Founders

#134 Edwin Land (Polaroid vs Kodak)

102 snips
Jul 1, 2020
Dive into the fascinating life of Edwin Land, the visionary behind Polaroid, who held an impressive 535 patents. Discover his belief in embracing creative challenges and the dangers of over-planning in innovation. Explore the intense rivalry with Kodak that led to a landmark legal battle over instant photography technology. Hear how Land's unique management style and focus on customer needs revolutionized product development, influencing future tech leaders like Steve Jobs.
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INSIGHT

Land's Legacy

  • Edwin Land, a prolific inventor, held 535 patents, ranking third in U.S. history.
  • His contributions extended beyond photography to defense and intelligence, serving seven presidents.
ADVICE

Choosing the Right Problems

  • Pick important, nearly impossible problems driven by deep human needs.
  • Draw on diverse knowledge, fill gaps with scientific exploration, and involve everyone in the adventure.
ANECDOTE

Jobs' Admiration for Land

  • Steve Jobs admired Land, seeing him as a model for integrating art, science, and business.
  • Jobs emulated Land's vision when building Apple, even visiting Land like a "shrine."
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