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

Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/


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 brands

This 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/

Connect with Gabriella on IG: @gabriellazav

Connect with Bastien on IG: @Bastienlecoz

Follow Palatino on IG: @palatinohospitality

Website: https://www.palatinogroup.com/ 

Palatino in the news: Merger with La Bottega

https://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