
Beyond Luxury
Dive into the evolving definition of luxury in today's rapidly changing world. Hosted by Carlota Rodben, author of acclaimed industry book "Beyond Luxury: The Promise of Emotion," the podcast aims to challenge conventional notions of luxury by exploring its intersections with society, technology, experience, and sustainability.
The podcast extends Carlota's book and goes beyond it by inviting thought leaders from various sectors like fashion, beauty, wellness, travel, hospitality, art, and technology to continue the conversation.
Join and be a part of creating the future of luxury!
Latest episodes

Feb 5, 2025 • 24min
Submarine AI, David Klingbeil (Part 2): How AI can enhance your creativity instead of destroying it!
In this episode, we dive into the exciting world of AI and its transformative potential for the luxury industry with David Klingbeil.
AI and the Luxury Industry
• AI has been around for decades, but its recent surge in power and accessibility now allows luxury brands to leverage it at scale.
• Luxury executives are no longer questioning whether AI is important, but rather how to apply it meaningfully within their businesses.
• Platforms like Submarine AI provide a structured approach to trend analysis, helping brands quickly access valuable insights without wading through vast amounts of unstructured data.
Creativity and Emotional Connection
• AI tools can inspire creative work by surfacing trends and insights, but they don’t replace the emotional connection that defines the luxury industry’s unique appeal.
• With AI, unexpected trends—such as “fragrance maxing”—can be uncovered, enabling luxury brands to tap into grassroots consumer behaviors for more impactful campaigns.
Next-Generation Leaders
• The next generation of luxury leaders is not just tech-savvy but entrepreneurial, eager to use AI and other technologies to disrupt and innovate in fresh, meaningful ways.
Want to stay ahead of the curve? Sign up for our Weekly Beyond Luxury Substack and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for even more insights and inspiration.

Jan 29, 2025 • 36min
Submarine AI, David Klingbeil (Part 1): How AI can enhance your creativity instead of destroying it!
In this episode, we dive into the exciting world of AI and its transformative potential for the luxury industry with David Klingbeil, founder of Submarine AI. We explore how AI is not just about data but about unlocking powerful insights that drive creativity and strategic decision-making. David shares his vision of AI as a tool to enhance—not replace—human creativity, showing how it helps luxury brands stay ahead by quickly identifying emerging trends.
David also highlights the incredible potential of the next generation of luxury leaders, who are already harnessing AI to build more innovative and emotionally connected brand experiences. As he explains, AI offers a unique opportunity to blend data-driven insights with emotional storytelling, creating unparalleled opportunities for growth and connection. Don’t miss this engaging conversation on how AI is shaping the future of luxury and why now is the perfect time to embrace this transformative technology.
Want to stay ahead of the curve? Sign up for our Weekly Beyond Luxury Substack and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for even more insights and inspiration.

Jan 22, 2025 • 26min
CX Powerhouse Christophe Caïs (Part 2): Empathy is the #1 quality you need to become a top sales person!
In this episode, we dive into the ever-evolving world of luxury retail with Christophe Caïs, CEO of CXG, a leading consulting firm specializing in customer experience.
Signature Experience
Luxury purchases are more emotionally driven than other purchases.
Emotional intention is key to creating memorable experiences that leave lasting impressions.
Employee satisfaction results from effective training, coaching, and a supportive ecosystem.
NPS (Net Promoter Score)
NPS is a useful but over-relied-upon metric; it doesn’t solve CX issues alone.
Brands must actively follow up with customers to address concerns.
A variety of indicators, beyond NPS, are needed for meaningful CX improvement.
Sustainability
Historically, luxury consumers assumed ethical sourcing and ignored sustainability concerns.
A new generation of consumers demands perfection in sustainability.
Brands must fully commit to sustainability, as consumers now expect accountability and progress.
AI
AI is widely used in supply chains and marketing for hyper-personalization.
Integration into CX is slow but has the potential to create tailored training programs.
AI should simplify retail staff tasks and reduce complexity to improve efficiency and bandwidth.
Want to stay ahead of the curve? Sign up for our Weekly Beyond Luxury Substack and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for even more insights and inspiration.

Jan 15, 2025 • 30min
CX Powerhouse Christophe Caïs (Part 1): Empathy is the #1 quality you need to become a top sales person!
In this episode, we dive into the ever-evolving world of luxury retail with Christophe Caïs, CEO of CXG, a leading consulting firm specializing in customer experience.
Christophe emphasizes the critical role of emotional intention in crafting a signature experience. He explains that luxury, particularly in the context of selling luxury products, deeply engages emotions. While every purchase is influenced by emotion, a luxury purchase is uniquely driven by a heightened emotional connection. As he underscores, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." His insight highlights the profound impact of creating memorable, emotion-driven experiences.
Christophe sheds light on the importance of employee satisfaction, framing it as an outcome rather than a starting point. He stresses the need to focus on foundational factors:
How much training do employees receive?
Is it effective and meaningful?
How much coaching and one-on-one support do they get from their managers?
Ensuring a well-rounded and supportive employee ecosystem—one that aligns with the brand’s mission—is essential for enabling employees to deliver exceptional customer experiences. He also reveals how CXG uncovers untapped talent, fosters collaborative teams, and leverages data to shape the future of retail.
Don’t miss this engaging conversation that explores the challenges and opportunities luxury brands face in today’s fast-changing landscape.
Want to stay ahead of the curve? Sign up for our Weekly Beyond Luxury Substack and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for even more insights and inspiration.

Jan 13, 2025 • 2min
Season 3 Trailer: Beyond Luxury
Step into the world where experience, tech, and purpose redefine the future of luxury. In Season 3 of the Beyond Luxury Podcast, Carlota Rodben takes you on a journey through thought-provoking conversations with the brightest minds shaping the luxury landscape. From industry whistleblowers and tech visionaries to fashion and culture pioneers and wellness experts, this season is packed with bold ideas and transformative stories.
Get ready to explore topics like digital fashion, the future of customer experience, redefining health & wellness as luxury, and the power of technology in creating transparent, augmented, and purpose-driven brands. Every episode challenges conventions, sparks curiosity, and offers insights into the evolving meaning of luxury.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a current or future leader of the luxury industry, a creative professional, or simply passionate about the future, Season 3 will inspire and inform you. The revolution of luxury starts here—don’t miss it.
🎙️ Beyond Luxury Season 3 brings you a new episode every week. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation!
Want to stay ahead of the curve? Sign up for our Weekly Beyond Luxury Substack and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for even more insights and inspiration.

Aug 15, 2024 • 41min
Bonus Episode: How Will the 2027 EU Legislation on Connected Items Impact Luxury? Insights from Natasha Frank (Eon), Pierre-Nicolas Hurstel (Arianee), & Jake Gajdamowicz (Uniqly)
Join us to explore the transformative power of digital product passports and connected items with insights from Natasha Frank CEO of Eon, Pierre-Nicolas Hurstel CEO of Arianee, and Jake Gajdamowicz CEO of Uniqly. They share their unique journeys and how their expertise is driving the integration of intelligence into products, enhancing value and traceability in the luxury market.
We'll uncover the evolving role of blockchain and NFC technology in creating secure, interactive products, paving the way for a new paradigm in customer engagement and sustainability. As we approach the EU legislation mandating digital product passports by 2027, our discussion highlights the importance of brands adapting to these innovations.
Takeaways:
Digital product passports are revolutionizing customer engagement and sustainability by embedding intelligence into products.
Blockchain and NFC technology are key to creating secure, interactive products that support circular business models.
Upcoming EU legislation will require brands to implement digital product passports by 2027, signaling a major shift in the industry.
The future of product ID monetization and customer engagement lies in digital IDs, with brands exploring new opportunities through smart clothes and connected objects.
Cross-departmental collaboration and scalable solutions are essential for brands looking to thrive in this digital transformation.
Bonus Podcast Episode from the Future+ Paris Event.
Future+, is a curated global network for founders, visionaries and disruptors across creative, culture and technology facilitating connections, collaborations, education and access to events, networking, content and insights.

Jul 25, 2024 • 43min
Next Era Branding: AI-powered AR and Spatial Computing for Luxury with Geoffrey Perez, Global Head of Luxury at Snap
Join us to explore the captivating world of augmented reality and luxury branding with Geoffrey Perez, Global Head of Luxury at Snap. He shares his compelling career journey, from media agencies, to Yahoo, to his current role, and how his love for fashion and cutting-edge technology seamlessly brought him to Snap. We'll uncover the evolution of digital formats, from vertical videos to immersive AR experiences, and how luxury brands can leverage these innovations to create compelling and impactful advertising.
Geoffrey discusses the evolution of AR, from selfie-centric filters to immersive rear camera experiences that interact with the real world, and showcases collaborations with renowned brands like Louis Vuitton. We'll see how advancements in smartphone technology and internet connectivity have expanded the canvas for both users and brands, paving the way for future innovations in spatial computing!
Takeaways:
Augmented reality is transforming luxury branding, offering new avenues for creating compelling and impactful advertising.
Snapchat’s visual communication tools have revolutionized personal expression and luxury branding, providing a safe and expressive space for users.
The evolution of AR at Snapchat includes collaborations with high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, moving from selfie-centric filters to immersive rear camera experiences.
AI-powered tools in Snapchat Plus, with over 7 million monthly subscribers, offer creative opportunities for developing engaging AR lenses and captions.
Lens Studio empowers creators and brands to collaborate on impactful marketing campaigns, seamlessly blending online and offline luxury retail experiences.

Jul 18, 2024 • 49min
Augmented Beauty: Personalization and Inclusivity in Luxury Tech with Delphine Tour Helin, Global Beauty Tech Director at YSL Beauty, L'Oréal
Delphine Tour Helin, Global Beauty Tech Director for YSL Beauty, discusses the future of luxury brand experiences and the innovative intersection between technology and customer engagement. She emphasizes inclusivity, sustainability, and the importance of blending human expertise with technology in the beauty industry. The podcast explores the shift towards personalized, omni-channel experiences and the significance of emotional connections with consumers in the luxury sector.

Jul 9, 2024 • 47min
Pushing Creation to the Next Level: AI, Blockchain, and Cultural Relevance with Massimo Moretti, CEO & Founder of ITAK and SOLAYA
Join us as we welcome Massimo Moretti, an innovative leader in the luxury and technology industries. Massimo's journey highlights the transformative power of generative AI in producing high-quality content more efficiently and the crucial role of blockchain-powered digital passports in ensuring transparency and authenticity in luxury, especially in the second-hand market.
Massimo discusses the potential of Web3 technologies and blockchain to reward creators and build communities, while emphasizing the need for seamless user experiences and education. He advocates for luxury brands to focus on cultural relevance and engaging their audience, creating experiences that go beyond transactions. Additionally, he explores how collaborations with both established and emerging artists can enhance a brand’s cultural relevance and provide unique experiences.
Tune in to gain valuable insights from Massimo Moretti on the future of luxury, technology, and innovation.
TLDR:
Generative AI revolutionizes luxury content production.
Digital passports enhance transparency in the luxury sector.
Web3 and blockchain reward creators and build communities.
Cultural relevance and audience engagement are key for luxury brands.
Collaborations with artists boost cultural relevance and brand experiences.

Jun 25, 2024 • 44min
The Future of Women's Media: Bold Move from Hearst Magazines and Net-A-Porter to Building an Empire with Bonnie Langedijk, Founder of HURS
Join us as we welcome Bonnie Langedijk, the visionary founder of HURS, a groundbreaking platform combining stylish aesthetics with impactful content. Raised in Amsterdam by parents in advertising, Bonnie's creative journey led her from creating her first magazine at age 8 to significant roles at Hearst Magazines and Net-A-Porter in London.
Bonnie shares her mission to expand representation in women's media, moving beyond familiar faces to spotlight exceptional women in various fields. She challenges traditional interview questions that limit women to specific topics, advocating for a more inclusive approach.
Discover how HURS organizes intimate, salon-inspired events, fostering cross-disciplinary conversations among women. Bonnie discusses the glamorization of entrepreneurship and the unique challenges female founders face, emphasizing a new definition of luxury focused on emotional connection and identity. Tune in to learn how HURS is redefining what luxury means in the digital era for women everywhere.
Bonnie's background in creativity and storytelling, combined with her experience at Hearst and Net-A-Porter, has made her an in-demand creative consultant and art director. She has worked with brands like Farfetch, COS, and Vogue Netherlands, bringing a unique perspective to the evolving media landscape.
TLDR:
HURS combines style and impactful content.
Expands representation in women's media, spotlighting diverse women.
Challenges traditional narratives, advocating for inclusivity.
Hosts intimate, salon-inspired events fostering cross-disciplinary conversations.
Redefines luxury, emphasizing emotional connection and identity.
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