How I Built This with Guy Raz How I Built Resilience: Emily Powell of Powell's Books
Dec 10, 2020
Emily Powell, third-generation owner of Portland's iconic Powell's Books, shares her journey of resilience in navigating the pandemic's challenges. She discusses the tough decisions of staff layoffs and pivoting to e-commerce while enhancing community engagement. Emily emphasizes the unique culture of independent bookstores amidst competition from giants like Amazon. Listeners will appreciate her insights on fostering local connections, the emotional impact of the crisis, and her passion for literature, revealing her current reading habits.
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Early Aspiration
- Emily Powell's earliest aspiration was to drive her grandfather's Powell's Books delivery truck.
- Growing up, she was immersed in the magical world of Powell's and knew she wanted to take over the family business.
Portland's Influence
- Powell's Books' success is deeply intertwined with Portland's unique urban environment and cultural landscape.
- The city's vibrant downtown, pedestrian traffic, and thriving arts and literary scene have been crucial for the bookstore's growth.
Proactive Closure
- Due to COVID-19 concerns, Powell's closed its doors proactively before government mandates, prioritizing community safety.
- The closure led to the difficult decision of laying off a majority of their staff.
