How I Built This with Guy Raz Dyson: James Dyson
Feb 12, 2018
James Dyson, inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner, shares his journey of perseverance and innovation in building Dyson, now a top vacuum brand. From creating over 5,000 prototypes in his shed to facing rejection, he eventually built a billion-dollar company. The postscript features Theresa Stotesbury's success in creating synthetic blood for police training scenarios.
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Early Loss Shaped Determination
- James Dyson grew up in England after WWII and lost his dad to cancer at a young age.
- He learned early to rely on himself, which made him determined to prove something.
Learning By Doing With Fry
- Dyson’s first job was with Jeremy Fry, who hired bright young people and let them try new ideas.
- Dyson designed a high-speed landing craft despite no prior experience, learning welding and making prototypes himself.
Ballbarrow Market Success, No Profit
- Dyson created the Ballbarrow, a wheelbarrow with a plastic ball instead of a wheel for stability.
- Despite taking 50% market share, the company never made money and Dyson learned important business lessons.