#48 Bastien Le Coz & Gabriella Zavatti - How We Built a Global Luxury Brand Without Sacrificing Family Life

Founded in 2015 by Bastien Le Coz and Gabriella Zavatti, Palatino Hospitality is a global leader in luxury hospitality, serving some of the world’s finest hotels — from Four Seasons, to One & Only, to Bulgari.But this episode isn’t just about building Palatino Hospitality and their recent merger with La Bottega. It’s about what happens when your life partner also becomes your co-founder.When every creative idea, late-night pitch deck, and long-haul flight is shared with the same person you’re raising a family with.From the outside, Bastien Le Coz and Gabriella Zavatti might look like just another power couple.But once you sit with them — as I did for this episode — you’ll hear the story behind the brand.We go deep into:- What it takes to scale without losing your relationship- The secret power of co-preneurship (and where it can break you)- Why creativity is the ultimate business strategy- How to sell without selling — by staying radically authentic- The quiet rituals that build lasting hospitality brandsThis one’s for anyone building something — a brand, a business, or a life — and wondering if it’s possible to do it all without burning out or selling out.I hope this conversation moves you as much as it moved me.And if it did, leave a comment below and let us know what resonated.Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/Connect with Gabriella on IG: @gabriellazavConnect with Bastien on IG: @BastienlecozFollow Palatino on IG: @palatinohospitalityWebsite: https://www.palatinogroup.com/ Palatino in the news: Merger with La Bottegahttps://www.unstageetapres.fr/(00:00) Preview and Intro(03:20) Blending Family, Work, and Travel  (07:05) The Importance of Presence in Work and Life  (10:02) Helping Clients (and Themselves) Disconnect  (13:08) Complementary Strengths & Co-Leadership  (16:23) Scaling the Business Without Losing the Soul  (22:13) Creativity as a Strategic Advantage  (26:23) Launching Before You're Ready  (30:21) The Sustainability Pivot & Market Timing  (33:49) Turning Clients Into Catalysts for Growth  (36:35) Learning from Failure Without Worshipping It  (39:36) What’s Next for Palatino(40:03) Designing Travel for Transformation  (46:00) Storytelling, Rituals, and the Future of Luxury Hospitality  (49:50) Personalization vs. Standardization in Guest Experience  (52:31) Living the Brand: Family, Travel, and Hospitality  (56:31) Leadership Principles: Empathy, Kindness, and Excellence  (01:02:21) Building a Purpose-Driven Business  (01:08:23) Lessons from Family, Mentors, and the Next Generation(01:07:00) The 5:1 Rule: Building a Culture of Positive Feedback  (01:08:23) Top Business Lessons from Experience  (01:10:03) Wisdom from Family: Gratitude and Quiet Strength  (01:13:55) Teaching Courage and Creativity to the Next Generation  (01:17:00) Final Reflections: Empathy, Mentorship & Social Impact