The Entrepreneurs

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?

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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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