Business Wars
Wondery
Netflix vs. HBO. Nike vs. Adidas. Business is war. Sometimes the prize is your wallet or your attention. Sometimes, it’s just the fun of beating the other guy. The outcome of these battles shapes what we buy and how we live. Business Wars gives you the unauthorized, real story of what drives these companies and their leaders, innovators, investors and executives to new heights -- or to ruin. Hosted by David Brown, former anchor of Marketplace. From Wondery, the network behind Against the Odds and American History Tellers.Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/business-wars/ now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 8, 2021 • 26min
Late Night Wars | Late Night Explodes | 3
As Johnny Carson nears retirement, the race for the late-night throne heats up. Arsenio Hall's emergence shakes the landscape, challenging established stars like Leno and Letterman. A tense power struggle unfolds between CBS and NBC as they vie for top talent. Personal dramas and corporate maneuvering create friction among the hosts. Rumors and rivalries run rampant, revealing the behind-the-scenes complexities of comedy in the late-night world. It's a battle where humor meets high stakes.
Mar 3, 2021 • 25min
Late Night Wars | The Dawn of Tonight | 2
Dive into the origins of late-night television, where NBC dared to innovate with the iconic Tonight Show. Encounter the urgency surrounding Johnny Carson's rise as a legendary host, and feel the pressure of ambition as new hosts make choices that could redefine their careers. Experience the buzz of Johnny's historic debut, and watch as the landscape heats up with competition from David Letterman, setting the stage for intense rivalries. It's a captivating journey through the comedic world of after-hours TV!
Mar 1, 2021 • 30min
Late Night Wars | The Stars Realign | 1
Dive into the fierce battle for late-night supremacy in the 1980s. Discover the tension when Johnny Carson steps back, leaving a power vacuum filled by Jay Leno and David Letterman. Explore the groundbreaking debut of Letterman’s show that redefined comedy with its quirky humor. Witness the rivalry that can turn friendships upside down, highlighted by Joan Rivers’ controversial departure from Carson's shadow. It's a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the relentless quest for late-night glory!
Feb 24, 2021 • 24min
Estée Lauder vs L'Oréal | How Influencers Are Changing the Beauty Industry | 7
Arabelle Sicardi, an industry strategist and trend forecaster with over a decade in beauty, discusses the seismic shifts in the industry as influencers rise. She highlights how traditional giants like Estée Lauder and L'Oréal struggle against the innovative direct-to-consumer brands led by women of color. The conversation dives into the push for inclusivity and diversity, examining how campaigns featuring stars like Lupita Nyong'o are redefining beauty standards. Sicardi emphasizes the need for established brands to adapt to this evolving landscape while engaging a socially conscious consumer base.
Feb 22, 2021 • 25min
Estée Lauder vs L'Oréal | Lipstick Lockdown | 6
In 2007, L'Oréal faces a scandal when heiress Liliane Bettencourt’s family accuses a friend of exploiting her dementia. Meanwhile, both L'Oréal and Estée Lauder scramble to boost sales through savvy acquisitions, turning to YouTube influencers' burgeoning power. As the pandemic hits, the beauty industry must pivot toward skincare and technology to survive. The rise of IT Cosmetics showcases the importance of innovative products, while the emotional connection to beauty remains strong despite the challenges.
Feb 17, 2021 • 25min
Estée Lauder vs L'Oréal | Buying Spree | 5
In 1991, Estée Lauder shifts gears post-crash, eyeing acquisitions to expand its brand. They target the trendy MAC and Bobbi Brown while competing with L'Oréal, which gambles on revamping Maybelline. The strategic moves reveal the fierce rivalry in the beauty industry as both companies navigate mergers and market expansion. Listeners dive into how these acquisitions reshape the cosmetics landscape, highlighting the battle for brand individuality amidst fierce competition.
Feb 15, 2021 • 26min
Estée Lauder vs L'Oréal | Face to Face | 4
Leonard Lauder, the former CEO of Estée Lauder Companies, shares pivotal insights from the 1979 beauty industry landscape. He discusses the launch of Prescriptives, which emphasized inclusivity in makeup. The podcast delves into L'Oréal's aggressive push into the U.S. market with Lancôme, and the fierce competition that ensued. Lauder reveals his bold advertising strategies, especially during financial crisis challenges. The tension between tradition and modernity in marketing further colors this riveting tale of rivalry and resilience in the luxury beauty sector.
Feb 10, 2021 • 26min
Estée Lauder vs L'Oréal | Skin in the Game | 3
Leonard Lauder, son of Estée Lauder and key player in the brand's rise, shares captivating insights from the beauty industry's competitive landscape. He discusses Estée Lauder's bold launch of its evening makeup collection and the strategic innovations needed to fend off Revlon. The conversation dives into Clinique's initial struggles and the marketing pivots necessary for success. Additionally, Lauder highlights L'Oréal's transformative slogan 'Because I'm Worth It,' showcasing the evolving narrative of empowerment in beauty.
Feb 8, 2021 • 24min
Estée Lauder vs L'Oréal | Do or Dye | 2
Travel back to 1904 as a young chemist in Paris pioneers synthetic hair dye, fueling the rise of L'Oréal. Meanwhile, Estée Lauder, inspired by her uncle, embarks on her journey to beauty entrepreneurship after creating her own face creams. Discover how the booming 1920s beauty industry and innovative marketing strategies transformed women's roles and self-esteem. From free samples in salons to the launch of groundbreaking products, learn about the fierce competition and creativity that shaped modern beauty.
Feb 3, 2021 • 27min
Estée Lauder vs L'Oréal | Telephone, Telegraph, Tell-A-Woman | 1
In the bustling beauty scene of 1946, Estée Lauder breaks into New York's department stores, driven by her passion for empowering women. As competition heats up with Revlon, her innovative marketing tactics shine. Meanwhile, L'Oréal faces its own challenges with Eugène Schueller, whose post-war reputation is under scrutiny, yet he pushes forward with groundbreaking products. The clash between luxury branding and mass-market strategies unfolds, showcasing the fierce rivalry that would shape the cosmetics landscape.
