Have you ever wondered how a hotel could bring people together and transform a city? In this episode, I talk with Shamim Ehsani, co-founder of Nairobi’s Tribe Hotel, whose vision of “one planet, one tribe” turned hospitality into a living message of unity. Growing up in Kenya, Shamim learned that respect and connection cross every boundary—and he’s built that belief into everything his team does.

We explore how Tribe became a symbol of dignity and authentic service, how art and culture shaped its identity, and why true hospitality starts with valuing people as they are. Shamim’s story reminds us that purpose-driven leadership can turn even a simple idea into something truly unstoppable.

Highlights:

00:58 — Learn how early experiences in Nairobi shaped a lifelong passion for curiosity, courage, and connection.

02:35 — Discover what makes Nairobi one of the world’s most extraordinary cities and why its character inspires unity.

06:55 — Hear how understanding your environment can shape how you design meaningful experiences.

08:06 — Explore how real-world learning can teach the mindset every entrepreneur needs to succeed.

12:56 — Find out why action, not perfection, builds confidence when you’re starting something new.

15:27 — See how vision and perseverance can transform even small beginnings into lasting success.

21:12 — Learn the importance of staying bold when the world around you feels uncertain.

26:44 — Discover how one phrase became the foundation for a purpose-driven movement in hospitality.

33:44 — Understand why true hospitality begins with dignity and self-respect—for both guests and teams.

36:45 — Hear how empowering people to be authentic creates connection and loyalty that can’t be scripted.

44:17 — Learn how investing in people builds confidence, culture, and trust across every interaction.

52:42 — See how storytelling and creativity turn ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences.

About the Guest:

Shamim Ehsani is Co-Founder, Director and Developer of Tribe Hotel, a family-owned and operated,

5-star luxury hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, that channels African authenticity and excellence. Shamim

co-founded the hotel, located in the city’s prestigious diplomatic district, and serves as its Creative

Director, developing new concepts relating to F\&B and service. He is also the hotel’s Marketing Director, overseeing all branding and marketing efforts across the companies and outlets, including developing all of the brands.

Shamim also plays a key role in a constellation of family enterprises that are centered on real estate

development. A prolific and successful entrepreneur, he is also Co-Founder, Director and Developer of Trademark Hotel, Tribe Hotel’s 4-star sister property; Director and Co-Founder of VMX Fitness,

Nairobi’s top fitness facility; Principal and Creative Director of Beeline, a luxury brand marketing

agency; Director of Guardian Holdings, a holding/investment company; and Marketing Director of

Village Market, East Africa’s largest lifestyle and recreation complex.

Shamim co-founded Tribe Hotel with his brother Hooman in 2008 to fulfill a need for a 5-star luxury

hotel in Nairobi’s upscale diplomatic district. The brothers listed the 20 things they did not like about

hotels and set about to create their own that addressed them. The result is a higher standard in global hospitality, with the hotel distinguished as one of the most iconic properties in Africa. The hotel’s guests include royalty, heads of state and countless celebrities. The property boasts 128 rooms, a 10,000-sq.-ft. spa and a heliport.

Tribe Hotel broke away from the colonial style hotels that existed in the market and presents a space that supports the arts and is a better reflection of the wealth and dignity of Africa and the Kenyan people. They transformed the attitude of service from a subservient approach to one that is more egalitarian and congenial, with guests being “hosted” rather than “served.” The hotel boasts 900 African artworks and artifacts curated by Shamim’s mother, Faranak, supports local Nairobi artisans and purveyors, while its acclaimed Jiko restaurant has elevated African cuisine to new heights.

Ways to connect with Shamim**:**

Instagram

TRIBE HOTEL -