Maria Sharapova sits down with Marie-Louise Sciò, CEO and creative director of the iconic Italian luxury hospitality company, the Pellicano Group.
Marie-Louise shares her remarkable journey from watching her mom’s hotel parties from behind the rosemary bushes to securing a $200 million investment and expanding across Italy.
Together, Maria and Marie-Louise laugh, drink Negronis, and ponder the true meaning of luxury. Tune in as they sip, share stories, and unpack what it really takes to build an unforgettable brand and customer experience.
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00:00 | Introduction: Negronis at Noon and Perfecting Italian Luxury
01:17 | The Quote: Why Sex, Fun, and Joy Never Go Out of Style
04:00 | Growing Up Il Pellicano: Hiding Behind Rosemary Bushes and Lobster Rescues
06:55 | Taking the Leap: Designing Bathrooms and Rethinking the Hotel Brand
10:45 | The Power of Details: Stolen Ashtrays and the Iconic Pellicano Book
12:00 | Launching ISSIMO: Bringing Italy's Cabinet of Curiosities Digital
14:40 | Breaking the Rules: Cold-Writing Birkenstock and Embracing Bold Risks
17:15 | Respecting Heritage: Evolving a Legacy Hotel Without Destroying Its DNA
21:05 | Scaling Up: Raising €200 Million and Acquiring New Tuscan Gems
26:40 | The Ultimate Taste Test: Comparing Cocktails with Hotel Il Pellicano’s Legendary Barman
28:30 | Disconnecting in Luxury: Why Phones Are the Enemy of Relaxation
33:20 | The Ultimate Hotel Checklist: Mattresses, Lighting, and Bathrooms
34:40 | Marie-Louise’s Top 3 Hidden-Gem Hotels Outside of Her Group
38:50 | Constant Growth: Finding Lessons and Inspiration in Everything
40:00 | Pretty Tough Tips: Moving at the Speed of Opportunity
43:10 | Pretty Tough Rapid Fire: Unlearning Control, Misconceptions, and What Makes Her Feel Pretty
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About Pretty Tough
Pretty Tough is the weekly interview podcast hosted by five-time Grand Slam champion, entrepreneur, and bestselling author Maria Sharapova. Each week, Maria sits down with founders, CEOs, athletes, creatives, investors, and other high achievers for candid conversations about leadership, ambition, decision-making, performance, entrepreneurship, wellness, and building exceptional careers.Drawing from her own experience at the highest levels of sport and business, Maria explores what it really takes to succeed—from navigating failure and reinvention to scaling companies, leading teams, and pursuing excellence over the long term.
About Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova is a five-time Grand Slam champion, former World No. 1 tennis player, entrepreneur, investor, bestselling author, and one of the most recognizable athletes of her generation. Since retiring from professional tennis, she has built businesses, invested in consumer, technology, and lifestyle companies, and become a respected voice on leadership, performance, and entrepreneurship.
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