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.