The Entrepreneurs
A weekly deep dive into global business. Inspiring stories from startups to legacy brands in hospitality, design, fashion, and retail.
Latest Episodes
Apple’s Lisa Jackson and the Apple 2030 initiative
Lisa Jackson, vice-president of environment, policy and social initiatives at Apple, stops by Midori House to talk about her journey from public service to leading the company’s sustainability efforts. She discusses her background in government, including her tenure as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency under Barack Obama, and…
The Development Studio and Ando Living
We explore smart urban development and innovative real-estate strategies with two founders leading the transformation of city spaces. Founder Keith Kerr talks about the evolution of The Development Studio, highlighting its design focus and adaptability in Hong Kong’s competitive market. Plus: Ando Living chairman Hakan Kodal discusses the company’s focus…
Troubadour and Vee Collective
We discuss how feedback can drive innovation with the founders of two high-end accessories labels. Troubadour’s Abel Samet explains how fostering customer interactions shapes their product development. Plus: Vee Collective’s Lili Radu talks about the value of physical retail for growing a brand and creating a comprehensive customer experience.
Severan Wines
Record-label boss and serial entrepreneur Dumi Oburota discusses his career journey, from selling lollipops on the playground and playing a key role in the rise of prominent artists to his latest venture, Severan Wines. We taste his high-end Blanc de Blancs Brut.
Moyagi and Clown Cardio
This week’s show is a celebration of having fun. Monocle’s Fernando Augusto Pacheco belts out his favourite tunes at Moyagi, a new London karaoke bar that pays homage to the medium’s Japanese origins. Plus: we meet the creator of Clown Cardio, a fitness programme that is based on physical theatre…
Harbor Lab and Mantility
We’re shining a spotlight on two major Greek industries: shipping and silk. Founder Antonis Malaxianakis discusses his journey from managing his family business to innovating in the maritime industry with Harbor Lab, a software platform that automates port-related cost management. Plus: we discuss the challenges of reviving silk production in…
Oriens Aviation
Founder and CEO Edwin Brenninkmeyer shares insights into his lifelong passion for flying and the opportunities available in infrastructure to develop new, greener aircraft. Plus: we discuss the differing perceptions of business aviation in the US and Europe.
Les Deux and I Am Volya
We explore how entrepreneurs are creating lasting impact through fashion. Les Deux co-founder Andreas von Der Heide stops by Midori House to talk about the inspiration behind their smart menswear collections, the role of physical retail in fostering connections with customers and leaving a meaningful legacy beyond just building a…
Swingers and Wagwell
Matt Grech-Smith, co-founder and co-CEO of Swingers, talks about the mini-golf brand’s humble beginnings and meteoric rise. Grech-Smith emphasises the importance of corporate density and vibrant dating scenes for scouting new locations and advises international businesses to approach the US as a group of separate countries. Plus: we head to…
Ettinger and Wärtsilä
Ettinger’s managing director, Robert Ettinger, talks about the rich heritage of the family-run leather goods business, the challenges of preserving traditional manufacturing techniques in a modern world and selling its Britishness globally. He explains how the brand maintains its commitment to craftsmanship and quality while embracing sustainability and innovation. Plus:…
