The Briefing

Tyler Brulé, editorial director of Monocle, shares insights on the tragic New Year's Eve fire in Switzerland, discussing national shock and media responses. Inzimam Rashid, Monocle's Gulf correspondent, dives into the escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE regarding Yemen, highlighting airport closures and military dynamics. Jeremy Bowen from Sirium discusses airline punctuality, revealing Aeromexico's success and challenges posed by weather and cyberattacks in achieving on-time operations.

Ben Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, shares insights on the airline's recovery and innovative strategies since 2018. He emphasizes how French hospitality enhances service quality and defends the continued investment in first class as a unique market differentiator. The discussion includes upcoming routes for La Première and the competitive landscape with Gulf carriers. Smith also tackles overflight restrictions and their impact on operations, while voicing the importance of global hubs for city competitiveness.

Emma Nelson delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Nelson delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Nelson delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William P. Lauder, Chair of the board at Estée Lauder Companies and a third-generation leader, shares insights on the evolution of the beauty retail landscape. He discusses how online shopping has reshaped consumer experiences and the importance of in-store engagement during the holiday season. Lauder reveals cultural differences in shopping patterns between North America and Asia, and emphasizes the art of selling. He also explores career advancement within retail, highlighting Estee Lauder's robust training programs and strategic acquisitions to enhance product offerings.

Join Robert Bound, a Monocle contributor and broadcaster, as he shares personal Christmas traditions, including festive tales from his Blackheath home. Petri Burtsov, a Monocle correspondent, brings the magic of Lapland to life with an exclusive chat with Santa, who reveals that Rovaniemi is his true residence and explains how children can visit his grotto. Both guests dive into holiday anecdotes and unique rituals, making this a delightful seasonal conversation full of warmth and cheer.

In this engaging discussion, veteran watch industry executive Jean-Claude Biver shares his insights on the art of watchmaking. He forecasts an optimistic recovery for the market and highlights the importance of substance and personalized exclusivity in products. Biver passionately defends the value of human craftsmanship against automation while advocating for workplace culture rooted in passion and shared experiences. He also emphasizes the need for innovation in Switzerland and encourages the youth to find their creative passion for a brighter future.

Chris Cermak delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Cermak delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.