The Entrepreneurs

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.