Monocle 24: The Entrepreneurs

Cornelius Klimt shares the story of Calma Compania, an Austrian brand making plant-based mosquito spray, which he launched in 2024 with co-founder Hemma Marenzi. Today, it’s found in some of Europe’s most thoughtful hotels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Håkan Agnevall, CEO of Wärtsilä, discusses how the company is helping to shift entire industries toward a 100 per cent renewable future. Then: what’s next in entrepreneurship education with Augment co-founder Ariel Renous.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finnmark Sauna’s founder, Jake Newport, shares his passion for Finnish sauna, including how his personal experience with its healing benefits inspired him to launch a business that brings authentic sauna experiences to the UK.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julia Hobsbawm is an author and the CEO of global work trends and change network Workathon. In this episode she shares how to build a healthier relationship with our online lives and offers a blueprint for navigating digital spaces with decency and respect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We shift into summer mode with warm-weather style and two brands that radiate sunshine: Bucharest-based fashion label Les Vacances d’Irina and Australian accessories house Helen Kaminski.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Meeker, founder and CEO of Bark, explains how the company’s mission to make dogs happy has evolved from selling chew toys to launching Bark Air, the world’s first airline designed for dogs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Hieatt is the founder of Hiut Denim Co and The Do Lectures, an idea- sharing platform featuring some of the world’s most interesting thinkers. He has previously worked for some of the biggest advertising agencies in the world and was the founder of sportswear brand Howie’s. Hieatt didn’t have the most traditional path into his career. Despite not finishing his education, the thread that runs through his career is a commitment to learning. In this episode he tells Tom Edwards about how being open to continuous education has taken him on an incredible journey and why sometimes you take your lessons from the most unexpected places.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lifelong friends and business partners, Johnny Smith and Daniel Willis, talk about their Michelin-starred restaurant, Luca, and their latest venture, Smith & Willis, a new hospitality group that builds on their partnership restaurants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We meet Marta Agueda Carlero, co-founder of Material Alternative Design (MAD), a design company fuelled by fungi. She discusses how MAD uses mycelium in its manufacturing to create sustainable climbing gear.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Tom Edwards is joined by serial entrepreneur Dumi Oburota to discuss the power of being present and of meaningful exchange. From his experiences in the music industry, nurturing the career of acclaimed British rapper Tinie Tempah to closing deals on his newly founded drinks brand Severan, Oburota tells us why he’s a firm believer in the magic of human connection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s editor in chief, Andrew Tuck, talks about the business opportunities in Indonesia. Plus: we hear from the co-founder of a design studio in Singapore and contemplate the virtues of phone-free spaces.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We meet Mariah Levin, executive director of beVisioneers, a global fellowship backed by Mercedes-Benz that equips young innovators with the tools, funding and network to build scalable ventures tackling environmental challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An ode to Italian hospitality. Two brothers from Bologna discuss the global expansion of their pizza chain, Berberè. Then: we raise a glass with the long-time friends from Cosenza leading London’s Bar 45.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first episode of Monocle’s collaboration with Pullman Hotels, Monocle’s Tom Edwards is in Dubai to meet the architect and founder of design practice Roar, Pallavi Dean. A seasoned globe-trotter, Dean is no stranger to new geographies and beginnings. We ask her how activating change can help to breed the resilience and agility needed to grow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

East Fork Pottery founder and CEO Alex Matisse shares the story behind launching his Asheville-based pottery company and its new collection, a collaboration with Les Héritiers Matisse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the crowning achievements of two leaders behind brands with royal seals of approval: the president of a 500-year-old Japanese confectionery company and the CEO of a Swedish haircare brand beloved by the country’s royal family. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We meet the founder of Tennibot, an Auburn-based company making autonomous robots for racket sports. Haitham Eletrabi talks about the global demand for their products and the company’s latest launch: Partner, a smart ball machine that mimics human shots and moves around the court, creating a realistic playing experience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carolyn Dailey, author of ‘The Creative Entrepreneur’, shares lessons from industry leaders, such as Grammy-winner Nile Rodgers and restaurateur Ruthie Rogers, on building purpose-driven businesses. Plus: Mark Roberts talks about ‘The Entrepreneur Within’, his guide for driving innovation from inside any organisation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We meet Jens Holzapfel, business director at Nordic Air Defence, a Stockholm-based start-up developing compact, non-explosive drone interceptors. Holzapfel talks about the company’s flagship product, the Kreuger100, and why Europe needs more homegrown defense technology to address quickly evolving security challenges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turbulence makes flying unbearable for some and uncomfortable for all. As bumpy skies become more common, we meet the CEO of an aviation company that’s focused on making flights smoother with groundbreaking turbulence-cancelling technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mindvalley founder, Vishen Lakhiani, discusses whether AI has the potential to transform our approach to work and enhance overall wellbeing by eliminating unnecessary tasks, and allowing us to dedicate more time to building meaningful, real-life connections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Europe’s tech scene is often seen as trailing the US and China but startups across the continent are challenging that perspective. We meet two founders that are shaking up the industry and proving that ambition, collaboration and smart risks can make Europe competitive again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ian Flood shares how a late-night chess game with his then-flatmate and fellow architect Chris Prosser sparked the idea to design sets inspired by city skylines, with pieces shaped like famous landmarks. He discusses how they founded Skyline Chess and grew it into a thriving business, now featuring 12 cities and a growing portfolio of custom sets for developers, architects and corporate clients.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canva co-founder and chief product officer, Cameron Adams, shares how the company’s culture of simplicity and positive social impact drives its success. Plus: what’s next for the company and its two-step plan to balance profitability with global good. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Co-founder and CEO Andreas Cleve talks about how Corti’s healthcare-specific AI foundation model enhances patient care by cutting admin work and giving doctors more time to focus on what matters most.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore innovation in motion from the road to the skies. Polestar CEO, Michael Loescheller, shares his optimistic outlook for Swedish EV maker in 2025. And: we hop aboard Greece's first scheduled helicopter airline, Hoper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We meet the founder of the Italian-made luxury handbag label Sevda London. Sevda Mutlu talks about building her brand, its upcoming collaboration with the Ritz Paris and how her Turkish heritage inspires every design.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We meet a former magazine editor who leveraged her experience to launch her own womenswear brand. Then: fresh from fashion’s front rows, Monocle’s Natalie Theodosi talks about the trends shaping the market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Roescher, CEO of Raw Materials, shares why the digital design agency prides itself on an unconventional business model. We discuss how its unique approach helps it to stand out and land big clients. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do sailing and wealth management have in common? For Vincent Lecomte, CEO of BNP Paribas Wealth Management, both require vision, adaptability and trust. Lecomte joins ‘The Entrepreneurs’ to explain how a turbulent economic landscape requires investors to embrace new challenges, manage risks and adapt to new strategies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helgi Óskarsson, CEO of 66°North, shares how the brand went from outfitting Icelandic fishermen to a globally recognised name in outerwear. We discuss its ethos, retail expansion and new exhibition at Copenhagen Fashion Week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As societies get older, how can we support wellbeing from infancy to later life? We explore both ends of the spectrum as we meet the co-founder of an organic infant formula company and head to an Italian medical spa that claims to hold the secrets to longevity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.