Deconstructing Wellness Webinar: Key Takeaways
In a compelling webinar hosted by Pearlfisher’s Partner, Insight & Futures, Sophie Maxwell, Clinique La Prairie’s CEO Simone Gibertoni shared his vision for the future of wellness and longevity, set against the backdrop of the global wellness economy’s projected 7.3% annual growth. Their conversation covered preventive medicine, customised treatments, and highlighted the integration of regenerative medicine—particularly stem cell therapies—and the importance of both holistic and human-centered care in delivering transformative wellness experiences.
Here’s a snapshot of the conversation and some key takeaways from our guest speaker:
Simone Gibertoni’s Approach to Longevity
Sophie opened the questioning by asking Simone’s viewpoint on longevity, and he highlighted that it is a major topic today, as people not only want to live longer but also desire healthier lives. On average, individuals spend the last seven years of their lives managing multiple health issues, which limits their quality of life. The goal, therefore, is not just to extend lifespan, but to enhance overall well-being during those additional years.
Simone also emphasized the shift in our understanding of genetics and health. Initially, it was believed that genetics determined 80% of health outcomes, which made luck seem to play a major role. However, there has been a shift in perspective, and scientists now recognize that 80% of our health is influenced by epigenetics—factors such as lifestyle, environment, and behavior—while only 20% is purely genetic.
In addition to the effects of macroeconomic and cultural shifts, the legacy of COVID-19 continues to have a significant long-term impact on our lifestyle choices, immune system support, and overall well-being. These changes are fueling growing interest in new health technologies. This heightened awareness, combined with innovations like cryotherapy, IV treatments, and the rise of biohacking and AI-powered wellness, has contributed to the expansion of the longevity industry, explaining why it remains such a key topic today.
Balancing Heritage and Modernity at Clinique La Prairie
Established in 1931, Clinique La Prairie has a prestigious reputation. Sophie asked how the brand maintains a balance between its heritage and the modern, cutting-edge treatments that have emerged. Simone referenced their adherence to the brand’s core pillars, allowing the company to evolve without losing its identity. By clearly defining what must be preserved, the brand can confidently embrace innovation. This includes expanding into new areas like longevity resorts, supplements, and even launching a longevity investment fund — a first in the hospitality and wellness space. The fund aligns with the clinic’s legacy of innovation, providing a financial vehicle to support emerging longevity technologies. By maintaining a balance between heritage and forward-thinking initiatives, Clinique La Prairie aims to remain a leader in the longevity and wellness industry.
How Luxury Comes Together with Longevity
Sophie asked Simone how the clinic balances its luxury brand status with a more human and holistic approach to well-being. Simone explained that while luxury experiences, such as beautiful rooms and gourmet food, are important, the true luxury lies in delivering tangible health results. He emphasized the clinic’s exclusivity, offering personalized care from 50 doctors and a highly attentive staff, all serving a limited number of clients. The exclusivity of Clinique La Prairie is ensured through this focus on customization and the small number of clients per center. As Simone says, “The more we advance in the study of longevity, the more we understand that we are different.”
Sophie noted that Clinique La Prairie’s clients are, on average, around the age of 46, and many attend the clinics as couples. Simone added that ambassador marketing is also a key focus, with the goal of creating such an exceptional client experience that satisfied customers naturally promote the brand to their friends. This word-of-mouth approach ensures authenticity and long-term brand loyalty. A significant percentage of clients return because they experience remarkable results, and the real emotional connection comes from the transformation they undergo. The true luxury, Simone reiterated, is in achieving tangible health results, which also requires commitment from their clients.
Launching Supplements and Market Growth
The rise in popularity and effectiveness of supplements is having a great impact on the wellness space. Sophie asked Simone to discuss his approach when creating the advanced supplement range, Holistic Health.
Simone explained that they created a new category by being the first to launch supplements in the luxury wellness space. Instead of focusing on market size, they prioritized their clients’ needs, questioning why someone would spend £1,000 on a face cream but buy inexpensive supplements elsewhere. By using the most sophisticated and pure ingredients, they developed a premium product despite initial skepticism about its high price.
Simone also noted the rapid evolution of the supplement industry, pointing out that the concept of “longevity supplements”—which he trademarked years ago—has now become mainstream. He sees the category expanding as consumers increasingly prioritize supplements as part of their daily routines. While taking supplements requires habit formation, it is becoming more common, and Simone expects significant future growth in the market.
Emotional Connection and Design at Clinique La Prairie
Sophie was eager to understand the design insights driving the success of Clinique La Prairie’s approach. She asked how the clinic uses design intelligence to create an emotional connection with their clients seeking longevity treatments, particularly in the environment and physical spaces, and how this contributes to the overall client experience.
Simone cited the importance of emotional impact, stating that clients return not just for the setting but because they feel fundamentally changed. The focus is shifting in branding and communication—from highlighting specific treatments to showcasing the clinic’s investment in research and innovation. Ultimately, the goal is to inspire people to lead longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives, positioning the clinic as a life-changing experience rather than just a luxury retreat. In delivering this, Simone emphasized the importance of human connection in changing people’s behavior and the role of design in enhancing the client experience.
Creating a Future Intersection of Technology and Human Understanding
As we stand at the intersection of technology, design, and human wellness, institutions like Clinique La Prairie are reimagining what it means to create spaces and experiences that nurture both body and spirit. The future of wellness design lies not just in beautiful environments or cutting-edge treatments, but in the thoughtful integration of both—creating holistic experiences that respond to our deepest desires for health, longevity, and personal transformation.
As the global wellness economy continues its exponential growth, this human-centered approach to design will become not just a luxury, but a necessity in shaping the future of how we live, age, and thrive. The conversation between Maxwell and Gibertoni serves as a powerful reminder that in the realm of wellness design, the most meaningful innovations will be those that seamlessly blend scientific advancement with deeply human experiences.
To learn more about Pearlfisher’s expertise in wellness, please get in touch:
Nicole Wilson, Business Development Manager: nicole.w@pearlfisher.com
