The Gstaad Guy Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Haley Baylee, one of the fastest content producers on the internet, to unpack the discipline, strategy, and resilience behind becoming a top creator in today’s attention economy. From her early modelling years and entry into Sports Illustrated to navigating judgment, pressure, and an eating disorder, Haley opens up about the realities behind the highlight reel and the work required to rebuild confidence, self-worth, and ambition. She reflects on seizing opportunities, creating structure, and learning to be purposeful rather than performative in a culture obsessed with speed. The conversation dives into internet culture, online skits, content routines, and what advertisers are actually looking for. Haley touches brand alignment, audience connection, and channeling emotion into work that resonates. They also explore dating, gender roles, financial literacy, and what it means to be self-made, alongside Haley’s belief in knowledge as power and her motivation to empower other women by being radically open. A candid look at creating your own path, being yourself online, and turning visibility into lasting impact. Filmed at Casa Cipriani New York’s Premier River View Suite. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (02:21) Online Skits 🎭📱 (03:24) Backstory 📖✨ (03:45) Modelling 📸✨ (07:24) Something New 🆕💡 (09:48) Seizing An Opportunity 🚀✋🏻 (14:11) Content Routine 📆🎥 (16:05) Partnering With Brands 🤝🏻🏷️ (18:30) Single In NYC 🗽💔 (20:52) What To Look For In A Man 👀👨 (22:44) Dating Apps 📱❤️ (23:57) Sliding Into DMs 💬➡️ (27:50) Beyond Content 🔍✨ (30:17) Audience 👥🎯 (32:43) Video Journaling 🎥📓 (34:14) Channeling Emotion ❤️🎬 (37:53) Being Yourself 🙌🏻✨ (40:45) Alignment 🎯🤝🏻 (45:27) Creating A Path 🧭🚶‍♀️ (51:09) Knowledge Is Power 🧠⚡ (52:07) Financial Literacy 💰📘 (53:32) Being Self-Made 💪🏻🌱 (56:27) Men Of This Generation 👨‍👦🔄 (59:53) Gender Roles ⚖️🚻 (1:02:48) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Bänz Simmen, a true native of Andermatt, to explore a life shaped by curiosity, movement, and a deep desire to stay in control of one’s own path. From growing up in Andermatt to cycling across continents, through war-torn territories, remote landscapes, and unfamiliar cultures, Bänz reflects on how travel becomes a teacher, and why knowledge, not comfort, is the real luxury. The conversation traces epic journeys by bike to Australia and New Zealand, hiking through the Himalayas, and formative adventures across India. Along the way, Bänz shares lessons on Swiss grit, structure, military service, and the contrast between life in Switzerland and the wider world. They discuss history, culture, powerful storytelling, and how acquiring experiences, not things, shapes character and perspective. Rooted in a profound respect for nature, the episode also dives into environmental responsibility, exposure to the outdoors, and how stories can influence how we treat the planet. From bunkers and caves to Yellowstone National Park, this is a reflection on adventure not as escape, but as a deliberate way of living, guided by curiosity, discipline, and a lifelong relationship with the natural world. Filmed in Andermatt, Switzerland. Explore Andermatt: Official Andermatt Swiss Alps Website: https://www.andermatt-swissalps.ch/en/ Local Insights & Guiding: Bänz Simmen: +41 79 202 21 02 Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (00:45) Adventures in Andermatt 🏔️✨ (01:28) Travel ✈️🌍 (01:53) Curiosity 🔍🧠 (03:50) History & Culture 🏛️📜 (05:32) Cycling The World 🚴‍♂️🌎 (10:10) Andermatt vs. The World 🏔️⚖️ (11:52) Switzerland & Its Uniqueness 🇨🇭✨ (15:13) How Switzerland Has Changed ⏳🔄 (17:25) Swiss Grit 💪🏻🇨🇭 (21:47) Acquiring Experiences 🎒✨ (27:29) Treat The Environment Right 🌱🌍 (32:14) Exposure To Nature 🌲☀️ (38:30) Creating Structure 🧱📐 (40:24) Bunkers & Caves 🕳️🪨 (45:43) Military Service 🎖️🪖 (48:28) Powerful Storytelling 📖🔥 (52:07) Stories Impacting Nature 🌍📚 (58:24) Tales 🗣️📜 (1:01:57) Yellowstone National Park 🌋🐺 (1:04:57) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique” 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Lionel Barber, former editor of the Financial Times and author of "Gambling Man", to explore what journalism really is, and what it must remain in an age of speed, noise, and opinion. From his early days at The Sunday Times to leading one of the world’s most trusted news institutions, Lionel reflects on why great journalism begins with curiosity, not cynicism, and why asking the right questions matters more than having the loudest voice. The conversation traces his journey through foreign correspondence, writing about business in the 1980s, and navigating moments of doubt, reinvention, and regained confidence. Lionel unpacks the evolution from fast news to slow news, the discipline of knowing your reader, and the responsibility that comes with dealing with people in power. They discuss storytelling as a craft, finding your voice, balancing originality with expectation, and the tension between what audiences want to hear and what they need to know, especially in the age of social media. Filmed at the club at The Twenty Two in London. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (01:27) What Is Journalism? 🤔 📰 ✍🏻 (02:31) Journalism Requires Curiosity 🔍🧠 (05:22) Writing About Business ✍️✍🏻📊 (07:21) Business In The 80s 🕰️💼 (10:15) Regaining Confidence 💪🏻✨ (12:11) Leaving The Sunday Times 🚪📰 (13:08) The Financial Times 📰💗 (14:04) Becoming A Foreign Correspondent 🌍✈️ (16:20) Fast News vs. Slow News ⚡🐢 (17:03) Becoming A Leader In Digital News 👑💻 (19:01) “The Pink Paper” 💗📰 (21:44) Knowing The Reader 👁️👥 (23:36) Building An Institution 🏛️🧱 (24:31) Personal Measure Of Success 📏✨ (27:01) The Importance Of A Conversation Opener 💬🔑 (28:50) Dealing With People In Power 🏛️⚖️ (33:53) Storytelling And Connecting With An Audience 📖🤝🏻 (37:58) Being Original vs. Answering To Expectations 🎭⚖️ (39:02) Finding Your Voice 🗣️✨ (42:00) What People Like To Hear vs. The Truth 🎭🪞 (43:38) The Problem With Social Media 📱⚠️ (44:33) Storytelling Across New Mediums 🎥📱 (46:28) The Fundamentals Of Sharing A Good Story 🧱📖 (49:15) The Secret Lives Of The Rich & Powerful 🔐💰 (55:06) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique” 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Glucose Goddess to unpack how a life-changing back injury, paired with depression, anxiety, and depersonalisation, became the unexpected catalyst behind her mission to transform how people understand food. From searching for external validation and navigating life as a people pleaser to becoming deeply obsession-driven and purpose-led, she shares how the hardest beginnings often shape the strongest direction. The conversation dives into glucose, balanced eating, and the science behind spikes, including breakfast myths, pregnancy nutrition, cholesterol misconceptions, and practical daily hacks that actually work. She explains why mums resonate so deeply with her content, how motherhood reshaped her relationship with food and ambition, and why access to better information is the key to long-term health. They explore prevention, intermittent fasting, building a family, handling criticism, and the emotional resilience required to keep going when things feel uncertain. Filmed at Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (01:29) “Why Mums Love My Content” 👩‍👧‍👦💛 (02:44) How To Improve The Way You Eat 🥗✨ (05:44) Sweet Foods For Breakfast 🥞🍓 (08:04) Motherhood 🤱❤️ (09:35) Feeling Happy & Mental Health 😊🧠 (10:52) Adopting The Right Pregnancy Diet 🤰🥑 (14:06) Pregnancy Diet Tips 🍎📋 (16:21) The Myth About Egg Yolks & Cholesterol 🥚❌ (18:02) Rapid Fire Debunking ⚡🧠 (19:39) Life Changing Back Injury 🦴💔 (24:15) Glucose Goddess 👑🩸 (25:22) Balancing Everything ⚖️🤹‍♀️ (26:45) Changing The Way We Educate Ourselves 📚🔄 (32:15) Exploring New Mediums 🎨🔍 (33:50) Consuming vs. Serving Food 🍽️💁🏻 (36:54) Make Prevention Sexy 😎🛡️ (39:49) Coca-Cola 🥤⚠️ (41:14) Quick Health Hacks ⚡🥗 (42:31) Intermittent Fasting In Women vs. Men ⏳⚖️ (45:19) Nice-To-Have Dietary Hacks ✨🍽️ (47:19) Building A Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏡 (50:18) The First Negative Comment 💬😕 (52:23) A Hard Beginning 🌧️🌱 (54:04) Being A People Pleaser 😅🤝🏻 (59:38) Navigating Emotions 🧭💭 (1:00:16) Doubling Down When Things Get Tough 💪🏻🔥 (1:03:01) Signs From The Universe 🌌🔮 (1:08:16) Leap Of Faith 🏃‍♀️✨ (1:09:13) Lacking Confidence 😔🔒 (1:10:53) Turning Ideas Into Action 💡➡️🚀 (1:12:08) Looking At Your Future Self 🔮👤 (1:16:17) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices