The Gstaad Guy Podcast

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify and one of the most influential voices in modern entrepreneurship, to discuss how technology is redefining capitalism by empowering anyone, anywhere, to start and scale a business. From equipping first-time founders to run their own stores, to enabling global brands to reach millions, Harley shares how Shopify is democratising opportunity and lowering the cost of failure, making entrepreneurship more accessible than ever before.

The conversation explores the ambition required to build at scale, the obsession with sharpening one’s craft, and the emotional reality of operating a business that spans borders, cultures, and time zones. Harley reflects on the future of entrepreneurship, the rise of young business builders, and why success today is no longer defined by access, but by the courage to create. An exploration of how entrepreneurship and modern commerce have become powerful engines for empowerment, creativity, and self-actualisation.

Filmed at Casa Cipriani New York’s Battery Corner Suite.

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro ✨

(02:49) What Gstaad Guy made Harley feel 🇨🇭✨

(05:41) The golden age of entrepreneurship 🏆⚡

(06:26) Building up Shopify 🧱🚀

(13:16) Creating a business 🛠️💡

(14:53) Entrepreneurship 🔥📈

(17:47) Entrepreneurship in 2025 🔮🏢

(19:20) Universities today 🎓❓

(20:30) What is life’s work? 🧭✨

(21:22) What Shopify solved ✅🧩

(24:17) The story of Fashionova 👗📦

(27:14) Sixteen years at Shopify ⏳🏗️

(30:36) “We are spiky objects” 🧬⚡

(31:10) Do you know the term Ikigai? 🎯🧘‍♂️

(33:01) Love for storytelling 📖❤️

(35:35) James Perse 👕🏛️

(36:49) Side quests vs. main quests 🗺️🎯

(38:15) The most successful stores on Shopify 🛒🏆

(41:46) Appetite for discomfort 🌶️💪🏻

(45:17) Nike 👟⚡

(47:19) If you study history of commerce 📜💰

(52:15) A desire to start a business ✨🚀

(58:00) Intrapreneurship 🧠🏢

(01:04:59) Company culture 🧬🤝🏻

(01:06:30) Choosing a co-founder 🤝🏻🔑

(01:07:30) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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The Gstaad Guy sits down with Jeremy Zimmer, co-founder and former CEO of United Talent Agency (UTA), to explore what it takes to build one of the most forward-thinking and culturally influential talent companies in the world. From discovering emerging stars to engineering opportunities across film, music, digital media, sports, and technology, Zimmer shares how diversification, strategic intuition, and innovation have shaped UTA into a modern powerhouse.

The conversation delves into what it means to manufacture success alongside artists, curate teams driven by purpose, and dream in partnership with talent. Zimmer also reflects on the deep responsibility of representation, not just as a business model, but as a noble calling rooted in trust, belief, and legacy. A rare look into the mindset behind building an agency that doesn’t chase culture, but defines it.

Filmed at Nobel LA’s Benedict property.

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro ✨

(01:00) Starting UTA 🚀🏢

(04:20) Building a next-gen agency ⏭️⭐️

(05:02) Fear of big agencies 😨🏛️

(05:38) Curating a motivated team 🔥👥

(06:44) The term “talent” 🎭✨

(09:50) Diversifying UTA 🌐🔄

(10:50) Choosing the right path for growth 🧭📊

(12:36) Pivoting to social media talent 📲🔁

(18:25) Discovering talent 🔍⭐

(20:59) The nobility of representing artists 👑🎨

(21:40) The greatest business tool is a mirror 🪞💼

(25:51) Progress breeds happiness 😊📈

(27:59) Process vs. Outcome ⚙️🎯

(29:52) Perfection is hard to achieve 👌🏻🧗‍♂️

(31:28) Stepping down from CEO of UTA ⬇️👨‍💼

(33:15) Focusing on what we need least 🧠📉

(34:25) Unlocking a spiritual life 🧘🏻‍♀️🌱

(37:34) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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The Gstaad Guy sits down with Tinie Tempah — artist, entrepreneur, and one of the defining voices of the early 2000s music scene, to explore what it takes to pioneer success and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry. From humble beginnings in South London’s council estates to commanding global stages, Tinie shares the mindset and discipline that carried him from mentee to mentor, artist to innovator.

The conversation dives into the realities of risk, the power of reinvention, and the art of balancing creativity with entrepreneurship. Tinie reflects on his journey as a true poly-hyphenate, blending music, business, and culture, while unpacking how the early days of British grime and hip-hop shaped a generation of creators. A candid look at ambition, evolution, and the courage to keep building even when you’ve already made it.

Filmed at The Berkeley, London, Knightsbridge Suite.

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro ✨

(05:34) Modern poly-hyphenate ⚡🎭

(07:37) Where it all began 🏁

(10:20) “The MC guy” 🎤🔥

(11:44) The birth of Tinie Tempah 🌟

(14:12) Taking the leap of faith 🏃‍♂️✨

(16:54) “Hood Economics” 🏙️📘

(20:45) Launching a fashion brand 👕🚀

(26:30) Challenges of a rising artist 🎶⛰️

(31:27) Seeking discomfort 🧗‍♂️💭

(33:36) Commitment to music 🎧💫

(38:20) From mentee to mentor 🤝🏻🎓

(42:53) Scarcity vs. Abundance in creativity 💭⚖️

(50:36) Experiencing true joy 😄🌈

(53:44) Nigeria breeds creativity 🇳🇬🎨

(56:14) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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The Gstaad Guy sits down with Radha Arora, President of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, to explore the philosophy and details that define one of the world’s most admired luxury hospitality brands. With decades of experience leading by example, Radha brings an insider’s view on how hotels can transcend function to become sanctuaries of self-actualisation and cultural expression.

The conversation unpacks the art of creating a true “sense of place,” why every detail matters, and how the “cocoon effect” transforms hospitality into an intimate, personal experience. Radha reflects on leadership, the evolution of modern luxury, and the pursuit of hospitality that is as much about inner fulfilment as it is about comfort. A rare look into the mindset of someone shaping not just hotels, but the way we experience belonging away from home.

Filmed at Nobel LA’s St. Ives property.

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro ✨

(00:40) Running a hotel 🏨

(04:23) Lead by example 🌟👣

(06:25) Rosewood 🌹🌳

(10:28) A sense of place 📍✨

(13:20) The living room of Paris 🛋️🇫🇷

(15:21) Shaping perception 👓 🎭

(21:36) Defining Luxury 💎✨

(27:20) Hiring the right team 🤝🏻👥

(31:03) Loyalty lives in the details 🔑🧵

(34:55) Dealing with guests 🙋‍♂️🤝🏻

(35:55) Hospitality isn’t for everyone 🚪🙂

(36:35) Absurd guest encounters 😂🍾

(46:13) Heritage vs. customer demands 🏛️⚖️

(49:23) The cocoon aspect 🪺🛌

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The Gstaad Guy sits down with Tom Chamberlin, Editor-in-Chief of The Rake magazine and author of Huntsman: Redefining Savile Row, to explore what it truly means to be a gentleman in today’s world. With deep roots in men’s style, tailoring, and the traditions of Savile Row, Tom brings a perspective that bridges timeless elegance with modern masculinity.

The conversation delves into the role of confidence in style, the artistry of tailoring, and how the codes of classic menswear remain relevant in shaping identity and character. Tom reflects on the evolution of masculinity, the values that define gentlemanly conduct, and why refinement goes far beyond clothing. An honest look at how style, substance, and self-assurance intertwine in the pursuit of modern elegance.

Filmed at Birley Chocolate in London.

(00:00) Intro ✨

(02:00) Land Rover Defender salute 🚙🇬🇧

(04:01) Codes of men’s style 👔📏

(06:38) Having bearing 🧍‍♂️🎩

(09:32) The Rake 📖👑

(13:45) Wealth whisperers 💰🤫

(16:07) Accessorising ⌚🕶️

(17:22) Values across Europe 🌍🤝🏻

(21:03) European tailoring 🪡👕

(24:45) Tom Ford 👔🕶️

(25:46) Huntsman 🧵🎯

(29:04) The core of great storytelling 📚✨

(35:49) Rethinking masculinity 🤵🤔

(37:08) The term gentleman 🎩🤝🏻

(42:36) Curiosity & escapism 🔍🌌

(48:15) American readership 🇺🇸📖

(50:18) London is changing 🇬🇧🏙️

(51:48) Elevating your style ⬆️👔

(54:10) Building your wardrobe 👕👞

(57:37) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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The Gstaad Guy sits down with Ilaria Resta, CEO of Audemars Piguet and one of the leading voices in Swiss watchmaking, to explore how tradition and modernity intersect in one of the world’s most enduring industries. With a career shaped by deep respect for heritage and a passion for innovation, Ilaria brings a unique perspective on what it means to steward a legacy craft into the future.

The conversation touches on the tension between old and new, the family values that shape both personal and professional life, and how a sense of family can define a business culture. Ilaria shares how passion, discipline, and even obsession are essential to preserving the artistry of watchmaking while ensuring its relevance in a fast-changing world. A rare glimpse into the heart of an industry where every second counts, and where heritage remains the ultimate luxury.

Filmed at the Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood London.

(00:00) Intro ✨

(01:31) Discovering Audemars Piguet 🔍⌚

(02:45) The power of watches ⚡⌚

(04:37) Ethos of Audemars Piguet 🏔️🌌

(07:00) Embodying the values of the brand 🤝🏻💎

(08:53) Creative freedom & entrepreneurship 🎨🚀

(10:09) Family values in business 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦🏛️

(14:17) A work environment that empowers 💼🌟

(19:07) Commonalities across the AP community 🌍🤝🏻

(23:43) Future vs. Past ⏳🔮

(27:11) The watchmaking industry 🛠️⌚

(29:18) Switzerland and watchmaking 🇨🇭🏔️⌚

(32:17) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

(35:04) Choosing self-development 📚🌱

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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 🗑️✨

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The Gstaad Guy sits down with Steve Varsano, founder of The Jet Business, the world’s first street-level showroom for corporate aviation, to trace his rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential dealmakers in private aviation. With a career spanning entrepreneurship, corporate acquisitions, and global jet sales, Steve has built his reputation on vision, resilience, and an unmatched ability to close high-stakes deals.

The conversation explores the inner workings of the aviation business, from M&A and corporate jet transactions to navigating negotiations with precision and confidence. Steve reflects on the discipline behind deal-making, the relationships that sustain success at the highest levels, and the entrepreneurial mindset that turns challenges into opportunities. A rare insight into how relentless drive and the art of the deal define one of the most exclusive industries in the world.

Filmed at The Jet Business showroom in London.

Chapters:

Steve Varsano Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro ✨

(02:22) Entering the aviation world ✈️🌍

(03:58) Aviation lobbyist 🛩️ 🏛️

(06:08) The first sale 💼💰

(12:33) Private Jet vs. Corporate Jet 🛩️⚖️

(12:45) The Jet Business 🏢✈️

(15:19) The reality of entrepreneurship 🚀💡

(17:51) Corporate jet landscape 🌐🛩️

(25:43) Friendship vs. Business 🤝🏻💼

(27:11) Doing business with friends 👫💼

(30:10) Building your personal brand 👤🌟

(33:44) A chameleon in life & business 🦎💫💼

(38:08) Ego is the worst trait 🙅‍♂️😤

(40:27) Winning on feeling and not on paper ❤️📄❌

(44:59) Importance of asking questions ❓🧠

(47:54) Shift to corporate aviation 🔄✈️

(51:07) Buying time ⏳💵

(55:28) Why fly corporate? ✈️💼

(59:36) Corporate travel etiquette 🛫🤵

(01:04:21) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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The Gstaad Guy sits down with Dr. Barbara Sturm, internationally renowned aesthetics doctor and entrepreneur, to explore the science and philosophy behind her celebrated approach to skincare and wellness. Known for her anti-inflammatory and anti-aging innovations, Dr. Sturm has built a global reputation for products that combine efficacy with elegance, earning a devoted following from Hollywood to the wellness world.

The dialogue unpacks the role of hydration, balance, and prevention in longevity, and why true wellness extends beyond the skin to how we live each day. Dr. Sturm opens up about the discipline behind scientific innovation, the challenges of building a brand that champions both health and beauty, and the reality of juggling motherhood with a demanding career. A candid look at what it means to pursue wellness as both a lifestyle and a lifelong mission.

Filmed at Casa Cipriani Milano.

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro ✨

(04:33) Dr Barbara Sturm products 🧴✨

(05:24) How it all started 💡🚀

(08:52) The birth of Dr Barbara Sturm 🌱🌟

(12:05) The nuances of skincare 🧴🔬

(13:24) Obsession with science and efficacy 🔬⚡

(15:23) Anti-inflammatory lifestyle 🥗🧘‍♀️

(17:23) Is inflammation bad? ❓🔥

(22:07) Trusting the vision 👁️🤝🏻

(29:09) Beauty and fashion belong together 💄👗

(32:58) Juggling life 🤹‍♀️🌱

(34:40) Having the right business values 📜🤝🏻

(39:33) Life of luxury 💎🍷

(40:18) Health & wellness as a luxury 🧘‍♀️🌿

(42:37) Knowledge is the superpower of our generation 📚⚡

(43:40) Poubel 🗑️🔗

(45:47) Choosing who to work with 🤝🏻🎯

(47:31) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

(53:44) A life of balance & health ⚖️🌸

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The Gstaad Guy sits down with Paul Wachter, founder of Main Street Advisors and widely regarded as the silent force behind celebrity founders, to unpack the principles that have shaped one of the most influential advisory firms in sports, entertainment, and culture. Known for his work with LeBron James, Beats by Dre, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and other global names, Paul shares how identifying the right people and building brands with cultural resonance has defined his career.

The conversation explores what it takes to be relentless in business without losing sight of human values, and why authenticity is the cornerstone of long-term success. From spotting emerging opportunities to nurturing relationships that transcend contracts, Paul offers rare insights into the intersection of business, culture, and character. A candid look at how vision, discipline, and trust come together to shape influence at the highest level.

Filmed at Nobel LA’s St. Ives property.

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro ✨

(07:50) Working with Arnold & LeBron 🏋️‍♂️ 🏀

(09:55) Choosing clients 🤝🏻 🎯

(18:40) Beats By Dre 🎧🔥

(21:03) Success takes time ⏳🌱

(24:00) Authenticity being lost 🎭 ❌

(25:44) Businesses founded by celebrities ⭐ 🏢

(27:01) Marketing today 📱📣

(28:55) Hype dies down 📉💨

(32:59) Knowing when to walk away 🧐🚶

(36:29) From owning to selling 💼💵

(37:20) Traits amongst talents 🌟🧩

(38:05) Knowing what’s right for you 🧭💡

(42:41) Making the right decision 🎯🤔

(44:50) Non-negotiables & Values 📜 ⚖️

(48:48) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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