The Gstaad Guy Podcast

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Giulio Bergamaschi, CEO of Acqua di Parma, to explore what it means to steward a brand defined by craftsmanship, heritage, and timeless elegance. With a career shaped by humility and discernment, Giulio brings the perspective of a connoisseur, balancing modern relevance with the responsibility of carrying forward one of Italy’s most iconic maisons. The conversation delves into the influence of family values on leadership, the art of cultivating connoisseurship in a world of speed, and how true timelessness is created through care, detail, and respect for tradition. Giulio reflects on elegance not as a surface quality but as a philosophy of life, and shares how heritage can remain alive and relevant while shaping the future of luxury. Filmed at Casa Cipriani Milano. Chapters: (00:00) Intro ✨ (01:42) Life and parenthood 🌱👨‍👩‍👧 (05:39) Savoir vivre 🥂💎 (06:06) Family and humility 👪 🙏🏼 (08:45) Dressing in navy blue 👔 🔵 (09:23) Dressing in a timeless fashion ⌛👕 (12:01)  Luxury in France vs luxury in Italy 🇫🇷💎🇮🇹 (16:27) Acqua di Parma 💛🕯️ (21:26) Inception of Acqua di Parma 🌟🇮🇹 (23:24) The founding myth of Acqua di Parma 📜✨ (25:18) The signature yellow 💛🎨 (27:30) Smell good not strong 🌸🌿 (29:34) Your silhouette 🧍‍♂️✨ (31:30) La Sprezzatura 😎🕴️ (33:25) Categories in fragrance 🌺🌲 (36:36) Choosing your cologne 🧴👃 (41:34) Art of living 🏛️🌿 (47:07) Intrapreneurship 💡🏢 (49:32) Scarcity, abundance, novelty & heritage ⚖️💎 (56:05) Values within the brand 🧭🤝🏻 (59:17) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Varsano, the founder of The Jet Business, shares his unique journey in corporate aviation, from lobbying to closing high-stakes deals. He highlights the transition from friendship to business, emphasizing the importance of authentic connections. The podcast dives into the art of negotiation and the shift towards educating clients in a changing market landscape. Varsano discusses the evolving demographics of corporate jet owners and the influence of ego in business, offering valuable lessons on personal branding and building relationships in this exclusive industry.

Dr. Barbara Sturm, a renowned aesthetics doctor and entrepreneur, shares her insights into skincare and wellness. She discusses the importance of hydration, an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, and how to blend science with beauty. Dr. Sturm reflects on the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding career, emphasizing that true wellness is a lifestyle choice. The conversation also touches on the evolving definition of luxury and the shift towards nature-oriented, mindful living, shaping the future of health and beauty.

Paul Wachter, founder of Main Street Advisors, has shaped brands for icons like LeBron James and Beats by Dre. He delves into the significance of authenticity and human values in business, reinforcing that success requires time and strategic relationships. The conversation highlights the challenge of balancing celebrity entrepreneurship with product quality in the social media landscape. Paul also shares insights into knowing when to pivot and the traits that define successful talents, making for a captivating discussion on influence in the cultural sphere.

Alex Ikonn, an entrepreneur and creator of The 5-Minute Journal, shares his inspiring journey from financial struggles to building a global brand. He dives into the importance of resilience, designing a meaningful life, and the transformative power of gratitude. The conversation emphasizes balancing entrepreneurship with kindness, the significance of vision boards, and how personal experiences with hardship can foster growth. Ikonn also reflects on the value of authenticity and the role of positive connections in creating a fulfilling life.

Roxie Nafousi, a bestselling author and self-development coach, dives into the transformative power of personal struggle. She reveals how her journey from addiction and loneliness to self-empowerment ignited her passion for helping others. Manifestation is framed not as magic, but as a disciplined healing practice. Roxie discusses the nuances of modern dating, the importance of self-worth, and actionable tips to boost confidence. Her heartfelt insights inspire listeners to embrace their authentic selves and reclaim their power.

In this episode, The Gstaad Guy sits down with designer and creative mind Benjamin Paulin to explore how design, culture, and heritage intersect in his evolving body of work. As the son of legendary furniture designer Pierre Paulin, Benjamin brings a unique perspective on honouring tradition while pushing the boundaries of form and function. The conversation unpacks the balance between art and design, the role of modularity in shaping how we live, and the tension between legacy and pop culture. Benjamin also reflects on the discipline of designing with constraints, how limitations can sharpen creativity and give rise to ideas that are both functional and visionary. Through a lens of innovation and influence, he shares what it means to build a future-forward design language, one piece at a time. (00:00) Intro ✨ (02:01) Echo Of Pierre Paulin 🪑🔊🕰️ (03:49) Passion for Furniture ❤️‍🔥🪑 (04:59) Values ⚖️ (08:32) Art vs. Design 🎨 📐 (09:44) Form vs. Function ⚖️🛠️ (10:57) The Dune 🏜️ 🛋️ (15:49) Paulin & Pop-Culture 🛋️ 🎬 🎤 (19:00) Future of Furniture 🔮🪑 (23:44) Design of The Dune ✏️🏜️🛋️ (26:38) “Passion for design” ❤️‍🔥📐 (33:23) “How Paulin restarted” 🔁🪑👨‍🎨 (36:33) Integrity 🧱💎 (37:58) The Paulin Designs 🪑✨✏️ (40:12) “The living room” 🛋️ 📺 (43:51) “Working without limitations” 🚀🧠🔓 (46:26) “Constraints” ⛓️📏 (48:09) “University of rap” 🎓🎤 (52:09) “Stay passionate” 🧡🔥💪🏻 (56:59) Architects vs. Interior Designers vs. Designers 🏛️🛋️🎨 (58:34) Family & Work 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 💼 (01:05:18) “Screens are everywhere” 📱💻 (01:06:18) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Georgios Frangulis, the visionary behind Oakberry Açaí, shares his inspiring journey from battling cancer to creating a global premium brand. He discusses the challenges of launching a business with limited resources and the importance of resilience and vision. Georgios dives into the strategic evolution of Oakberry, including its exciting sponsorship of the BWT Alpine Formula One Team. He reflects on overcoming doubt, the significance of trusting in oneself, and crafting a luxury brand identity, all while maintaining a commitment to personal and professional growth.

Stefan Sonnenfeld, a legendary colorist and founder of Company 3, discusses his influential career in shaping iconic visuals for film and advertising. He reflects on transitioning from law enforcement to the creative world and reveals how he balances passion with discipline. Stefan delves into the art of color grading, its emotional impact, and his pioneering work with Apple, noting Steve Jobs’ meticulous attention to detail. He also shares insights on biohacking and achieving optimal health to maintain creativity and productivity in his demanding industry.

In this podcast, Nicolas Bijan, founder of NB44 and son of iconic designer Bijan, shares insights from a life rooted in excellence and legacy. He discusses the pressures of privilege and the importance of hard work, humility, and respect. Nicolas reflects on how his father's lessons shaped his identity, balancing family and business while navigating grief. He emphasizes the responsibility of building a legacy that is earned daily, along with the value of genuine connections and the essence of true luxury in the fashion industry.