordic Angels, the largest investor network in the Nordics, with a mission to rebuild trust in social platforms and foster cross-border collaboration by connecting business professionals and start-ups.
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How can winemaking push the boundaries of tradition? Founder Travis Braithwaite talks about Pangaea Estates’ tradition-defying blends and navigating a global supply chain to deliver a one-of-a-kind wine experience. Plus: wine expert Chandra Kurt shares tips for discovering new markets.
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Founder Sam Beaney shares the origin story of Kibu, a children’s headphone company emphasising sustainability through its innovative build, repair and recycle model that’s designed and manufactured so kids can put the sets together themselves.
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How can smart leaders turn a crisis into an opportunity? Summa Equity’s Norwegian founder Reynir Indahl talks about how the 2008 financial crash inspired him to rethink traditional investment models and focus on tackling global challenges. Plus: how a health scare led to a career shift for the founder of a German company helping business people to speak for themselves.
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Medical-doctors-cum-entrepreneurs Paul Jaklin and Amanda Bianca sought a creative escape from their high-pressure jobs. In 2020 the couple launched Dazurelle, a Zürich-based lifestyle brand that contrasts the monochromatic hospital environment with the colours of everyday experiences.
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We meet Stefano Canali, CEO of the Canali Group, a family-owned luxury menswear brand celebrating its 90th anniversary. He discusses the role of physical retail in delivering a comprehensive brand experience and what it means to be “Made in Italy”. Plus: Monocle’s Natalie Theodosi joins the show with a fashion-industry forecast.
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Gaëtan Gaye launched Alpagota in October 2023 after spotting a gap in the €130bn eyewear market. Less than a year later, the brand is growing rapidly across Europe and Asia, bringing a fresh approach to eyewear maintenance. Gaye stops by Midori House to tell us how it happened.
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Monocle’s Petri Burtsoff tours the Northvolt Ett factory in Sweden, one of the largest EV battery plants in the world, to explore the company’s mission to revolutionise green energy. Plus: Andrei Danescu, co-founder and CEO of Dexory, discusses how his business’s autonomous robots and AI-powered platform are transforming warehouse operations for major clients such as Maersk and DB Schenker.
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How do you tackle urban loneliness? Kindred founder Anna Anderson talks about creating a community space in Hammersmith that blends co-working, dining and events to foster real connections.
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We meet Josh Bradshaw and Charlie Karlsen, founders of luxury catering company Opus 11, who tell us about creating high-end, bespoke dining experiences for their impressive roster of clients, including major fashion brands such as Chanel, Cartier and LVMH. Then we head to Switzerland to meet the owner of a Zürich-based watch brand focused on local craftsmanship.
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Julia Lisovska discusses the origins of Tivoli, her family-run furniture company in Ukraine, and its mission to overcome the challenges posed by Russia’s invasion. She discusses the company’s response to the crisis, the resilience of Ukrainian businesses and the importance of showing Ukrainian design to the world.
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Gonzalo Gout and Larissa Lawrence, co-founders of Vinos Enteros, turned their shared passion for wine and hospitality into a successful wine-import business in Mexico City. They discuss how cultural exploration has shaped the company, allowing them to bring unique Old World wines to Mexico’s culinary scene, and the operational challenges of running a business in the country.
Janaïna Milheiro shares the story behind her specialisation in featherwork and her mission to rethink luxury design through materials. She talks about her creative process, the sustainability of using feathers as a byproduct and the growing interest in the discipline among young designers.
CEO Neel Bradham talks about Parador, a leading company in the luxury interior-design space, who is working to expand the brand’s international presence. We discuss the value of balancing its flooring legacy with the entrepreneurial mindset needed for new markets.
Madeleine Wallien, founder of Wallien, tells us about her company’s origins and its mission to reimagine women’s water sportswear through stylish designs and sustainability. She discusses the challenges of breaking into a male-dominated market, the importance of using sustainable materials and the brand’s commitment to supporting ocean conservation.
Can artificial intelligence truly simplify business needs and create authentic experiences? We meet the Danish CEO of a platform that aims to be the first automated ledger for global companies. And: we hear from an entertainment-industry giant who wants to help high-profile individuals such as Lionel Messi reach fans in new ways.
St John co-founder Trevor Gulliver stops by Midori House to discuss the famed nose-to-tail restaurant’s global appeal and its commitment to high-quality food, excellent wines and exceptional hospitality. We discuss its second clothing partnership with luxury menswear brand Drake’s and how the collection explores the other side of the table for Gulliver and chef Fergus Henderson.
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As Paris prepares to welcome the world for the Olympics, we explore France’s ingenuity and manufacturing traditions. We meet the founder of an electric motorcycle company that started in a small garage in Bayonne, before hearing from the founders of a Parisian beauty brand that aims to reinvigorate the country’s brush-making tradition.
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How can better tires reduce EV pollution? Icelandic founder Gunnlaugur Erlendsson talks about launching Enso in 2016 with the goal of building a better tire. He discusses the effect of tires on the environment, especially for electric vehicles that are heavier than their non-electric counterparts, and his approach to creating more durable and energy-efficient alternatives.
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Can the shared-workspace model work in manufacturing? We head to Bloqs, a pay-as-you-go workshop in north London, to hear how founders Arnaud Nichols and Al Parra are redefining the production process by providing creatives and businesses with flexible access to top-tier machinery, tools and a community of makers. Plus: we learn how Kabin founder Walter Craven uses the Bloqs factory for product testing and prototyping.
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We meet Pierre-Lou Million, the founder of Pierre Lou des Alpes, a Swiss brand known for its whimsical and sustainable socks. Million shares how his joyful Alpine upbringing inspired his unique designs and his aim to spread the positive feeling of the mountains through his products.
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Lisa Jackson, vice-president of environment, policy and social initiatives at Apple, stops by Midori House to talk about her journey from public service to leading the company’s sustainability efforts. She discusses her background in government, including her tenure as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency under Barack Obama, and how it has shaped her approach to corporate social responsibility. Plus: how Apple plans to deliver on its ambitious goal of full carbon neutrality across its supply chain by 2030.
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We meet the co-founder of Unimatic, a Milan-based maker of sporty, minimalist wrist watches that has attracted a loyal following since it launched in 2015. Giovanni Moro talks about keeping production close to home by manufacturing in Italy and crediting the success of the brand to the role of physical retail.
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We explore smart urban development and innovative real-estate strategies with two founders leading the transformation of city spaces. Founder Keith Kerr talks about the evolution of The Development Studio, highlighting its design focus and adaptability in Hong Kong’s competitive market. Plus: Ando Living chairman Hakan Kodal discusses the company’s focus on neighbourhood connectivity, opportunities in the serviced apartment market and its expansion into key European cities.
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Creative director Catherine Bailey and clay studio director Tung Chiang discuss the storied history of Heath Ceramics, a California-based maker of home goods. Plus: the evolution of the company’s San Francisco facility and its commitment to fostering community and artist collaboration.
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We discuss how feedback can drive innovation with the founders of two high-end accessories labels. Troubadour’s Abel Samet explains how fostering customer interactions shapes their product development. Plus: Vee Collective’s Lili Radu talks about the value of physical retail for growing a brand and creating a comprehensive customer experience.
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We explore Switzerland’s swimming culture with Tom Maurer, co-owner of Seebad Enge, a beloved outdoor swimming facility on Lake Zürich. Maurer explains how the ‘badi’ blends views of the Alps and a top-class hospitality offering to attract visitors from near and far.
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Record label boss and serial entrepreneur Dumi Oburota talks about his impressive career journey, from selling lollipops on the playground to playing a key role in the rise of prominent artists while starting multiple businesses along the way. Plus: we taste his high-end Blanc de Blancs Brut, the hero product from his latest venture, Severan Wines.
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We meet the founder of the eponymous Miminat Designs, a London-based interiors, furniture and lighting studio. Mimi Shodeinde talks about her spontaneous design philosophy, the significance of collaborations to the growth of the brand and tailoring projects from a client-centric approach, while staying true to her vision.
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This week’s show is a celebration of having fun. Monocle’s Fernando Augusto Pacheco belts out his favourite tunes at Moyagi, a new London karaoke bar that pays homage to the medium’s Japanese origins. Plus: we meet the creator of Clown Cardio, a fitness programme that is based on physical theatre and the art of clowning.
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Founders Phyllis Chan and Suzzie Chung discuss the origins of YanYan, their Hong Kong-based premium-knitwear label, and reflect on their creative process. They explain how they navigate the evolving retail landscape while staying true to the vision of the brand.
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We’re shining a spotlight on two major Greek industries: shipping and silk. Founder Antonis Malaxianakis discusses his journey from managing his family business to innovating in the maritime industry with Harbor Lab, a software platform that automates port-related cost management. Plus: we discuss the challenges of reviving silk production in Greece and the effect of digital printing on making this ancient craft accessible and affordable.
We meet Nicola Enrico Stäubli, co-founder of Monopole, a Zürich-based electric-bike business that aims to promote a less car-dependent lifestyle in cities. Stäubli talks about the design philosophy behind the versatile Toolbike, which blends functionality with aesthetic appeal.
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Founder and CEO Edwin Brenninkmeyer shares insights into his lifelong passion for flying and the opportunities available in infrastructure to develop new, greener aircraft. Plus: we discuss the differing perceptions of business aviation in the US and Europe.
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Kanga, founder of South Korean fashion label Kappy Design, shares her journey from being laid off during the coronavirus pandemic to starting the brand in Seoul. Plus: Kappy Design’s UK sales agent, Tony Wall, discusses how a relaxed aesthetic, quality craftsmanship and adaptability to current trends underscore the rise of South Korean brands on the global stage.
We explore how entrepreneurs are creating lasting impact through fashion. Les Deux co-founder Andreas von Der Heide stops by Midori House to talk about the inspiration behind their smart menswear collections, the role of physical retail in fostering connections with customers and leaving a meaningful legacy beyond just building a brand. Plus: we meet the founder of I Am Volya, a London-based online boutique that aims to promote Ukraine’s rich culture and support its fashion industry during the ongoing conflict.
Founder Jen Keane talks about her journey from working in material design for Adidas to launching Modern Synthesis, a biotech company using bacteria to create sustainable fibres for the textile industry. She talks about collaborating with Ganni and navigating negative perceptions associated with bacteria.
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Matt Grech-Smith, co-founder and co-CEO of Swingers, talks about the mini-golf brand’s humble beginnings and meteoric rise. Grech-Smith emphasises the importance of corporate density and vibrant dating scenes for scouting new locations and advises international businesses to approach the US as a group of separate countries. Plus: we head to Dog Ppl, Los Angeles’s first canine social club, to meet the co-founder of Wagwell, a line of tailored dog treats and supplements.
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We meetthe founder and CEO of Kagi, Vladimir Prelovac, a subscription-based search engine that aims to prioritise user privacy and provide a more authentic experience. Prelovac was fed up with existing search engines that he felt prioritised advertisers over users, so founded the company in 2018 to offer a viable alternative to the traditional ad-driven model.
Ettinger’s managing director, Robert Ettinger, talks about the rich heritage of the family-run leather goods business, the challenges of preserving traditional manufacturing techniques in a modern world and selling its Britishness globally. He explains how the brand maintains its commitment to craftsmanship and quality while embracing sustainability and innovation. Plus: we head to Vaasa, Finland where Wärtsilä is developing greener engines and other technologies of the future.
How can we develop a more balanced relationship with technology and embrace its potential without compromising our overall wellbeing? Harriet Pellereau, co-founder and co-CEO of Mind over Tech, shares some tips for reshaping digital habits to deliver a better tech-life balance.
UAE seafood special: we’re in Dubai to meet Fahim Al Qasimi, co-founder of Seafood Souq, a digital marketplace that serves as a platform connecting seafood buyers and sellers around the world. Plus: Ramie Murray, the founder and CEO of Dibba Bay Oysters, the first and only gourmet oyster farm in the Middle East, talks about the role of aquaculture in enhancing food security.
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Masamitsu Hata’s fascination with fashion took him from small-town Japan to some of the world’s most prestigious houses. Hata tells us how he made the leap to launch his premium footwear label, Timothée Paris; how the brand has expanded without losing its focus; and why it’s opening a flagship shop in the French capital.
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We meet Maryam Zamani, world-leading oculoplastic surgeon and founder of high-performance skincare line MZ Skin. Plus: we head to Seattle to hear how Norway’s international business delegation is leveraging the country’s enviable soft-power assets to promote its brand abroad.
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We meet Chris Stott, the founder and CEO of Lonestar Data Holdings Inc, a groundbreaking initiative working to establish commercial data centres on the moon to store and safeguard information for future generations. The centres will also protect critical knowledge from cyber threats, natural disasters and other risks that could compromise data integrity on Earth.
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Tyler Brûlé catches up with Value Retail founder and friend of the show, Scott Malkin, about his latest venture, Belmont Park Village in New York. Malkin discusses the latest addition to The Bicester Collection family of shopping-tourism destinations, which marks the company’s debut in North America; the limitations of online retail; and the importance of superior hospitality to provide a premium experience. Plus: the challenges and opportunities posed by technology in retail.
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Monocle’s Helsinki correspondent, Petri Burtsoff, visits the factory of Framery, the world’s leading manufacturer of cutting-edge soundproof pods, to see firsthand how it has become the market leader in the industry. Plus: co-founder and CEO Samu Hällfors discusses the company’s product strategy and the crucial design elements for good acoustics, efficiency and comfort.
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Georgina Godwin heads to the Caribbean coast of Colombia to meet Portia Hart, founder of Blue Apple Beach, a boutique hotel and beach club on the island of Tierra Bomba. Hart discusses her regenerative approach to sustainability and explains how aligning best practice in hospitality with environmental and social responsibility is the right thing to do for both business and planet.
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We meet Laduma Ngxokolo, founder and creative director of Maxhosa Africa, a knitwear brand that’s making a splash on the global fashion scene. He discusses how the label blends culturally rooted textile styles with high-end luxury and its debut at Paris Fashion Week this year.
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We meet Adam Gianotti, co-founder and designer of Druthers, a New York-based clothing brand born from a desire to bring greater intentionality to the fashion industry. Gianotti talks about the importance of sustainable, high-quality basics and how the Big Apple influences the identity of the label.
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Actor and Crafty Boys co-founder Charlie Hamblett discusses the origin story of the catering and craft service provider for film and TV sets, which he launched with his brother Louis. Hamblett talks about navigating the challenges posed by 2023’s Hollywood strikes and balancing his acting career with the growing catering business.
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Swiss-American architect David Montalba founded the eponymous award-winning international firm in 2004. Montalba reflects on the company’s upcoming 20th anniversary, the effect of his early experiences working with renowned practitioners and the critical importance of collaboration.
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Petri Burtsoff heads to Tallinn to meet Lisette Luik, co-founder of Arbonics, an Estonian technology company that calculates the carbon removal potential of land and allows landowners to better quantity this data. With investors including Taavet Hinrikus, co-founder of Skype and Wise, Arbonics emphasises forest growth alongside technological solutions to preserve biodiversity and resilience by scaling up nature’s role in carbon removal.
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We explore wine destinations around the world. First we head to the picturesque village of Epesses in the Lavaux winegrowing region of Switzerland, home to the largest vineyard area in the country and a Unesco World Heritage Site, to meet Blaise Duboux and tour his eponymous estate. We also meet the founder of an agency working to build up and promote wine tourism in South Africa.
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Gerhard Girkinger, vice-president of customer experience, delivery and membership at Oneworld, talks about the inspiration behind the company’s expansion into branded lounges. It recently opened two locations in Seoul Incheon and Amsterdam’s Schiphol airports.
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We meet two Swiss founders working to combat overconsumption in style. Co-founder Stefan Mathys breaks down how Vyn trainers marry craftsmanship with a deep understanding of wear patterns to craft durable kicks with added value for consumers. Franz Bittmann, CEO of Namuk, talks about his sustainable children’s outdoor-clothing brand, which encourages a deep-seated love for nature from a young age.
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Founder Jack Geldard has a thirst for adventure. Introduced to craft beer while climbing in California, Geldard was disappointed with the lack of options in Chamonix after relocating to the French Alps. That set him on the path to launch award-winning Big Mountain Brewing Company, making beer that captures the unique spirit of the mountains.
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We explore the world of perfume with two female entrepreneurs in the fragrance industry. Phway Su Aye discusses the philosophy behind Gabar, a fragrance brand that aims to capture the beauty and complexity of Myanmar culture with Southeast Asian botanicals. We also meet Romy Kowalewski, founder of Barcelona-based 27 87, a perfume brand focused on modern perfumery.
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We meet the team behind Sale e Pepe, a beloved hotspot in London’s Knightsbridge, to hear about its stylish revamp that blends modernity with traditional Italian hospitality. Markus Thesleff and Santino Cicciari discuss the transformation of the restaurant ahead of its 50th anniversary and why creating memorable dining experiences is just as vital as serving delicious food.
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We take to the skies with Toby Edwards, the co-CEO of Victor, a leading on-demand, private-jet charter company. Edwards discusses Victor’s commitment to excellent hospitality, the challenges of scaling the business while maintaining a strong working culture and the importance of sustainable aviation fuel. Plus: the founder of consultancy firm Global Citizen Solutions reveals the most popular countries for globally-minded citizens looking to relocate.
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Monocle’s Petri Burtsoff meets Indrek Laul, CEO of Estonia Piano, a company known for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to create instruments with exceptional sound. Laul discusses the brand’s commitment to excellence, as well as blending heritage with innovation to create some of the world’s best handmade pianos.
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Monocle’s Asia editor, James Chambers, explores Hong Kong’s role in manufacturing with the CEO of Smoothlink, a textile and garment factory that partners with some of the world’s most innovative apparel labels – and puts branding at the heart of its operations.
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CEO Ella Gudwin talks about VisionSpring’s mission to provide affordable eye care to low-income communities globally. Gudwin highlights the innovative approach of the organisations, which challenges traditional charitable models, and the positive effect that making clear vision accessible has on livelihoods and overall quality of life.
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We meet Tim Butcher, one half of the dynamic designer-maker couple behind luxury design brand Fromental, which specialises in handcrafted wallpapers and textiles. Butcher discusses how he and his co-founder wife, Lizzie Deshayes, navigate intertwining their personal and professional lives, the studio’s growth and its international presence. Plus: the creative force behind the eponymous, Paris-based Leslie David Studio stops by Midori House to talk about the process behind her creative agency.
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We meet Alice Ziccheddu, founder of Sardinian skincare brand In Aéras. She reveals how the line blends botanicals from the Mediterranean island into its products to promote ‘well-ageing’ and innovative wellness’.
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Monocle’s Tom Webb joins the show to tell us who he met at CIFF, the longest-running fashion fair in northern Europe and a key date for industry insiders. Featuring Stine Goya, designer and founder of the eponymous womenswear label beloved by the city’s smart set; Barbora Surá, co-founder and CEO of sustainable “activist” brand, Our Shift; and Claus Frederiksen, owner of the Danish capital’s landmark menswear shop Troelstrup.
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We head to the Swiss city of Lausanne to meet the founder and proprietor of Books Books Books, an independent English-language bookshop. Matthew Wake talks about navigating the initial challenges of setting up shop 15 years ago, when naysayers warned about the rise of digital media and e-books.
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We meet the founder of a San Francisco-based flower delivery service that sources blooms from local farmers in California. Emily Boschetto talks about the origin of the business, which started in a Bay Area garage, and how it blossomed into a multi-state brand. Plus: Jack Lewis returns to chat about growing his plant-care business with a line of gardening tools designed to be cherished for generations to come.
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Ursina Beerli is co-founder of the Zürich-based company that specialises in creating unique, playable records made from recycled silver, gold and platinum. Beerli talks about the manufacturing process in Bavaria, the craftsmanship of the records and Precious Sound’s first official collaboration, with the band Third Eye Blind.
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We meet the founder of The Grey, a skincare range tailored specifically for men, with sleek packaging designed for easy travel. Plus: we head to Zürich to hear how the Swiss-based Japanese skincare brand Ipsum Alii fuses ancestral healing herbs with modern science.
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Monocle’s Tomos Lewis is in Philadelphia to meet Vivek Nayar, one of the twin brothers behind Two Robbers, a beverage company that’s elevating the city’s alcohol market. Vivek talks about the brand’s line of refreshing hard seltzers and why launching a physical outpost in Philadelphia’s trendy Fishtown neighbourhood was a key component to its growth.
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Niklas Adalberth, co-founder of Klarna, talks about quitting the financial services company to pursue something more meaningful. He discusses launching the Norrsken Foundation, a Swedish non-profit that invests in start-ups tackling challenging global issues, the pitfalls of chasing financial success without purpose and the role of businesses in changing things for the better. Plus: we head to Zürich to meet the founder of a clothing brand making garments from Swiss river plastic.
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Aurelia Rauch is creative director of the Zürich-based private bank Bergos. She explains how her background in art history and theology has influenced her vision for the bank’s branding strategy and her conviction that a bold brand vision can drive financial institutions to be more effective.
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Francis Kurkdjian is a world-renowned “nose” and founder of his eponymous perfume-maker that has created some of the world’s most celebrated fragrances.He discusses his lifelong fascination with couture, the importance of creative collaboration and how technology is shaping the future of perfume. Plus: how to navigate the challenges posed by imitators and why he is confident that beloved Kurkdjian fragrances such as Baccarat Rouge 540 are not threatened by these “dupes”.
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Speaker and coach Lily Silverton talks about The Priorities Method – her unique approach to life and work centred around values-driven, purposeful and intentional decision-making – and the creation of her coaching journal designed to make her technique accessible to more people. Plus: Lily’s tips for success in the new year.
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Harry Jameson, co-founder of Pillar Wellbeing, shares insights from his extensive career as a performance coach and explains the holistic approach to health and wellness that led to the creation of his company.
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Monocle’s Laura Kramer heads to Sussex to meet the team behind the award-winning English sparkling wine.
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Alli Abdelal talks about founding her luxury bag brand in 2015 after a chance encounter with a farmer introduced her to the rare Herdwick sheep of the Lake District. Abdelal shares the importance of creating products with lasting integrity and collaborating with Italian artisans, as well as how customer feedback is actively incorporated into her design process.
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Co-founder Julian Vogel talks about the evolution of the luxury British homeware brand, its successful pivot during the pandemic and expanding its presence in international markets.
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Festa and Bar Douro founder Max Graham talks about the diversity and dynamism of Portugal’s wine scene and why he is so passionate about introducing people to the food and drink of his country. Plus: we head to a winery in Alentejo that dates back to the 1700s to meet the young entrepreneurs using ancient techniques to make natural wine.
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Monocle’s Paige Reynolds heads to Qube East in Canary Wharf to interview co-founders Amin Hamzianpour and Nicholas Sonuga, who discuss the expansion of their London-based, members-only studios for music producers, podcasters and video-content creators. They talk about finding a gap in the market to build a community of creatives who want access to quality studios, as well as somewhere to meet and connect with other artists.
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The Entrepreneurs Christmas special: We meet Mike and Alison Battle, the founders of the nation’s biggest Christmas wonderland, Lapland UK, who talk about their commitment to creating a magical festive experience for the whole family. Plus: we hear from the big man himself: Santa Claus shares how he makes his global business work.
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Laura Schälchli discusses her adventures in Swiss chocolate as co-founder of Laflor, an innovative and responsible brand built on a foundation of high-quality, single-origin cacao beans.
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In 2015, Sophie Garnier and her husband moved to Myanmar in search of adventure. There they found talented artisans who were crafting exquisite goods but had limited access to wider markets. This inspired Garnier to establish homeware brand Kalinko. She tells us about some of the hurdles that she has faced in navigating Myanmar’s political instability. Plus: Pernille Lind, co-founder of Lind + Almond design studio, discusses her collaboration with her business partner, Richy Almond, and how her design philosophy blends the familiar and the exotic.
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Martha Dalton is co-founder of the award-winning bourbon brand named after the legendary racehorse. Never Say Die is a British take on a classic American whiskey, distilled in Kentucky and aged as it’s shipped across the Atlantic to finish maturing in the UK. Dalton explains why the brand is following in the hoof-steps of the plucky, Derby-winning colt.
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Rafa Gomez founded menswear brand Unfeigned as a result of his futile pursuit to find a quality, basic T-shirt. Now it’s a thriving business and very much a family affair. Rafa and his sister, Unfeigned’s art director, Maria, join the show to chat about the start of the label and how the family makes working together work. Plus: insights from Shope Delano and Natalia Barros Vives of London-based womenswear label Kind Regards.
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Founder Ariel Kaye looks back on the brand’s decade-long journey from a modest online bedding start-up to a homeware industry mainstay with 26 shops and more than 200 employees. Kaye explains how she raised the initial funding, shares her disciplined strategy for growth and why she is so passionate about Parachute’s capacity to transform home design.
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Two pioneering brands changing the game in luxury dental care. Stockholm-based toothpaste and mouthwash brand Selahatin was founded by Swedish-Turkish entrepreneur Kristoffer Vural in response to a personal crisis. Now Vural is elevating the everyday experience of oral hygiene with his beautifully crafted products. Plus: Suri founders Mark Rushmore and Gyve Safavi return to our London studio to talk about how the business has grown since their first visit – and what’s next.
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Dudley Radford is the founder and design director of the innovative cabin-making business that is on a mission to deliver small spaces with maximum design impact. Hutsmith utilises cutting-edge construction techniques while prioritising sustainability at every turn. Radford ventured into small-scale architecture in 2020, following years in renewable energy and sustainability. He explains how the business has grown to complete more than 60 projects with seamlessly integrated features such as solar power and rainwater harvesting.
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Marisa Hordern quit her day job 15 years ago and started the jewellery brand Missoma to create quality, fashion-forward pieces that wouldn’t break the bank. Marisa explains how the brand has grown a loyal customer base from its humble beginnings, shipped to more than 200 countries and opened its first shop. Plus: seasonal shopping tips from the co-founder of Knightsbridge Rocks, Brenda Tuohy, who’s a connoisseur of fine jewellery with a knack for finding the right piece for the right occasion.
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Founder and CEO Harald Overholm talks about the potential for solar energy to revolutionise the power sector and help businesses reach sustainability goals through its cost-effectiveness, scalability, and environmental benefits. Plus: the importance of making solar beautiful.
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We explore the enduring tradition of sartorial craftsmanship as we meet the founder of The Deck, a contemporary made-to-measure brand that is passionate about the power of the bespoke tailoring service experience for women. Plus: how Walker Slater became synonymous with tweed excellence, blending Scottish heritage with English tailoring expertise.
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Founder Lilian Afshar talks about the creation of her accessories brand, how she has changed perceptions of acrylic as a fashion-forward material and her future plans as the label celebrates its 10-year anniversary.
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We’re in the United Arab Emirates to explore how the business landscape has evolved over the past 15 years and to hear about the opportunities that it has for entrepreneurs and start-ups. The president of Emirates tells us about the role that the airline plays in shaping the nation’s soft power. Plus: we meet the co-founder of Appellation, a brand that blends therapeutic scents and science in pursuit of wellness.
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Monocle’s Christopher Cermak heads to Tallinn to meet Cybernetica’s CEO, Oliver Väärtnõu, and hear how Estonia’s oldest IT company has played a pivotal role in shaping the government’s digital services. He shares insights on how savvy entrepreneurs can collaborate with government bureaucracies.
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Henrik Taudorf Lorensen is the founder and CEO of the award-winning Danish brand that’s reimagining how furniture is designed, built and sold. Lorensen explains his mission to address urgent environmental and climate challenges through design innovation and sustainable manufacture, and tells us how Takt prioritises modularity and repairability to achieve product longevity.
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Founder Marc Cameron talks about the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in cinema and shares his vision for the future of the film industry.
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Løci co-founder Emmanuel Eribo talks about combining sustainability and style at the vegan trainer brand. Plus: meet Eyerusalem Kidane, the co-founder of Sabegn, an ethical-fashion business based in Ethiopia that specialises in producing premium, upcycled leather goods.
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World-renowned chef Yannick Alléno holds 15 Michelin stars across 17 restaurants but after decades in the business he has just made his UK debut at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. He talks about the inspiration behind the new premises and shares insights into the culinary innovations that drive his global success.
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Founder Henrik Rye declassifies some of the secrets behind the scenes at his watchmaking company, Micromilspec, which designs and produces Swiss-made timekeeping instruments for special operations forces, first responders and military units. Plus: we meet the founder of the Oslo-based apparel brand, Northern Playground, who explains how the brand is balancing business growth with sustainability as it aims to change the way we consume.
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Music industry trailblazer Jasper Parrott talks about his evolving role at the esteemed classical music and performing arts agency that he co-founded in 1969. Parrott discusses the challenges and opportunities ahead, and his role shaping the careers of some of the world’s most-renowned artists.
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Babbel CEO Arne Schepker explains how the world’s best-selling language-learning platform evolves and adapts to new technologies and why it remains committed to using human interaction and conversation to help its users achieve proficiency. Plus: we head to western Ukraine to meet Kateryna Khudyk, co-founder of language school CLA, to hear why she’s so passionate about promoting effective communication among the country’s business leaders.
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John Mollanger is the CEO of the innovative French manufacturer of e-bikes that truly stand out from the crowd thanks to unrivalled form, function, security and safety features. Angell has now unveiled its Mini E-Bike 1, the first electric bicycle created with the Mini automotive brand. Mollanger stopped by Midori House to talk about the launch, his lifelong passion for smart mobility, and how spells living and working in Japan and Denmark transformed his approach to business and life.
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In a Brazil special, we head to the 35th Bienal de São Paulo and take the temperature of the city’s art scene. We also meet Sissi Freeman, marketing and sales director at Granado, to hear her plans for the storied Brazilian pharmacy brand’s global expansion. Plus: meat and merriment with Tomas Maunier, founder and managing director of restaurant group Fazenda.
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Julien Vaissieres is the founder and CEO of the innovative design and manufacturing firm. He is on a mission to change the way things are made by developing viable circular practices using smart technologies such as 3D-printing. He shares his vision to be the leading supplier of sustainable manufacturing capabilities to global brands and designers.
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Can ethically sourced gold transform the precious-metals trade? Betts Group managing director Charlie Betts explains how transparency in sourcing precious metals is forging a new standard in responsible luxury and why his family business is committed to driving change in the mining industry.
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Gallery founderAdam Baldwin talks about his journey from starting out as an amateur art collector, with limitless enthusiasm but limited funding, to launching Baldwin Contemporary. His highly regarded London-based gallery specialises in modern and contemporary works of art.
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Meet Miika Lipiäinen, co-founder of Kyrö, an award-winning all-rye distillery that he launched with his friends after hatching the idea in that most Finnish of locations, the sauna. Plus: how the Fukushima disaster inspired Sees founder and CEO, Elisa Koivumaa, to start the household cleaning-products and cosmetics brand that uses all-natural ingredients.
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Meet the husband-and-wife duo, Sameer and Neena Vaswani, whose road trip through Italy inspired them to establish a plant-based chocolate brand that embodies health-consciousness and environmental responsibility.
Pom Harrington, owner of world-leading antiquarian book dealer Peter Harrington, tells us about the family business’s Frieze Seoul debut, his personal journey in collecting and selling rare books, and why investing in the next generation of booksellers is crucial. Plus, he discusses how he navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age.
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Jackson Clarke shares how Tentacle’s groundbreaking predictive technology has revolutionised the way we predict the future, to help clients solve complex challenges and gain a competitive edge in various industries worldwide.
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Meet Andy Evans, the co-founder and CEO of leading Australian offshore wind developer Oceanex Energy. Andy stops by Midori House to talk about his entrepreneurial journey, work to change how we power our world as a leader in the offshore wind farming industry and his ambitious upcoming documentary, ‘Planet Wind’.
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Founder Emmanuel Eribo talks about his journey leaving behind a high-flying corporate career to build something more meaningful that resonates with his values. With a vision for a different kind of retail experience, he and his co-founders established Løci, a vegan trainers brand built on ethical practices, using groundbreaking materials that combine style and purpose.
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We meet Hari Hundle, founder of the eponymous financial services firm for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and corporations. Hari discusses his client-centric approach and the value of building trust and long-term relationships. Plus: why clever design is an important element of his success in business.
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Founder Brice Partouche talks about how the French activewear label is pushing boundaries by fusing cutting-edge technology and innovative design to ensure peak performance and quality. Partouche talks about the forthcoming launch of the first women’s collection.
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Morjas founder Henrik Berg talks about the timeless aesthetics of his men’s footwear and accessories label, and its Mediterranean and Scandinavian heritage. Plus: we catch up with Luca Faloni, founder of the eponymous brand built on a philosophy of slow fashion and an enduring commitment to being “Made in Italy”
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We speak to Mark de Lange, CEO and founder of the Amsterdam-based eyewear brand known for its distinctly Dutch aesthetic and exceptional craftsmanship. De Lange founded the company a decade ago on the premise that swapping eyewear should be as effortless as changing your shoes. Ten years on, what does he make of the optical landscape?
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Barry Bayat, the founder of Rumor Rosé, explains how he left behind a finance career to set off for the vineyards of Provence with the goal of creating his dream pink wine. Then we’re in champagne country to meet Fiona Perrin, CEO of Champagne Rendez-Vous, an all-natural brand focused on winemaking craft with minimal intervention.
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We meet RADA-trained actor Adam Blackwood who is also the visionary architect of Private Drama Events, an award-winning creative agency that he founded in 2002 with a view of bringing together his theatrical and production skills. Since that time, Adam and his team have worked their magic for renowned luxury brands, influential global charities and exclusive private affairs, including creating bespoke experiences onboard the British Pullman and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express trains.
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Meet Sarah Brown, founder of the skincare brand whose acclaimed products have been proudly formulated, manufactured and packaged in-house in London since 2007. Sarah is an organic skincare pioneer whose expertise in developing effective, all-natural products was born out of her own experience living with challenging skin.
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In the heart of the Monastiraki neighbourhood in Athens, two friends took the plunge to create the bookstore that they thought the Greek capital was lacking. Hyper Hypo is both a community hub and publishing house, whose ethos and selection balances a smart mix of the playful and the profound. Monocle’s Paige Reynolds reports.
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Seb Inglis-Jones is the co-founder of Maeving, an electric motorbike manufacturer proudly based in Coventry, the traditional home of British motorcycle innovation. Seb explains how he and his team have created Britain’s best-selling electric motorcycle by combining classic engineering with future-focused technology. Plus: Éric Dardé, president and CEO of Beaumier hotel group, stops by to discuss the importance of authenticity in hospitality and how the brand is employing simple fixes to redefine luxury.
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Oliver Dixon is co-founder of the multi-award-winning brand that makes premium sodas and spritzes from natural juices, extracts and botanicals. Dixon has a background in branding, music and hospitality and co-owns a pub. It was there that he identified a lack of sophisticated soft drinks. This led to Something & Nothing, which has now successfully launched in the US.
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Jono Holt, founder of Otherway, reflects on the creative studio’s 10-year anniversary and expanding operations to San Francisco. Plus, we meet the co-founder of Merchery, a one-stop shop that aims to break the cycle of cheap and disposable promotional items.
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Bob Sheard, friend of the show and co-founder of brand agency Fresh Britain, stops by with reflections on the Brand Britain event that took place in January in London and featured Monocle, Central Saint Martins and the leaders of a host of great businesses. Sheard shares lessons from the day and explains how they have recalibrated his strategic approach.
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Monocle’s Asia editor, James Chambers, joins Tom Edwards from Bangkok for a Thailand-themed special episode. We met the founder of The Commons – a mall-cum-community centre – and the man behind local menswear brand The Decorum.
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Adrien Gloaguen, the founder and owner of French boutique hotel group Touriste, talks about its expanding portfolio and how to balance the individual charms of each property with overarching brand values.
Adrien Roose is co-founder and CEO of the award-winning Belgian electric cycle company that has transformed the industry with its fully automatic rider experience. Roose explains how Cowboy is reimagining urban mobility – and how that is helping to shape happier, healthier cities.
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Monocle’s Paige Reynolds reports from Berlin on the start-up seeking to fix fashion’s sustainability problem and shift attitudes away from ownership by offering consumers a rentable range of everyday, unisex garments.
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We meet Annabel Thomas, the founder of organic whisky distillery Nc’nean on Scotland’s west coast. Thomas reflects on her decade-long journey to change perceptions of the spirit, reach a more diverse customer base and innovate production through sustainable practices.
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The founder of the eponymous slow-fashion brand, which creates classically styled and traditionally crafted garments, explains his commitment to using materials sourced from experienced Italian artisans.
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We meet Jason Kirk, one half of the husband-and-wife team behind eyewear innovators Kirk & Kirk. The brand is revolutionising the industry with their colourful frames and thoughtful approach to design. Hear how they scaled the business internationally despite challenges along the way and why Jason is convinced that the right frames can be a game-changer.
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Fernando Bonastre de Celis, the founder and creative director of Bonastre, explains how his brand creates premium leather bags by focusing on materiality, durability and craft. He tells us why his success relies on European manufacturing – and plenty of savoir-faire.
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We’re in Lisbon to meet Chitra Stern who, with her husband, Roman, created Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts, which has reimagined luxury family holidays. She tells Monocle about her latest endeavour, Martinhal Residences. Plus: we head to Berlin to clink glasses with Moritz Zyrewitz, founder of a gentle, lower-alcohol German wine brand.
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Meet Krisada Kritayakirana, co-founder and CEO of Muvmi, a ride-sharing service that supplies cities in Thailand with electric tuk-tuks. The aim? To transform cities with more affordable, cleaner and safer modes of transport. Monocle’s James Chambers speaks with Kritayakirana in Bangkok about Muvmi’s innovative approach to transportation.
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Meet Athan Didaskalou, co-founder of Melbourne-based luggage and travel accessories brand July. Athan joins us to talk about the brand’s global success - and why he’s so excited to touch down in the UK. Plus: Ron Dorff co-founder Claus Lindorff sits down with Monocle at the Franco-Swedish company’s Paris headquarters to explain why Los Angeles is the next stop for his premium sports-to-swimwear brand.
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We’re in Paris for the launch of heritage French shoe brand Kleman’s first flagship store in Le Marais. We hear from the Cléon brothers, Alex and Mathieu, on why they prioritise investment in French manufacturing.
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We speak to Namrata Sandhu, the co-founder and CEO of Vaayu. The Berlin-headquartered company has developed the world’s first automated carbon software, which helps retailers analyse their footprint in real-time. Plus: we’re at the opening of a ground-breaking factory in Finland that is producing a revolutionary wood-based fibre for the textile industry.
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The CEO and co-founder of Headliner, Neil Mody, discusses his vision for the future of audio and how savvy entrepreneurs can seize the potential to cultivate an audience and propel their businesses forward.
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Lauren Scott-Harris discusses Earnt, her innovative new initiative that unites great brands with noble causes and incentivises people to do good deeds in return for in-demand products and VIP access to special experiences. Plus: we meet Alex Head, founder of a stylish catering and events company that offers ex-offenders a new path in hospitality.
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Founder and CEO Aadith Moorthy explains how the marketplace uses advanced AI and satellite technology to tackle climate change while empowering agricultural communities to sequester CO2 by boosting soil carbon levels.
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Avid runner and broadcaster Jenni Falconer is a co-founder of Kollo Health. She tells us how she turned her passion for fitness and wellbeing into a thriving business with a multi-award-winning first product, a marine collagen supplement that has become the UK’s leading liquid collagen sachet. Plus: we meet an engineer-turned-physiotherapist who has created a revolutionary device to help people with chronic back pain.
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Founder and creative director Angus Buchanan discusses the advantages of learning in the field rather than the classroom and explains how teaming up with his wife, Charlotte, has enabled the establishment of a thriving multi-disciplinary design practice.
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Aimee Yang, BetterBrand’s founder and CEO, discusses her innovative food start-up that uses “grain-changing technology” and plant-based ingredients to provide healthy, delicious alternatives to carbohydrate-heavy foods such as bagels.
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We catch up with technology innovator Petter Neby to hear about his latest and most ambitious venture. Apostrophy is a software start-up developing a smartphone operating system that prioritises privacy. Fresh from announcing the project at the World Economic Forum, Petter told Monocle’s Tom Webb how he plans to compete in a space dominated by a handful of giant brands – and why extra security is always worth paying for.
Marisa Poster, co-founder of PerfectTed, shares the story of the creation of a new kind of energy drink. She tells us how Europe’s first matcha green tea energy drink secured a £50,000 investment from Steven Bartlett and Peter Jones on "Dragons’ Den”. Plus: we meet the creators of Ocean Bottle, a brand that aims to combat the issue of marine plastic pollution with its sleek, reusable water bottles.
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Hector Butler and Matt Brunault were living and working in New York when they stumbled upon a modest neighbourhood bar in Brooklyn. There the friends fell in love with saké. A few years (and several trips to Japan) later they successfully launched Shima, the ready-to-drink canned saké that’s shaking up the hard seltzer market.
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Adam Brinkworth and Nick Roberts of global design firm Brinkworth discuss their work creating spaces that bring people and brands together. Plus: we look back at Salone del Mobile in Milan and hear why Swiss manufacturing remains central to the work and mission of innovative furniture company USM.
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Joel Jeffrey and Molly Goddard, the husband-and-wife co-founders of this luxury sleepwear brand, discuss the benefits and challenges of running a company as a couple and the principles that drive the business, which is renowned for its fashionable pyjamas.
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We meet Lucinda Chambers and Serena Hood, two former British ‘Vogue’ editors who have turned their eye for style and passion for storytelling into the elegantly curated shopping platform Collagerie. Plus: we hear from Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave, creative directors of Danish fashion house Baum und Pferdgarten.
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Artsem Kruk, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Plainly, shares insights on the award-winning brand renowned for its opulent hand-care products. With a strong emphasis on design, Plainly creates a range of sophisticated treatments that are formulated in partnership with Germany’s leading cosmetics laboratories.
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The CEO of Artfarm and Hauser & Wirth explains how he navigated from luxury retail at Fortnum & Mason to the cutting edge of contemporary art.
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Renowned property investment guru Naomi Heaton shares insights on her newest venture, The Other House residents' club, which is nestled in the heart of South Kensington, London. As the visionary founder and co-owner, Heaton divulges her innovative approach to developing a cutting-edge lifestyle concept that culminates in a chic and sophisticated destination that caters to the modern traveller. With flexible accommodation options and bespoke hotel-style services, The Other House boasts a forward-thinking design and elevated amenities that provide guests with a truly unique experience.
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Aera co-founder and CEO Jas Minhas talks about business serendipity and building a purpose-driven brand with the highest quality components. Plus: we head to Zürich to catch up with Hanna Olzon Akerstrom, co-founder of Soeder, to hear about their partnership with Swiss and what it means to be ‘Made in Switzerland’.
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Nick Stewart is the founder of Gallivant, an artisan perfumery based in London. Stewart creates award-winning unisex fragrances inspired by destinations around the globe, capturing the spirit and excitement of cities and travel.
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Monocle’s editor in chief, Andrew Tuck, joins the show to introduce his interview with Mark Dixon, the founder and chief executive of IWG. They discuss hybrid working and why the office will never go out of style, even if commuting does. Plus: we meet the German tech entrepreneurs behind a cutting-edge ‘second brain’ productivity app.
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Linda Rosendahl Nordin and Jocke Ahlander are the co-founders of the clothing and textile care company Pure Effect, which makes cleaning products that contain active bacterial cultures. These result in less water use, fewer chemicals and a more sustainable approach to clothing care.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monocle 24’s weekly tour of the most inspiring people, companies and ideas in global business, from startups to heritage brands, covering the best in hospitality, design, fashion and retail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Guy Ivesha is the founder and CEO of Maslow’s, the hospitality group behind 1 Warwick, the recently opened members’ house in London’s Soho, and Fitzovia’s Mortimer House. He explains how entrepreneurs need tenacity, the philosophy driving their approach to new hospitality products, and the vision and requirements for expansion into different cities.
David Lorenz is the CEO and founder of Lunaz, a UK start-up that re-engineers and electrifies commercial and industrial vehicles, as well as collectable classics from car-makers such as Rolls-Royce, Jaguar and Aston Martin. Lorenz started the company in 2018 with engineer and powertrain innovator Jon Hilton. Here, he tells us about life at the wheel of one of the UK’s fastest-growing clean-technology businesses. Plus: what the US can learn from Europe about apprenticeships.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Adam Penny is co-founder and CEO of The Beautiful Truth, a group that is dedicated to helping purpose-driven organisations and businesses to better understand and express their values. Penny and his colleagues celebrate how a business can be both a force for good and profitable at the same time. So what are the challenges that business leaders face in their communications, whether internal, B2B or B2C? And how can businesses share their values in a compelling way in an increasingly polarised media environment? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Adam Penny is co-founder and CEO of The Beautiful Truth, a group that is dedicated to helping purpose-driven organisations and businesses to better understand and express their values. Penny and his colleagues celebrate how a business can be both a force for good and profitable at the same time. So what are the challenges that business leaders face in their communications, whether internal, B2B or B2C? And how can businesses share their values in a compelling way in an increasingly polarised media environment? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We meet Borre Akkersdijk, co-founder of Byborre, a textile studio based in the Netherlands that specialises in sustainable and innovative fabric design. Plus, Bob Sheard, friend of the show and co-founder of brand agency Fresh Britain, stops by to discuss the power of logos and how Nike’s iconic swoosh almost got in the way of its expansion into the outdoor clothing market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We meet Borre Akkersdijk, co-founder of Byborre, a textile studio based in the Netherlands that specialises in sustainable and innovative fabric design. Plus, Bob Sheard, friend of the show and co-founder of brand agency Fresh Britain, stops by to discuss the power of logos and how Nike’s iconic swoosh almost got in the way of its expansion into the outdoor clothing market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Alex Wright, co-founder of the refreshingly innovative brand that’s making waves in the beverage industry. With a passion for health and sustainability, Wright and his co-founder have created a unique line of sparkling waters that are free from nasties and proudly infused with the flavour of ‘wonky’ produce. Wright explains his journey and mission to promote healthier lifestyles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Alex Wright, co-founder of the refreshingly innovative brand that’s making waves in the beverage industry. With a passion for health and sustainability, Wright and his co-founder have created a unique line of sparkling waters that are free from nasties and proudly infused with the flavour of ‘wonky’ produce. Wright explains his journey and mission to promote healthier lifestyles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Alex Wright, co-founder of the refreshingly innovative brand that’s making waves in the beverage industry. With a passion for health and sustainability, Wright and his co-founder have created a unique line of sparkling waters that are free from nasties and proudly infused with the flavour of ‘wonky’ produce. Wright explains his journey and mission to promote healthier lifestyles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jeff Abrams, founder and creative director of fashion brand Rails, explains his approach to expanding into new markets, the importance of understanding international customers and how making decisions quickly helped him grow the brand… and avoid catastrophe after a truck robbery. Plus: Monocle’s fashion editor, Natalie Theodosi, discusses sustainable style and the trends that she has spotted at fashion weeks in London, Milan and Paris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jeff Abrams, founder and creative director of fashion brand Rails, explains his approach to expanding into new markets, the importance of understanding international customers and how making decisions quickly helped him grow the brand… and avoid catastrophe after a truck robbery. Plus: Monocle’s fashion editor, Natalie Theodosi, discusses sustainable style and the trends that she has spotted at fashion weeks in London, Milan and Paris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jeff Abrams, founder and creative director of fashion brand Rails, explains his approach to expanding into new markets, the importance of understanding international customers and how making decisions quickly helped him grow the brand… and avoid catastrophe after a truck robbery. Plus: Monocle’s fashion editor, Natalie Theodosi, discusses sustainable style and the trends that she has spotted at fashion weeks in London, Milan and Paris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Matthew Lee Sawyer is a strategist, consultant and educator with a passion for helping people and companies grow. In his new book, ‘Make It In America: How International Companies and Entrepreneurs Can Successfully Enter and Scale in US Markets,’ he outlines the opportunities and challenges for businesses hoping to get traction in the world’s biggest economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monocle 24’s weekly tour of the most inspiring people, companies and ideas in global business, from startups to heritage brands, covering the best in hospitality, design, fashion and retail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robert Black and Benedict Gordon are the founders of Phoenyx Spirits, a spirits company that owns and operates revived heritage brands. Having already secured a wide portfolio of trademarks, Rob and Ben tell us about the first revitalised brands they’ve launched, two premium bitter liqueurs, Khoosh and Dr. Hostetter’s. But how did it all start? And how do you stay true to a brand’s history while making it contemporary?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robert Black and Benedict Gordon are the founders of Phoenyx Spirits, a spirits company that owns and operates revived heritage brands. Having already secured a wide portfolio of trademarks, Rob and Ben tell us about the first revitalised brands they’ve launched, two premium bitter liqueurs, Khoosh and Dr. Hostetter’s. But how did it all start? And how do you stay true to a brand’s history while making it contemporary?
This week we’re pairing two leading entrepreneurs in the world of food and wine. Our starter is Caspar Rose, co-founder and CEO of the Wellness Food Group, which owns and operates two leading UK brands in the ready-to-eat meal space. Then it’s over to Germany to meet Clara Higham-Stoianova, the founder of Sips Berlin, the first-ever natural-wine delivery platform. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dutch artist and innovator Daan Roosegaarde tells us about the Space Waste Lab, a multi-year living project with the European Space Agency that’s reimagining space junk and developing solutions for the long term. He explains how the design challenge posed by space junk has inspired him to encourage people to give waste a new value.
Tim Fung, CEO and co-founder of community marketplace Airtasker, tells us how the business has amassed a global following and expanded markets as demand for flexible work soars. Plus: we head to Melbourne to meet entrepreneur James Tutton, director of a purpose-driven developer that is changing the face of the industry through wellness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, Monocle’s Tom Webb introduces his Davos interview with Stan Stalnaker, founder and chief strategy officer of Hub Culture, who talks about the innovative technology ecosystem and its groundbreaking approach to AI. Could building AI with purpose be one of the answers to the climate crisis? Could we consult AI to help us design the framework for fully sustainable cities – and is it time to rethink the legal rights of nature?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does “Brand Britain” mean today and what comes next? An audience of students, brand leaders, investors and other stakeholders gathered in London to hear from the writer Ekow Eshun, Belstaff CEO Fran Millar, Rapha founder Simon Mottram, the Academic Dean of CSM Rebecca Wright, Nc’nean founder Annabel Thomas and Monocle’s Josh Fehnert. Devised and hosted by Bob Sheard, co-founder of the Fresh Britain agency, the event explored what the UK’s national brand means for businesses operating in its slipstream.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does Brand Britain mean today and what’s next? This week an audience of students, brand leaders, investors and other stakeholders gathered to hear from a panel including writer Ekow Eshun, Belstaff CEO Fran Millar, Rapha founder Simon Mottram and the Academic Dean of CSM Rebecca Wright. Devised and hosted by agency Fresh Britain, the event explored what the UK’s brand means for businesses operating in its slipstream. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ajaz Ahmed, leader of the world’s most decorated design agency, AKQA, returns to Monocle to tell us how the business has grown in the five years since his last visit. Plus: We head to Los Angeles to meet the CEO of L-Acoustics. He tells Monocle’s US editor about the company’s latest innovations in immersive sound design.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The latest in our series serving up insights into the creation or reimagining of great brands. Fresh Britain’s co-founder, Bob Sheard, tells us about the agency’s role in the development of Waterloo, London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Suwar and Berfin Mert, the brother-and-sister team behind a Swedish app that rewards its users whenever they recycle everyday waste items. They tell us about fund-raising for global expansion and why the UK is next. Plus: five years since her last visit, we speak to Natasha Arselan, founder and CEO of contemporary-art discovery and collecting platform Aucart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rob Jolly co-founded this flexible electric-car subscription service in 2017. Onto offers British drivers a truly comprehensive product with insurance, charging and maintenance included in the monthly price. The company now has more than 6,500 subscribers and last summer announced a successful Series C funding round to power expansion into Europe. Rob explains how he and Onto began their exciting, electric journey.
How did Childs Farm become the UK’s leading baby and child personal-care brand in less than a decade? Its founder, Joanna Jensen, explains how caring for her daughters’ sensitive skin inspired the development of products that worked for all of the family. Plus: the creator of another innovative and disruptive personal-care brand, Lhamour, tells us about changing the landscape of the sector in her home market, Mongolia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two of the smartest young business owners in their sector, Déborah Neuberg, founder of menswear brand De Bonne Facture, and Ajiri Aki, founder of online boutique Madame de la Maison, join Monocle’s Europe editor at large, Ed Stocker, in Paris to discuss pitches, plans and passion projects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kick off the new year with some entrepreneurial inspiration courtesy of the brilliant chairman and founder of Yoo Group and the driving force behind the €1.5bn regeneration of London Olympia. John Hitchcox has more than 40 years of experience shaping and reshaping neighbourhoods, and delivering a groundbreaking vision for our cities. He talks about his life and times as one of the most influential and well-respected entrepreneurs and pioneers in the global property industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Renowned Australian tailor and clothier Patrick Johnson talks about the perfect pace at which to grow a great international business. Then we’re off to Toronto to meet the founders of athletic-wear brand and studio Body of Work. Plus: for branding corner, Bob Sheard discusses the reinvention of French sports equipment brand Salomon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monocle 24’s weekly tour of the most inspiring people, companies and ideas in global business, from startups to heritage brands, covering the best in hospitality, design, fashion and retail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nuno Fonseca, founder and CEO of Portuguese software start-up Sound Particles, explains how he and his colleagues have applied CGI-like principles commonly found in visual-effects for movies to audio design and why the major studios are loving the the results. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monocle 24’s weekly tour of the most inspiring people, companies and ideas in global business, from startups to heritage brands, covering the best in hospitality, design, fashion and retail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former professional footballer Michael Doughty quit the game to establish a unique athletic brand that is as passionate about serving the planet as it is about producing natural, renewable running shoes. Launched in 2020, the high-performance, low-impact sportswear brand creates trainers made with natural and renewable materials such as sugarcane, corn fibre and algae. Doughty explains why he embarked on the journey and Hylo’s broader mission to be the world’s first fully fossil-free sportswear brand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former professional footballer Michael Doughty quit the game to establish a unique athletic brand that is as passionate about serving the planet as it is about producing natural, renewable running shoes. Launched in 2020, the high-performance, low-impact sportswear brand creates trainers made with natural and renewable materials such as sugarcane, corn fibre and algae. Doughty explains why he embarked on the journey and Hylo’s broader mission to be the world’s first fully fossil-free sportswear brand.
We meet two entrepreneurs building a sustainable, electric future. Robert Falck, co-founder and CEO of Swedish autonomous electric freight company Einride, explains how its fleet of autonomous pods, trucks and trailers is revolutionising global shipping and freight. Plus, Starship Technologies’ co-founder and CTO Ahti Heinla tells us how his company is focusing on last-mile solutions that are as good for the planet as they are for business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After a ‘eureka moment’ during a radio interview that Nina Gruntkowski was conducting with a Swiss tea-grower, the German decided to swap journalism for starting a tea plantation in her adopted home of Portugal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The founders of Subdial, the online trading platform that’s reimagining how watches are bought, sold and collected, explain their passion for building a new community of collectors. Plus: the innovative Swiss watch-maker committed to creating timepieces sourced from the circular economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Designer David Keyte founded menswear brand Universal Works in 2008. He returns to the show to discuss seasonality and staying fresh, what it means to be a UK brand after Brexit, the trouble with the “S” word – that is, “sustainability” – and dressing the world. Plus: we report from Helsinki on why thousands of the world’s leading entrepreneurs and investors brave the cold Finnish weather to attend Slush every November.
Founder and designer David Keyte, who launched the menswear brand in 2008. David returns to the show to discuss seasonality and staying fresh, what it means to be a British brand post-Brexit, the trouble with the “S” word (that’s “S” for sustainability, if you’re asking) and “dressing the world”. Plus: we’re in Helsinki to hear why thousands of the world’s leading entrepreneurs and investors brave the wintry Finnish weather to attend Slush every November.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tamer Ozmen is the founder and CEO of the online art investment platform, which offers astute collectors the opportunity to own a share in exceptional works. Ozmen explains how the modern and contemporary art market has performed almost three times better than the S&P 500 since 1986 and discusses the investment potential of pieces like Andy Warhol’s immense "White Disaster" screenprint, which sold for more than $85m at Sotheby’s in New York this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tamer Ozmen is the founder and CEO of the online art investment platform, which offers astute collectors the opportunity to own a share in exceptional works. Ozmen explains how the modern and contemporary art market has performed almost three times better than the S&P 500 since 1986 and discusses the investment potential of pieces like Andy Warhol’s immense "White Disaster" screenprint, which sold for more than $85m at Sotheby’s in New York this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The innovative new online platform is reshaping how collectors acquire art by making the work of emerging and mid-career artists available to a new generation. Monocle’s Tomos Lewis is in Peggy’s home town of Toronto to meet co-founders Craig Follett and Adam Meghji and VP of art Brownyn Hunter-Shortly.
The innovative new online platform is reshaping how collectors acquire art by making the work of emerging and mid-career artists available to a new generation. Monocle’s Tomos Lewis is in Peggy’s home town of Toronto to meet co-founders Craig Follett and Adam Meghji and VP of art Brownyn Hunter-Shortly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the week of COP27 we are training our spotlight on sustainability and climate awareness. We’re considering why responsible travellers and engaged citizens can justify heading to places that are right on the front line of the climate battle. We speak to Dominic Hamilton, director of communications at Metropolitan Touring, the carbon-neutral holding group of several properties in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Dom tells us about his journey and explains how Metropolitan has established itself as Ecuador’s leading pioneer of sustainable tourism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the week of COP27 we are training our spotlight on sustainability and climate awareness. We’re considering why responsible travellers and engaged citizens can justify heading to places that are right on the front line of the climate battle. We speak to Dominic Hamilton, director of communications at Metropolitan Touring, the carbon-neutral holding group of several properties in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Dom tells us about his journey and explains how Metropolitan has established itself as Ecuador’s leading pioneer of sustainable tourism.
Ceanne Fernandes-Wong is the CEO and co-founder of Cocoon, the UK’s first luxury bag rental service. Cocoon’s collection consists of almost 1,000 styles from leading brands such as Chanel, Gucci, Fendi and Prada, alongside a vintage selection. Whitney Frances Falk is the founder and CEO of ZZ Driggs, a New York-based brand that offers fine furniture created by independent designers on demand, making it easy and affordable for consumers to rent, buy or both. They tell us about the opportunities for smart entrepreneurs who want to operate in a more sustainable, circular and ethical way.
Ceanne Fernandes-Wong is the CEO and co-founder of Cocoon, the UK’s first luxury bag rental service. Cocoon’s collection consists of almost 1,000 styles from leading brands such as Chanel, Gucci, Fendi and Prada, alongside a vintage selection. Whitney Frances Falk is the founder and CEO of ZZ Driggs, a New York-based brand that offers fine furniture created by independent designers on demand, making it easy and affordable for consumers to rent, buy or both. They tell us about the opportunities for smart entrepreneurs who want to operate in a more sustainable, circular and ethical way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daniel Brøndt, Anders Poulsen and Nicolaj Thomsen are the co-owners of this stylish Copenhagen menswear brand. Another Aspect’s pieces are influenced by classic tailoring but delivered with a relaxed, minimalist aesthetic. The trio called in at Midori House to talk about the start of their brand’s journey. They explain why enduring quality matters more than big logos and discuss their belief in the power of bricks-and-mortar retail to build great brands. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daniel Brøndt, Anders Poulsen and Nicolaj Thomsen are the co-owners of this stylish Copenhagen menswear brand. Another Aspect’s pieces are influenced by classic tailoring but delivered with a relaxed, minimalist aesthetic. The trio called in at Midori House to talk about the start of their brand’s journey. They explain why enduring quality matters more than big logos and discuss their belief in the power of bricks-and-mortar retail to build great brands.
Fran Millar is the CEO leading the British heritage fashion brand into a new era. She explains how her methodology is inspired in part by her experience at the cutting edge of elite sport: she was previously in charge of winning behaviours at cycling record-breakers Team Sky. Plus: for this week’s branding corner, Fresh Britain’s Bob Sheard describes the agency’s role in the renaissance of New Balance.
Fran Millar is the CEO leading the British heritage fashion brand into a new era. She explains how her methodology is inspired in part by her experience at the cutting edge of elite sport: she was previously in charge of winning behaviours at cycling record-breakers Team Sky. Plus: for this week’s branding corner, Fresh Britain’s Bob Sheard describes the agency’s role in the renaissance of New Balance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Founder Olivia Francis shares the origin story of the independent British menswear brand based around the corner from Monocle’s London HQ. Frustrated at a lack of great quality, wearable men’s basics, Francis decided to do something about it, despite lacking a fashion background. Eight years on, Hamilton & Hare boasts exciting collaborations with other British brands, sustainable manufacture in small-scale, specialist facilities in Portugal and an ever-growing offer of premium wardrobe staples.
Esther Payerols and Nina Marti are the founders of MĀ, a Lugano-based brand that promotes wellbeing and emotional harmony through home scents made from sustainably sourced, organic essential oils. Esther and Nina explain MĀ’s natural roots and how they were inspired by a Japanese concept of better balance in life. We then meet another bold entrepreneur who has taken inspiration from Japan: Mugi’s Michael Steber. Michael and his co-founder Andrea Rückert produce barley for mugicha (barley tea) but they’re growing it (and transforming its reputation) in Bavaria.
The technology entrepreneur is perhaps best known for founding science-driven investment management firm Cantab Capital Partners. Kirk was previously a partner and head of the quantitative strategies group at Goldman Sachs, where he led a 120-strong European team of mathematicians, scientists and statisticians. He tells us why he advocates for commercialising and leveraging technology and science research in business, philanthropy and academia.
Cassandra Stavrou launched the Proper Snacks business in 2011 and has built it into Europe’s largest independent healthy snacks company. Cassandra talks about the journey the brand has been on and how the recent sale of a majority stake in the company has created a true challenger to the established players in the market. Plus: Ballymaloe House head pastry chef JR Ryall talks about his entrepreneurial adventures in food and how they led to the publication of his delicious debut book, ‘Ballymaloe Desserts’.
Judith McMinn is the founder of Rezon, developer of the Halo protective headband that is designed to reduce rotational forces transmitted to the brain by impacts in sport. It’s this rotation inside the skull that results in the kind of harmful inflammation that can damage the brain. So how did a former director of operations for the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change come to fill this gap in the market?
Stefan Ytterborn is the founder of electric-motorbike manufacturer Cake. A seasoned entrepreneur who refined his skills with the creation and development of POC, a brand specialising in protective gear for adventure sports, Ytterborn has led Cake since 2016. Cake’s ground-breaking bikes delight design aficionados while offering a path towards a more sustainable future. Plus: Bob Sheard on the rise of Arc’teryx.
Richard Collier joined the leading provider of premium German-engineered outdoor apparel, footwear and equipment as CEO in 2020, with the small matter of a global pandemic to navigate. Alongside that, he had a more personal challenge to meet: to take the brand back to its roots. Jack Wolfskin was founded by a group of friends around a remote Canadian campfire in 1981 and, as Richard explains, that’s the origin story and the ‘eureka moment’ that he wanted to put back at the heart of the brand experience.
Evelyn Webster was running Guardian News & Media’s international operations in New York before taking over as CEO of the global fitness brand in December 2020. For Webster, a committed rider herself, and for its legions of fans, Soulcycle was so much more than an indoor cycling workout. As the company puts it: “The bikes may be stationary but they’ll take you as far as you want to travel.” Webster discusses taking the reins in the midst of a global pandemic and (as if that weren’t enough) with a late-breaking crisis in the brand’s corporate culture to navigate, too.
The Entrepreneurs returns on 5 October with a great new season in which you'll hear about the most inspiring people, companies and ideas in global business. Keep an eye and an ear on monocle.com for all the latest and for information about the print edition of The Entrepreneurs annual created by the team behind Monocle magazine. Thanks for listening! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Food52’s Amanda Hesser tells us why and how, more than a decade ago, she set out to bring cooks together to exchange ideas and recipes, and to deliver a real sense of community in the kitchen. Plus: Anyday’s Steph Chen explains how her innovative range of glass cookware is transforming the microwave’s bad reputation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's holiday season here in Europe – so we’re heading for a hopefully well deserved summer break just for the next few weeks. Keep an eye and an ear on monocle.com for news of our return in September. You can find information there about the latest perfect print edition of The Entrepreneurs annual created by the team behind Monocle Magazine. Thanks as always for listening to The Entrepreneurs. We can't wait to catch up after our break. See you in September. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Héloïse Mercier is the founder and CEO of Lolie, a marketplace featuring the finest brands and products for children. Alongside Lolie’s CCO, Katie Kendrick, she has brought her passions for fashion, design and technology into the business. So why did Mercier, a computer science graduate and a Farfetch alumnus, turn to the children’s market?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Héloïse Mercier is the founder and CEO of Lolie, a marketplace featuring the finest brands and products for children. Alongside Lolie’s CCO, Katie Kendrick, she has brought her passions for fashion, design and technology into the business. So why did Mercier, a computer science graduate and a Farfetch alumnus, turn to the children’s market?
Jeff Kolovson, COO of online wholesale marketplace Faire, has helped to create a vibrant community that champions independent businesses while bridging the divide between digital and bricks-and-mortar. Kolovson and his co-founders launched Faire, which connects independent brands with independent retailers, in 2017. He tells us why having a values-oriented mission might be the most important thing in an entrepreneur’s toolkit. Plus, the founders of Bimble – another enterprise built with the best small businesses in mind – talk about their app’s origin story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jack Lewis is the founder of a flourishing, forward-thinking brand delivering high-quality care for your houseplants. Sowvital’s three-step system offers plants (and their owners) healthy routines and rituals: think of a pioneering skincare regime but for your elephant ears instead of your epidermis. Lewis, who left a promising career in law to follow his twin passions of entrepreneurship and plants, explains how the brand has grown and where he plans to branch out next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jack Lewis is the founder of a flourishing, forward-thinking brand delivering high-quality care for your houseplants. Sowvital’s three-step system offers plants (and their owners) healthy routines and rituals: think of a pioneering skincare regime but for your elephant ears instead of your epidermis. Lewis, who left a promising career in law to follow his twin passions of entrepreneurship and plants, explains how the brand has grown and where he plans to branch out next.
Founder and CEO Sam Hornsby discusses the power of brands to drive change and their responsibility to transform how they operate. His mission to “decode and recode the culture” of Triptk’s clients involves two key areas: the business of placemaking and the need for a new social contract between companies and their consumers. Plus: more insights from Bob Sheard, co-founder of agency Fresh Britain, about how brands can meet the world’s most urgent challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Founder and CEO Sam Hornsby discusses the power of brands to drive change and their responsibility to transform how they operate. His mission to “decode and recode the culture” of Triptk’s clients involves two key areas: the business of placemaking and the need for a new social contract between companies and their consumers. Plus: more insights from Bob Sheard, co-founder of agency Fresh Britain, about how brands can meet the world’s most urgent challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Innovative financial-services company Monty Finance was founded in Lebanon and is headquartered in London. It now has a direct bank – MyMonty – that’s on a mission to “bank the unbanked”, offering solutions for those underserved by traditional institutions. While its successful emergence from the Middle East certainly gives it an interesting perspective, does it also confer a strategic advantage? MyMonty’s CEO, Bruno Martorano, explains.
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Food52’s Amanda Hesser tells us why and how, more than a decade ago, she set out to bring cooks together to exchange ideas and recipes, and to deliver a real sense of community in the kitchen. Plus: Anyday’s Steph Chen explains how her innovative range of glass cookware is transforming the microwave’s bad reputation.
Back in 2009 in Dublin, the CEO of Web Summit co-founded what is now one of the world’s largest technology conferences. Its sister event, Toronto’s Collision Conference, is the fastest-growing technology summit in North America and it returned last month, in person for the first time since 2019. Cosgrave looks ahead to Web Summit’s newest addition: a Latin American technology summit to be hosted in Rio de Janeiro in May 2023.
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We meet the three founders and CEO of Nobu Hospitality at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square. The 250-key property is part of an operation that boasts 50 restaurants and 27 hotels, operating and in development, across five continents. They discuss what makes a great welcome, how talented people ensure a consistent brand and their collective passion to redefine standards in hospitality. Plus: Bob Sheard, co-founder of innovative agency Fresh Britain, stops by Monocle HQ to talk about the power of brands.
Chairman Laurence Geller explains how his experiences in real-estate investment, luxury hospitality and philanthropic giving helped prepare him to tackle the most important challenge of his life: reimagining and transforming care for those suffering from dementia.
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Renowned designers and leather-makers Anya Hindmarch and Bill Amberg discuss the new Leather Truthfully campaign, its mission to explode myths about the industry and its role in a sustainable economy. Plus: Akshat Jain of family firm 100Hands on his passion for crafting the world’s finest shirts at their state-of-the-art workshops in India.
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Meet Stuart and Cedar Anderson, the father-son duo who are the co-founders of Flow Hive, a revolutionary product that has reshaped the honey-extraction process and offers critical support to bees.
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Monocle 24’s weekly tour of the most inspiring people, companies and ideas in global business, from startups to heritage brands, covering the best in hospitality, design, fashion and retail.
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Meet Måns Ulvestam and Karl Rosander. They founded Acast and are the brains behind Sesamy, a business on a mission to “redemocratise” access to copyrighted content in the digital realm. The founding principle? You only pay for what you want and you consume it however you wish. Or as Ulvestam has pithily put it: why pay for the whole buffet, if you only want one dish? Ulvestam and Rosander, both serially successful digital entrepreneurs and award-winners, describe the start of the Sesamy journey.
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‘The Entrepreneurs’ welcomes on board the co-founder of global chauffeur service Blacklane and the founder and president of airline Sky Alps. Jens Wohltorf set out on the Blacklane journey more than a decade ago in Berlin, while Josef Gostner’s airline is earlier in its ascent but covering some beautiful ground as it takes wing from Bolzano. How do entrepreneurs in transport keep things nimble? And how have two years of a global pandemic reshaped the landscape – on the road and in the sky?
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Launched in 2015, the Italian swimwear brand seeks to capture the elegant spirit of the Italian seaside in the 1960s. Founder Anna Laura Hoefer, an economics graduate from Milan’s Bocconi University, saw an opportunity in the market for elegantly tailored bathing trunks for men after a friend in Italy’s fashion capital had problems finding stylish beach attire that looks good in the water. Today the company continues to draw design inspiration from the Bel Paese as it branches out into summery shirts and trousers.
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Tomos Lewis speaks to the founders of three independent businesses in Toronto, all of whom opened their first bricks-and-mortar shops since the onset of the pandemic. Exploring the value of physical retail are Martha Sharpe of Flying Books; Krysta Oben and Nicole Campbell of the Grape Witches natural-wine retailer; and Natasha McDiarmid and Sam Johnstone, founders of the Troublesome design shop and coffee bar.
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We delve into the inviting pages of the transport-focused June edition of Monocle magazine and explore a beautifully conceived and executed electric bus service that is keeping Toshima, Tokyo moving – with a smile. All aboard!
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When Svante Holm and co-founder Alban Mayne learnt that 80 billion plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles are thrown away every year, they quit their technology careers to start a business intent on disrupting the beauty industry. Svante explains how the pair spent two years developing the wide range of luxurious, solid bars they now offer. Designed in Stockholm and crafted in the South of France, the bars are made with 100 per cent renewable energy and 100 per cent organic fragrances from Grasse, and the business has committed to donate 20 per cent of its profits to organisations that protect the planet. Plus: the week’s Entrepreneurs news with Monocle’s business editor, David Hodari.
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We dive into the latest edition of Monocle magazine to celebrate an innovative business that’s really taking off. Not only is the Green Flight Academy the first professional flight school to offer training on electric aircraft but it likely represents the most eco-friendly way to secure a pilot’s licence.
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We dive into the latest edition of Monocle magazine to celebrate an innovative business that’s really taking off. Not only is the Green Flight Academy the first professional flight school to offer training on electric aircraft but it likely represents the most eco-friendly way to secure a pilot’s licence.
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Monocle 24’s weekly tour of the most inspiring people, companies and ideas in global business, from startups to heritage brands, covering the best in hospitality, design, fashion and retail.
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Born into a family that owned one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in Damascus, Tareq Hadhad arrived in Canada in 2016 as a refugee of Syria’s civil war. He explains how he launched boutique chocolate brand Peace By Chocolate from his new home on Canada’s Atlantic coast.
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Hats off to two innovative businesses chasing perfection from head to toe. Varsity Headwear has changed the game in baseball caps, ensuring that every individual can find their perfect fit, feel and fabric. Batch LDN is reimagining the suit with fresh emphasis on sustainability, versatility and comfort.
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Grapekeeper allows anyone to become a winemaker by letting them own a portion of a vineyard in leading European wineries, which are committed to sustainable viticulture. Founded in Holland in 2018 by Ana Monforte, an environmental engineer and wine enthusiast, customers have access to premium estates and the possibility of tailoring wines to suit their palates. All this while helping to lower costs for producers who use traditional practices.
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Shifting narratives around healthy eating and plant-based food have offered innovators an opportunity to establish and grow some brilliant businesses. Ella Mills is the founder and driving force behind Deliciously Ella ¬– the plant-based food platform that advocates for a delicious path to feeling better. As the business celebrates its first 10 years, Ella and her husband (and Deliciously Ella’s CEO) Matt Mills explain how the brand began out of necessity as a passion project but then evolved. Now Deliciously Ella features a leading range of plant-based food products, an app, a collection of bestselling recipe books, a podcast, restaurant, and a likeminded global community ¬– both on and offline.
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Kate Swanson founded stackable cookware brand Ensembl in Montrèal in 2020. She explains why she left a successful career in law to set up the business.
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We talk to Nils Leonard of Uncommon Creative Studio and Nora Apsel, founder of Morty, a company shaking up the US mortgage market by putting consumers in control. Nils and Nora are entrepreneurs who share a passion for consumer advocacy, a commitment to doing business with purpose, and a belief in challenging and changing the status quo.
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We talk to Nils Leonard of Uncommon Creative Studio and Nora Apsel, founder of Morty, a company shaking up the US mortgage market by putting consumers in control. Nils and Nora are entrepreneurs who share a passion for consumer advocacy, a commitment to doing business with purpose, and a belief in challenging and changing the status quo.
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In 2018 we met Dax Dasilva, the founder and then CEO of Lightspeed, a technology firm that he started in Montréal in 2005. He has since created Age of Union, a non-profit environmental alliance, and been appointed executive chair of Lightspeed’s board of directors. How do these latest moves build upon the ambitions that defined the start of his entrepreneurial journey? Here we look back on Dasilva’s inspirations and choices in founding Lightspeed.
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Designers Vanessa Yuan and Joris Vanbriel founded Ecobirdy in Antwerp in 2018, with the aim of creating high-quality furniture using nothing but recycled plastic. Monocle’s Tomos Lewis speaks to the duo about their award-winning design for children, the Charlie Chair, and their broader ambitions for the studio.
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Designers Vanessa Yuan and Joris Vanbriel founded Ecobirdy in Antwerp in 2018, with the aim of creating high-quality furniture using nothing but recycled plastic. Monocle’s Tomos Lewis speaks to the duo about their award-winning design for children, the Charlie Chair, and their broader ambitions for the studio.
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Designers Vanessa Yuan and Joris Vanbriel founded Ecobirdy in Antwerp in 2018, with the aim of creating high-quality furniture using nothing but recycled plastic. Monocle’s Tomos Lewis speaks to the duo about their award-winning design for children, the Charlie Chair, and their broader ambitions for the studio.
Fried Vancraen is the founder and CEO of Materialise, a company that uses additive manufacturing (3D printing) to develop meaningful applications that contribute to a better and healthier world.
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Fried Vancraen is the founder and CEO of Materialise, a company that uses additive manufacturing (3D printing) to develop meaningful applications that contribute to a better and healthier world.
Passionate about great design and interiors, Daphne Vassiliades co-founded Rehaus, an online platform dedicated to the resale of vintage pieces and designer furniture. She tells us about the importance of her collaboration with Shutl founder Tom Allason and e-comms veteran Will Cochrane, and offers her take on what makes a well-managed marketplace.
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We dive into Monocle’s latest issue and celebrate an innovative business built on the foundations of another. We visit the site of Nintendo’s former headquarters in Kyoto, where Marufukuro, a new hotel designed by the great Tadao Ando, has recently opened.
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Rami Zeidan founded Life House, a boutique hotel brand and hotel-management technology company, in 2017. He talks to Monocle’s Tomos Lewis about his ambitions for the company and explains why technology should not be disruptive but instead enhance what a hotel does best: making its guests feel welcome.
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South Africa native Judy Sanderson initially had a career selling consumer goods for US multinational Procter & Gamble. But after deciding to pursue her dream of designing clothes, she founded her namesake fashion label in Porto 2019. The brand draws inspiration from Africa and manufactures clothes using the sustainable techniques of a network of Portugal-based producers.
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Inspired by California’s active, coastal lifestyle, Joe Kudla launched athletic clothing brand Vuori in 2015, aiming to blend the principles of ethical manufacturing, sustainability, community and quality. Here the CEO and founder shares the ups and downs of his career so far and tells us how Vuori secured major investment and a multibillion-dollar valuation by pushing the boundaries of activewear.
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A collective of independent businesses in Cardiff has breathed new life into a retail format that many claim has had its day: the strip mall. Monocle’s Tomos Lewis explains the success of the Clearwater Parade collective.
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Leah D’Ambrosio founded small-line knitwear brand Wol Hide in Philadelphia in 2016. She discusses the benefits of keeping her company small, growing it incrementally and countering the fashion industry’s more environmentally intensive production practices.
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Monocle’s April issue features a fabulous retail survey, which celebrates some of the hottest shopping strips around the world and explores how they are bouncing back. This special edition of Eureka features a perfect case-study of real-world retail excellence: Erewhon, the innovative grocery shop that is now a fixture in the Los Angeles landscape.
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Urban-mobility innovators are operating in an increasingly crowded and competitive marketplace. So how do the best e-bike brands, particularly newer independents, ensure they make their mark? Meet the co-founder of one of the best in the particular business: Ardo Kaurit, CEO of Estonian e-bike brand Ampler. Despite coming from a country with no bicycle-manufacturing heritage, Kaurit and his team have quietly put their e-bikes on the map. But how do you grow a business while keeping a sense of fun and freedom at the heart of the enterprise?
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Children’s clothing label Bebe Organic was founded in 2014 by Birgit Kadak, a graduate of the London College of Fashion. Kadak spent her early years in the fashion industry working in luxury womenswear but after her first child was diagnosed with a sensitive skin condition, she began to research the best natural and organic fabrics for her son. This prompted her to create a sustainable and stylish collection aimed at the younger end of the market. Inspired by countryside living in her native Estonia, her timeless designs have won over clients from Japan to the US. Today, Kadak oversees production of her clothing in Portugal.
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The brand was founded in Amsterdam in 2020 with the goal of creating a truly sustainable running shoe entirely of natural materials. The resulting product, which is one of the few vegan-approved sports shoes on the market, is suitable for novices and experienced runners alike. Co-founder Dominic Sinnott and head of brand Nina Ziywetz tell Monocle’s Tomos Lewis about the journey.
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Inspired by the climate of California, Rebecca Grenell founded her womenswear brand Lacausa in 2013. Manufactured at small, family-owned factories in Los Angeles, Lacausa’s range of thoughtful, ethically made clothing has become a staple in wardrobes around the world.
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The modern, linear manufacturing that is typical of much fashion and textile production can be hugely wasteful and damaging to the environment. While the sector has been wising up, it’s not happening fast enough. We meet two entrepreneurs who explain how innovations in technology and a revolution in aftercare can ensure that fashion and textile production needn’t cost the earth. Beth Esponnette is the head of Unspun, a robotics and digital clothing company that builds custom jeans on demand for every individual consumer. Its mission is to reduce those grim global carbon-emissions figures through automated, localised and intentional manufacturing. Vanessa Jacobs is the co-founder of the world’s first aftercare platform for fashion, a business that helps the world’s biggest brands offer care, repair and restoration to their customers.
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Stelar was founded in Bali in 2017 by Scottish-born goldsmith Lorna Watson, a veteran of luxury design. Stelar’s artisans create elevated women’s accessories using many of Bali’s long-standing weaving methods, some of which have been eroded in recent years by the pressures of mass-manufacturing. Stelar’s range of bags is now available at select outposts around the world, each one fostering a unique relationship between the person who buys the product and the artisan who crafted it.
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Claude Cormier is one of Canada’s most celebrated landscape architects. His eponymous studio, which he founded in Montréal in 1995, has created several notable public spaces in Canada over the past few years. He tells Tomos Lewis about the evolution of his practice and explains how to reconcile design ideas with entrepreneurship in public-space commissions.
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We meet Claire Chung, CEO and co-founder of Ignae, an innovative Portuguese skincare brand. She started it in 2016 when her colleague and co-founder, Miguel Pombo, a native of the Azores, began to identify key natural ingredients on the Atlantic island chain with potential for use in anti-ageing creams and oils.
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Caleb and Natalie Ebel believe that they can use the power of paint to reshape your home, with a transformational approach to the business of selecting, buying and using the product. This husband-and-wife team explain how and why they started on the journey to make buying paint a better informed and more intentional design decision. They discuss why they are driven by a desire to strip away consumer confusion and to turn the purchase of paint into a pleasure.
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Vanessa Jacobs is co-founder and CEO of The Restory, the world’s first aftercare platform for fashion. The Restory helps the world’s biggest brands to offer care, repair and restoration services to their customers around the world. It has aftercare partnerships with celebrated stores, such as Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, and with brands, including Farfetch and Manolo Blahnik. It’s a smart and innovative business, going from strength to strength. But how did it all start?
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Value Retail founder and chairman Scott Malkin calls in at Monocle’s Zürich HQ for a discussion with editorial director Tyler Brûlé. Picking up a conversation that they began in early 2020, Malkin reflects on retail, property, great brands and the status of luxury – and explains why he remains positive despite the headwinds. Plus: a report from Japan that shows why the primacy of “customer first” is as true for a small Tokyo homeware shop as it is for a global giant in luxury retail.
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Inspired by the wilderness on his family’s estate in Argentina, artist Julian Bedel became intrigued by the natural scents of Patagonia and soon found himself concocting fragrances in his kitchen. In 2010 he founded Fueguia, a niche luxury perfume brand that he has since moved to Italy, where he oversees the production and packaging. His perfume collection comprises limited-edition batches made using natural ingredients that evolve over time in the bottle to create distinctive scents.
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Ben Clymer is the founder of Hodinkee, which began life as an online watch magazine but is now the leading platform for enthusiasts, collectors, novice buyers and anyone passionate about watch-making. In an industry dominated by heritage brands that are conservative by inclination and generally resistant to market challenges and disruption, Hodinkee has gained remarkable traction in the 14 years since its launch. Inspired by the receipt of his grandfather’s precious watch as a gift a few years earlier, Ben’s journey began in the midst of the financial crisis with a career change from finance to journalism. He shares the origin story of Hodinkee and tells us why, despite the lack of a business plan, it has grown, evolved and seamlessly integrated e-commerce to serve new and vintage watches to its audience, which now reaches the millions every month. Ben explains why he still lives and breathes the brand, even after stepping back from the day-to-day running of what’s become a multi-million-dollar business.
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Ben Clymer is the founder of Hodinkee, which began life as an online watch magazine but is now the leading platform for enthusiasts, collectors, novice buyers and anyone passionate about watch-making. In an industry dominated by heritage brands that are conservative by inclination and generally resistant to market challenges and disruption, Hodinkee has gained remarkable traction in the 14 years since its launch. Inspired by the receipt of his grandfather’s precious watch as a gift a few years earlier, Ben’s journey began in the midst of the financial crisis with a career change from finance to journalism. He shares the origin story of Hodinkee and tells us why, despite the lack of a business plan, it has grown, evolved and seamlessly integrated e-commerce to serve new and vintage watches to its audience, which now reaches the millions every month. Ben explains why he still lives and breathes the brand, even after stepping back from the day-to-day running of what’s become a multi-million-dollar business.
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Ben Clymer is the founder of Hodinkee, which began life as an online watch magazine but is now the leading platform for enthusiasts, collectors, novice buyers and anyone passionate about watch-making. In an industry dominated by heritage brands that are conservative by inclination and generally resistant to market challenges and disruption, Hodinkee has gained remarkable traction in the 14 years since its launch. Inspired by the receipt of his grandfather’s precious watch as a gift a few years earlier, Ben’s journey began in the midst of the financial crisis with a career change from finance to journalism. He shares the origin story of Hodinkee and tells us why, despite the lack of a business plan, it has grown, evolved and seamlessly integrated e-commerce to serve new and vintage watches to its audience, which now reaches the millions every month. Ben explains why he still lives and breathes the brand, even after stepping back from the day-to-day running of what’s become a multi-million-dollar business.
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Vasily Grogol is the founder of Bursa, the first art hotel built in Kyiv since the 2014 Maidan revolution. Grogol talks about why, despite conflict and uncertainty, opportunities abound for entrepreneurs in the city.
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The eyewear brand was founded in New York more than 100 years ago by Hyman Moscot, who emigrated to the US from Eastern Europe in 1899. He began what his family describes as his own American dream by selling ready-to-wear spectacles from a pushcart. By 1915, having garnered a loyal neighbourhood following, he opened Moscot’s first bricks-and-mortar shop. Moscot now has 18 locations around the world and is run by the fourth and fifth generations of the family; Harvey Moscot is CEO and his son, Zack, is chief design officer.
Monocle 24’s weekly tour of the most inspiring people, companies and ideas in global business, from startups to heritage brands, covering the best in hospitality, design, fashion and retail.
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With many small ventures planning their next steps to grow their business, we turn to the pages of ‘The Monocle Book of Entrepreneurs’. In this episode we present a simple guide to securing funding by Pip Jamieson, founder and CEO of creative-industries networking site The Dots.
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Nora Apsel is the founder and CEO of Morty, an online mortgage marketplace and licensed broker where homebuyers can shop for, compare and close on a mortgage. She explains how and why the firm set out in 2016 to provide for consumers who were underserved by both traditional mortgage companies and newer online players.
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For more than 60 years, De Tomaso has been a name to stir the blood of automotive aficionados, racing enthusiasts and historians of everything from design to manufacturing and engineering. The ingenuity and innovations of its eponymous founder, and era-defining cars such as the Vallelunga, Mangusta and Pantera, have captivated and inspired followers the world over. So how do you even begin to write the next chapter in such a story, while staying true to the values espoused by the legendary Alejandro De Tomaso himself? The marque’s CEO and co-principal, Ryan Berris, describes his journey from an unlikely starting-line in New York right to the heart of the European automotive scene.
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Started in 2017, Nio, which stands for Needs Ice Only, is an Italian drinks brand that has come up with a clever solution to revolutionise the habits of consumers of alcoholic beverages. It sells ready-to-drink cocktails in single-serving packets that can be easily made at home and at events when there is not a skilled mixologist on hand. Presented in slender, well-designed containers and featuring recipes developed by a famed Roman bartender, the brand has caught the attention of major drinks companies.
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Melanie Masarin is the founder and CEO of Ghia, a non-alcoholic beverage brand inspired by Mediterranean aperitivo culture. Originally from Lyon in France and having spent summers along the Côte d'Azur, Masarin has a deep understanding of the best in food and drink. Meant to bring people together, Ghia’s first drink is made with botanical extracts and is similar in style to an Amaro. Plus: Monocle’s Guy De Launey reports on some top Slovenian businesses from Maribor.
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Melanie Masarin is the founder and CEO of Ghia, a non-alcoholic beverage brand inspired by Mediterranean aperitivo culture. Originally from Lyon in France and having spent summers along the Côte d'Azur, Masarin has a deep understanding of the best in food and drink. Meant to bring people together, Ghia’s first drink is made with botanical extracts and is similar in style to an Amaro. Plus: Monocle’s Guy De Launey reports on some top Slovenian businesses from Maribor.
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Johannes Quodt co-founded luxury shoe brand Koio with Chris Wichert in 2015. The company has made a huge mark with its Italian-made leather sneakers and boots, which marry good design, sustainability, comfort and top craftsmanship. Last year it began sourcing all of its leather from suppliers that use regenerative farming methods, in which animals graze naturally to allow grassland to grow back.
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Samuel Leroux and Alexandre Desabrais are the co-founders of Solios, a Canadian certified B Corp watch brand that they created in 2016. The idea was to combine elegance and minimalism with solar technology. The pair met at university and each started their career in finance, before realising that they wanted to create something together around being kinder to the planet. Solios became the first Certified B watch brand and has made a huge mark in its category.
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Joanna Dai is founder and CEO of Dai, a B Corp-certified womenswear brand that the Orange County native launched in 2017. Having spent many long days in the office and on the road in nearly a decade of working for JP Morgan between New York and London, Joanna set out to rethink the blazers, trousers, and dresses that a woman might wear to the office. Dai brings together style, comfort and the latest fabric innovations.
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Joanna Dai is founder and CEO of Dai, a B Corp-certified womenswear brand that the Orange County native launched in 2017. Having spent many long days in the office and on the road in nearly a decade of working for JP Morgan between New York and London, Joanna set out to rethink the blazers, trousers, and dresses that a woman might wear to the office. Dai brings together style, comfort and the latest fabric innovations.
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Nothing is a London-based consumer technology company with a mission to remove barriers between people and their devices. Nothing’s debut product, its Ear 1 wireless headphones, was one of the most anticipated product launches of 2021. Monocle’s Helsinki correspondent Petri Burtsoff met Nothing’s co-founder Akis Evangelidis at the start-up event Slush to discuss the future of consumer technology and the company’s ambitious mission.
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Micaela Illy is the CEO of heritage chocolate brand Prestat. The London-based company, which was created by the inventor of the chocolate truffle, will celebrate its 120th anniversary this year. The brand was acquired by the Illy family in 2019. Micaela is the fourth generation of the iconic Italian coffee company, which was launched in the 1930s. This week she discusses her work to refresh the well-known British brand.
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In the second part of our favourite interviews of 2021, we hear from Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky on how the turbulence of the pandemic has allowed the California-based company to get back to its roots and focus on being a better partner for cities. Plus: we meet Dr Carmen Hijosa, the founder of Ananas Anam, makers of a leather alternative crafted from pineapple leaf fibres called Piñatex.
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In the first of our host Daniel Bach’s favourite conversations of 2021, we meet Frank Cooper III, the global chief marketing officer at Blackrock, to hear how the world’s largest asset manager is tackling climate change and racial inequality. Plus: Shiza Shahid, founder of Our Place, discusses how she’s using the cookware brand to highlight food insecurity and the value of coming together to prepare a meal.
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Based in Italy’s Dolomites, Q36.5 is a brand specialising in clothing and accessories aimed at cycling enthusiasts, which has emerged as a driving force in the industry. Founded in 2013 by Luigi Bergamo and wife Sabrina, the company excels in developing Italian-made apparel with high-performance textiles that are also chosen to address concerns about sustainability. The business has been recognised for its award-winning designs that produce lightweight, ergogenic garments for wearing on and off the bike.
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Simon Howells is the managing director of Craven Dunnill Jackfield, a company that has been making handmade ceramic tiles to decorate public spaces, homes and hospitality establishments since it was founded in 1872. On the eve of its 150th anniversary, Howells discusses some of the company’s many projects, including dozens of London Underground stations, the Houses of Parliament and the food Hall at Harrods.
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Nicci Clark is CEO and founder of Re:Nourish, a UK-based company that’s said to be the world’s first microwaveable and fully recyclable bottled-soup company. A qualified nutritionist and former critical-care nurse, Clark knows the value of healthy eating. The company has had incredible growth in the past few years, in both retail and direct-to-consumer, and has expanded to the Middle East and Hong Kong.
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Chris Gove is the creative director of Percival Menswear, a London-based brand that prides itself on being quintessentially British. Percival launched with a series of pop-ups before opening a permanent shop in Soho and has grown year-on-year by staying away from the traditional wholesale model and seasonal calendar. Instead, the company releases pieces across the year with the aim of “subverting the classics”, a tagline that Percival celebrates by updating and remaking traditional menswear pieces.
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Slush is billed as the world’s leading startup event and is well attended by investors, founders and C-suite executives from a long list of top companies. While the focus is largely on the world of technology, much of the discussion also leads into Monocle’s areas of interest, including design, retail, hospitality and city-building. The event has also become a great showcase for the vibrant business scene in the Nordics. Monocle’s Helsinki correspondent Petri Burtsoff reports from this year’s conference.
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String Furniture was founded in 1949, following a contest by Swedish publisher Bonnier to find the best bookshelf. After being popular across Europe for decades, the company behind the modular shelving system was on the brink of collapse when it was taken over by Peter Erlandsson and Pär Josefsson in 2004. This week, we speak to Erlandsson about growing the brand for the 21st century. Plus: Radha Vyas talks about reviving the fortunes of travel company Flash Pack.
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David Rogier is the CEO and founder of Masterclass, the online learning platform on which a host of global leaders and celebrities teach their craft. From Martin Scorsese offering tips on film-making to Malala Yousafzai discussing how to drive change, and Ringo Starr teaching you how to play the drums, the video lessons are created as a celebration of learning. Rogier spoke to Monocle’s Tomos Lewis about what they’ve discovered about the way in which people learn.
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Freitag was launched in Zurich in 1993 by brothers Daniel and Markus Freitag. Now it is known around the world for its messenger bags, backpacks and accessories, which are made mostly from recycled truck tarpaulins. The company has recently been working with trucking companies to create a more sustainable tarpaulin, which can be fully broken down or repurposed after its use, firstly on the highway and later as a bag.
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Estonian entrepreneur Hannes Unt co-founded audio-eyewear brand Aether in 2019 to develop glasses and sunglasses that would allow wearers to take calls and listen to music via frame-integrated speakers. The goal of Hannes and his Canadian business partners is to create distinctive, technologically advanced eyewear that allows style to take centre stage.
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David Segal co-founded Davidstea in 2008, helping to grow it into a retail giant. After leaving the Montreal-based company in 2016, he started gourmet fast-food brand Mad Radish. Now he is launching Firebelly Tea, focusing on great tea, smart packaging and well-designed accessories.
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Alex Doman and Denetrias Charlemagne are the co-founders of Avec, a New York-based premium mixer brand. Avec’s line of drinks are made with natural botanicals and real fruit, which are low on sugar and calories. The pair met at Columbia Business School, after Doman had a previous career in consulting in UK hospitality, where Charlemagne worked in brand for a number of notable US companies.
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Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, hopes that Glasgow will go down in history as the place where world leaders finally committed to a sustainable future. We look at two businesses that were spotlighted at Cop26 for leading the way towards a greener future. We meet Alan Mahon, co-founder of Certified B beer company Brewgooder, and Fiona Houston, CEO and founder of Mara Seaweed.
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Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, hopes that Glasgow will go down in history as the place where world leaders finally committed to a sustainable future. We look at two businesses that were spotlighted at Cop26 for leading the way towards a greener future. We meet Alan Mahon, co-founder of Certified B beer company Brewgooder, and Fiona Houston, CEO and founder of Mara Seaweed.
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Paul Schaffer is the managing director of Plum Play, a leading UK brand in the active-play category that makes outside toys for children. The company was founded by Schaffer’s parents more than 30 years ago and exports to over 50 countries, with offices in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia. Schaffer has been working hard to help the brand grow and evolve, while living up to the values of the company his parents built.
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Randy Goldberg is the co-founder and chief brand officer of Bombas, the New York-based sock-maker founded in 2013. Using its one-for-one model, Bombas has to date donated more than 40 million garments to homeless shelters and charities across the US. The company has expanded into making other essential items such as T-shirts and underwear. And recently, the brand has launched in the UK, its first market outside the US.
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Poppy and Sam Wall are the husband-and-wife team behind natural-fragrance brand Eym. They came up with the idea when Poppy was pregnant and researching some of the negative effects of synthetic candles. The couple created and launched the business in the UK but now run it from their home in Sydney.
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This week we’re off to Los Angeles, to meet Morgan McLachlan, head distiller and chief product officer for premium botanical spirits brand Amass. Its range of spirits, hard seltzers and personal-care products are a celebration of the terroir of the Canadian’s adopted home in California. Plus: we get fundraising advice and explore the world of revenue-based financing with Clearco co-founder Michele Romanow.
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Irene Forte is the founder of beauty label Irene Forte Skincare. A native of Italy, Forte has worked with skincare expert Francesca Ferri on the formulations, using natural ingredients from her family’s organic farm in Sicily, including prickly pear, lemon and hibiscus. Just a few years since an exclusive launch with Net-a-Porter, her products are now carried by more than 20 top retailers, including Liberty London and Nordstrom.
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Judy Nadel and Damien Clarkson are co-founders of The Pack, a UK company offering plant-based meals for dogs. While you might question the need for your pet to go vegan, Nadel and Clarkson are keen to show the scientific benefits.
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The arrival of a new Eurostar terminal in 2007 was a catalyst but the revitalisation of London’s King’s Cross neighbourhood was also thanks to property developer Harry Handelsman. To mark the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel’s 10th anniversary later this month, Handelsman’s Manhattan Loft Corporation will open Booking Office 1869, a revamp of the bar inside the 19th-century ticket hall. For this week’s episode, Handelsman discusses his love for London and landmark projects such as the Chiltern Firehouse.
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Jay Ruskey is the founder of Frinj Coffee, a company he started on his family’s Santa Barbara farm with the aim of helping to make California the next speciality coffee growing hotbed. In 2002 the farmer and agronomist planted a trial crop of coffee in hope of proving that coffee could thrive in warm, tropical climates. To date he’s helped to grow more than 3,000 mature coffee trees.
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The return to co-working spaces has been vital for many businesses. We discuss the future of these spaces with Gabriela Hersham, CEO of workspace company Huckletree. Plus, Josh Fehnert on good office design and Professor Stefan Allesch-Taylor’s tips on entrepreneurial thinking.
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Rachel Lim is the co-founder of Love Bonito, a clothing brand launched in Singapore in 2010. Lim had to pay off a government bond to quit college so that she could start the brand, and borrowed her mother’s life savings to help bankroll the company’s early days. Love Bonito now sells in more than 10 markets, with shops in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia.
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Victor Lugger, co-founder of hospitality payment app Sunday, on why the platform makes splitting the bill a seamless experience for diners while also being great for a restaurant’s bottom line. We also meet Tunde Kehinde, co-founder and CEO of Nigeria-based investment platform Lidya, to hear how the African SME lender is helping to close a credit gap globally. Plus: Monocle’s Genevieve Bates on why every office could use a dog.
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Peter Ward and Michael Geer are the co-founders of Humanity, a platform aimed at helping people to slow their rate of ageing. With the help of some leading researchers on their science advisory board, they’ve created an app that allows users to closely monitor various biomarkers to make better decisions for a healthier life. They’ve recently launched the full version of the app, following an investment from the co-founders of Skype, SoundCloud, meditation app Calm and My Fitness Pal.
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This week we celebrate the release of ‘The Monocle Book of Entrepreneurs’, a guide to starting and running your own business. Daniel Bach speaks to editors Joe Pickard and Chiara Rimella about what makes a great business book and how they approached putting together Monocle’s latest title. Plus: editor in chief Andrew Tuck discusses the importance of in-person meetings. We also hear from book essayists Shamil Thakrar, founder of Dishoom, and Maria Hatzistefanis, founder of Rodial.
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Jeyda Heselton is the co-founder of Fettle, a technology-driven bicycle repair company based in the UK that was created to vastly improve the experience of getting your bike fixed. Fettle hopes that its platform will get more people riding, while also helping to tackle the environmental challenges cities face by working with partners and local authorities to think about mobility solutions for the future.
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Charlotte Vangsgaard is a partner at Red Associates, a strategic consultancy firm with offices in Copenhagen and New York, which is all about what it calls a “human-centred approach” to doing business. Across a host of sectors from tech to finance and mobility, Vangsgaard is helping companies to unlock their real potential, inside and out.
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Nikki Pechet is the CEO and co-founder of Homebound, a California-based home-building firm that was created to quickly and effectively rebuild homes that were lost to wildfires. The company uses technology to streamline every step of the building process, giving peace of mind to homeowners and making life easier for tradespeople. Homebound is now working across California, Austin, Texas and the Bahamas.
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Avi Brosh is the founder of Los Angeles-based hotel brand Palisociety, which is behind a growing collection of boutique, low key-count establishments across the US. The former residential developer knows a thing or two about spotting a location with potential, and with discerning taste and a vision for each project, has been able to keep the group’s hotels very much on point. This week we ask: what makes a great small hotel?
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Michael Sharon and Kal Freese co-founded Taika, a San Francisco-based coffee company, in 2019. Sharon previously worked at Facebook, building the company’s mobile platform, and Freese is an award-winning Finnish barista who helped to launch a high-end instant-coffee brand in the Bay Area. Their drinks include a fixed amount of caffeine and a number of adaptogens to help you feel alert but not jittery.
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Dr Carmen Hijosa is the founder of Ananas Anam, which produces a leather alternative made from pineapple-leaf fibres called Piñatex. Hijosa is originally from Asturias in northern Spain and a career designing and manufacturing leather goods took her around the world, including to the Philippines where the idea for Piñatex was born. Carmen’s work developing the product led her to a PhD on the subject and a business that she continues to grow today.
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Dr Carmen Hijosa is the founder of Ananas Anam, which produces a leather alternative made from pineapple-leaf fibres called Piñatex. Hijosa is originally from Asturias in northern Spain and a career designing and manufacturing leather goods took her around the world, including to the Philippines where the idea for Piñatex was born. Carmen’s work developing the product led her to a PhD on the subject and a business that she continues to grow today.
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Rupert McKelvie is the founder of Out of the Valley, a cabin design and manufacturing company based in Devon, southwest England. The idea was born of necessity: he built his first cabin as a place to live. Today his team creates bespoke cabins for use as studios, garden offices, saunas and wilderness retreats.
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Trained architect Michelle Toney and former fashion designer Stephanie Cleary are co-founders of Morrow Soft Goods, the Los Angeles-based homeware brand they launched in 2016. The aim was to move away from too-perfect home interiors that didn’t really feel lived-in, taking inspiration – and borrowing a colour palette – from California’s wilderness. Morrow started in bedding and has expanded into other soft goods for the home, from towels and table linen to rugs and pillows.
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Cole Rosentreter is the founder and CEO of Pegasus Imagery, an Alberta-based start-up making drones to fight forest fires. With their 4-metre wingspan, these can collect data and manoeuvre more easily than helicopters.
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Much of our personal and business finance is now managed through apps, with fintech platforms available for everything from payments to savings. We meet Marty Bell, co-founder and CMO of Nude, to learn more about the platform helping you invest for a dream home. Plus: CEO and founder of Overflow, Vance Roush, tells us about his career and why he’s making it easier to donate stocks.
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Robyn Simms is the co-founder of Square Root, a soft drinks brand she launched with her partner, Ed Taylor, in 2012. Using seasonal fruit, they make sodas and non-alcoholic cocktails at their factory in east London.
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Shiza Shahid is the co-founder and co-CEO of Our Place. She launched the Los Angeles-based brand in 2019, hoping to create a line of cookware that would simplify home cooking while catering to a wide range of culinary styles and traditions – a goal she achieved with the bestselling Always Pan. Born in Pakistan, Shahid is also the co-founder of Now Ventures and the Malala Fund alongside activist Malala Yousafzai.
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Art Tukker is the founder of Tinwood Estate, an English sparkling wine producer in southern England. The brand was launched in 2007 and makes wines from traditional champagne varietals: chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. Tukker’s parents had emigrated from the Netherlands in the early 1980s and grew iceberg lettuce on the farm until Art took over at the age of 21.
Cathryn Woodruff and Julie Schott are the co-founders of Plus, a personal care brand making soap and body wash in dissolvable packaging. The just-add-water idea brings together Woodruff’s passion for sustainable and purpose-driven brands, and Schott’s years of experience covering the beauty industry at ‘Elle’ magazine, where she noticed a huge waste problem in packaging. Schott is also co-founder of Starface, a top skincare brand for tackling acne, alongside Plus’s other partner Brian Bordainick.
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Bryan Chua is the founder of Wonderhome Naturals, a company based in the Philippines with a line of home cleaning and personal care products made from coconuts and plant probiotics. The packaging is made from recycled ocean plastic, which is then smartly packed and shipped in a modular system to reduce the carbon footprint of transporting the range.
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Christian Layolle is the UK head of The Mills Fabrica, which recently opened a new location in London’s King’s Cross. Aimed at bringing sustainable innovations to scale, it’s the long-awaited expansion of the Nan Fung Group’s business-incubator concept launched in Hong Kong in 2018. Plus: we head to Connecticut to meet John Walker, head brewer and co-founder of Athletic Brewing Company. The brand is a leader in bringing life – and taste – to the buzzing non-alcoholic beer sector.
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Richard Burger, Martijn Obers and Dirk de Bruijn are the founders of Swapfiets, a full-service subscription bike company aiming to make travelling the city on two wheels hassle-free. The three founders met at the University of Technology in Delft and launched the company in 2014. For a monthly fee, Swapfiets will make sure you always have a bike, with repairs and insurance covered in the cost.
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Nic Akinnibosun and Rico Oyejobi are the co-founders of Saint Ogun, a rum blended with spirits from five noted distilleries which celebrates the pair’s shared heritage and passions. Plus: we look at investment app Tickr with co-founder Tom McGillycuddy. The Certified B company has created a platform that allows people to invest in companies that are having a positive impact on our world and the environment.
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Jessica Fong is the co-founder of Common Farms, a Hong Kong-based urban farm launched in 2017 that grows greens, herbs and edible flowers, supplying some of Hong Kong’s top restaurants and offering a home-delivery service. Its indoor vertical farming model is helping more people to eat fresh and local. Fong was inspired by the produce of Italy.
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Oskar Smolokowski is the chairman of Polaroid, the classic instant-photography brand that many thought was lost to time when its last film factory closed in 2008. Smolokowski and the Berlin-based start-up The Impossible Project not only revived the brand but have also created new cameras and film. Plus: aeronautical engineer turned fashion designer Ryan Mario Yasin discusses the future of wearable technology and innovation in clothing around his brand Petit Pli.
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Rafael Artijas is founder and CEO of Loog Guitars. The three-string guitars made for children as young as three have become a regional hit in the Americas. Launched in 2011 by the Uruguayan music lover, every instrument comes with an app, flashcards and online lessons that get kids rocking from day one. Monocle’s Lucinda Elliott sat down with Artijas in Montevideo to fine tune one of their latest creations.
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Harpreet Singh Rai is CEO of Oura, a Finnish company launched in 2013. Oura’s lightweight ring, which is designed to be worn all day, evaluates sleep and activity to give its wearer minute details about their health and wellbeing. Metrics such as heart-rate variability, respiratory rate and body temperature can be discreetly measured through a growing number of wearables, including Oura, in a market that was valued at more than $37bn (€31bn) last year and is forecast to top $100bn (€85bn) in 2027.
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Katrina Smith and Gianluca Franzoni are the co-founders of Nubocha, a US-based company that has developed a healthy and delicious dairy-free gelato for the American market. Launched in 2018, the husband-and-wife team worked to develop an innovative recipe using high quality, sustainably sourced ingredients, including Italian hazelnuts and Ecuadorian cacao. Franzoni is an Italian chocolatier who created premium chocolate brand Domori in the 1990s.
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Lucas London is CEO and co-founder of Lick, a UK-based home-décor brand launched in 2020, which makes paint, wallpaper and blinds. The company recently partnered with Made.com and is aiming to inspire more people to take on home renovations. Plus: Monocle’s Nina Milhaud speaks to Karana co-founder Blair Crichton about the brand’s whole plant-based meat alternative – made from jackfruit – and Asia’s growing taste for meat alternatives.
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Taylor Simmons is the CEO of Coco Shop, a clothing brand which was first established on the Caribbean island of Antigua in 1949. The retail outpost became well-known to island residents and visitors alike for its patterned summer dresses and shirts. When the founders retired in 2017, the brand’s future was uncertain. Simmons is leading with design and is aiming to elevate the brand without stepping on what has made the label so beloved for decades.
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Benjamin Swan is CEO and co-founder of Sustenir Agriculture, a Singapore-based company that has created a unique vertical farming model to help tackle food insecurity, reduce waste and lower the carbon footprint of food production. Plus: we hear from Hammerhead CEO and founder Pieter Morgan on creating a bike computer that can power the pros – including his investor and high-school friend Chris Froome – and make our streets safer for everyone.
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Dor Raviv and Yarden Gross are co-founders of Orca AI, a Tel Aviv-based company that provides data and technology solutions to help ships and other vessels navigate the globe safely. Launched in 2018, after the pair met in the Israeli navy, the company works with the world’s biggest shipping operators to cut down on the thousands of accidents a year that are caused by human error.
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Liza Lazerow and Fabian Berglund are two of the co-founders of Nordic Knots, a Stockholm-based brand making rugs inspired by natural light in the Nordics and classic Scandinavian design. Plus: we meet Jim McMillan, the founder of The True Honey Co, a brand he was inspired to launch in 2013 after flying over hills of Mānuka flowers in remote parts of New Zealand’s north island as a helicopter pilot.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
David de Rothschild is a conservationist and explorer, and the entrepreneur behind The Lost Explorer, an award-winning mezcal brand he created to show how production of the famed Mexican spirit could be done in a more sustainable way. Known for his adventures, De Rothschild discusses why mezcal had nothing to do with the brand he was aiming to create. Plus: Vision-Box CEO Miguel Leitmann talks about making cross-border travel safer and easier for travellers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ryan Prince is the founder of Uncle, a London property company that aims to make renting in the city a more desirable and stress-free experience. Prince is a past guest on ‘The Entrepreneurs’ and speaker at Monocle’s Berlin Quality of Life Conference. With all the headlines about people fleeing for the countryside, host Daniel Bach visited Prince at Uncle’s London building to catch up and discuss how Uncle is evolving to cater to city-dwellers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brad Wilson is the president of the Ace Hotel group, which is set to open its latest property in Brooklyn’s Boerum Hill with a Toronto property soon to follow. The first Ace Hotel was founded in Seattle in 1999 by partners Alex Calderwood, Wade Weigel and Doug Herrick, and Wilson joined in 2011 to help expand their vision. Ace prides itself on looking at different kinds of existing buildings in off-the-beaten track neighbourhoods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Danish architect and industrial designer Mikal Harrsen founded interior-design brand Design Editions in 2019. Based in Brianza, the heartland of Italian furniture design, it produces premium acoustic panels and contemporary wall décor. Harrsen has found success as people retreated indoors during the pandemic and looked for ways to improve their home acoustics. He previously launched Scandinavian furniture brand MA/U Studio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Henrik Müller-Hansen is the founder and CEO of Gelato. The Norwegian entrepreneur launched Gelato in 2014 to help companies print and manufacture things in local markets. It now has more than 100 production partners in 32 countries, creating books, prints and gifts, allowing brands, corporations and small-business owners to create and ship items closer to their end destinations, reducing the impact on the planet and cutting down on shipping time and costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Valerie Brandes is founder and CEO of Jacaranda, an independent UK-based publisher she launched in 2012. With the aim of bringing more diverse voices to market, Jacaranda and its writers have won multiple awards and the publisher recently secured several partnerships, including with Hachette and Audible, which will help to share those stories with a wider audience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tequila is a booming business globally. This week we hear from two of the most exciting brands on the market, which are making waves with their award-winning spirits. Max Davies-Gilbert and Robin Clough walk us through the story of their brand Enemigo, which is stocked by the UK’s top hotels and restaurants and is growing rapidly in the US. We also hear from surf film-maker turned spirits founder Taylor Steele about his sunny brand Solento. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Eliza Flanagan and Mary McLeod are co-founders of Kankan, a soap and personal-care brand they launched in 2019 to promote the circular economy. Their soaps and body wash come in aluminum cans, a great way to curb the use of single use plastic soap bottles. McLeod previously worked in retail buying, including for the department store House of Fraser, while Flanagan is behind the successful Hackney eatery Lardo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Patagonia has been known for decades as a leader in climate activism. This week, we catch up with Beth Thoren, the outerwear brand’s environmental action director, to hear about the initiatives she is spearheading in Europe. Plus: Monocle’s Josh Fehnert speaks with Irish entrepreneur Jonathan Legge to hear about &Open, the company that has reimagined corporate gifting, opening a market for well-made gifts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lay Koon Tan is the founder of Nature Squared, which uses natural materials in its luxury products such as car interiors, pens, homeware and furniture. Utilising manufacturing byproducts that would otherwise go to waste – including bamboo, egg shells, mango skins, feathers and tobacco leaves – Nature Squared has collaborated with the likes of Rolls Royce, BMW and Montblanc.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Frank Cooper III is the senior managing director and global chief marketing officer at Blackrock, the world’s largest asset manager. Cooper started his career as a lawyer for iconic music labels Def Jam and Motown, before moving into marketing with Pepsico and later Buzzfeed. Today he helps brands decode the “S” in ESG, finding out how they can best impact society, and is on a mission to address financial inequality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the second part of our feature on supporting artisans and makers, we meet Catherine Lock, who is co-founder and creative director of The New Craftsmen. The brand works with a range of top makers from across the British Isles, curating and supporting their work which is sold online and at its Mayfair showroom in London. Launched in 2012, the brand works with designers and artisans making everything from furniture and lighting to art textiles and tableware.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the first part of our look at how best to support artisans and makers and to celebrate their craft, we meet Suzie de Rohan Willner, CEO of UK womenswear and homeware label Toast, to learn about its mentorship platform, The New Makers. Plus: we meet Martin Johnston and Lise Bonnet, the couple behind Amsterdam label Crafted Society, which shines a light on some of the leading Italian makers of luxury clothing, shoes and accessories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Laura Roso Vidrequin is the founder of Kids O’Clock, a London-based platform for recycling and reselling children’s clothing. Laura is a former buyer for Net-a-Porter, Moda Operandi and Harvey Nichols, who has created a circular-economy solution for parents looking to buy or pass along clothing that their kids have outgrown. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The market for the resale and rental of clothing, accessories and luxury items is booming. This week, we speak to Eshita Kabra-Davies, CEO and founder of UK rental platform By Rotation about why sharing is a preferable option to buying new, and head to Hong Kong to meet Sarah Fung, CEO and founder of luxury resale platform Hula. Plus: ‘The New York Times’ Styles reporter Elizabeth Paton discusses trends and opportunities in the market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A couple of years ago, Sydneysider Nik Robinson’s children were learning about the future of the environment at school and decided to do something about it. And so Robinson, along with his sons Harry and Archie, began work on Good Citizens, a brand that turns plastic PET bottles into sunglasses. In a Sydney factory, plastic pellets are turned into shades that have a square or round frame in ocean blue, dark brown or ‘lemonade’ hues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Charlie Cole is the CEO of FTD, the 110-year-old old flower collective that has been building back its business following a bankruptcy in 2019. The brand’s iconic Mercury Man logo is seen in the window of more than 30,000 florists in 125 countries. Having previously worked for luggage brands Samsonite and Tumi, Cole is helping FTD grow in the world of e-commerce while finding the best way to support local businesses the world over.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sandra Nassima founded Depuravita in 2015, selling a range of detox juices and smoothies, using locally sourced fruits and vegetables, in smart and sustainable packaging. The Italian brand has since added a line of natural nutrition and skincare products, including probiotic chocolates, at dozens of retailers across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sebastian Fogg is the co-founder of restaurant consultancy Montana Fogg, launched alongside his partner Laura Montana in 2017. Having launched top restaurants in London, Los Angeles and New York, Montana Fogg advises a host of business at all stages, from how to get started to changing direction entirely. This week, Sebastian tells us what the industry has learned from the past year and offers advice for the hospitality industry as many eateries prepare to reopen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Konrad Bergström is the founder of X Shore, a Swedish electric-boat manufacturer that designs pleasure craft with the environment and nature in mind. With modular interiors and without the noise of a loud engine they allow for a more enjoyable time on the water. Previously, Bergström founded Zound Industries, the licensee of Marshall headphones and speakers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Foday Dumbuya is the founder and creative director of Labrum London, a British-African menswear brand he launched in 2015 to bridge the gap between London and the culture of West Africa. Originally from Sierra Leone, he moved to the UK as a young man. After college, he started his career in fashion working for DKNY and later for Nike. He was recently commissioned to design Sierra Leone’s Olympic kit for the upcoming summer games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vera and Philippe Henco are the founders of Nyyukin, a jewellery brand based in Düsseldorf inspired by modern graphic design. Manufactured in Germany, Nyyukin’s bracelets are a marriage of cutting-edge technology and traditional craftsmanship. The brand’s pieces are made using 3D-printed titanium and stainless steel for the base and polyamide for colourful, interchangeable inlays. It was launched out of the couple’s design studio KittoKatsu with the help of their friend Johannes Hundt, who has almost 40 years of industry experience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last year was very nearly the end for home-sharing platform Airbnb, which lost around 80 per cent of its business following lockdown announcements. But co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky says the turbulence of 2020 has allowed the California-based company to get back to its roots. Following a hugely successful IPO in December and high demand for longer-term, closer-to-home rentals, the company is now working to tackle the problem of over-tourism by encouraging people to discover new places to travel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark Livings is the CEO and co-founder of Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits, a brand launched in Australia in 2019. The company’s range of drinks are created to taste as good as a wide range of classic spirits and aperitifs, from gin and rum to Campari and vermouth. The brand has seen incredible growth since launching, while winning a host of awards around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jakob Dworsky and August Bard Bringéus are the co-founders of Swedish menswear label Asket. Launched in 2015, the brand’s aim is to create well-made wardrobe staples to inspire customers to buy less. More recently, Asket created an impact receipt for its staple pieces and overhauled its packaging. It’s an incredible example of a brand fighting back against greenwashing and pushing the boundaries of the fashion industry at the same time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Charlotte and Adam Cameron co-founded The Workers Club, a UK menswear and lifestyle brand, in 2015. The pair, who met at university, have more than 30 years of combined experience working in luxury and high-street fashion. Based in Oxfordshire where the couple live, The Workers Club focuses on creating long-lasting, functional garments with the best materials. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hailing from Alberta, Canada, restaurateur and entrepreneur Lindsay Jang moved to Hong Kong 12 years ago with business partner Matt Abergel. She is the co-founder of three of Hong Kong’s best Japanese-inspired restaurants (and Monocle favourites) Yardbird, Ronin and Roti Tori, as well as food shop Sunday’s Grocery and drink brand Sunday’s Spirits. Though it all she has somehow found the time to launch creative agency Hecho. Yardbird recently received its first Michelin star.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jules Trecco and Marc Simoncini co-founded Angell in 2018. A French e-bike company, launched with the future of our cities in mind, its first vehicle was created by French product and furniture designer Ora-Ïto. One of the lightest e-bikes on the market, with a sharp streamlined design, Angell’s smart technology makes cycling safer for riders and motorists too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Canadian serial entrepreneur Michele Romanow is the co-founder and president of e-commerce investor Clearbanc. Since launching in 2015, the company has invested more than US$1.5bn in more than 4,000 companies in five countries. Romanow, also a co-host on CBC television show ‘Dragons’ Den’, says that though e-commerce is booming, retail may now be as important as ever for brands, where consumers expect great in-store experiences and seamless online shopping.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vivien and Howard Wong co-founded mochi ice-cream brand Little Moons in 2010 after leaving careers in finance. The brother-and-sister team grew up watching their parents run a family bakery, and loved to eat the traditional Japanese mochis. They began by selling directly to London restaurants and are now stocked by Whole Foods, Selfridges and Amazon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We meet Jessica Warch and Sidney Neuhaus, childhood friends who grew up in family jewellery businesses and are now co-founders of Kimai, a brand built around lab-grown diamonds in Antwerp, which is appealing to more socially aware buyers. Plus: spirits-branding expert Elwyn Gladstone joins to discuss Hotel Starlino, an all-natural aperitivo and vermouth range distilled in Turin.
Bethan Higson founded Mother Root, a London-based aperitif brand, from her Peckham kitchen. The company’s first product, the all-natural Ginger Switchel, is a revival of a traditional mixture dating back to the 1700s, made from ginger, honey, apple-cider vinegar and chilli. Higson used her experience in the wine business to partner with restaurants and retailers in her neighbourhood.