

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

Mar 21, 2025 • 8min
Eureka 432: What carwash companies can learn from F1
Ian Rickwood never planned to get into the carwash business but when he saw how outdated the service was, he spotted an opportunity. Rickwood shares how Aquasonic is using smart tech and Formula 1-inspired drying to change the game. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 19, 2025 • 32min
Gear that goes the distance
From the pavement to the pool, we meet the founders of two brands moving the needle in the fitness world. Oliver Powe talks about the philosophy that underscores Acid Running’s approach to design. Then: the innovation and development behind Zygo, the world’s first underwater-streaming headset. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 14, 2025 • 6min
Eureka 431: How to build a signature style
We meet Elliot Andre, founder of EX-A Studio, a unisex jewellery brand featuring abstract shapes and out-of-this-world pieces. He tells us how he went from self-taught designer to seeing his creations in Nordstrom and on Netflix.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 12, 2025 • 28min
Slowing down to speed up innovation
Is quality in business best served by a slower approach? We discuss the merits of journalism that takes its time with the co-founder of Danish digital-news platform Zetland. Plus: we talk timeless furniture with the woman behind Vinterior.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 7, 2025 • 7min
Eureka 430: Why materials matter
Frank Roop shares the story behind The Textilium Project, a platform that curates natural high-quality textiles for creatives who want great design without needing to hire a professional. He shares the sources of his fabrics and why good materials make all the difference in a space.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 5, 2025 • 29min
Why boutique hospitality is booming
We meet Priya Paul, a hotelier who set out to redefine boutique hospitality in India by building a thriving group with dozens of locations. Plus: Christoph Hoffmann talks about how the 25hours Hotel brand maintains its DNA while growing and the importance of individualised products in hospitality. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2025 • 9min
Eureka 429: Material progress
Monocle’s Helsinki correspondent, Petri Burtsoff, meets Stora Enso CEO, Hans Sohlström, at the company’s striking new timber headquarters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 26, 2025 • 28min
Wings of change
We discuss clean-mobility breakthroughs with two founders pushing the boundaries of flight. Plus: how their innovations are reshaping the nearly $1tn airline industry as it races toward decarbonisation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 21, 2025 • 10min
Eureka 428: Could AI attract more talent to book-editing?
We meet former Penguin Random House editor Meru Gokhale, who used her 20 years of publishing experience to create Editrix, an AI-assisted editing tool. Plus: how following “tech bros” on X helped her to launch the business without a tech background.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 19, 2025 • 30min
Creating with longevity in mind
We meet the CEO of Casa Batlló, a cultural masterpiece that continues to inspire more than 100 years after its creation. Plus: how a Danish design brand is making smarter furniture that can adapt to changing needs over time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.