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The Gstaad Guy Podcast

The Gstaad Guy

The Gstaad Guy Podcast is your backstage pass to the untold stories behind excellence. Hosted by The Gstaad Guy, out of character, this guest driven, unscripted series explores the real journeys, challenges and turning points that shape those who have mastered their craft. From global tastemakers and industry leaders to creative pioneers and cultural outliers, each episode reveals what it really takes to achieve excellence. Through humour and curiosity, The Gstaad Guy peels back the layers to uncover the grit behind the glamour, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the worlds usually kept behind closed doors. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gstaadguypodcast  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gstaadguypodcast

  1. Nick Tran: President of First Round & Former CMO of TikTok – Culture, Chaos, AI, & Being Yourself in the Digital Age

    1 DAY AGO

    Nick Tran: President of First Round & Former CMO of TikTok – Culture, Chaos, AI, & Being Yourself in the Digital Age

    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.

    1h 27m
  2. Sabina Belli: CEO of Pomellato – Savoir-Vivre, Modern Femininity, & The Importance of Authentic Craftsmanship In Luxury Goods

    19 NOV

    Sabina Belli: CEO of Pomellato – Savoir-Vivre, Modern Femininity, & The Importance of Authentic Craftsmanship In Luxury Goods

    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 🗑️✨ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 44m
  3. Carl Pei: Founder & CEO of Nothing – Reinventing Tech, Inspiring Creativity, & Building a Hardware Revolution

    12 NOV

    Carl Pei: Founder & CEO of Nothing – Reinventing Tech, Inspiring Creativity, & Building a Hardware Revolution

    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 🗑️✨ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 6m
  4. William Hanson: Author of Just Good Manners – Etiquette, British Dining Codes, & The Art of Grace in a Noisy World

    5 NOV

    William Hanson: Author of Just Good Manners – Etiquette, British Dining Codes, & The Art of Grace in a Noisy World

    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 🗑️ ✨ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 10m
  5. Harley Finkelstein: President of Shopify – Democratising Entrepreneurship, Empowering Founders, & the Tools That Build Global Businesses

    29 OCT

    Harley Finkelstein: President of Shopify – Democratising Entrepreneurship, Empowering Founders, & the Tools That Build Global Businesses

    The Gstaad Guy sits down with Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify and one of the most influential voices in modern entrepreneurship, to discuss how technology is redefining capitalism by empowering anyone, anywhere, to start and scale a business. From equipping first-time founders to run their own stores, to enabling global brands to reach millions, Harley shares how Shopify is democratising opportunity and lowering the cost of failure, making entrepreneurship more accessible than ever before. The conversation explores the ambition required to build at scale, the obsession with sharpening one’s craft, and the emotional reality of operating a business that spans borders, cultures, and time zones. Harley reflects on the future of entrepreneurship, the rise of young business builders, and why success today is no longer defined by access, but by the courage to create. An exploration of how entrepreneurship and modern commerce have become powerful engines for empowerment, creativity, and self-actualisation. Filmed at Casa Cipriani New York’s Battery Corner Suite. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (02:49) What Gstaad Guy made Harley feel 🇨🇭✨ (05:41) The golden age of entrepreneurship 🏆⚡ (06:26) Building up Shopify 🧱🚀 (13:16) Creating a business 🛠️💡 (14:53) Entrepreneurship 🔥📈 (17:47) Entrepreneurship in 2025 🔮🏢 (19:20) Universities today 🎓❓ (20:30) What is life’s work? 🧭✨ (21:22) What Shopify solved ✅🧩 (24:17) The story of Fashionova 👗📦 (27:14) Sixteen years at Shopify ⏳🏗️ (30:36) “We are spiky objects” 🧬⚡ (31:10) Do you know the term Ikigai? 🎯🧘‍♂️ (33:01) Love for storytelling 📖❤️ (35:35) James Perse 👕🏛️ (36:49) Side quests vs. main quests 🗺️🎯 (38:15) The most successful stores on Shopify 🛒🏆 (41:46) Appetite for discomfort 🌶️💪🏻 (45:17) Nike 👟⚡ (47:19) If you study history of commerce 📜💰 (52:15) A desire to start a business ✨🚀 (58:00) Intrapreneurship 🧠🏢 (01:04:59) Company culture 🧬🤝🏻 (01:06:30) Choosing a co-founder 🤝🏻🔑 (01:07:30) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 9m
  6. Jeremy Zimmer: Co-Founder & Former CEO of UTA – Building a Next-Gen Talent Powerhouse, Shaping Success, & The Nobility of Representation

    22 OCT

    Jeremy Zimmer: Co-Founder & Former CEO of UTA – Building a Next-Gen Talent Powerhouse, Shaping Success, & The Nobility of Representation

    The Gstaad Guy sits down with Jeremy Zimmer, co-founder and former CEO of United Talent Agency (UTA), to explore what it takes to build one of the most forward-thinking and culturally influential talent companies in the world. From discovering emerging stars to engineering opportunities across film, music, digital media, sports, and technology, Zimmer shares how diversification, strategic intuition, and innovation have shaped UTA into a modern powerhouse. The conversation delves into what it means to manufacture success alongside artists, curate teams driven by purpose, and dream in partnership with talent. Zimmer also reflects on the deep responsibility of representation, not just as a business model, but as a noble calling rooted in trust, belief, and legacy. A rare look into the mindset behind building an agency that doesn’t chase culture, but defines it. Filmed at Nobel LA’s Benedict property. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (01:00) Starting UTA 🚀🏢 (04:20) Building a next-gen agency ⏭️⭐️ (05:02) Fear of big agencies 😨🏛️ (05:38) Curating a motivated team 🔥👥 (06:44) The term “talent” 🎭✨ (09:50) Diversifying UTA 🌐🔄 (10:50) Choosing the right path for growth 🧭📊 (12:36) Pivoting to social media talent 📲🔁 (18:25) Discovering talent 🔍⭐ (20:59) The nobility of representing artists 👑🎨 (21:40) The greatest business tool is a mirror 🪞💼 (25:51) Progress breeds happiness 😊📈 (27:59) Process vs. Outcome ⚙️🎯 (29:52) Perfection is hard to achieve 👌🏻🧗‍♂️ (31:28) Stepping down from CEO of UTA ⬇️👨‍💼 (33:15) Focusing on what we need least 🧠📉 (34:25) Unlocking a spiritual life 🧘🏻‍♀️🌱 (37:34) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    39 min
  7. Tinie Tempah: Artist & Entrepreneur – Faith, Creativity & The Balance Between Scarcity and Abundance

    15 OCT

    Tinie Tempah: Artist & Entrepreneur – Faith, Creativity & The Balance Between Scarcity and Abundance

    The Gstaad Guy sits down with Tinie Tempah — artist, entrepreneur, and one of the defining voices of the early 2000s music scene, to explore what it takes to pioneer success and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry. From humble beginnings in South London’s council estates to commanding global stages, Tinie shares the mindset and discipline that carried him from mentee to mentor, artist to innovator. The conversation dives into the realities of risk, the power of reinvention, and the art of balancing creativity with entrepreneurship. Tinie reflects on his journey as a true poly-hyphenate, blending music, business, and culture, while unpacking how the early days of British grime and hip-hop shaped a generation of creators. A candid look at ambition, evolution, and the courage to keep building even when you’ve already made it. Filmed at The Berkeley, London, Knightsbridge Suite. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (05:34) Modern poly-hyphenate ⚡🎭 (07:37) Where it all began 🏁 (10:20) “The MC guy” 🎤🔥 (11:44) The birth of Tinie Tempah 🌟 (14:12) Taking the leap of faith 🏃‍♂️✨ (16:54) “Hood Economics” 🏙️📘 (20:45) Launching a fashion brand 👕🚀 (26:30) Challenges of a rising artist 🎶⛰️ (31:27) Seeking discomfort 🧗‍♂️💭 (33:36) Commitment to music 🎧💫 (38:20) From mentee to mentor 🤝🏻🎓 (42:53) Scarcity vs. Abundance in creativity 💭⚖️ (50:36) Experiencing true joy 😄🌈 (53:44) Nigeria breeds creativity 🇳🇬🎨 (56:14) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 2m
  8. Radha Arora: President of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts – Redefining Hospitality, A Sense of Place, & Loyalty In The Details

    8 OCT

    Radha Arora: President of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts – Redefining Hospitality, A Sense of Place, & Loyalty In The Details

    The Gstaad Guy sits down with Radha Arora, President of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, to explore the philosophy and details that define one of the world’s most admired luxury hospitality brands. With decades of experience leading by example, Radha brings an insider’s view on how hotels can transcend function to become sanctuaries of self-actualisation and cultural expression. The conversation unpacks the art of creating a true “sense of place,” why every detail matters, and how the “cocoon effect” transforms hospitality into an intimate, personal experience. Radha reflects on leadership, the evolution of modern luxury, and the pursuit of hospitality that is as much about inner fulfilment as it is about comfort. A rare look into the mindset of someone shaping not just hotels, but the way we experience belonging away from home. Filmed at Nobel LA’s St. Ives property. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (00:40) Running a hotel 🏨 (04:23) Lead by example 🌟👣 (06:25) Rosewood 🌹🌳 (10:28) A sense of place 📍✨ (13:20) The living room of Paris 🛋️🇫🇷 (15:21) Shaping perception 👓 🎭 (21:36) Defining Luxury 💎✨ (27:20) Hiring the right team 🤝🏻👥 (31:03) Loyalty lives in the details 🔑🧵 (34:55) Dealing with guests 🙋‍♂️🤝🏻 (35:55) Hospitality isn’t for everyone 🚪🙂 (36:35) Absurd guest encounters 😂🍾 (46:13) Heritage vs. customer demands 🏛️⚖️ (49:23) The cocoon aspect 🪺🛌 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    51 min

About

The Gstaad Guy Podcast is your backstage pass to the untold stories behind excellence. Hosted by The Gstaad Guy, out of character, this guest driven, unscripted series explores the real journeys, challenges and turning points that shape those who have mastered their craft. From global tastemakers and industry leaders to creative pioneers and cultural outliers, each episode reveals what it really takes to achieve excellence. Through humour and curiosity, The Gstaad Guy peels back the layers to uncover the grit behind the glamour, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the worlds usually kept behind closed doors. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gstaadguypodcast  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gstaadguypodcast

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