

Beyond Luxury
Carlota Rodben
Beyond Luxury is a compass for where desire is moving and how the industry navigates what comes next.
As luxury shifts from pure creation to relentless optimization, this podcast challenges what is gained, what is lost, and what must be reinvented.
Through unfiltered conversations with the minds shaping luxury’s future, we open what’s usually hidden: the talent crisis, storytelling under pressure, business models in transition, the tech reshaping authorship, and the cultural forces redefining desire, identity, and belonging. Raw insights from behind closed doors.
Hosted by Carlota Rodben
As luxury shifts from pure creation to relentless optimization, this podcast challenges what is gained, what is lost, and what must be reinvented.
Through unfiltered conversations with the minds shaping luxury’s future, we open what’s usually hidden: the talent crisis, storytelling under pressure, business models in transition, the tech reshaping authorship, and the cultural forces redefining desire, identity, and belonging. Raw insights from behind closed doors.
Hosted by Carlota Rodben
Episodes
Mentioned books

7 snips
Apr 1, 2024 • 31min
#12 LVMH AI Award Winner: Building Luxury's AI-Powered Hyper-Personalization at Scale | Michel Tjoeng
Michel Tjoeng, a digital marketing and AI tech trailblazer, discusses ChatLabs' AI-driven personalization in luxury branding, leveraging unstructured data analysis. They explore future data usage focusing on context over identifiers, and winning the LVMH 2023 AI Award.

Feb 7, 2024 • 53min
#11 AI Supply Chain Optimization Expert: He's Making Machines Design Systems that Humans Can't Imagine | Ahmed Zaidi
Join this enlightening episode where Ahmed Zaidi bridges the worlds of fashion, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability within the luxury sector. With a solid foundation in computer science and a fervent passion for fashion, Ahmed delves into AI's transformative role in luxury fashion. He traces AI's evolution from rule-based systems to the complexities of deep learning, illustrating its capacity to redefine consumer experiences through personalization and streamline supply chain efficiencies.Ahmed underscores the critical importance of sustainability in fashion, highlighting AI's potential to enhance waste management and promote circularity. He outlines three pivotal strategies for brands that integrate AI: deepening consumer insights, fostering supply chain collaborations, and adopting forward-thinking technologies like blockchain and quantum computing.Further exploring the revolutionary edge of quantum computing, Ahmed unveils its potential to introduce true randomness into learning about consumer behavior, system dynamics, and supply chain intricacies. He shares his aspirational view of the luxury landscape by 2035, envisioning a space where creativity thrives and physical-digital experiences merge seamlessly.Key Takeaways: AI's Revolutionary Role: AI promises to overhaul the luxury fashion industry, from enriching customer interactions to personalizing the shopping experience. Optimizing Supply Chains: Through AI, brands can achieve leaner operations, fostering better collaboration with manufacturers and reducing waste. Sustainability as a Priority: AI's contribution to sustainable practices in fashion paves the way for enhanced circularity and transparency. Strategic AI Implementation: Brands should aim to understand their consumers better, improve supply chain interactions, and embrace technologies like blockchain and quantum computing for a significant impact. The Future of Fashion: Anticipates a shift towards more thoughtful consumption patterns, driven by quantum computing's capabilities and a reimagined incentive system within the industry. Vision for 2035: Imagines a balanced ecosystem where digital and physical realms merge, providing a platform for creative expression and innovation in luxury fashion.Follow Ahmed Zaidi's Journey: Stay updated with Ahmed's latest research and insights into the future of luxury fashion and technology by following him on Instagram and Twitter (@_Ahmetz80).

Jan 31, 2024 • 51min
#10 Heritage Hotelier: He's Turning Forgotten Castles Into the World's Most Coveted Stays | Michael Goldin
Join us on an enlightening conversation with Michael Goldin, founder of Storied Collection, as he reimagines the future of luxury travel by looking at the past. Goldin highlights the essential role of human connection, identity, and belonging in elevating travel experiences. He reveals how historic accommodations offer more than a stay. They're portals to immersive, authentic experiences.Goldin speaks about the potential of skillfully blending technology, like virtual reality and AI, with the luxury sector, enhancing guest experiences while emphasizing wellness, personalized service, and the power of storytelling. He foresees a future where luxury is defined by holistic well-being and meaningful, story-rich experiences.Takeaways Luxury accommodations should provide authentic and personalized experiences for travelers, catering to their interests and desires. The merging of legacy, history, and luxury creates a unique and meaningful travel experience, allowing guests to connect with their past and explore their identity. Technology, such as virtual reality and AI, can enhance the accessibility and personalization of luxury stays, but the human touch and connection remain essential. Wellness and sustainability are becoming increasingly crucial in luxury travel, focusing on health, wellness activities, and environmentally friendly practices. The craft of storytelling is a crucial element of luxury accommodations, allowing guests to engage with the history and heritage of the property and create lasting memories.

Jan 24, 2024 • 49min
#9 Travel Tech Visionary: Why Your Next Luxury Trip Will Be Booked by AI and Lived in VR | Michael Ros
Thought leader in the travel and hospitality sector, Michael Ros, discusses the future of luxury travel and hospitality. Topics include hyper-personalization, blockchain in hotel booking, sustainability in luxury experiences, the power of community, and Web3 technology like blockchain, AI, and AR/VR.

Jan 17, 2024 • 52min
#8 Circular Economy Strategist: The Inconvenient Truth about Sustainability Luxury Brands Can't Ignore Anymore | Dr. Jinju Heo
Join us in a fascinating exploration with Dr. Jinju Heo as we delve into the transformative roles of innovation, technology, and sustainable practices within the luxury industry. This episode provides an in-depth look at the emerging trends and necessary shifts in luxury.Discover how luxury brands are encouraged to develop new business models and create renewable raw materials. These steps increase product longevity and foster a more circular economy. Takeaways: Luxury brands are advised to adopt new business models and invest in renewable materials to enhance product usage and endorse circularity. The role of innovation and digital technology is emphasized as critical in achieving circularity throughout the luxury industry, from production to sales. Technological advancements, including authentication labels, blockchain, and smart inventory systems, are highlighted for their ability to boost product authenticity and traceability and to help avoid overproduction. Key strategies for a sustainable luxury brand include embracing circular design principles, motivating managers to achieve sustainability goals, and improving supply chain efficiency.

10 snips
Jan 10, 2024 • 55min
#7 Luxury Top Voice: The Narrative Secrets Behind the World's Most Desired Brands | Daniel Langer
Delve into luxury's future with Daniel Langer, an expert in luxury and storytelling. Learn about creating extreme value for customers, changing definitions of luxury, navigating uncertainty, and the crucial role of brand storytelling. Discover the importance of resonating with consumers, understanding core emotionalities, and staying relevant through innovation.

Dec 13, 2023 • 46min
#6 Innovation Architect: The Man Teaching Luxury Brands to Merge Human and Machine | Matt Maher
Join us in this conversation as we discuss the future of luxury through the lens of technology with futurist Matt Maher. He shares breakthroughs made possible by a futurist mindset, such as focusing on specific transformative technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and the evolving internet. Matt also emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior and acceptance when predicting future trends. He discusses the ethical considerations in AI integration and the need for uncertainty acceptance in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Matt highlights the potential of voice technology, gamification, and sensory experiences in luxury. We dive into the importance of human connection and the role of technology in fostering it. Takeaways Focus on specific transformative technologies and understand human behavior to predict future trends. Ethical considerations are crucial in AI integration, and brands need to be mindful of biases and ensure authenticity. Voice technology, gamification, and sensory experiences have the potential to enhance luxury experiences. Creating richer digital experiences, integrating digital overlays in physical spaces, and turning products into platforms/experiences to stay ahead in the luxury sector.

Dec 5, 2023 • 49min
#5 Cyber Warfare Strategist: He Simulates Attacks So You Don't Have to Live Them | Guy-Philippe Goldstein
Join us for a thrilling ride with Guy-Philippe Goldstein as we dive into the risky world of luxury and cyber power. Guy-Philippe Goldstein discusses the future of luxury and its intersection with cyberwarfare, defense strategies, and simulation games.In this episode, we highlight the relevance of cyber security in the luxury industry, as it is a target for cyber attacks due to its economic weight and digital integration. Additionally, Goldstein delves into the social changes of the loneliness pandemic and growing social inequalities and their potential impact on the luxury industry. The conversation explores the relationship between luxury and social disparities, the digital world's impact on the luxury industry, the role of AI in redefining luxury, and the future of luxury.Guy-Philippe Goldstein's Books: Babel Minute ZéroSept jours avant la Nuit

Dec 5, 2023 • 1h 7min
#3 Luxury's Data Whisperer: The Secret to Giving Companies a GPS for Success | Jonathan Sibon
Get ready to have your understanding of luxury revolutionized with our guest, Jonathan Siboni. Data now guides luxury brands, helping them predict upcoming trends and openings in the market, making an impact, particularly in the beauty sector of the fashion industry. Our special guest underlines the value of a personal touch and originality in this industry and how technology can enhance these aspects. We discuss the concept of 'personalized luxury,' diving into the strategies brands employ to communicate successfully with their consumers and stand out in the ever-evolving market. We also take an exciting detour into the future of luxury, particularly in emerging markets like China, and examine societal and political impacts on the industry. Join us as we unravel the complexities of luxury and the transformative power of data in reshaping the fashion industry's future.

Dec 5, 2023 • 50min
#2 Luxury Resale King: He's Making Millions Selling What Brands Don't Want You to Buy | Ben Gallagher
Meet Ben Gallagher, the 23-year-old mastermind and content creator behind Lux Collective, an innovative luxury platform redefining the pre-loved fashion industry.We're diving into the world of second-hand luxury fashion, discussing everything from the rise of Gen Z and their impact on the stigma surrounding second-hand fashion to the importance of storytelling and community building in the luxury industry.This episode is about understanding the younger generation's perspective on luxury items as investments, their consciousness about sustainability, and the impact of their choices.Listen in as we delve into the future of fashion, with sustainability at its core. We're exploring the shifting landscape of the luxury industry, the rise of pre-loved luxury shops, and the urgent need for a more personalized and welcoming customer experience.


