Paul Wachter: Founder of Main Street Advisors – “The Silent Force Behind Celebrity Founders”, LeBron James, Beats by Dre, & Cultural Marketing
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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Alex Ikonn: Creator of The 5-Minute Journal – Gratitude, Kindness, Entrepreneurship, & Designing A Life of Meaning
The Gstaad Guy sits down with Alex Ikonn, entrepreneur, creator, and co-founder of The 5-Minute Journal and The Productivity Planner, to explore the mindset behind turning hardship into opportunity. From growing up with scarcity and financial struggle to becoming one of the early pioneers in the social media-driven e-commerce boom, Alex’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of authenticity.
The conversation dives into what it means to truly “design your life”, balancing entrepreneurship with well-being, kindness, gratitude, self-development, and the discipline of daily habits. Alex shares lessons from building a global brand, navigating the highs and lows of being an online creator, and why embracing hardship can become the foundation for lasting growth. A candid look at how being yourself, even in the toughest moments, can lead to building not just businesses, but a life worth living.
Filmed at The Jet Business showroom in London.
(00:00) Intro ✨
(03:41) Poubel 🗑️🔗
(06:14) Early Life 👶🌱
(08:54) Basics of Business 📊💼
(13:44) Seeking validation through work 🏆💻
(17:42) A business isn’t just lifestyle 🚀🛠️
(19:58) Creating the right mindset 🧠✨
(21:08) Avoid 50/50 businesses ❌⚖️
(23:03) How to be productive ⏱️📈
(24:05) Vision Boards 🖼️🎯
(26:13) Why is vision important? 👁️🔑
(29:16) Helping your life journey 🛤️🌟
(35:52) Acquiring the right mindset 🧘♂️💡
(36:45) Delivering value 🎁🤝🏻
(40:18) The best version of self 🪞💎
(41:42) Confronting death 👊🏻🕊️
(43:46) Choosing your reality 🌍🔮
(50:00) Taking responsibility 🙋♂️📌
(52:09) Love life ❤️🌹
(52:48) Choosing a partner 💞🤔
(55:10) Aligning with your partner 👫⚡
(57:15) Experiencing true love 💖🌈
(59:43) Success in dating 💌🥂
(01:01:35) How to progress in relationships 👩❤️👨➡️💍
(01:03:01) Practicing gratitude 🙏🌸
(01:07:09) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨
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1:13:50
Roxie Nafousi: Author of Manifest – “The Manifesting Queen”, Rock Bottom, Healing, Confidence, & The Power of Self-Belief
The Gstaad Guy sits down with Roxie Nafousi, bestselling author and self-development coach, to explore how personal struggle can become the catalyst for profound transformation. From the depths of addiction, loneliness, and emotional lows, Roxie shares the pivotal moments that pushed her to rebuild her life from the inside out.
The conversation unpacks manifestation not as magic, but as a practical, healing practice rooted in self-awareness, discipline, and consistent action. Roxie opens up about the role of affirmations in rewiring the mind, navigating the challenges of dating and confidence, and finding purpose in helping others unlock their potential. An honest, moving look at what it really takes to turn pain into power, and become the architect of your own life.
Filmed at The Berkeley, London, Knightsbridge Suite.
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro ✨
(04:36) Seven Roles of Manifestation ✨📜
(07:33) Everybody is always manifesting 🌍💭
(08:21) Daydreaming vs. Manifesting 💭⚡
(11:27) Self-development is cool 📚😎
(13:09) Chasing vs. Attracting 🏃♂️🧲
(13:51) The act of chasing 🏃♀️💨
(14:57) Growing Up 👶➡️🧑
(20:58) Discovering Self-Worth 💎🪞
(26:53) Turning pain to drive 💔🚀
(32:13) The grey zone ⚫⚪
(33:40) Helping others 🤝🏻💡
(38:24) From passion to business ❤️💼
(41:56) Generalist vs. Specialist 🛠️🎯
(42:54) The best version of self 🌟🪞
(40:40) Confidence 💪🏻😌
(41:48) Not feeling like you’re enough 😔🚫
(43:13) Self-Worth 💎✨
(48:10) Dating ❤️💬
(53:12) Approach to good dating 🗝️💘
(54:29) Not in touch with your truth 🙈🗣️
(55:54) Honesty in dating 💬🤍
(56:46) Best place to meet new people 🏙️ 🤝🏻
(59:14) First Date À La Poubelles 🗑️🍷
(01:01:37) Ideal first date 💡❤️
(01:03:37) First Date Fantastiques ✨🍷
(01:06:18) First dinner date conversations 🍽️ 🗣️
(01:08:43) Dating someone with a child 👩👧 ❤️
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1:14:55
Benjamin Paulin: Founder of Paulin Paulin Paulin – “The Dune” Sofa, Design Lineage, & Reimagining Everyday Form
In this episode, The Gstaad Guy sits down with designer and creative mind Benjamin Paulin to explore how design, culture, and heritage intersect in his evolving body of work. As the son of legendary furniture designer Pierre Paulin, Benjamin brings a unique perspective on honouring tradition while pushing the boundaries of form and function.
The conversation unpacks the balance between art and design, the role of modularity in shaping how we live, and the tension between legacy and pop culture. Benjamin also reflects on the discipline of designing with constraints, how limitations can sharpen creativity and give rise to ideas that are both functional and visionary. Through a lens of innovation and influence, he shares what it means to build a future-forward design language, one piece at a time.
(00:00) Intro ✨
(02:01) Echo Of Pierre Paulin 🪑🔊🕰️
(03:49) Passion for Furniture ❤️🔥🪑
(04:59) Values ⚖️
(08:32) Art vs. Design 🎨 📐
(09:44) Form vs. Function ⚖️🛠️
(10:57) The Dune 🏜️ 🛋️
(15:49) Paulin & Pop-Culture 🛋️ 🎬 🎤
(19:00) Future of Furniture 🔮🪑
(23:44) Design of The Dune ✏️🏜️🛋️
(26:38) “Passion for design” ❤️🔥📐
(33:23) “How Paulin restarted” 🔁🪑👨🎨
(36:33) Integrity 🧱💎
(37:58) The Paulin Designs 🪑✨✏️
(40:12) “The living room” 🛋️ 📺
(43:51) “Working without limitations” 🚀🧠🔓
(46:26) “Constraints” ⛓️📏
(48:09) “University of rap” 🎓🎤
(52:09) “Stay passionate” 🧡🔥💪🏻
(56:59) Architects vs. Interior Designers vs. Designers 🏛️🛋️🎨
(58:34) Family & Work 👨👩👧👦 💼
(01:05:18) “Screens are everywhere” 📱💻
(01:06:18) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨
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1:11:03
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1:11:03
Stefan Sonnenfeld: Founder of Company 3 – “Da Vinci of Colour Grading”, Movies, Discipline, Working With Apple
The Gstaad Guy sits down with Stefan Sonnenfeld, legendary colourist and founder of Company 3, to explore the discipline, drive, and vision behind some of the most iconic visuals in modern entertainment. Known for his pioneering work with Apple and countless cultural touchpoints across film, fashion, and advertising, Stefan unpacks what it means to shape stories through colour.
From policing piracy in the early days to becoming a creative "sheriff" in his own right, the conversation dives into the grit behind his journey, working tirelessly, creating opportunities where there were none, and staying ahead through health, wellness, and biohacking. A rare glimpse into the life and mind of someone who’s not just colouring film, but culture itself.
Filmed at Nobel LA’s St. Ives property.
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro ✨
(02:39) Police Officer 👮♂️
(08:58) Giving Back 🤝🏻
(10:05) Why colour grading? 🎨🤔
(12:59) Discovering Colouring 🔍🎨
(17:24) How colour affects films 🎬🌈
(18:03) What is colour? 🌈❓
(22:17) Manipulating feature films 🎞️ 🛠️
(26:20) Working with Apple 🍏💻💼
(26:48) Steve Jobs’ attention to detail 👓 🔍
(33:27) Balancing life ⚖️🧘
(34:02) Greatness requires sacrifice 🥇🔥
(39:14) No room for complacency 🚫😌
(39:36) Lessons passed down 📜👨🏫
(42:00) A creative leader 🎨👑
(47:35) Optimisation ⚙️📈
(48:49) AI obliterates mediocrity 🤖💥
(50:48) Timing ⏱️ 🎯
(54:58) Health & Biohacking 🧬🥗
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The Gstaad Guy Podcast is your backstage pass to the untold stories behind excellence. Hosted by The Gstaad Guy, out of character, this guest driven, unscripted series explores the real journeys, challenges and turning points that shape those who have mastered their craft. From global tastemakers and industry leaders to creative pioneers and cultural outliers, each episode reveals what it really takes to achieve excellence. Through humour and curiosity, The Gstaad Guy peels back the layers to uncover the grit behind the glamour, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the worlds usually kept behind closed doors.
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