

The Entrepreneurs
Monocle
Monocle Radio’s weekly tour of the most inspiring people, companies and ideas in global business, from startups to heritage brands, covering the best in hospitality, design, fashion and retail.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 28, 2026 • 30min
Why sleep is still the ultimate luxury. And: what simplification teaches us about better business
Alistair Hughes, managing director for Savoir Beds, talks about the storied history of the century-old bedmaker who has, literally, supported figures including Winston Churchill and Marilyn Monroe. He discusses craftsmanship and changes in premium markets. Plus: we meet global strategist Farah Ragheb, founder of leadership consultancy The Simplified Model.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 21, 2026 • 30min
How is the sudden global attention on Greenland changing its economy?
Donald Trump’s threats about taking control of Greenland have thrust the island into the global spotlight, drawing journalists and tourists alike. In Nuuk, Monocle’s Andrew Mueller explores what this attention means for local entrepreneurs, speaking with Casper Frank Møller, CEO and co-founder of adventure travel company Raw Arctic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 14, 2026 • 30min
Is packaging broken? A simple solution to reduce waste
Meadow’s CEO, Victor Ljungberg, shares how smart design can create a practical alternative to single-use packaging. Plus: Lombard Odier Group’s UK CEO, Mark Goddard, talks about Britain’s entrepreneurial environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 30min
Have we lost our appetite for sustainability? New approaches in luxury retail and travel for 2026
Charlotte Sturck, founder of The Handbag Clinic, discusses her journey in luxury aftercare, emphasizing the rising consumer interest in sustainable fashion. She highlights the growth in demand for restorations and the shift towards circular fashion. Neil Jacobs, former CEO of Six Senses, shares insights on luxury hospitality's evolution, advocating for sustainability embedded in corporate culture. He notes the importance of unique, storytelling experiences for guests and community contributions. Both guests explore the future of luxury in the context of sustainability and personalization.

Dec 31, 2025 • 30min
Direction of travel in 2026 and why all businesses need talent with a hospitality-first mindset
Ahmed Elhawary talks about navigating the ups and downs of launching Mayfair Jets just weeks before the pandemic. Plus: The CEO and president of The Leading Hotels of the World, Shannon Knapp, on 2026 travel trends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 24, 2025 • 28min
Laurent Kleitman on Mandarin Oriental's Vienna opening
We check in with friend of the show Laurent Kleitman, CEO of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, to discuss its Austrian debut. Plus: Retail veteran Rania Masri El Khatib on her sustainable fashion label, The Giving Movement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 17, 2025 • 30min
Can a stacking game pull families away from their screens this Christmas?
Designer Alexander Neumann talks about the creation of Misfits, a tactile wooden blocks stacking game that started as a student project and is now stocked by more than 35 retailers worldwide. Plus: we catch up with the co-founders of Suri about launching new products ahead of a busy season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 10, 2025 • 30min
Meet the man behind Nomad, the travelling showcase of collectable design
Nomad founder Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte tells us why he brought his remarkable, roaming design showcase to Abu Dhabi airport’s decommissioned Terminal 1 – a modernist marvel designed by Paul Andreu. Plus: the duo betting Indian food could be the new healthy morning staple.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 3, 2025 • 30min
Winter warmth with Sheep Inc & Klättermusen
Klättermusen CEO, Gonz Ferrero, talks about balancing heritage and innovation at the Swedish technical apparel brand. And: Edzard van der Wyck joins us to discuss Sheep Inc’s success at the intersection of sustainability and style.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 26, 2025 • 30min
Wheels up! Boeing sets a new course for the Middle East
Inzman Rashid, Monocle's correspondent, shares exciting highlights from the Dubai Airshow, including major orders from Emirates and flydubai. Dr. Brendan Nelson, president of Boeing Global, discusses the company’s strategic pivot in the booming Middle East market, with a focus on production recovery and innovation. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, talks about the implications of these record orders on airport development and investment, while also highlighting new technological trends that are shaping the future of aviation.


