INTERVIEWS

From established entrepreneurs to pioneering start-ups, today’s leaders share stories, advice and inspiration

MY STORY Lysanne Currie MY STORY Lysanne Currie

Phoebe Vela-Hitchcox

The Cotswolds’ hotelier talks why nature helps spark business creativity, being mentored by Andrew Neil and why it’s all about “bringing people together”.

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MY STORY Lysanne Currie MY STORY Lysanne Currie

Patrick Gruhn

Patrick Gruhn explains how Veltracon Lifestyle are pioneering a transformative approach to health and longevity.

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MY STORY Lysanne Currie MY STORY Lysanne Currie

Anne Caroline Frey

At Loire Valley Lodges, guests literally sleep in a work of art: these luxury treehouses have been designed by contemporary artists, offering a serene, artistic retreat in the heart of the French countryside, as founder Anne Caroline Frey explains

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MY STORY Lysanne Currie MY STORY Lysanne Currie

Stephane Duvacher

With Malaysia’s Datai Langkawi featuring in BBC Two’s Amazing Hotels, here general manager Stephane Duvacher talks new travel trends, not emailing outside of work hours and the hotel’s pioneering sustainability pledge

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MY STORY Lysanne Currie MY STORY Lysanne Currie

Mohamed Amer

CEO of Egypt’s innovative Red Sea resort El Gouna talks about developing an Olympian-style mindset, the challenges of making decisions for 25,000 residents from over 120 countries and the four letter word that he believes is the key to success

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MY STORY Lysanne Currie MY STORY Lysanne Currie

Rhonda Suka

Dr Rhonda Suka has made saving the world’s coral reefs her life’s work. Here she talks mapping ocean floors, moving to the Middle East and how the world needs a little more Ohana…

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MY STORY Lysanne Currie MY STORY Lysanne Currie

Marcia Ashong-Sam

Founder of The Boardroom Africa and named as one of the 100 most influential Africans by New African Magazine, Marcia Ashong-Sam is challenging the world to see Africa - and its leaders - as the clear powerhouse they are.

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MY STORY Lysanne Currie MY STORY Lysanne Currie

NIAMH MCCARTHY

After working in the music industry, Niamh McCarthy is striking out into the wellness space. She discusses astrology, the perils of touring and the moment she got 20,000 heavy metal fans to embrace meditation.

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MY STORY Behiye Hassan MY STORY Behiye Hassan

Laurent Gardinier

On the 70th anniversary of the luxury hotel association Relais & Châteaux, president Laurent Gardinier discusses how a focus on sustainability, diversity and social responsibility are the key pillars of his leadership.

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MY STORY Lysanne Currie MY STORY Lysanne Currie

Brendan O'Connor

The general manager of Irish luxury hotel Adare Manor speaks with Meet the Leader about hosting the 2027 Ryder Cup, the benefits of employing over-50s and how all you need is Grá…

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MY STORY Lysanne Currie MY STORY Lysanne Currie

Nicola Shepherd

The founder of safari/travel firm Explorations Company tells Christian Koch about three decades of organising impact-led trips around the world

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MY STORY Lysanne Currie MY STORY Lysanne Currie

Ali O'Reilly

In the world of music festivals, female organisers are as rare as the women headlining them. One of the few exceptions is AGN Events director Ali O’Reilly who talks to Christian Koch about her brainchild of Rock N Roll Circus

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MY STORY Lysanne Currie MY STORY Lysanne Currie

PARMINDER BASRAN

How Parminder Basran, the Mancunian founder of growth capital investors VGC Partners is ripping up the investment rulebook with a groundbreaking portfolio

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MY STORY Lysanne Currie MY STORY Lysanne Currie

Jorge De Jesus

Jorge De Jesus, General Manager of Beaverbrook prepares to to welcome guests to its exclusive new Mickleham Village development in the Surrey Hills

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MY STORY Lysanne Currie MY STORY Lysanne Currie

Bettany Hughes

As her new special on India lands on Channel 4, the renowned historian Bettany Hughes discusses the interconnectedness of civilisations, how travel brings wisdom, and reveals her unusual funding model.

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MY STORY Behiye Hassan MY STORY Behiye Hassan

Klaus Tschütscher

The Executive Chairman of Switzerland’s Grand Resort Bad Ragaz – and former prime minister of Principality of Liechtenstein – talks to us about authenticity, the importance of a good team, and why people with privilege need to give back.

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MY STORY Behiye Hassan MY STORY Behiye Hassan

John Dopere

The CEO of Samujana, known for its luxury private villas, talks to us about business after Covid, true five-star service, and why looking after your staff is at the heart of good hospitality.

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