The Gstaad Guy Podcast

Ronnie Kessel: CEO of Kessel Group – Motorsport, Family Legacy, & The Pursuit of Perfection On And Off The Track

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Ronnie Kessel, CEO of Kessel Group, and co-founder of The I.C.E. St. Moritz, to explore a life shaped by speed, discipline, and a deep-rooted passion for the automotive world. From early dreams of becoming a racing driver and competing at the highest levels of motorsport, to inheriting the responsibility of the family business, following his father’s passing, Ronnie reflects on the pivotal moments that defined both his career and his character.The conversation dives into the transition from racing to leadership within Kessel Group, the balance between competition, dealership life, and classic cars, and why heritage matters as much as performance. Ronnie shares his perspective on how motorsport has evolved, the growing intersection of luxury and racing, and the shared values between craftsmanship in fashion and precision on the track. From obsession with perfection to lessons learned at iconic races such as the 24 Hours of Spa, this is a candid look at ambition, responsibility, and the enduring romance of cars.Filmed in Andermatt, Switzerland.Chapters:(00:00) Intro ✨(03:18) Racing 🏎️💨(04:44) F1 & Family 🏁👨‍👩‍👦(06:49) Sport Today 🏟️⚡(09:03) From Racing To The Family Business 🏎️➡️🏢(12:17) Racing, Dealership, or Vintage Cars? 🏁🚗(13:16) I.C.E. St Moritz 🧊🚘(14:36) Inheriting Responsibility 🧬⚖️(17:18) Then vs. Now ⏳🔄(19:17) C.A.R.S. 🚗📐(19:57) Racing As A Fashion 🏎️👗(21:13) Specialising vs. Expanding 🎯🌱(25:43) Importance Of Classic Cars & Heritage 🚘🏛️(27:01) What Do People Think Of Cars? 🤔🚗(30:46) Formula 1 🏎️🏁(34:24) 24 Hours of Spa ⏱️🏎️(36:43) Intersection of Luxury, Motorsport & Performance 💎🏎️(39:46) Shared Values Between Racing & Loro Piana 🤝🏻🧵(40:51) Perfection & Obsession 🎯🔥(43:37) Lessons Learnt 📘💡(45:49) Advice To Younger Self 🪞💬(50:54) Entering The Automotive World 🚪🚗(53:14) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨(55:18) Dream Three-Car Garage 🚗See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Giuliano Calza: Founder of GCDS – Branding Codes, Dreaming Big, Discipline, & Making Fashion Fun Again

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Giuliano Calza, founder and creative force behind GCDS, to explore the mindset, conviction, and storytelling that shaped one of fashion’s most distinctive modern brands. From his upbringing and early dreams to moving to China and building a new life from scratch, Giuliano reflects on the moments of discomfort and discipline that fuelled his personal and creative growth.The conversation dives into the codes of branding, the meaning behind logos, and why being a strong storyteller is essential to building something that resonates. Giuliano speaks openly about values, perspective, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people and environment to grow. He also touches on why fashion lost some of its fun, what luxury really means today, and why belonging matters more than status. A candid look at conviction, creativity, and what it takes to turn vision into something lasting.Filmed at Mandarin Oriental, Milan. Chapters:(00:00) Intro ✨(02:22) GCDS 👕✨(05:23) Upbringing 👶🏻🏡(08:18) An Unserious Generation 😜📱(12:04) The Codes of Branding 🧬🏷️(13:13) Being a Dreamer ☁️💭(14:33) Moving to China ✈️🇨🇳(19:00) A New Life 🌅✨(20:51) I Was Given Back What Seemed Stolen 🔄💎(24:58) What the Logo Represents 🔣✨(28:36) Being A Successful Storyteller 📖🌟(32:02) Same Values, Different Perspectives ⚖️👁️(34:43) What You Look For In People Around You 🔍👥(37:20) Discovering Giuliano Calza 🔎⭐(39:57) Discomfort & Discipline Power Growth 🧗‍♂️🔥(43:24) Right Mindset And Environment For Growth 🧠🌱(44:55) Making The Most Out Of Situations 🔄💡(47:24) Strong Conviction 💪🏻🎯(50:27) Fashion Lost Its Fun 👗😕(53:30) Luxury Is Something To Belong 💎🤝🏻(55:30) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨(1:02:01) Advice To Self 🪞💬(1:04:48) Family Business 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏢(1:05:09) Driver For Success 🚗🔥(1:06:46) Heaven Alone Is Hell, & Hell With Friends Is Heaven 😈🤝🏻😇See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Davide De Pierro: Author of "The Letters I Never Sent" – Love, Self-Awareness, Dating, & The Complexity of Being Human

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Davide De Pierro, writer, storyteller, and viral voice behind The Letters I Never Sent, for a conversation that explores the messy, tender, and often hilarious reality of being human. Known for his clarity, honesty, and emotional precision, Davide reflects on the inspirations that shaped his writing, why “the how matters more than the what,” and the radical act of caring deeply in a world that rewards detachment.The conversation dives into modern dating, expectations, accountability, and the quiet wisdom found in discovering how you truly feel. Davide unpacks the difference between being impressive and being loved, why perfection is a trap, and what role empathy plays in conflict resolution and navigating relationships. From role models to nostalgia, from self-awareness to the art of speaking simply, he offers a grounded and compassionate look at why so many of us struggle, and why none of us are alone in it. A thoughtful and emotionally resonant episode about relationships, identity, and the lifelong work of becoming a person.Filmed at Casa Cipriani New York’s Premier River View Suite.Chapters:(00:00) Intro ✨(04:59) The Inspiration ✨💡(06:35) “Two Feet In One Shoe” 👣👠(08:29) The How is More Important Than The What 🧭⚙️(10:30) Caring Deeply ❤️🫂(15:50) Writing Letters ✍🏻💌(16:58) Captain America 🛡️🇺🇸(17:49) “Find A Man Who Doesn’t Have Social Media” 🙅‍♂️📱(22:45) Girl At A Bar 🍸👩(25:54) Being Impressive vs. Being Loved 🌟❤️(27:22) Expecting Perfection 🎯✨(29:32) Be Monogamous In Your Dating Life ❤️🔒(31:21) Role Models 🌟🧍‍♂️(32:00) “Peasantry” 🧺😅(36:38) Sharing Struggle With Someone 🤝🏻💭(37:40) Wealthy People Don’t Love Each Other 💰💔(40:16) “Peasant” 🧺😂(41:57) Conflict Resolution & Problem Solving 🧩🤝🏻(45:24) “It’s Easier For A Camel To Pass Through The Eye of a Needle…” 🐪🪡(48:45) Accountability 🪞✔️(50:04) Deficit of Self-Awareness 🤔❌(53:04) Speaking Calmly & Simply 🧘‍♂️💬(56:14) ”It’s Really Hard To Be A Person” 😔🌧️(1:00:09) Trying To Change People 🔧👤(1:01:58) Getting To Know People 👥💬(1:06:30) Nightclub Analogy For Dating 🕺💘(1:08:03) If It’s Not Sweet In The Beginning Then What’s The Point 🍯💞(1:10:13) Accepting Someone’s Faults 🫂💛(1:12:33) Taking Advice 👂🏻📘(1:14:34) “The Letters I Never Sent” 💌🕊️(1:16:11) Discovering How I Feel 🧠❤️(1:19:42) Relationship Games 🎭🎯(1:23:07) Toxic Tendencies ⚠️💔(1:25:16) Women Always Know 👩‍🦰👀(1:30:23) Remembering Someone Fondly 🌸💭(1:32:04) Dealing With Your Ex 😬📱(1:34:55) Reuniting With An Ex 🔄❤️(1:36:05) Why We Want Partners ❤️🤝🏻(1:38:49) Nostalgia 📼💞(1:43:28) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yusra Mardini: Olympic Swimmer & UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador – Survival, Hope, Storytelling, & the Power of the Human Spirit

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Yusra Mardini, Olympic swimmer, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, and the real-life inspiration behind The Swimmers, to explore one of the most extraordinary journeys of courage, resilience, and reinvention. From her childhood in Damascus and the moment war changed everything, to the harrowing escape across the Aegean Sea and rebuilding her life in Germany, Yusra reflects on the experiences that shaped her both as an athlete and as a storyteller.The conversation dives into the power of swimming as an anchor through chaos, her unlikely path to the Olympic Games, and the global impact of having her story portrayed on screen. Yusra opens up about public speaking, refugee advocacy, and how sharing her truth became a way to give hope to millions. She also discusses her creative future in filmmaking, the weight of expectations, and the importance of mental health after trauma. A moving look at courage, identity, and what it means to keep dreaming, even when the world tells you to stop.Filmed in the One&Only One Za’abeel Royal Suite.Chapters:(00:00) Intro ✨(01:15) Life on the Road 🌍✈️(01:54) USC Film Path 🎓🎥(02:50) Power of Storytelling ✏️❤️(03:32) Love for Swimming 🏊‍♀️💙(05:22) The Swimmers Film 🎬😭(06:52) Born in Damascus 🇸🇾🏠(07:50) War Begins 💥😔(08:13) Missile in Pool 🚨🌊(08:46) Losing Home 🏚️💔(10:37) Decision to Flee 🧭😢(12:00) Smuggler Journey ⚠️🚌(13:10) Reaching Lesvos 🇬🇷🌊(14:40) Sea Crossing 🚤😱(15:11) Arriving in Germany 🇩🇪✨(17:32) Olympic Dream 🏅🔥(22:12) Olympic Selection 🎉🏊‍♀️(24:28) Opening Ceremony 🎆🌍(25:36) Global Impact 🌐💫(27:05) Public Speaking 🎙️🌟(31:12) Refugee Advocacy 🤝🏻🌿(34:58) Directing Dreams 🎬🌙(42:28) Mental Health 🧠💛(49:15) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nick Tran: President of First Round & Former CMO of TikTok – Culture, Chaos, AI, & Being Yourself in the Digital Age

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Nick Tran, president of First Round & former CMO of TikTok, and one of the most inventive minds in modern marketing, to explore what it really means to stay true to yourself in a world shaped by algorithms, speed, and constant reinvention. With a career built at the intersection of culture, creativity, and technology, Nick reflects on navigating chaos, solving problems through imagination, and building brand affinity in an era where attention is the most valuable currency.The conversation dives into how social media rewired culture, the rise of AI as a tool that empowers both creators and consumers, and why authenticity, not perfection, wins in the digital arena. Nick shares lessons from the inside of one of the world’s most influential platforms, offering rare insight into storytelling, community, and the evolving relationship between people and technology. A thoughtful look at the future of content, identity, and creativity in a world where anyone can make anything.Filmed at Casa Cipriani New York’s Premier River View Suite.Chapters:(00:00) Intro ✨(01:17) Social media & TikTok 📱🎵(02:32) AI social media 🤖📲(03:18) The most successful lies 🎭⚠️(06:31) AI servicing creators & consumers 🤖🎨👥(09:48) Oversupply of AI-generated content 📚🤖🌊(12:08) Producing campaigns 🎥📈(12:57) Organic socials 🌱📱(15:36) Community building 🧑‍🤝‍🧑🌐(18:14) Becoming a CMO 🎓💼(22:05) Having a calm demeanour 😌🌿(24:14) Problem solving 🧩💡(28:45) Brand affinity ❤️🏷️(32:57) Content strategy 🗂️🎯(37:08) Whoop ⌚⚡(41:33) Solving chaos 🔥➡️🧠(44:03) Building a team 🧱👥(45:55) Working in lean environments 🪶💼(54:49) Saily ⛵📱(56:46 )University 🎓📘(1:01:36) Screen time 📱⏱️(1:04:19) Knowledge access vs. acquisition 🔍📚⚖️(1:08:16) Process matters ⚙️🧠(1:09:33) “Marketing at the speed of culture” ⚡🎨🌍(1:15:32) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨(1:18:44) Internet awareness & cultural curiosity 🌐👁️💭(1:19:41) Freelance vs. full-time 🧑‍💻↔️🏢(1:25:30) Small teams 👥✨See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.