Hola, hola! Welcome to Casa Cinco, a weekly newsletter curating connection.

Are you building or investing in the hospitality and consumer industries? See the bottom of this email and connect with Casa Cinco.

This week we’re discussing Zuckerberg’s gold chain bringing people together, the meaning of true luxury, and London’s members’ clubs. Happy reading!

Here’s to connecting,

Andy

ZUCKERBERG’S GOLD CHAIN: BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER?

In his latest conversation with Neil Strauss, author of The Game, Simon Sinek dissects connection, success, and vision. Side note: Sinek’s ‘Start with Why’ TED Talk aired 14 years ago… let that sink in.

This was overall a fascinating conversation, but I was most captivated by the discussion around Mark Zuckerberg in a gold chain. Hear me out.

Why are we so obsessed with individuals? When we think about Meta, we think Zuckerberg (with or without a gold chain). Apple is Steve Jobs (and some Tim Cook). J.P. Morgan is Jamie Dimon. LVMH is Bernard Arnault. So on and so forth.

CEOs are now advised to make it about them instead of the company. It’s what sells on social media. We rather see Zuckerberg on a gold chain, clearly, than Meta’s efforts to bring people closer together (I have a lot to say about this, but moving on). But Zuckerberg’s gold chain brought people together! Nice try.

According to Simon, society is lacking vision. Leaders no longer speak in idealized terms, such as Martin Luther King’s I have a Dream speech and John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address (“Ask not what your country can do for you…”). They don’t create idealized versions of the world for us to pursue, together.

Why does this matter?

Creating a vision for others to join in and feel a part of, a vision of a better world that people want to build together, creates a sense of community. It makes us feel connected to a group. This is especially relevant in today’s societies given the demise of religion.

In lieu of this, we turn inward and forget we’re part of a group. We go back to individualism, confined to our egos and reflecting our fears and desires on others. Lacking vision in our everyday has made our actions less about others and more about ourselves. It has left us less connected.

The inspiration for you is: Return to your vision. That of your company. That of the products you purchase and the places you visit.

Use vision as a way to reconnect to yourself and others. Use it to hold yourself and others accountable in building a better version of our world.

Let’s make it less about Zuckerberg’s gold chain and more about bringing people together.

WEEKLY CURATION

PEOPLE

• Lorenzo Bertelli, heir to the Prada Group, on driving sustainable change through people, planet, and culture 

• For Gen Z, ‘meaningful work’ comes before pay (note: article discusses manufacturing jobs, but message applies to other industries)

• For any Swifties: Is Taylor Swift driving the experience economy?

PRODUCTS

• It’s us against them in the sustainable fashion world… and customers aren’t too happy. What if I want a better world but can only afford Zara?

• Have holes in your socks? Buy Bombas and give back to the homeless

• Dyson just launched it’s latest hair dryer. Scalp health anyone?

PLACES

• Checking in with Soho House after a dire short-seller report 

• The hotel of the future involves customization, sustainability, and… hospitality. What do you think?

• London’s Garrick Club votes to accept women for the first time in its c. 200 year history. Do we even want to go there by now?

• Neighborhood members’ clubs are rising as more affordable alternatives starting in Islington with The Dally and Loom opening soon

• Accor’s Chief Sustainability Officer on redefining luxury, travel, and customer experiences

CONNECT WITH CASA CINCO

Are you an entrepreneur or investor in the hospitality and consumer industries? Not sure if what you do fits in these categories, but you’re all about making people happy?

More than simply alive, are you helping others to live more fully?

Let’s connect. I’m building a network for those who put people first, and that’s always good business.

Reply to this email with the subject line “MEMBER” introducing yourself, or schedule a quick call with me.

We’ll talk soon. Thank you for joining me at Casa Cinco.

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