Flensted’s handmade mobiles have hung in well-designed homes around the world for more than 50 years. The family- run company is also one of Denmark’s most successful cottage industries and business is flying high.
While still a schoolgirl, Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele was representing her family firm Chopard and visiting clients including Imelda Marcos. With her brother and her parents actively involved, business is full of kindred…
As part of our exploration of dynasties, Monocle meets two families who have built cultural powerhouses up from the ground: the Bonniers’ huge Swedish media machine, and the Glimchers’ art gallery empire.
Andrew Cogan, CEO of design firm Knoll, has made some hard decisions (letting a fifth of his staff go) while building a loyal team. His management style sees him choosing face-to-face over Skype and Jay-Z over management…
With over half a century of craftsmanship under his belt, Mohamed Abdel Zaher has transformed his family-run book-binding business into a modern enterprise, retaining all of its character and charm.
As a child he had a dream job: testing toys for his father’s firm. Today Michihiro Maeda has taken the company to new heights and made its key product, Sylvanian Families, a toy destined for future success
We all want to work in an environment that’s friendly, challenging and gets the best out of us. The companies featured here are benchmarks in particular fields, whether it’s looking after employees, maintaining traditions…
Despite its 223-year history, and rural setting, there is nothing dyed in the wool about British knitwear business John Smedley. This is a company that has thrived on its ability to move with the times – and now it is…
In 1928 Maruni Wood Industry was born out of a fascination with the masterful carpentry in ancient shrines. Today its furniture is found in the Californian headquarters of Apple as well as airport lounges, galleries and…
Mauricio Macri shunned his family business to pursue a life in politics. Now mayor of Buenos Aires and a presidential candidate, he reacts to corruption accusations and tells us why running a football club has been his…
There’s more to feeling part of a tightly knit team than daily meetings and hasty coffee breaks. We catch up with the thriving businesses that nurture their company culture and have taken team bonding to a whole new level…
As gatekeeper of illycaffè, one of Italy’s most famous coffee brands, CEO Andrea Illy faces some intense competition. He tells Monocle how he has kept the company not just above water, but thriving.