What I learned from reading Alibaba: The House That Jack Ma Built by Duncan Clark.

---

Crazy Jack (0:01)

The internet is filling the void created by state planning (6:59)

Jack has made a career out of being underestimated: “I am a very simple guy. I am not smart. I might have a smart face but I’ve got very stupid brains.” (20:35)

Jack’s early life / Discipline and Curiosity (24:43)

Jack Magic: “ Nobody saw the opportunity in this business. We didn’t make much money at first, but Jack persevered…I respect him tremendously for he has a a great ability to motivate people and he can invest things that seem hopeless with exciting possibility. He can make those around him get excited about life.” (40:00)

Jack’s first time on the Internet (47:06)

Another lucky break: Meeting Yahoo Founder Jerry Yang (55:45)

Making money from shrimp (57:02)

The worst deal he ever made (1:00:43)

Masayoshi Son: Founder of Softbank (1:04:45)

Be the last man standing (1:10:16)

Ebay vs Alibaba: A case study in what not to do (1:13:32)

Yahoo’s billion-dollar bet (1:23:00)

Jack’s unique reaction to the financial crisis (1:27:00)

Alipay’s ownership changes / One of the craziest stories I’ve read (1:33:12)

If I had another life, I would keep my company private (1:46:10)

----

Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work. Get access to Founders Notes here.

----

“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — Gareth

Be like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast

194. QC: Q&A with Fr Joe | Friday, March 11, 2022