The Entrepreneurs

Helgi Óskarsson, CEO of 66°North, shares how the brand went from outfitting Icelandic fishermen to a globally recognised name in outerwear. We discuss its ethos, retail expansion and new exhibition at Copenhagen Fashion Week.

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As societies get older, how can we support wellbeing from infancy to later life? We explore both ends of the spectrum as we meet the co-founder of an organic infant formula company and head to an Italian medical spa that claims to hold the secrets to longevity. 

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Magnus Renfrew, co-founder of Art SG, shares the inspiration behind Southeast Asia’s leading international art fair, highlighting Singapore’s emerging art ecosystem and its unique role in attracting global collectors, artists and galleries.

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We meet former corporate lawyer Alexia Karides, who left the legal briefs behind to launch Ysso, a jewellery brand crafting handmade pieces. Then: we take a peek inside the pages of our latest title, ‘Greece: The Monocle Handbook’. 

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We meet Florian Miguet, the co-founder of Clim8, a French company using smart thermal tech to develop apparel with personalised heating and cooling systems. x

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Monocle’s Tomos Lewis meets Toronto-based entrepreneur Mark Bordo, the co-founder and CEO of Vetster. Bordo talks about how telemedicine is reimagining pet care, improving access to leading veterinary support and enabling vets to extend care beyond clinic hours – keeping their four-legged patients wagging their tails.

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Colin Waggett, CEO of luxury gym chain Third Space, discusses the company’s expansion model, London’s fitness market and how smart real-estate partnerships contribute to its success. Plus: Monocle’s editor in chief, Andrew Tuck, shares what’s on his radar for 2025.

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Eric Heerema, CEO and owner of Nyetimber, discusses the brand's journey to becoming a global leader and how it's broadening its reach by exporting to more than 20 countries and expanding its product range. Plus: how the Maldives plans to diversify tourism by targeting new markets and offering a range of accommodation.

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Co-founder and CEO Emma Lewisham discusses the origin story behind her eponymous skincare brand, an innovative natural line blending efficiency and sustainability. She discusses the company’s focus on circularity and science-based formulations, as well as the challenges of disrupting the competitive beauty industry.

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We discuss the 10-year long development process behind the world’s first inflatable cycle helmet and how Ventete spotted the cultural shift toward active, eco-friendly commuting. Plus: how to stay ahead of trends in 2025 from business to travel and hospitality.

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Founder and designer Andrew Flynn talks about the origin for his green-thumbed venture, Potr, a smart line of origami-like plant pots that are self-watering and made from waste-materials. He discusses the product’s design and development, the challenges of its initial market launch and the brand’s impressive expansion into Japan.

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We discuss how Finland's stability, trust in institutions and exceptional quality of life cultivate an environment that supports a skilled workforce, advanced technology and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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Petter Kukacka, founder of the Stockholm-based creative studio, The Great Exhibition, talks about his childhood dream of building an office rollercoaster and the design challenge his audacious project posed.

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Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings talks about his latest venture, Powder Mountain, a pristine ski resort in Utah that’s also an outdoor art museum. Plus: we head to an elite business school in Lyon that’s celebrating 40 years of helping entrepreneurs launch their innovative ideas.

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How do you transform a declining neighbourhood into a destination for global art and retail? Craig Robins, the developer of the Miami Design District, talks about Miami Art Week 2024 and the role of art in enhancing wellbeing and uniting communities. 

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‘Thinking Bigger’ author Sarah Dusek talks about her mission to help women secure capital to create large-scale businesses that make a difference. And: Tim Duggan discusses his new book, ‘Work Backwards’, a powerful guide for reimagining the life-work balance. 

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We meet Nuria Torras, the founder of Lekkid, a Barcelona-based toy brand focused on promoting creativity and imagination in children through educational play.

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We meet the co-founder of European Sleeper, a railway company reviving night trains and connecting great cities across the continent. And to ensure we’re travelling in style, we’ll hear from the founder of Tom Àdam, a Berlin-based loungewear brand revered for its PJs.

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Shilpika Gautam talks about her journey from the trading floor to environmental work. She discusses how a transformative – and record-breaking – experience paddleboarding the Ganges catalysed the founding of Opna, a greentech company focused on accelerating climate action.

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Hear insights from two leaders driving cultural change through the power of music. Monocle’s Tomos Lewis heads to Havana’s Cayo Hueso district to meet a Grammy-winning resident of the Cuban capital who restored a grand 1930s building into an 11-key hotel with Caribbean rhythm at its core. Plus: Mag Rodriguez talks about his new app, Even, a platform tackling the tough times artists face in the streaming era.

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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 meet the 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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