Pullman Embraces A Changing World With The Launch Of A Thought-Provoking Series Led By Global Visionaries

Pullman's Global Visionaries Series

Pullman Hotels & Resorts has launched Pullman Drafts and Pullman Voices, two platforms to spark new discussions, inspire dialogue, and promote joint advancement. These initiatives connect a worldwide network of cultural leaders—thought leaders, artists, and visionaries—who unite to exchange views and collectively create the cultural narratives that will influence the future.

For more than 160 years, Pullman has exemplified purposeful evolution. From the visionary legacy of George Pullman, who transformed hospitality through his innovative service, design, and travel approach, to the current development of spaces that foster cultural exchange and collision, Pullman has consistently been a catalyst for contrast, connection, and cultural dialogue. The Pullman Company previously served as a platform for transformation, redefining how people moved, worked, and lived by prioritizing comfort and connectivity. Pullman Hotels & Resorts carries this ethos forward, inviting those seeking new perspectives. With initiatives like Pullman Drafts and Pullman Voices, the brand perpetuates this spirit by creating environments where ideas can travel, collide, and evolve.

Pullman Drafts, in collaboration with the House of Beautiful Business—a global community focused on humanizing business—offers a selection of compelling narratives aimed at inspiring discovery, reshaping viewpoints, and encouraging learning. Each narrative invites deeper inquiry, prompting readers to question their assumptions, accept contradictions, and engage more thoughtfully with the world. Likewise, Pullman Voices is a podcast series co-developed with Monocle that aims to alter perceptions and promote innovative interactions amidst the noise of modern life. The thought leaders featured in this series are instrumental in shaping Pullman’s future; their insights will influence the development of Pullman’s guest experiences and brand identity. 

“The Pullman legacy was built on an innovative spirit that invited people to travel differently, live differently, and think differently. That spirit continues to guide our brand today,” said Benoît Racle, Global President of Premium Brands, Accor. 

“George Pullman and the Pullman Company transformed travel and society by shaping spaces for unexpected ideas and purposeful progress. Today, we continue to champion visionaries whose ideas do more than inspire – they move culture forward. Pullman Drafts and Pullman Voices are not just initiatives; they’re living extensions of who we are and what we stand for.”

Pullman Drafts is a foundation for fresh viewpoints, like the initial draft of a developing narrative. Each article reflects Pullman’s conviction in the value of differing perspectives and collaborative growth by delving into the science of creativity and reinterpreting concepts of identity and productivity. The series features contributions from:

• Akbar Hamid – Next-gen entrepreneur who redefines what it means to run a business today
• Taiye Selasi – Writer and photographer who believes in the importance of locality over nationality
• Esther Blanco – Leadership and company culture coach with a focus on human connection
• Sagarika Sundaram – Artist who draws a connection between craftsmanship and the human psyche
• Matt Klein – Digital anthropologist who makes sense of cultural change
• Hannah Critchlow – Scientist, writer & broadcaster focused on cellular and molecular neuroscience
• Michael Steiner – A Coach who helps us find purpose through change
• Bruno Giussani – Curator who brings the world’s most inspiring voices to TED
• Anna Tréa – Multi-instrumentalist whose Bahian DNA is a marvel to behold
• Tim Leberecht – House of Beautiful Business co-founder, leading us to a life-centred economy
• João Blümel – Metaverse mentalist who pushes the boundaries of entertainment

“Creative collisions are often at the heart of inspiration. When we stop compartmentalising our lives and begin tearing down the conceptual walls between work, leisure, travel, family, community, culture, and more, we open ourselves to new spaces. These spaces make room for different parts of ourselves to come into contact, which can trigger a mysterious alchemy of thoughts, feelings, and ideas. That alchemy fertilises the ground for inspiration.” – Excerpt from the first Pullman Draft with thought-leader Michael Bungay Stanier, written by Tim Leberecht.

Pullman Voices embodies this philosophy through audio, presenting a 12-episode podcast series that includes surprising discussions with cultural influencers and industry leaders from around the globe. Audiences gain unique insights into innovation, business development, and societal trends. Contributors to the series include:

• Clémentine Larroumet – architect and co-founder ASL Paris
• Carsten Spohr – CEO, Lufthansa Group
• David Hieatt – founder, Hiut Denim Co and The DO Lectures
• Shalini Bhalla, MD – International Council for the Circular Economy
• Djamila Ribeiro – philosopher and writer
• John Amaechi – psychologist, consultant and former NBA basketball player
• Ugo Gattoni – Parisian artist renowned for surreal, intricate cityscapes and portraits
• Pallavi Dean – founder and creative director, Roar Studio
• Dumi Oburota – owner, Severan
• Daniel Goleman – psychologist and author of Emotional Intelligence
• Piet Oudolf – garden designer and author
• Julia Hobsbawm – writer

By elevating these powerful voices, Pullman furthers its mission to enhance connections, influence culture, and collaboratively create new opportunities. 

“With Pullman Drafts and Pullman Voices, we are seeking to spur new thinking and progressive action,” said Racle.

“Pullman is where minds collide, where contrasts converge, and where new ideas emerge from vibrant exchange. These platforms are just the beginning.”