The podcast explores Pepsi President Walter Mack hiring a team of Black salesmen in the 1940s to target African American customers despite segregation. It delves into the challenges faced by the sales team in racially segregated areas, their efforts to build brand loyalty, and the innovative marketing strategies implemented to tap into the African American market.

A skeptical bookseller rejects a publisher's offer to sell affordable paperback books, leading to a revolutionary change in the publishing industry. The origins of Penguin Books and the Lane brothers' determination to change the industry. Alan's journey of discovering a gap in the market, facing resistance from the board of directors. Naming the Penguins and the challenges faced in promoting the paperbacks. From skepticism to success and the overwhelming demand for affordable paperbacks.

Takeshi “Shin” Okawara, young businessman who became the manager of one of the first KFCs in Japan, shares the story of the struggles and triumphs of KFC in Japan. The podcast explores how KFC became a Christmas tradition in Japan and the challenges faced in opening KFC restaurants in the country. It also delves into the joint venture between KFC and Mitsubishi and the battle for independence of KFC Japan.

Rowland Macy opens his new store in New York City after failed ventures, and finds success and a new family. Macy's grows and becomes a department store under Margaret's leadership. After Roland's death, the store faces uncertainty but is rebuilt by the Straus family, transforming into an iconic American institution.

Milton Hershey, confectioner and founder of the Lancaster Caramel Company, overcomes failures to become a millionaire. He becomes interested in chocolate and starts his own candy-making business, the Lancaster Caramel Company. Facing financial difficulties, he works tirelessly to sell enough caramels and successfully delivers a large order to achieve success for the first time in his career.

Sandy Lerner and Len Bosack invent a technology to connect computers of different makes and models. They face resistance from Stanford University, leading them to start their own company. The founders of Cisco overcome financial struggles by letting customers access source code and forming partnerships. However, their success is threatened when accused of theft by Stanford University.

A small Danish toy company survives World War Two by manufacturing plastic bricks, but faces bankruptcy. The shift to plastic manufacturing causes tensions within the family-owned company. After a fire destroys the factory, Ole Kirk rebuilds the company. A disagreement arises over sales figures and toy production. The strained relationship between Ole Kirk and Godfred leads to a battle of perspectives on expanding the Lego factory.

Almost two decades before the launch of the iPhone, Apple Executive Marc Porat launches a project to develop the world’s first smartphone. But to fulfill his ambitions, he will have to launch his own company: General Magic. There, he will assemble a team of brilliant engineers, including a determined young man fresh out of college called Tony Fadell, who shares Marc’s vision of changing the world.Want to listen to the remaining episodes of The Disappearance of General Magic? Episodes 2-5 are available exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive seasons, early access to new ones, and they’re always ad-free. Start your free trial in the Wondery App or visit wondery.app.link/inIc9lKeyLb now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the face of a financial crisis, the famous banker JP Morgan puts his reputation and his wealth on the line when he intervenes to save Wall Street, and the country, from a financial meltdown.Want to listen to the remaining episodes of JP Morgan Saves Wall Street? Episodes 2-5 are available exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive seasons, early access to new ones, and they’re always ad-free. Start your free trial in the Wondery App or visit wondery.app.link/inIc9lKeyLb now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

26-year-old college graduate Phil Knight founds Blue Ribbon Sports and makes a success of his plan to import Japanese running shoes to America. But as the relationship with his only supplier begins to unravel, Phil decides to gamble his company’s future on a fundamental shift in direction: creating his own in-house brand.Want to listen to the remaining episodes of Becoming Nike? Episodes 2-5 are available exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive seasons, early access to new ones, and they’re always ad-free. Start your free trial in the Wondery App or visit wondery.app.link/inIc9lKeyLb now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.