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Podcast

Episode 90: Michael Acton Smith, Co-Founder, Calm

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Calm Co-Founder Michael Acton Smith opens up about his entrepreneurial journey—from tech burnout to building the world’s leading mindfulness brand. He shares how Calm evolved from a meditation app into a wellness powerhouse, now with over 190 million downloads. Michael discusses the brand’s collaboration with Hilton, the future of embedding wellness into hospitality, and the company's ambitions to move from digital to physical—through products, experiences, and branded living spaces. Tune in for insights on the business of calm, the power of sleep, and why the hospitality world should pay close attention.

Published: 7 April 2025

Interviewer

Jonathan Worsley

Jonathan Worsley

Chairman & CEO

The Bench

Guest

Michael Acton Smith

Michael Acton Smith

Co-Founder

Calm

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The Bench has established a legacy for delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The Bench organises the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) series including FHS World in Dubai, FHS Saudi Arabia and FHS Africa - and the AviaDev Africa conference.

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