The Gstaad Guy Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Ronnie Kessel, CEO of Kessel Group, and co-founder of The I.C.E. St. Moritz, to explore a life shaped by speed, discipline, and a deep-rooted passion for the automotive world. From early dreams of becoming a racing driver and competing at the highest levels of motorsport, to inheriting the responsibility of the family business, following his father’s passing, Ronnie reflects on the pivotal moments that defined both his career and his character. The conversation dives into the transition from racing to leadership within Kessel Group, the balance between competition, dealership life, and classic cars, and why heritage matters as much as performance. Ronnie shares his perspective on how motorsport has evolved, the growing intersection of luxury and racing, and the shared values between craftsmanship in fashion and precision on the track. From obsession with perfection to lessons learned at iconic races such as the 24 Hours of Spa, this is a candid look at ambition, responsibility, and the enduring romance of cars. Filmed in Andermatt, Switzerland. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (03:18) Racing 🏎️💨 (04:44) F1 & Family 🏁👨‍👩‍👦 (06:49) Sport Today 🏟️⚡ (09:03) From Racing To The Family Business 🏎️➡️🏢 (12:17) Racing, Dealership, or Vintage Cars? 🏁🚗 (13:16) I.C.E. St Moritz 🧊🚘 (14:36) Inheriting Responsibility 🧬⚖️ (17:18) Then vs. Now ⏳🔄 (19:17) C.A.R.S. 🚗📐 (19:57) Racing As A Fashion 🏎️👗 (21:13) Specialising vs. Expanding 🎯🌱 (25:43) Importance Of Classic Cars & Heritage 🚘🏛️ (27:01) What Do People Think Of Cars? 🤔🚗 (30:46) Formula 1 🏎️🏁 (34:24) 24 Hours of Spa ⏱️🏎️ (36:43) Intersection of Luxury, Motorsport & Performance 💎🏎️ (39:46) Shared Values Between Racing & Loro Piana 🤝🏻🧵 (40:51) Perfection & Obsession 🎯🔥 (43:37) Lessons Learnt 📘💡 (45:49) Advice To Younger Self 🪞💬 (50:54) Entering The Automotive World 🚪🚗 (53:14) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ (55:18) Dream Three-Car Garage 🚗 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Giuliano Calza, founder and creative force behind GCDS, to explore the mindset, conviction, and storytelling that shaped one of fashion’s most distinctive modern brands. From his upbringing and early dreams to moving to China and building a new life from scratch, Giuliano reflects on the moments of discomfort and discipline that fuelled his personal and creative growth. The conversation dives into the codes of branding, the meaning behind logos, and why being a strong storyteller is essential to building something that resonates. Giuliano speaks openly about values, perspective, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people and environment to grow. He also touches on why fashion lost some of its fun, what luxury really means today, and why belonging matters more than status. A candid look at conviction, creativity, and what it takes to turn vision into something lasting. Filmed at Mandarin Oriental, Milan. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (02:22) GCDS 👕✨ (05:23) Upbringing 👶🏻🏡 (08:18) An Unserious Generation 😜📱 (12:04) The Codes of Branding 🧬🏷️ (13:13) Being a Dreamer ☁️💭 (14:33) Moving to China ✈️🇨🇳 (19:00) A New Life 🌅✨ (20:51) I Was Given Back What Seemed Stolen 🔄💎 (24:58) What the Logo Represents 🔣✨ (28:36) Being A Successful Storyteller 📖🌟 (32:02) Same Values, Different Perspectives ⚖️👁️ (34:43) What You Look For In People Around You 🔍👥 (37:20) Discovering Giuliano Calza 🔎⭐ (39:57) Discomfort & Discipline Power Growth 🧗‍♂️🔥 (43:24) Right Mindset And Environment For Growth 🧠🌱 (44:55) Making The Most Out Of Situations 🔄💡 (47:24) Strong Conviction 💪🏻🎯 (50:27) Fashion Lost Its Fun 👗😕 (53:30) Luxury Is Something To Belong 💎🤝🏻 (55:30) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ (1:02:01) Advice To Self 🪞💬 (1:04:48) Family Business 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏢 (1:05:09) Driver For Success 🚗🔥 (1:06:46) Heaven Alone Is Hell, & Hell With Friends Is Heaven 😈🤝🏻😇 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Davide De Pierro, writer, storyteller, and viral voice behind The Letters I Never Sent, for a conversation that explores the messy, tender, and often hilarious reality of being human. Known for his clarity, honesty, and emotional precision, Davide reflects on the inspirations that shaped his writing, why “the how matters more than the what,” and the radical act of caring deeply in a world that rewards detachment. The conversation dives into modern dating, expectations, accountability, and the quiet wisdom found in discovering how you truly feel. Davide unpacks the difference between being impressive and being loved, why perfection is a trap, and what role empathy plays in conflict resolution and navigating relationships. From role models to nostalgia, from self-awareness to the art of speaking simply, he offers a grounded and compassionate look at why so many of us struggle, and why none of us are alone in it. A thoughtful and emotionally resonant episode about relationships, identity, and the lifelong work of becoming a person. Filmed at Casa Cipriani New York’s Premier River View Suite. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (04:59) The Inspiration ✨💡 (06:35) “Two Feet In One Shoe” 👣👠 (08:29) The How is More Important Than The What 🧭⚙️ (10:30) Caring Deeply ❤️🫂 (15:50) Writing Letters ✍🏻💌 (16:58) Captain America 🛡️🇺🇸 (17:49) “Find A Man Who Doesn’t Have Social Media” 🙅‍♂️📱 (22:45) Girl At A Bar 🍸👩 (25:54) Being Impressive vs. Being Loved 🌟❤️ (27:22) Expecting Perfection 🎯✨ (29:32) Be Monogamous In Your Dating Life ❤️🔒 (31:21) Role Models 🌟🧍‍♂️ (32:00) “Peasantry” 🧺😅 (36:38) Sharing Struggle With Someone 🤝🏻💭 (37:40) Wealthy People Don’t Love Each Other 💰💔 (40:16) “Peasant” 🧺😂 (41:57) Conflict Resolution & Problem Solving 🧩🤝🏻 (45:24) “It’s Easier For A Camel To Pass Through The Eye of a Needle…” 🐪🪡 (48:45) Accountability 🪞✔️ (50:04) Deficit of Self-Awareness 🤔❌ (53:04) Speaking Calmly & Simply 🧘‍♂️💬 (56:14) ”It’s Really Hard To Be A Person” 😔🌧️ (1:00:09) Trying To Change People 🔧👤 (1:01:58) Getting To Know People 👥💬 (1:06:30) Nightclub Analogy For Dating 🕺💘 (1:08:03) If It’s Not Sweet In The Beginning Then What’s The Point 🍯💞 (1:10:13) Accepting Someone’s Faults 🫂💛 (1:12:33) Taking Advice 👂🏻📘 (1:14:34) “The Letters I Never Sent” 💌🕊️ (1:16:11) Discovering How I Feel 🧠❤️ (1:19:42) Relationship Games 🎭🎯 (1:23:07) Toxic Tendencies ⚠️💔 (1:25:16) Women Always Know 👩‍🦰👀 (1:30:23) Remembering Someone Fondly 🌸💭 (1:32:04) Dealing With Your Ex 😬📱 (1:34:55) Reuniting With An Ex 🔄❤️ (1:36:05) Why We Want Partners ❤️🤝🏻 (1:38:49) Nostalgia 📼💞 (1:43:28) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Yusra Mardini, Olympic swimmer, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, and the real-life inspiration behind The Swimmers, to explore one of the most extraordinary journeys of courage, resilience, and reinvention. From her childhood in Damascus and the moment war changed everything, to the harrowing escape across the Aegean Sea and rebuilding her life in Germany, Yusra reflects on the experiences that shaped her both as an athlete and as a storyteller. The conversation dives into the power of swimming as an anchor through chaos, her unlikely path to the Olympic Games, and the global impact of having her story portrayed on screen. Yusra opens up about public speaking, refugee advocacy, and how sharing her truth became a way to give hope to millions. She also discusses her creative future in filmmaking, the weight of expectations, and the importance of mental health after trauma. A moving look at courage, identity, and what it means to keep dreaming, even when the world tells you to stop. Filmed in the One&Only One Za’abeel Royal Suite. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (01:15) Life on the Road 🌍✈️ (01:54) USC Film Path 🎓🎥 (02:50) Power of Storytelling ✏️❤️ (03:32) Love for Swimming 🏊‍♀️💙 (05:22) The Swimmers Film 🎬😭 (06:52) Born in Damascus 🇸🇾🏠 (07:50) War Begins 💥😔 (08:13) Missile in Pool 🚨🌊 (08:46) Losing Home 🏚️💔 (10:37) Decision to Flee 🧭😢 (12:00) Smuggler Journey ⚠️🚌 (13:10) Reaching Lesvos 🇬🇷🌊 (14:40) Sea Crossing 🚤😱 (15:11) Arriving in Germany 🇩🇪✨ (17:32) Olympic Dream 🏅🔥 (22:12) Olympic Selection 🎉🏊‍♀️ (24:28) Opening Ceremony 🎆🌍 (25:36) Global Impact 🌐💫 (27:05) Public Speaking 🎙️🌟 (31:12) Refugee Advocacy 🤝🏻🌿 (34:58) Directing Dreams 🎬🌙 (42:28) Mental Health 🧠💛 (49:15) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Nick Tran, president of First Round & former CMO of TikTok, and one of the most inventive minds in modern marketing, to explore what it really means to stay true to yourself in a world shaped by algorithms, speed, and constant reinvention. With a career built at the intersection of culture, creativity, and technology, Nick reflects on navigating chaos, solving problems through imagination, and building brand affinity in an era where attention is the most valuable currency. The conversation dives into how social media rewired culture, the rise of AI as a tool that empowers both creators and consumers, and why authenticity, not perfection, wins in the digital arena. Nick shares lessons from the inside of one of the world’s most influential platforms, offering rare insight into storytelling, community, and the evolving relationship between people and technology. A thoughtful look at the future of content, identity, and creativity in a world where anyone can make anything. Filmed at Casa Cipriani New York’s Premier River View Suite. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (01:17) Social media & TikTok 📱🎵 (02:32) AI social media 🤖📲 (03:18) The most successful lies 🎭⚠️ (06:31) AI servicing creators & consumers 🤖🎨👥 (09:48) Oversupply of AI-generated content 📚🤖🌊 (12:08) Producing campaigns 🎥📈 (12:57) Organic socials 🌱📱 (15:36) Community building 🧑‍🤝‍🧑🌐 (18:14) Becoming a CMO 🎓💼 (22:05) Having a calm demeanour 😌🌿 (24:14) Problem solving 🧩💡 (28:45) Brand affinity ❤️🏷️ (32:57) Content strategy 🗂️🎯 (37:08) Whoop ⌚⚡ (41:33) Solving chaos 🔥➡️🧠 (44:03) Building a team 🧱👥 (45:55) Working in lean environments 🪶💼 (54:49) Saily ⛵📱 (56:46 )University 🎓📘 (1:01:36) Screen time 📱⏱️ (1:04:19) Knowledge access vs. acquisition 🔍📚⚖️ (1:08:16) Process matters ⚙️🧠 (1:09:33) “Marketing at the speed of culture” ⚡🎨🌍 (1:15:32) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ (1:18:44) Internet awareness & cultural curiosity 🌐👁️💭 (1:19:41) Freelance vs. full-time 🧑‍💻↔️🏢 (1:25:30) Small teams 👥✨ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Sabina Belli, CEO of Pomellato, to explore how she transformed one of Italy’s most distinctive maisons into a modern emblem of everyday luxury. With a philosophy rooted in savoir vivre, Milanese elegance, and a deep tribute to women, Sabina reflects on how Pomellato revolutionised prêt-à-porter jewellery and redefined how women wear, express, and empower themselves. The conversation dives into the art of preserving and promoting craftsmanship, the difference between archetypes and personas in storytelling, and what truly defines “The Pomellato Woman.” Sabina opens up about the brand’s values of kindness, generosity, and authenticity, and how gifting, to oneself or to others, carries emotional meaning far beyond ornament. She also discusses navigating healthy versus unhealthy relationships, both personally and professionally, and why jewellery often becomes a symbol of self-respect, resilience, and love. Filmed at Mandarin Oriental, Milan. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (02:38) Pomellato 💎✨ (04:18) Quintessence of Milan 🇮🇹🏛️ (06:03) DoDo 🐦💍 (07:33) Running Pomellato 🎛️💼 (09:45) Craftsmanship 🛠️🎨 (12:16) “Pomellato Virtuosi” 🎻💎 (13:13) Intelligence of the hand ✋🏻🧠 (15:32) AI 🤖✨ (17:30) Fascinated by luxury 👁️💎 (20:39) Mapping our luxury 🗺️✨ (22:28) Archetypes vs. personas 🎭📊 (25:23) The Pomellato woman 👩‍🧡💍 (32:27) The meaning of the transaction 💍🤝🏻 (34:25) Essence of luxury 💎🌟 (35:25) Self-gifting 🎁💖 (38:53) You rule 👑✨ (40:52) Categories of knowledge 📚🔍 (43:13) Money 💰 (48:18) Be observant 👀🧠 (52:37) Be kind 💛🙂 (53:33) Inclusivity 🌍🤝🏻 (56:51) Reading the room 👁️🏛️ (57:49) Being extraordinary ⭐🌟 (1:02:03) “Virtuoso & La Sprezzatura” 🎻🪶 (1:07:56) Strong women 💪🏻👩‍🦰 (1:12:53) À La Poubelle 🗑️ (1:14:02) Fantastique ✨🌟 (1:15:04) Idea of perfection 🎯💫 (1:16:56) Giving back 🎁🤲🏻 (1:19:51) Kind is boring 💛😐 (1:26:17) The essence of generosity 🤲🏻✨ (1:29:58) Treat people right 🤝🏻❤️ (1:35:41) Inspiring the next generation 🌱⭐ (1:38:26) Modern day heroes 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️ (1:39:00) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Carl Pei, Founder & CEO of Nothing, to explore what it means to build a hardware company from scratch in an industry dominated by software giants. Known for making technology emotional, expressive, and fun again, Carl brings a perspective that blends design, culture, and radical originality. The conversation delves into the discipline of creating physical products, how constraints sharpen creativity, and why individuality should be embedded into the technology we use every day. Carl reflects on the importance of optimism in innovation, the courage to think differently, and how great gadgets can inspire human creativity and self-expression. A look at the future of tech through the lens of emotion, intention, and personality, reminding us that the next era of innovation is not just about products, but about how they make us feel. Filmed at The Berkeley, London, Knightsbridge Suite. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (03:41) “Make tech fun to inspire human creativity” ✨🛠️🎨 (04:53) Creativity 💡🎭 (06:11) Tech landscape 🌐📱 (08:50) Launching a hardware business 🚀🔧 (12:59) “The tech world is influenced by Apple” 🍏💫 (18:30) Going into retail 🛍️🏬 (20:13) From Apple ecosystem to Nothing 🍏➡️⭕ (21:41) Vision for Nothing 👀✨ (23:19) Standing out in today’s market 🌟📈 (25:38) Work life balance ⚖️🌿 (28:09) Why phones and audio? 📱🎧 (32:01) Today vs. Tomorrow ⏳➡️🚀 (32:58) How AI will affect screen size 🤖📏📱 (34:33) How do you feel about folding screens? 📱🔁 (38:01) Entrepreneurship in Europe 🇪🇺💼 (41:58) Essential skills 🧠🛠️ (43:23) The new generation 👶🏻➡️💡 (44:32) Trauma fuels growth ⚡🌱 (47:30) Optimism ☀️🙌🏻 (52:00) AI 🤖✨ (54:51) Open source vs. private models 🔓💻🔒 (58:30) The best device for applied AI is a smartphone 📱🤖💡 (01:00:47) Robots 🤖🦾 (01:04:45) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Gstaad Guy sits down with William Hanson, one of the world’s leading etiquette authorities and author of Just Good Manners, to explore the role of civility and decorum in a rapidly changing world. Known for blending British tradition with contemporary wit, William reflects on a strict upbringing, the foundations of proper behaviour, and how he crafted a global online persona rooted in charm, clarity, and good sense. The conversation dives into the nuances of British dining etiquette, navigating love and relationships with grace, and the art of managing social discourse in an age where opinions move faster than manners. William shares how etiquette is not about snobbery or rigidity, but about kindness, confidence, and the simple act of making others feel at ease. A thoughtful look at why timeless principles matter now more than ever, and how good manners can anchor us in an era of chaos and noise. Filmed at the club at The Twenty Two in London. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (03:17) Philosophy about peas (07:01) Dining etiquette dilemma 🍽️🤔 (07:48) What to do with foods you cannot swallow 😬🥄 (12:33) Teaching etiquette through entertainment 🎭📚 (15:05) Developing an online persona 👤💻 (16:16) The Gstaad Guy online vs. offline 🎭🧍‍♂️ (17:22) Having strict parents 👨‍👩‍👦📏 (18:38) Music and calls without headphones 📱🔊🙅‍♂️ (21:10) The voids in dating etiquette 💔📏 (24:58) People should not play games 🎭 🚫 (27:47) The art of asking someone out 💐 💬 (29:38) Ideal first date 🌹🍷 (30:52) “Reverse catfish” 🪤🔁😅 (31:13) The optimal flow for a first date 🧭❤️ (33:40) “I don’t like nightclubs” 🚫🕺 (36:24) Should you finish everything on your plate? 🍽️ ✅❓ (37:48) Is refusing to toast at a formal dinner acceptable? 🥂❓ (39:10) Is double dipping truly a faux pas? 🫕 🚫 (41:00) Should you ever correct someone’s table manners? 🍽️ ⚠️ (42:24) Loud vs. soft spoken 🔊 🤫 (43:26) How to ask someone to lower their volume? 🤫 💬 (44:10) Small talk go-tos 💬 ✨ (48:30) Being early 🕒 ✅ (51:34) The art of RSVPing ✉️✔️ (54:21) Is regifting ever ok? 🎁 🔁❓ (57:48) Handwritten thank you notes ✍🏻 💌 (01:00:50) How to politely end conversations 👋🏻 🙂 (01:02:58) What is etiquette fundamentally about? 🎩 🤝🏻 (01:05:23) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️ ✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices