The Gstaad Guy Podcast

Epizode

• The Business of Fashion Founder & CEO: Imran Amed – Following a Feeling, Being a Pioneer, & Building the Voice of an Industry 27.05.2026 1h 32min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with Imran Amed, founder and CEO of The Business of Fashion, the platform that fundamentally changed how the fashion industry understands and talks about itself, to explore what it truly takes to bet on a calling when everything rational tells you otherwise. From journaling as a child to consulting at McKinsey, Imran traces the long and winding road that led him to build one of the most influential media businesses of his generation. The conversation covers the early days of stretching himself thin across multiple jobs just to keep the dream alive, the insecurity and need for validation that shadowed his ambition, and the moment the universe seemed to stop offering alternatives. Imran opens up about the internal struggle between security and purpose, how meditation and silent retreats helped him find stillness amid relentless pressure, and why genuine optimism, not the performative kind, has been his most durable asset. An unusually candid and deeply personal conversation about identity, courage, and what becomes possible when you finally stop ignoring what you were meant to do. Filmed at The Twenty Two (London), Gingko Suite. (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (00:54) BoF VOICES 🎤🌍 (03:34) How It Started 💡🌱 (05:15) Failure ❌📉 (07:06) Rise Of The Internet 🌐💻 (08:07) Following A Feeling 🧭❤️ (12:20) Prosumers 🔄💡 (13:34) Perspective 👁️🌍 (15:47) Creation Of The Logo ✏️🎨 (21:05) Turning Into A Business 💡💼 (25:37) "Why London?" 🇬🇧🌆 (28:35) Consumer To Prosumer 🔄✨ (30:00) Adapting To The Times ⏳🔄 (33:04) Being A Pioneer 🚀🌟 (35:13) "State Of Fashion" 👔📊 (41:05) BoF & McKinsey 📰💼 (44:12) The Impact Of Knowledge 📚💡 (47:57) Banned From A Fashion Show 🚫👗 (49:56) Breaking The Fashion Communication System ⚡🔓 (53:56) Industry & Business Relationships 🤝🏻💼 (56:45) Good vs. Bad Campaigns For Creators ✅❌ (58:18) Brands Keeping Up With Culture 🌍👔 (1:00:42) Imran Amed 📰✨ (1:04:11) Applying To McKinsey 📝💼 (1:09:36) Mechanics Of A Consulting Firm ⚙️📊 (1:11:06) Internal Struggle 💭⚡ (1:15:26) Meditation 🧘✨ (1:20:20) Silent Retreats 🌿🔇 (1:24:43) Optimism ☀️🌟 (1:26:35) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Classic Car Dealer, Collector & Writer: Simon Kidston – Classic Cars, Earned Authenticity, & Doing What You Love 20.05.2026 1h 3min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with Simon Kidston, one of the most respected figures in the classic car world, a dealer, collector, and writer whose life has been shaped by an unwavering obsession with the machines that defined an era, to explore what it truly means to turn a passion into a life's work. Raised across cultures and educated in the Swiss Alps, Simon reflects on the upbringing that sharpened his eye, deepened his taste, and drew him inevitably towards the world of rare and extraordinary automobiles. The conversation moves through the philosophy of collecting, the singular allure of cars like the Mercedes 300 SLR, and why authenticity in this world cannot be manufactured, it can only be earned over time. Simon shares what classic cars reveal about the people who seek them, why obsession and discernment so often go hand in hand, and what it means to keep old machines alive and relevant in a modern era. At the heart of it all sits a quietly compelling conviction: that doing something you truly love is not indulgent, it is essential. A rich and unhurried conversation about passion, provenance, and the art of knowing exactly what you are looking for. Filmed at The Twenty Two (London), Gingko Suite. (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (05:17) From Passion To Job ❤️💼 (07:05) First Car 🚗🔑 (08:52) Upbringing 🏡👶 (12:30) Gstaad 🏔️❄️ (15:04) Relationship Building 🤝❤️ (21:27) Mercedes 300 SLR 🏎️💨 (28:28) Archetypes Of The Car World 🚗🎭 (33:26) The I.C.E. 🔥⚙️ (35:27) "The Gstaad Collector" 🏔️🏆 (37:29) Andermatt 🇨🇭⛰️ (38:59) Dream 5-Car Garage 🚗✨ (48:19) Bugatti Royale 👑🏎️ (54:22) Rallies 🏁🚗 (54:57) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ (1:00:50) "Do Something That You Love" ❤️🌟 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Hyle Consulting Founder: Riccardo Pozzoli – Building Brands, the Italian Dream, & Tradeoffs That Define a Life 13.05.2026 1h 25min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with Riccardo Pozzoli, founder of Hyle Consulting and one of Italy's most respected voices at the intersection of brand building, creativity, and entrepreneurship, to explore what it truly means to build a meaningful life without losing yourself in the process. From his years at Luxottica to his role as creative director of Persol, Riccardo reflects on a career shaped by constant challenge, creative ambition, and the quiet discipline of knowing when to pivot. The conversation moves through the realities of raising a family while running a business, the tradeoffs that every ambitious life demands, and why failure, far from being something to avoid, is the most reliable engine of growth. Riccardo shares his philosophy on aligning with a partner, finding balance without pretending it is easy, and what it really means to create desirability in a world saturated with noise. Threaded throughout is a distinctly Italian perspective on life, luxury, and what it means to pursue the dream on your own terms. A warm, honest, and wide-ranging conversation about ambition, identity, and the art of living well. Filmed at Mandarin Oriental, Milan. (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (04:22) Life Decisions 🤔🛤️ (08:42) Working With Brands 🤝🏻💼 (10:10) Career Path 🛤️📈 (15:35) Growing & Innovating 🌱💡 (20:13) Being A Father 👨‍👧❤️ (25:03) Game Of Life 🎲🌍 (26:40) Finding The Right Life Balance ⚖️🧘 (32:11) Aligning With Your Partner 🤝🏻❤️ (34:35) Voicing Intentions 🗣️💭 (35:57) Transparency 🪟💡 (37:21) Importance of "Dating" With Jobs 💼❤️ (41:52) 21-22 Year-Old Version Of Oneself 🪞⏳ (49:10) Status vs. Experience 👑📖 (56:59) "Is The Status Worth It?" 🤔💎 (1:00:27) No Social Media 📵🌿 (1:03:03) Creating Desirability ✨🔮 (1:03:52) The Meaning Of "Italianity" 🇮🇹❤️ (1:06:53) Joining The Luxury World 💎👔 (1:12:25) The Italian Dream 🇮🇹🌟 (1:19:14) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Comedian, Actor, & Impressionist: Matt Friend – Finding Your Voice, Reading the Room, & Why Laughter Is the Last Honest Thing 06.05.2026 51min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with Matt Friend, the comedian, actor, and impressionist who has built a devoted following by turning razor-sharp observation into some of the most entertaining content online and on stage, to explore what it truly means to make people laugh in a world that takes itself far too seriously. From discovering comedy to performing in front of live crowds, Matt reflects on the craft, the nerve, and the instinct required to land a joke in any room, for any audience. The conversation moves through the journey from online skits to major stages, the difference between performing for a camera and commanding a room, and why great comedy has always been rooted in great observation. Matt shares how he approaches his impressions, what it means to adapt your voice without losing it, and why humour remains one of the most powerful and underrated tools a person can have. A genuinely funny and surprisingly thoughtful conversation about passion, performance, and the art of noticing what everyone else is too polite to say. Filmed at Casa Cipriani New York's Premier River View Suite. (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (02:20) Accents 🗣️🌍 (06:20) Impressions 🎭😄 (08:18) Trump Impression 🇺🇸🎤 (08:39) Roger Federer 🎾🏆 (09:13) Rafael Nadal 🎾💪🏼 (09:26) Novak Djokovic 🎾🌟 (09:53) RFK Jr. 🇺🇸🎙️ (10:13) Bill Gates 💻💰 (13:05) Discovering Comedy 😂💡 (14:18) Performing In Front Of A Crowd 🎤👥 (17:36) Social Media vs. IRL 📱🌍 (19:11) Mitch McConnell 🏛️🐢 (20:12) Ted Cruz 🇺🇸🤠 (20:30) Bernie Sanders 🌹✊🏻 (21:34) Austin Butler 🎬😎 (22:25) Language vs. Final Product 🗣️🎯 (27:49) An Unserious Generation 😜📱 (31:24) Embracing Comedy 😂❤️ (33:16) Observing The Rich 👀💎 (35:36) Tapping Into Luxury Brands 👔✨ (37:50) Inspiration For The Comedy 💡😂 (41:54) Comedy As A Tool In Dating 😂❤️ (45:29) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Augustinus Bader Co-Founder & CEO: Charles Rosier – Stem Cell Science, The Cost of Conviction, & Building a Skincare Icon 29.04.2026 1h 1min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with Charles Rosier, co-founder & CEO of Augustinus Bader, the biotech skincare brand that brought revolutionary stem cell science out of the medical world and into the hands of consumers, to explore what it truly takes to build something extraordinary from the edge of the impossible. From a dramatic change in career path to navigating near bankruptcy, Charles reflects on the determination, sacrifice, and quiet self-belief that kept the vision alive when almost nothing else did. The conversation moves through the science behind the brand, the challenge of democratising skincare without compromising its integrity, and why building a strong identity in one of the world's most competitive industries demands as much courage as it does innovation. Charles shares what he looks for in a team, how the perception of skincare is evolving, and why trusting the process, even when the process is brutal, is the only way to create something that lasts. A compelling conversation about medicine, reinvention, and what happens when science and luxury finally meet. Filmed at The Twenty Two (London), Gingko Suite. (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (00:34) Who Is AB? 🙋👤 (03:45) Early Applications 🧴✨ (05:55) Purpose 🎯❤️ (08:00) Launching A Brand 🚀🌟 (10:00) The Idea 💡🔮 (11:14) Democratising Skincare 🤝🏻💆 (14:59) Perception Of Skincare 👁️🧴 (20:10) Ingredients 🌿🔬 (21:35) The Rich Cream 💎🧴 (27:01) Becoming A Founder 👔🚀 (31:33) Skincare Landscape 🌍🧴 (36:10) Ready To Sacrifice Everything 💪🏻🔥 (39:53) Packaging 📦✨ (44:08) Becoming A Skincare Entrepreneur 💼🌟 (48:34) What To Look For In A Team 👥🔍 (51:34) Running A Business In London 🇬🇧💼 (55:42) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Michelin-Starred Chef & Sushi Master: Endo Kazutoshi – Destiny, Discipline, & The Art of Omakase 22.04.2026 1h 5min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with Endo Kazutoshi, one of the most revered third-generation sushi masters in the world, to explore a life shaped by inherited craft, quiet discipline, and an unwavering devotion to the guest. From a destiny that was never forced upon him yet always seemed inevitable, Endo reflects on what it means to carry a family tradition forward while finding his own voice within it, and how the loss of his father deepened his understanding of what this craft truly demands. The conversation moves through the philosophy of omakase, the art of reading a guest before a single piece of fish is cut, and why the best sushi experience is one where less does infinitely more. Endo shares his approach to sourcing ingredients, the discipline required to build the right team around a shared vision, and how a deep knowledge of produce, technique, and human emotion combine to create something that transcends a meal. A rare and intimate look at mastery in its most refined form, and the lifetime of dedication it takes to make something look effortless. Filmed at the TASCHEN London bookstore. (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (01:11) Career Path 🛤️💼 (01:50) Third-Generation Sushi Master 🍣👨‍🍳 (05:39) Destiny 🌟🔮 (06:42) Student & Master 📚🥋 (08:38) Father Passing 🕊️❤️ (12:13) Omakase 🍣🎌 (14:43) Definition of Omakase 📖🍽️ (17:56) Building The Right Team 👥🤝 (20:27) Common Goal & Vision 🎯🌟 (22:57) Evolution Of Sushi Making 🔄🍣 (26:40) Italian vs. Japanese Values 🇮🇹🇯🇵 (29:55) Storytelling Around Food 📖🍽️ (32:04) Core Pillars Of Sushi 🏛️🍣 (33:48) Wasabi 🌿🔥 (36:43) Dining Emotions 😌❤️ (38:22) London 🇬🇧🌆 (39:21) Why I Source Locally 🌱🏡 (41:38) Aging Technique ⏳🔬 (43:30) Handling Fish 🐟🤲 (44:17) Personal Drive 💪🔥 (45:39) Apprentices 👨‍🎓🍣 (47:52) Rapid-Fire Sushi Etiquette ⚡🍣 (51:00) Uni 🦔🍣 (52:05) The Perfect Omakase Guest 😊🎌 (54:45) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Founder of de PURY, Auctioneer, Art Dealer, Collector & DJ: Simon de Pury – Collecting, Taste & The Power of Curiosity 15.04.2026 1h 33min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with Simon de Pury, founder of de PURY, former chairman and chief auctioneer of Phillips de Pury & Company, former Europe chairman and chief auctioneer of Sotheby's, and former curator of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, to explore a life lived entirely in pursuit of beauty, curiosity, and the extraordinary. Raised on Swiss values and drawn to galleries and collectors from a young age, Simon reflects on how a deep obsession with art, music, and human connection shaped a career at the very centre of the global art world. The conversation moves through the philosophy of collecting, the evolution of taste, and why Simon believes everyone is a collector at heart whether they know it or not. He shares how art has become increasingly social, the barriers that have long defined the industry and the forces now dismantling them, and why the best pieces have a way of choosing their buyer rather than the other way around. Threaded throughout is the one tool Simon has always relied on as much as any eye for great work: humour. A generous, wide-ranging conversation about passion, obsession, and what it truly means to live with art. Filmed at The Twenty Two (London), Gingko Suite. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (01:24) Background 🌍📖 (02:07) The Gstaad Guy 🎿😎 (03:15) Humour 😂🎭 (05:58) Charity Events 🤝🏻❤️ (08:50) Basel 🎨🏛️ (11:13) Curiosity 🔍🧠 (13:47) Passion For Art 🎨❤️ (14:14) Collecting Is An Art 🖼️✨ (18:45) Storytelling 📖🎙️ (21:26) How Taste Evolves 👁️📈 (26:04) Art Has Become Social 📱🎨 (29:47) Kanye West 🎤👑 (31:49) Footballers Buying Art ⚽🖼️ (33:22) Tastemakers 👔✨ (34:03) Fashion & Art 👗🎨 (36:54) Showcasing Your Art 🖼️💡 (39:48) Art Ecosystem 🌍🔄 (42:10) How Freeports Work 🏦🔒 (48:21) Important Factors In Art ⚖️🔑 (51:27) The Art Piece Choosing The Buyer 🖼️🤝🏻 (56:04) Interdisciplinary Approach 🔀🧠 (1:01:13) Obsession 🔥💭 (1:03:43) Attributes Of An Art Collector 🧐💎 (1:07:30) The Art World 🌍🖼️ (1:10:35) Money vs. Passion 💰❤️ (1:12:33) Art World Dos & Don'ts ✅❌ (1:15:34) DJing 🎧🎶 (1:18:28) Being Swiss 🇨🇭⛰️ (1:24:40) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ (1:27:45) The Future 🔮🚀 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Former Banker & Master Tailor: PROFF (AskOkey) – Reinvention, Identity, & The Power of Dressing Well 08.04.2026 1h 18min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with PROFF, the man behind the AskOkey universe, a former JP Morgan investment banker turned tailor, blogger, and one of the most quietly compelling voices in men's style, to explore what it truly means to dress with intention and live with purpose. From the boardroom to the cutting table, PROFF reflects on a life shaped by reinvention, resilience, and the profound relationship between how we dress and how we carry ourselves. The conversation ventures into the philosophy beneath the cloth: the stoicism that steadies him, the desire to grow that drives him, and the responsibilities inherited along the way that forced him to find his footing faster than most. PROFF shares what it means to build something from nothing, why necessity has always been his greatest teacher, and how observation, solitude, and a commitment to becoming the best version of yourself can quietly transform a life. A thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about identity, grit, and the elegance of knowing exactly who you are. Filmed in the One&Only One Za’abeel Royal Suite. (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (00:58) Aura ✨🌀 (02:55) Solaro Suit 👔🌞 (05:32) Ask Okey Universe 🌍🙏🏼🙏 (07:49) Public Persona 🎭😎 (09:55) Becoming A Tailor 🧵✂️ (11:58) Audience Engagement 🎤👥 (15:04) What You Stand For 🏛️💪🏻 (17:00) Life Changing Moment ⚡🔄 (20:00) JP Morgan 🏦💰 (26:30) Playbook For Life 📖🗺️ (28:27) Stoicism 🧘⚖️ (30:18) Desire To Grow 🌱📈 (34:18) "Why Am I Doing This?" 🤔💭 (37:40) Spending Time Alone 🌙🚶 (38:49) "The Journey vs. The Destination" 🛤️🏁 (40:49) The Irony Of Life 😏🔄 (43:46) Being Content With Progress 😌✅ (47:35) Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦❤️ (48:39) Necessity Is The Mother Of Invention 💡🔧 (53:00) Gentle Guidance 🧭🌿 (53:26) Grit 💪🏻🔥 (57:25) The Greatest Gift Is Observation 👁️🎁 (59:56) Knowing Where You Come From 🌍🏠 (1:02:21) Be The Best Version Of Yourself 🌟💯 (1:05:38) Looking For Knowledge 📚🔍 (1:08:01) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Michelin-Starred Chef & Restaurateur: Björn Frantzén – Fine Dining, Football, and the Art of Casual Elegance 01.04.2026 1h 18min

  The Gstaad The Gstaad Guy sits down with Björn Frantzen, the Swedish chef and restaurateur who holds nine Michelin stars across three separate restaurants, making him the only chef in the world to simultaneously manage three three-Michelin-starred establishments, to explore what it truly means to pursue excellence in the kitchen and beyond. From a football injury that rerouted his entire life to earning some of the most coveted accolades in gastronomy, Björn reflects on the discipline, creativity, and relentless hard work that transformed a passion for food into a world-class institution. The conversation explores the complexities of life as a restaurateur, the delicate balance between being a chef and running a business, and the Swedish philosophy of "lagom" as a quiet force behind great work. Björn shares how he designs a dish, builds a team, and innovates within a tradition as exacting as French fine dining, all while maintaining the spirit of casual elegance that defines his approach. A rich and absorbing conversation about craftsmanship, culture, and what it takes to make people feel something through food. Filmed at Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris. (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (00:33) Inspiration ✨🌟 (03:28) Earning A Michelin Star ⭐🏆 (09:20) Consumer vs. Creator 🍽️🎨 (11:35) Creativity 🎨💡 (12:35) Discovering Cooking 👨‍🍳🔍 (14:00) Football Career ⚽🏃 15:18) Sports & The Restaurant Industry 🏅🍴 (16:55) Swedish Business Acumen 🇸🇪💼 (21:28) "Lagom" ⚖️🧘 (28:32) Chef To Entrepreneur 👨‍🍳🚀 (30:33 Being A Restauranteur 🍽️🏠 (34:37) Acquiring Experience 📚🌱 (38:27) Next Generation 👶🏻🔮 (42:54) Designing A Dish 🎨🍴 (45:16) Innovation In The Industry 💡🔧 (49:00) Wine Pairing 🍷🍾 (54:09) Kitchen Environments 🔪🍳 (59:00) Being A Good Customer 😊🤝🏻 (1:01:21) Music 🎵🎶 (1:02:01) Balance Between Personal Life & Work ⚖️❤️ (1:04:54) Specialisation 🎯🔬 (1:09:07) Food In Japan 🍣🇯🇵 (1:09:47) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Cohen Handler Founder & CEO: Simon Cohen – Real Estate, Risk, and Reinventing the Rules 25.03.2026 1h 8min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with Simon Cohen, the South African-born, Australian-raised entrepreneur behind Cohen Handler, the buyer's agency that turned a gap in the market into a movement, to explore what it truly takes to build something original in an industry resistant to change. From discovering real estate to flipping the traditional agent model on its head, Simon reflects on the drive, honesty, and relentless problem-solving that transformed a bold idea into one of Australia's most trusted property firms. The conversation ventures into the lessons only life can teach, taking risks before you're ready, earning client trust through radical transparency, and why chasing your dreams means being willing to reinvent the wheel entirely. Simon shares the values that shape his team, the passion that fuels his process, and why in a world of imitators, being genuinely original is still the greatest competitive advantage. A candid, grounded conversation about building with purpose, betting on yourself, and what luxury real estate truly demands of the people who serve it. Filmed at the TASCHEN London bookstore. (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (01:33) Discovering Real Estate 🏠🔍 (03:00) Seller Agent vs. Buyer Agent 🤝🏻🤝⚖️ (04:56) From Salesman To Entrepreneur 💼🚀 (06:45) Entrepreneurial Landscape 🌍📈 (09:08) Doubt 🤔😰 (09:56) Main Business Driver ⚙️💡 (11:06) Australian Market 🦘🇦🇺 (12:19) Innovation 💡🔧 (15:40) Earning Trust 🤝🏻🏆 (18:38) Team Values 👥❤️ (20:16) Passion 🔥❤️ (21:16) Outcome vs. Process 🎯🛠️ (26:10) Building Connections 🤝🏻🌐 (30:41) Competition Breeds Innovation ⚡💡 (34:34) Buying A Property 🏡💰 (38:38) The Real Life Gstaad Guy 🎿🏔️ (43:33) Decision Makers 🧠👔 (44:23) Who You Want To Be 🪞✨ (46:33) Technology 💻📱 (48:12) Remote Lifestyle 🌴💻 (51:10) Seizing Opportunities 🙌🏻⚡ (54:19) Understanding Your Customer 👂🏻🎯 (57:32) Transfer Of Wealth 💸🔄 (59:31) Luxury Requires Luxury 💎👑 (1:01:30) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Elie Saab Group CEO & Vice Chairman: Elie Saab Jr. – Vision, Family Business, & Building a Global Luxury House 18.03.2026 1h 4min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with Elie Saab Jr., CEO and Vice Chairman of Elie Saab Group, to explore how a family vision rooted in haute couture grew into one of the world’s most recognisable luxury houses. Reflecting on the inception of the brand and the influence of his father, Elie Saab, Elie Saab Jr. shares how family values, Middle Eastern roots, and an upbringing centred on groundedness and resilience shaped his approach to leadership. From curiosity and ambition to grit and the desire to succeed, he discusses the mindset required to step into a legacy business while carving out your own path. The conversation dives into joining the company, restructuring the organisation, and expanding the brand globally while protecting the spirit of couture craftsmanship. Elie Saab Jr. reflects on diversifying the house into a broader lifestyle brand, the realities of the fashion industry, and why passion must always be balanced with humility. They also explore leadership, learning, choosing the right partner, and building the support system required to sustain long-term growth. A thoughtful look at turning dreams into action, driving innovation without losing heritage, and preparing a family business for future generations. Filmed at Elie Saab's London Bruton Street Boutique. (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (01:28) Inception Of Elie Saab ✨🧵 (03:10) Family 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦❤️ (06:58) Work Environment 🏢💼 (07:15) Middle Eastern Roots 🌍🕌 (09:53) Celebrating Life 🥂🎉 (11:14) Desire To Thrive 🔥🌱 (13:44) Joining The Business 🤝🏻🏢 (17:25) Upbringing & Values 🧬🧭 (20:20) Choosing Your Partner 💍🤝🏻 (25:01) Future Generations 👶✨ (25:55) Diversifying The Business 🌐📈 (32:59) Becoming A Lifestyle Brand 🏡💎 (33:42) Reality Of The Fashion World 👗⚖️ (36:35) Passion vs. Humility 🔥🙏🏼 (40:35) Learning 📚💡 (41:35) Becoming CEO 👔🏆 (45:41) Restructuring 🔧📊 (50:27) Driving Growth 🚀📈 (53:16) Future Of The Industry 🔮✨ (56:50) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Fine Art Photographer & Director: Tony Kelly – Visual Fantasy, Originality, & Creating a New Language Of Photography 11.03.2026 1h 11min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with Tony Kelly, the Irish fine art photographer and director known for his vivid, cinematic imagery that blurs the line between fantasy and reality. From early days as a press photographer covering conflict in Afghanistan to developing a distinctive visual language built around colour, atmosphere, and playful storytelling, Tony reflects on how photography became an instinct rather than a technique. He shares how mentorship, relentless practice, and the right creative environments helped shape a style that prioritises original ideas and emotional impact over imitation or status. The conversation explores the power of visual storytelling, creating images that feel playful, cinematic, and infused with a sense of nostalgia. Tony discusses shooting self-funded projects for creative freedom, the importance of substance over status, and why hard work and resourcefulness matter more than talent alone. From the cultural magnetism of St. Moritz and the timeless atmosphere of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel to the influence of James Bond and classic film aesthetics, he reflects on building a genre of photography that feels both glamorous and mischievous. A candid look at creativity in the modern era, why this may be the greatest time to be alive for artists, and why the most powerful images still come from curiosity, discipline, and the courage to shoot for yourself. Filmed at The Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz. (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (03:20) Hard Work 💪🏻🛠️ (04:23) Effort 🔥💪🏻 (05:53) Right Shooting Environment 📸🌄 (07:24) Style of Photography 🎨📷 (09:28) Mentor 🧑‍🏫✨ (13:00) Storytelling 📖🎬 (14:25) St Moritz 🏔️🇨🇭 (20:29) The Badrutt’s Palace Hotel 🏰🏨 (23:35) Mountain Values 🏔️💎 (27:01) Discretion 🤫🔒 (28:37) James Bond 🕶️🎬 (29:49) Nostalgia 📼💭 (32:16) Media Capital Of The World 🌍📰 (34:32) Self-Funded Projects 💰🎨 (36:19) Starting Photography 📷🌱 (38:18) Creativity Democratised 🎨🌐 (40:49) The New Creative Era 🚀🎥 (42:50) Hard Work vs. Talent ⚖️🎯 (44:19) “Ireland Is About Substance Not Status” 🇮🇪🌿 (47:53) Starting As A Press Photographer 📰📸 (53:12) Being Resourceful 🧠🛠️ (56:24) Greatest Time To Be Alive 🌍✨ (1:00:14) Validation 👍🏻✨ (1:00:58) Imitation As A Form Of Validation 🪞📸 (1:06:26) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Kerzner International CEO: Philippe Zuber – Destinations, Experience, & The Future of Hospitality 04.03.2026 1h 22min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner International, to explore how modern luxury hospitality is evolving from hotel stays into fully immersive destinations. As the driving force behind brands such as One&Only, Atlantis, SIRO, and Rare Finds, Philippe shares how unlocking extraordinary locations and designing once-in-a-lifetime experiences requires both discipline and imagination. From selecting destinations to shaping brand emotion and storytelling, he reflects on what it takes to define the future while preserving exclusivity, privacy, and trust. The conversation dives into the shifting expectations of a multi-generational, highly discerning clientele and why luxury today is about anticipating guest needs before they are spoken. Philippe discusses health and wellness stays, sports and longevity, mindfulness, and the growing demand for meaningful escapes that enhance how time is spent. They explore decision-making in private companies, curating experiences beyond the traditional hotel model, and the added value of personalisation in a world saturated with options. A thoughtful look at comfort, adventure, innovation, and the evolving relationship between brand and guest, revealing how true luxury is not excess, but precision. Filmed in the One&Only One Za’abeel Royal Suite. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (02:02) Kerzner International Ecosystem 🌍🏨 (11:46) Decision Making 🧠⚖️ (12:30) Private vs. Public Companies 🔒🏢 (15:30) Selecting Destinations 📍✨ (21:26) Success By Design 🎯📐 (22:21) Destination Selection Process 🗺️🔍 (29:08) Defining The Future 🔮🚀 (30:36) Discerned Customers 👁️💎 (32:56) Health & Wellness Approach 🌿🧘‍♂️ (40:52) Target Clientele 🎯👥 (43:37) Understanding Your Desires ❤️🔍 (50:41) Sports & Longevity 🏃‍♂️⏳ (53:07) Montana 🏔️🌲 (53:30) Escapes & Retreats 🌅🏕️ (55:08) Curating Experiences 🎨✨ (1:01:03) How Time Is Spent ⏳📊 (1:03:47) Hotel Bar 🍸🏨 (1:05:15) Understanding The Consumer 🧠👥 (1:10:18) Demand & Consumption 📈🔄 (1:17:54) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Ferragamo Chief Product Officer: James Ferragamo – Craftsmanship, Legacy, & The Italian Way of Luxury 25.02.2026 1h 12min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with James Ferragamo, Chief Product Officer at Salvatore Ferragamo, to explore how a century-old family business continues to evolve without losing its soul. From Florence and the historic halls of Palazzo Spini Feroni to working closely with artisans and creative teams, James reflects on joining the family business, navigating generational dynamics, and the responsibility that comes with stewarding a global luxury house. He shares how values, governance, and thoughtful risk-taking shape long-term decision making, and why the Italian approach to luxury has always centred around craftsmanship, beauty, and human connection. The conversation dives into balancing tradition and innovation, sustainability, and diversification while staying attuned to consumer needs and cultural relevance. James discusses diversity, equity, and belonging, the influence of iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn on Ferragamo’s legacy, and how craftsmanship becomes a product of culture as much as technique. They also explore leadership across generations, time management, and finding space to do what you love while building something that lasts, culminating in reflections on Ferragamo’s 100-year anniversary and the enduring difference between the what and the why. Filmed at Salvatore Ferragamo’s head office in Florence. (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (01:53) Ferragamo HQ 🏛️👞 (02:21) Palazzo Spini Feroni 🏰✨ (03:17) Becoming A Shoemaker 👞🛠️ (04:54) Family Dynamics 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦🔄 (06:22) Florentine Businesses 🇮🇹🏛️ (08:21) Ferragamo Today 👞✨ (11:50) Luxury The Italian Way 🇮🇹💎 (14:52) Tradition & Innovation 🕰️⚙️ (17:35) Sustainability 🌱♻️ (19:30) Value For Customers 🤝💫 (22:20) Men’s Shoes 👞👔 (24:18) Family Business 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏢 (29:25) Generational Work 🧬⏳ (32:00) Joining The Family Business 🚪👞 (32:58) Luxury Businesses 💼💎 (36:01) Diversification 🌐🔀 (42:35) Priorities At Home & Work ⚖️🏡 (45:33) Time Management ⏰📋 (47:55) Problem Solving 🧩💡 (51:10) Developing Governance 🏛️📑 (54:13) The Fashion Pact 🤝🌍 (56:17) Consumer Touch Points 👆✨ (1:00:36) 100 Year Anniversary 🎉💯 (1:01:54) The What vs. The Why ❓🎯 (1:05:00) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Badrutt’s Palace Hotel Managing Director: Richard Leuenberger – Legacy, Trust, & The Art of Timeless Hospitality 18.02.2026 1h 13min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with Richard Leuenberger, Managing Director of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, to explore what it takes to steward one of the world’s most storied hotels in a constantly evolving world. Often described as a living museum, Badrutt’s Palace embodies history, nostalgia, and a distinct “time machine” feeling, yet remains deeply relevant to modern, multi-generational travellers. Richard reflects on legacy, Swiss values, and why familiarity, reliability, and consistency are the foundations of true luxury. The conversation moves through the spirit of St. Moritz, the thrill of the Cresta Run, and the subtle details that define exceptional hospitality, from breakfast rituals and guest arrivals to staff-to-guest ratios, leadership styles, and creating a family feeling within a grand institution. Richard shares how trust is built through care, precision, and respect; why making guests’ ideas and dreams come true matters more than scale; and how to elevate and modernise without erasing soul. A masterclass in hospitality, this episode explores what makes a great general manager, a great lobby, and ultimately, a great guest, revealing why respect transcends manners and legacy is earned daily. Filmed at The Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (01:13) “Time Machine Feeling” ⏳✨ (03:38) The Cresta Run 🛷❄️ (04:01) St. Moritz 🏔️✨ (06:26) Multi-generational Travel 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✈️ (07:18) Hotel Values 🏨💎 (11:43) Care & Precision 🧤🎯 (13:24) Trust & Access 🔑🤝🏻 (17:51) Breakfast Says It All 🥐☕ (19:19) Joining Badrutt’s Palace 🏰🤍 (24:16) Staff-To-Guest Ratio 👥⚖️ (25:47) Guest Arrival 🚪✨ (26:40) Types Of Leadership 🧭👥 (29:45) Family Feeling 🤍🏡 (34:25) Guest Loyalty 🔁💎 (34:52) Elevating & Modernising ⬆️🆕 (39:11) What Makes A Great General Manager 👔⭐ (42:43) Obsessed With Scale 📐🔥 (45:22) Health & Wellness 🌿🧘‍♂️ (47:12) Being A Great Guest 🎩🙂 (48:02) Respect Transcends Manners 🌍🤍 (52:04) Hidden Gem 💎👀 (53:49) What Makes A Great Lobby 🛋️✨ (1:00:31) Mountain Living 🏔️🏡 (1:03:18) Nostalgia 📼🤍 (1:05:12) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ (1:08:36) Being Swiss 🇨🇭💎 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Content Creator: Haley Baylee – Internet Culture, Influence, Purpose & Self-Belief 11.02.2026 1h 10min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with Haley Baylee, one of the fastest content producers on the internet, to unpack the discipline, strategy, and resilience behind becoming a top creator in today’s attention economy. From her early modelling years and entry into Sports Illustrated to navigating judgment, pressure, and an eating disorder, Haley opens up about the realities behind the highlight reel and the work required to rebuild confidence, self-worth, and ambition. She reflects on seizing opportunities, creating structure, and learning to be purposeful rather than performative in a culture obsessed with speed. The conversation dives into internet culture, online skits, content routines, and what advertisers are actually looking for. Haley touches brand alignment, audience connection, and channeling emotion into work that resonates. They also explore dating, gender roles, financial literacy, and what it means to be self-made, alongside Haley’s belief in knowledge as power and her motivation to empower other women by being radically open. A candid look at creating your own path, being yourself online, and turning visibility into lasting impact. Filmed at Casa Cipriani New York’s Premier River View Suite. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (02:21) Online Skits 🎭📱 (03:24) Backstory 📖✨ (03:45) Modelling 📸✨ (07:24) Something New 🆕💡 (09:48) Seizing An Opportunity 🚀✋🏻 (14:11) Content Routine 📆🎥 (16:05) Partnering With Brands 🤝🏻🏷️ (18:30) Single In NYC 🗽💔 (20:52) What To Look For In A Man 👀👨 (22:44) Dating Apps 📱❤️ (23:57) Sliding Into DMs 💬➡️ (27:50) Beyond Content 🔍✨ (30:17) Audience 👥🎯 (32:43) Video Journaling 🎥📓 (34:14) Channeling Emotion ❤️🎬 (37:53) Being Yourself 🙌🏻✨ (40:45) Alignment 🎯🤝🏻 (45:27) Creating A Path 🧭🚶‍♀️ (51:09) Knowledge Is Power 🧠⚡ (52:07) Financial Literacy 💰📘 (53:32) Being Self-Made 💪🏻🌱 (56:27) Men Of This Generation 👨‍👦🔄 (59:53) Gender Roles ⚖️🚻 (1:02:48) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Andermatt Native: Bänz Simmen – Curiosity, Perspective, Nature, & A Life Of Adventure 04.02.2026 1h 16min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with Bänz Simmen, a true native of Andermatt, to explore a life shaped by curiosity, movement, and a deep desire to stay in control of one’s own path. From growing up in Andermatt to cycling across continents, through war-torn territories, remote landscapes, and unfamiliar cultures, Bänz reflects on how travel becomes a teacher, and why knowledge, not comfort, is the real luxury. The conversation traces epic journeys by bike to Australia and New Zealand, hiking through the Himalayas, and formative adventures across India. Along the way, Bänz shares lessons on Swiss grit, structure, military service, and the contrast between life in Switzerland and the wider world. They discuss history, culture, powerful storytelling, and how acquiring experiences, not things, shapes character and perspective. Rooted in a profound respect for nature, the episode also dives into environmental responsibility, exposure to the outdoors, and how stories can influence how we treat the planet. From bunkers and caves to Yellowstone National Park, this is a reflection on adventure not as escape, but as a deliberate way of living, guided by curiosity, discipline, and a lifelong relationship with the natural world. Filmed in Andermatt, Switzerland. Explore Andermatt: Official Andermatt Swiss Alps Website: https://www.andermatt-swissalps.ch/en/ Local Insights & Guiding: Bänz Simmen: +41 79 202 21 02 Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (00:45) Adventures in Andermatt 🏔️✨ (01:28) Travel ✈️🌍 (01:53) Curiosity 🔍🧠 (03:50) History & Culture 🏛️📜 (05:32) Cycling The World 🚴‍♂️🌎 (10:10) Andermatt vs. The World 🏔️⚖️ (11:52) Switzerland & Its Uniqueness 🇨🇭✨ (15:13) How Switzerland Has Changed ⏳🔄 (17:25) Swiss Grit 💪🏻🇨🇭 (21:47) Acquiring Experiences 🎒✨ (27:29) Treat The Environment Right 🌱🌍 (32:14) Exposure To Nature 🌲☀️ (38:30) Creating Structure 🧱📐 (40:24) Bunkers & Caves 🕳️🪨 (45:43) Military Service 🎖️🪖 (48:28) Powerful Storytelling 📖🔥 (52:07) Stories Impacting Nature 🌍📚 (58:24) Tales 🗣️📜 (1:01:57) Yellowstone National Park 🌋🐺 (1:04:57) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique” 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Financial Times Former Editor-in-Chief: Lionel Barber – Journalism, Curiosity, Power, & Telling the Truth 29.01.2026 1h 4min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with Lionel Barber, former editor of the Financial Times and author of "Gambling Man", to explore what journalism really is, and what it must remain in an age of speed, noise, and opinion. From his early days at The Sunday Times to leading one of the world’s most trusted news institutions, Lionel reflects on why great journalism begins with curiosity, not cynicism, and why asking the right questions matters more than having the loudest voice. The conversation traces his journey through foreign correspondence, writing about business in the 1980s, and navigating moments of doubt, reinvention, and regained confidence. Lionel unpacks the evolution from fast news to slow news, the discipline of knowing your reader, and the responsibility that comes with dealing with people in power. They discuss storytelling as a craft, finding your voice, balancing originality with expectation, and the tension between what audiences want to hear and what they need to know, especially in the age of social media. Filmed at the club at The Twenty Two in London. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (01:27) What Is Journalism? 🤔 📰 ✍🏻 (02:31) Journalism Requires Curiosity 🔍🧠 (05:22) Writing About Business ✍️✍🏻📊 (07:21) Business In The 80s 🕰️💼 (10:15) Regaining Confidence 💪🏻✨ (12:11) Leaving The Sunday Times 🚪📰 (13:08) The Financial Times 📰💗 (14:04) Becoming A Foreign Correspondent 🌍✈️ (16:20) Fast News vs. Slow News ⚡🐢 (17:03) Becoming A Leader In Digital News 👑💻 (19:01) “The Pink Paper” 💗📰 (21:44) Knowing The Reader 👁️👥 (23:36) Building An Institution 🏛️🧱 (24:31) Personal Measure Of Success 📏✨ (27:01) The Importance Of A Conversation Opener 💬🔑 (28:50) Dealing With People In Power 🏛️⚖️ (33:53) Storytelling And Connecting With An Audience 📖🤝🏻 (37:58) Being Original vs. Answering To Expectations 🎭⚖️ (39:02) Finding Your Voice 🗣️✨ (42:00) What People Like To Hear vs. The Truth 🎭🪞 (43:38) The Problem With Social Media 📱⚠️ (44:33) Storytelling Across New Mediums 🎥📱 (46:28) The Fundamentals Of Sharing A Good Story 🧱📖 (49:15) The Secret Lives Of The Rich & Powerful 🔐💰 (55:06) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique” 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Glucose Revolution Founder: Glucose Goddess – Balanced Eating, Motherhood, Mental Resilience, & Fuelling Your Ambition 21.01.2026 1h 23min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with Glucose Goddess to unpack how a life-changing back injury, paired with depression, anxiety, and depersonalisation, became the unexpected catalyst behind her mission to transform how people understand food. From searching for external validation and navigating life as a people pleaser to becoming deeply obsession-driven and purpose-led, she shares how the hardest beginnings often shape the strongest direction. The conversation dives into glucose, balanced eating, and the science behind spikes, including breakfast myths, pregnancy nutrition, cholesterol misconceptions, and practical daily hacks that actually work. She explains why mums resonate so deeply with her content, how motherhood reshaped her relationship with food and ambition, and why access to better information is the key to long-term health. They explore prevention, intermittent fasting, building a family, handling criticism, and the emotional resilience required to keep going when things feel uncertain. Filmed at Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (01:29) “Why Mums Love My Content” 👩‍👧‍👦💛 (02:44) How To Improve The Way You Eat 🥗✨ (05:44) Sweet Foods For Breakfast 🥞🍓 (08:04) Motherhood 🤱❤️ (09:35) Feeling Happy & Mental Health 😊🧠 (10:52) Adopting The Right Pregnancy Diet 🤰🥑 (14:06) Pregnancy Diet Tips 🍎📋 (16:21) The Myth About Egg Yolks & Cholesterol 🥚❌ (18:02) Rapid Fire Debunking ⚡🧠 (19:39) Life Changing Back Injury 🦴💔 (24:15) Glucose Goddess 👑🩸 (25:22) Balancing Everything ⚖️🤹‍♀️ (26:45) Changing The Way We Educate Ourselves 📚🔄 (32:15) Exploring New Mediums 🎨🔍 (33:50) Consuming vs. Serving Food 🍽️💁🏻 (36:54) Make Prevention Sexy 😎🛡️ (39:49) Coca-Cola 🥤⚠️ (41:14) Quick Health Hacks ⚡🥗 (42:31) Intermittent Fasting In Women vs. Men ⏳⚖️ (45:19) Nice-To-Have Dietary Hacks ✨🍽️ (47:19) Building A Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏡 (50:18) The First Negative Comment 💬😕 (52:23) A Hard Beginning 🌧️🌱 (54:04) Being A People Pleaser 😅🤝🏻 (59:38) Navigating Emotions 🧭💭 (1:00:16) Doubling Down When Things Get Tough 💪🏻🔥 (1:03:01) Signs From The Universe 🌌🔮 (1:08:16) Leap Of Faith 🏃‍♀️✨ (1:09:13) Lacking Confidence 😔🔒 (1:10:53) Turning Ideas Into Action 💡➡️🚀 (1:12:08) Looking At Your Future Self 🔮👤 (1:16:17) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• The Elder Statesman Founder: Greg Chait – Cashmere, Colour, Leadership, & Playful Luxury 14.01.2026 1h 17min

  The Gstaad Guy sits down with Greg Chait, founder of The Elder Statesman, to trace the unconventional path from throwing parties and collecting blankets to building one of fashion’s most distinctive luxury brands. Greg shares the origin story behind receiving his first cashmere blanket, discovering the power of yarn, and why leading with intuition, not trends, became the foundation of his creative philosophy. From early exposure to fashion to stumbling upon the identity that would define his brand, he reflects on living many lives before finding the one that felt right. The conversation explores colour theory, self-expression, and becoming the first to put tie dye on cashmere, a move that reshaped perceptions of luxury as something playful, cosy, and deeply personal. Greg breaks down the evolution from blankets to ready-to-wear knitwear, expanding into womenswear, designing retail experiences, and building a brand with soul. They discuss value alignment, creative collaborations, customers turned partners, and the balance between being an artist and an operator. Along the way, Greg opens up about empathy, therapy, emotional overload, and how becoming a father reshaped his perspective on leadership and life. Filmed at Casa Cipriani New York’s Premier River View Suite. Chapters: (00:00) Intro (00:40) Colton (01:26) Positive Luxury (02:25) The Origin Story (03:50) First Exposure To Fashion (04:31) Discovering Number Nine (05:50) Being Gifted The First Cashmere Blanket (07:26) “It’s All About The Yarn” (08:23) Colour & Expression (08:36) Close To Loro Piana (09:44) The Beauty In Imperfection (10:25) From Blankets To Ready-To-Wear Knitwear (12:42) Maxfield LA (18:45) Figuring Out The Right Path (24:04) Value Alignment (25:31) Expanding Into Womenswear (26:32) Tie Dye On Cashmere (27:03) Stumbling Upon The Elder Statesman (30:40) Designing The Retail Experience (34:20) Upcycled Teddy Bear & Home Goods (36:06) The Early Days of The Elder Statesman (36:55) Building An Identity Takes Time (38:20) Behind The Name: The Elder Statesman (42:29) Some Things Stay Behind The Scenes (43:05) If You Know, You Know (45:05) “The Brand Has Soul” (46:45) Spectrum Of Collaborations (47:56) Being A Creative & An Operator (49:26) Customers Turned Partners (50:42) What Seems Right For The Business vs. Yourself (54:04) The Beauty Of Being A Founder (55:40) Empathy (56:06) Being A Father (58:03) The Next Phase Of The Brand (1:00:56) Urban & Resort Customers (1:03:00) Playful Luxury (1:05:18) There Is No Easy Path To Success (1:07:28) We’re Emotionally Overloaded (1:09:14) Therapy (1:11:13) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices