The Gstaad Guy Podcast

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. Former Banker & Master Tailor: PROFF (AskOkey) – Reinvention, Identity, & The Power of Dressing Well

    1 DAY AGO

    Former Banker & Master Tailor: PROFF (AskOkey) – Reinvention, Identity, & The Power of Dressing Well

    The Gstaad Guy sits down with PROFF, the man behind the AskOkey universe, a former JP Morgan investment banker turned tailor, blogger, and one of the most quietly compelling voices in men's style, to explore what it truly means to dress with intention and live with purpose. From the boardroom to the cutting table, PROFF reflects on a life shaped by reinvention, resilience, and the profound relationship between how we dress and how we carry ourselves. The conversation ventures into the philosophy beneath the cloth: the stoicism that steadies him, the desire to grow that drives him, and the responsibilities inherited along the way that forced him to find his footing faster than most. PROFF shares what it means to build something from nothing, why necessity has always been his greatest teacher, and how observation, solitude, and a commitment to becoming the best version of yourself can quietly transform a life. A thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about identity, grit, and the elegance of knowing exactly who you are. Filmed in the One&Only One Za’abeel Royal Suite. (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (00:58) Aura ✨🌀 (02:55) Solaro Suit 👔🌞 (05:32) Ask Okey Universe 🌍🙏🏼🙏 (07:49) Public Persona 🎭😎 (09:55) Becoming A Tailor 🧵✂️ (11:58) Audience Engagement 🎤👥 (15:04) What You Stand For 🏛️💪🏻 (17:00) Life Changing Moment ⚡🔄 (20:00) JP Morgan 🏦💰 (26:30) Playbook For Life 📖🗺️ (28:27) Stoicism 🧘⚖️ (30:18) Desire To Grow 🌱📈 (34:18) "Why Am I Doing This?" 🤔💭 (37:40) Spending Time Alone 🌙🚶 (38:49) "The Journey vs. The Destination" 🛤️🏁 (40:49) The Irony Of Life 😏🔄 (43:46) Being Content With Progress 😌✅ (47:35) Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦❤️ (48:39) Necessity Is The Mother Of Invention 💡🔧 (53:00) Gentle Guidance 🧭🌿 (53:26) Grit 💪🏻🔥 (57:25) The Greatest Gift Is Observation 👁️🎁 (59:56) Knowing Where You Come From 🌍🏠 (1:02:21) Be The Best Version Of Yourself 🌟💯 (1:05:38) Looking For Knowledge 📚🔍 (1:08:01) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 18min
  2. Michelin-Starred Chef & Restaurateur: Björn Frantzén – Fine Dining, Football, and the Art of Casual Elegance

    1 APR

    Michelin-Starred Chef & Restaurateur: Björn Frantzén – Fine Dining, Football, and the Art of Casual Elegance

    The Gstaad The Gstaad Guy sits down with Björn Frantzen, the Swedish chef and restaurateur who holds nine Michelin stars across three separate restaurants, making him the only chef in the world to simultaneously manage three three-Michelin-starred establishments, to explore what it truly means to pursue excellence in the kitchen and beyond. From a football injury that rerouted his entire life to earning some of the most coveted accolades in gastronomy, Björn reflects on the discipline, creativity, and relentless hard work that transformed a passion for food into a world-class institution. The conversation explores the complexities of life as a restaurateur, the delicate balance between being a chef and running a business, and the Swedish philosophy of "lagom" as a quiet force behind great work. Björn shares how he designs a dish, builds a team, and innovates within a tradition as exacting as French fine dining, all while maintaining the spirit of casual elegance that defines his approach. A rich and absorbing conversation about craftsmanship, culture, and what it takes to make people feel something through food. Filmed at Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris. (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (00:33) Inspiration ✨🌟 (03:28) Earning A Michelin Star ⭐🏆 (09:20) Consumer vs. Creator 🍽️🎨 (11:35) Creativity 🎨💡 (12:35) Discovering Cooking 👨‍🍳🔍 (14:00) Football Career ⚽🏃 15:18) Sports & The Restaurant Industry 🏅🍴 (16:55) Swedish Business Acumen 🇸🇪💼 (21:28) "Lagom" ⚖️🧘 (28:32) Chef To Entrepreneur 👨‍🍳🚀 (30:33 Being A Restauranteur 🍽️🏠 (34:37) Acquiring Experience 📚🌱 (38:27) Next Generation 👶🏻🔮 (42:54) Designing A Dish 🎨🍴 (45:16) Innovation In The Industry 💡🔧 (49:00) Wine Pairing 🍷🍾 (54:09) Kitchen Environments 🔪🍳 (59:00) Being A Good Customer 😊🤝🏻 (1:01:21) Music 🎵🎶 (1:02:01) Balance Between Personal Life & Work ⚖️❤️ (1:04:54) Specialisation 🎯🔬 (1:09:07) Food In Japan 🍣🇯🇵 (1:09:47) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 19min
  3. Cohen Handler Founder & CEO: Simon Cohen – Real Estate, Risk, and Reinventing the Rules

    25 MAR

    Cohen Handler Founder & CEO: Simon Cohen – Real Estate, Risk, and Reinventing the Rules

    The Gstaad Guy sits down with Simon Cohen, the South African-born, Australian-raised entrepreneur behind Cohen Handler, the buyer's agency that turned a gap in the market into a movement, to explore what it truly takes to build something original in an industry resistant to change. From discovering real estate to flipping the traditional agent model on its head, Simon reflects on the drive, honesty, and relentless problem-solving that transformed a bold idea into one of Australia's most trusted property firms. The conversation ventures into the lessons only life can teach, taking risks before you're ready, earning client trust through radical transparency, and why chasing your dreams means being willing to reinvent the wheel entirely. Simon shares the values that shape his team, the passion that fuels his process, and why in a world of imitators, being genuinely original is still the greatest competitive advantage. A candid, grounded conversation about building with purpose, betting on yourself, and what luxury real estate truly demands of the people who serve it. Filmed at the TASCHEN London bookstore. (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (01:33) Discovering Real Estate 🏠🔍 (03:00) Seller Agent vs. Buyer Agent 🤝🏻🤝⚖️ (04:56) From Salesman To Entrepreneur 💼🚀 (06:45) Entrepreneurial Landscape 🌍📈 (09:08) Doubt 🤔😰 (09:56) Main Business Driver ⚙️💡 (11:06) Australian Market 🦘🇦🇺 (12:19) Innovation 💡🔧 (15:40) Earning Trust 🤝🏻🏆 (18:38) Team Values 👥❤️ (20:16) Passion 🔥❤️ (21:16) Outcome vs. Process 🎯🛠️ (26:10) Building Connections 🤝🏻🌐 (30:41) Competition Breeds Innovation ⚡💡 (34:34) Buying A Property 🏡💰 (38:38) The Real Life Gstaad Guy 🎿🏔️ (43:33) Decision Makers 🧠👔 (44:23) Who You Want To Be 🪞✨ (46:33) Technology 💻📱 (48:12) Remote Lifestyle 🌴💻 (51:10) Seizing Opportunities 🙌🏻⚡ (54:19) Understanding Your Customer 👂🏻🎯 (57:32) Transfer Of Wealth 💸🔄 (59:31) Luxury Requires Luxury 💎👑 (1:01:30) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 8min
  4. Elie Saab Group CEO & Vice Chairman: Elie Saab Jr. – Vision, Family Business, & Building a Global Luxury House

    18 MAR

    Elie Saab Group CEO & Vice Chairman: Elie Saab Jr. – Vision, Family Business, & Building a Global Luxury House

    The Gstaad Guy sits down with Elie Saab Jr., CEO and Vice Chairman of Elie Saab Group, to explore how a family vision rooted in haute couture grew into one of the world’s most recognisable luxury houses. Reflecting on the inception of the brand and the influence of his father, Elie Saab, Elie Saab Jr. shares how family values, Middle Eastern roots, and an upbringing centred on groundedness and resilience shaped his approach to leadership. From curiosity and ambition to grit and the desire to succeed, he discusses the mindset required to step into a legacy business while carving out your own path. The conversation dives into joining the company, restructuring the organisation, and expanding the brand globally while protecting the spirit of couture craftsmanship. Elie Saab Jr. reflects on diversifying the house into a broader lifestyle brand, the realities of the fashion industry, and why passion must always be balanced with humility. They also explore leadership, learning, choosing the right partner, and building the support system required to sustain long-term growth. A thoughtful look at turning dreams into action, driving innovation without losing heritage, and preparing a family business for future generations. Filmed at Elie Saab's London Bruton Street Boutique. (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (01:28) Inception Of Elie Saab ✨🧵 (03:10) Family 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦❤️ (06:58) Work Environment 🏢💼 (07:15) Middle Eastern Roots 🌍🕌 (09:53) Celebrating Life 🥂🎉 (11:14) Desire To Thrive 🔥🌱 (13:44) Joining The Business 🤝🏻🏢 (17:25) Upbringing & Values 🧬🧭 (20:20) Choosing Your Partner 💍🤝🏻 (25:01) Future Generations 👶✨ (25:55) Diversifying The Business 🌐📈 (32:59) Becoming A Lifestyle Brand 🏡💎 (33:42) Reality Of The Fashion World 👗⚖️ (36:35) Passion vs. Humility 🔥🙏🏼 (40:35) Learning 📚💡 (41:35) Becoming CEO 👔🏆 (45:41) Restructuring 🔧📊 (50:27) Driving Growth 🚀📈 (53:16) Future Of The Industry 🔮✨ (56:50) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 4min
  5. Fine Art Photographer & Director: Tony Kelly – Visual Fantasy, Originality, & Creating a New Language Of Photography

    11 MAR

    Fine Art Photographer & Director: Tony Kelly – Visual Fantasy, Originality, & Creating a New Language Of Photography

    The Gstaad Guy sits down with Tony Kelly, the Irish fine art photographer and director known for his vivid, cinematic imagery that blurs the line between fantasy and reality. From early days as a press photographer covering conflict in Afghanistan to developing a distinctive visual language built around colour, atmosphere, and playful storytelling, Tony reflects on how photography became an instinct rather than a technique. He shares how mentorship, relentless practice, and the right creative environments helped shape a style that prioritises original ideas and emotional impact over imitation or status. The conversation explores the power of visual storytelling, creating images that feel playful, cinematic, and infused with a sense of nostalgia. Tony discusses shooting self-funded projects for creative freedom, the importance of substance over status, and why hard work and resourcefulness matter more than talent alone. From the cultural magnetism of St. Moritz and the timeless atmosphere of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel to the influence of James Bond and classic film aesthetics, he reflects on building a genre of photography that feels both glamorous and mischievous. A candid look at creativity in the modern era, why this may be the greatest time to be alive for artists, and why the most powerful images still come from curiosity, discipline, and the courage to shoot for yourself. Filmed at The Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz. (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (03:20) Hard Work 💪🏻🛠️ (04:23) Effort 🔥💪🏻 (05:53) Right Shooting Environment 📸🌄 (07:24) Style of Photography 🎨📷 (09:28) Mentor 🧑‍🏫✨ (13:00) Storytelling 📖🎬 (14:25) St Moritz 🏔️🇨🇭 (20:29) The Badrutt’s Palace Hotel 🏰🏨 (23:35) Mountain Values 🏔️💎 (27:01) Discretion 🤫🔒 (28:37) James Bond 🕶️🎬 (29:49) Nostalgia 📼💭 (32:16) Media Capital Of The World 🌍📰 (34:32) Self-Funded Projects 💰🎨 (36:19) Starting Photography 📷🌱 (38:18) Creativity Democratised 🎨🌐 (40:49) The New Creative Era 🚀🎥 (42:50) Hard Work vs. Talent ⚖️🎯 (44:19) “Ireland Is About Substance Not Status” 🇮🇪🌿 (47:53) Starting As A Press Photographer 📰📸 (53:12) Being Resourceful 🧠🛠️ (56:24) Greatest Time To Be Alive 🌍✨ (1:00:14) Validation 👍🏻✨ (1:00:58) Imitation As A Form Of Validation 🪞📸 (1:06:26) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 12min
  6. Kerzner International CEO: Philippe Zuber – Destinations, Experience, & The Future of Hospitality

    4 MAR

    Kerzner International CEO: Philippe Zuber – Destinations, Experience, & The Future of Hospitality

    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

    1hr 23min
  7. Ferragamo Chief Product Officer: James Ferragamo – Craftsmanship, Legacy, & The Italian Way of Luxury

    25 FEB

    Ferragamo Chief Product Officer: James Ferragamo – Craftsmanship, Legacy, & The Italian Way of Luxury

    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

    1hr 13min
  8. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel Managing Director: Richard Leuenberger – Legacy, Trust, & The Art of Timeless Hospitality

    18 FEB

    Badrutt’s Palace Hotel Managing Director: Richard Leuenberger – Legacy, Trust, & The Art of Timeless Hospitality

    The Gstaad Guy sits down with Richard Leuenberger, Managing Director of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, to explore what it takes to steward one of the world’s most storied hotels in a constantly evolving world. Often described as a living museum, Badrutt’s Palace embodies history, nostalgia, and a distinct “time machine” feeling, yet remains deeply relevant to modern, multi-generational travellers. Richard reflects on legacy, Swiss values, and why familiarity, reliability, and consistency are the foundations of true luxury. The conversation moves through the spirit of St. Moritz, the thrill of the Cresta Run, and the subtle details that define exceptional hospitality, from breakfast rituals and guest arrivals to staff-to-guest ratios, leadership styles, and creating a family feeling within a grand institution. Richard shares how trust is built through care, precision, and respect; why making guests’ ideas and dreams come true matters more than scale; and how to elevate and modernise without erasing soul. A masterclass in hospitality, this episode explores what makes a great general manager, a great lobby, and ultimately, a great guest, revealing why respect transcends manners and legacy is earned daily. Filmed at The Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨🎙️ (01:13) “Time Machine Feeling” ⏳✨ (03:38) The Cresta Run 🛷❄️ (04:01) St. Moritz 🏔️✨ (06:26) Multi-generational Travel 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✈️ (07:18) Hotel Values 🏨💎 (11:43) Care & Precision 🧤🎯 (13:24) Trust & Access 🔑🤝🏻 (17:51) Breakfast Says It All 🥐☕ (19:19) Joining Badrutt’s Palace 🏰🤍 (24:16) Staff-To-Guest Ratio 👥⚖️ (25:47) Guest Arrival 🚪✨ (26:40) Types Of Leadership 🧭👥 (29:45) Family Feeling 🤍🏡 (34:25) Guest Loyalty 🔁💎 (34:52) Elevating & Modernising ⬆️🆕 (39:11) What Makes A Great General Manager 👔⭐ (42:43) Obsessed With Scale 📐🔥 (45:22) Health & Wellness 🌿🧘‍♂️ (47:12) Being A Great Guest 🎩🙂 (48:02) Respect Transcends Manners 🌍🤍 (52:04) Hidden Gem 💎👀 (53:49) What Makes A Great Lobby 🛋️✨ (1:00:31) Mountain Living 🏔️🏡 (1:03:18) Nostalgia 📼🤍 (1:05:12) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ (1:08:36) Being Swiss 🇨🇭💎 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 14min

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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