How I Built This with Guy Raz
Guy Raz | Wondery
Guy Raz interviews the world’s best-known entrepreneurs to learn how they built their iconic brands. In each episode, founders reveal deep, intimate moments of doubt and failure, and share insights on their eventual success. How I Built This is a master-class on innovation, creativity, leadership and how to navigate challenges of all kinds.New episodes release on Mondays and Thursdays. Listen to How I Built This on the Wondery App or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/how-i-built-this now. Get your How I Built This merch at WonderyShop.com/HowIBuiltThis.
Episodes
Mentioned books
15 snips
May 25, 2023 • 36min
HIBT Lab! Google: Sundar Pichai (2022)
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, shares his fascinating journey from Chennai to Silicon Valley. He reflects on leading innovative products like Google Drive, Maps, and Android while emphasizing the ethical implications of AI advancements. Pichai discusses reimagining workspaces post-pandemic, advocating for hybrid models, empathy in leadership, and fostering a culture of innovation. His insights reveal how adaptability and responsibility shape Google’s impact on society and the future of technology.
May 22, 2023 • 1h 18min
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Tim and Karrie League
Tim and Karrie League, co-founders of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, share their inspiring journey from a risky theater investment to creating a beloved national chain. They discuss innovative concepts like dining with films and unique programming, including adventurous roadshows. The couple opens up about challenges like failed ventures and legal battles, all while maintaining their creative vision. Their resilience shines through as they navigate the pandemic's impact on the cinema industry, revealing a commitment to redefining the movie-going experience.
14 snips
May 18, 2023 • 45min
HIBT Lab! Cotopaxi: Davis Smith
Davis Smith, Founder and former CEO of Cotopaxi, shares his journey in building a socially responsible outdoor gear brand. He discusses the company's commitment to donate a portion of its revenue to fight poverty and the innovations that helped them thrive during COVID-19. Davis reflects on a transformative trip to Peru that inspired the brand's mission and announces his new role as a mission leader in Brazil. He emphasizes the importance of balancing business growth with sustainable practices and personal values.
6 snips
May 15, 2023 • 1h 11min
Mielle Organics: Monique Rodriguez
Monique Rodriguez, the Founder and CEO of Mielle Organics, turned a personal hobby into a thriving beauty brand dedicated to textured hair. After a life-altering loss, she transformed her grief into creative expression, sharing DIY hair care tips on social media. Monique's journey highlights her shift from nursing to entrepreneurship, overcoming financial hurdles, and securing pivotal retail partnerships. With a mix of faith, hard work, and community support, she scaled her brand from Instagram to international success, all while staying true to her roots.
16 snips
May 11, 2023 • 43min
HIBT Lab! Landed: Alex Lofton
In this engaging discussion, Alex Lofton, co-founder of Landed, shares his mission to help essential workers overcome the daunting barrier of down payments for homeownership. He reflects on his experience in the Obama campaign, highlighting the power of storytelling in driving social change. Alex dives into innovative financial solutions, including shared equity models aimed at making homeownership accessible for those without intergenerational wealth. This conversation sheds light on the complexities of economic disparities and the creative strategies to bridge them.
57 snips
May 8, 2023 • 1h 32min
Hinge: Justin McLeod (2021)
Justin McLeod, the Founder and CEO of Hinge, shares his remarkable journey from heartbreak to entrepreneurship. He reveals how personal experiences influenced the app's evolution into a space for meaningful connections. In discussing the challenges of launching within a saturated market, he reflects on pivotal shifts, user engagement strategies, and the impact of the pandemic on dating dynamics. McLeod’s heartfelt anecdotes and insights highlight the quest for authenticity in a digital dating world, underscoring Hinge's mission of being 'designed to be deleted.'
35 snips
May 4, 2023 • 40min
HIBT Lab! Babcock Ranch: Syd Kitson
Syd Kitson, a former NFL player turned real estate developer, shares his journey of creating Babcock Ranch, America's first solar-powered town. He discusses negotiating the purchase of a massive 91,000 acres while conserving 80% as nature preserve. Syd highlights how innovative planning allowed this community to withstand Hurricane Ian with minimal damage. He dives into sustainable practices and advanced urban design, demonstrating how resilience and eco-conscious living can pave the way for future communities.
5 snips
May 1, 2023 • 1h 19min
Suitsupply: Fokke de Jong
Fokke de Jong, the founder and CEO of Suitsupply, started his journey selling suits from his dorm in Amsterdam. He revolutionized men's fashion by sourcing high-quality Italian fabrics at affordable prices and embraced e-commerce early on. His unconventional retail strategies included opening a store next to a highway, challenging norms, and a playful legal dispute that gained publicity. With over 150 global locations, Fokke reflects on the challenges of growth, the importance of quality craftsmanship, and the balancing act of work and personal life.
4 snips
Apr 27, 2023 • 42min
HIBT Lab! Hevesh5: Lily Hevesh
Lily Hevesh, a Domino artist and YouTuber known for her stunning creations on her channel Hevesh5, shares her journey from a young hobbyist to a viral sensation with nearly 4 million subscribers. She discusses creating intricate domino designs, the challenges of filmmaking, and her ambition to launch a precision-engineered line of dominoes. Lily reflects on the importance of prioritizing her craft over business goals and reveals her experiences judging the Domino Challenge TV show, all while navigating the complexities of YouTube revenue.
10 snips
Apr 24, 2023 • 1h 10min
Manduka: Peter Sterios
Peter Sterios, the founder of Manduka, transitioned from architecture and yoga teaching to create a leading yoga accessories brand. He stumbled into yoga by chance, which led him to invest $25,000 in durable mats, foreseeing a demand that others overlooked. He shares how targeting influential yoga teachers helped propel the brand. Peter also discusses navigating early cash flow challenges, personal struggles, and the emotional complexities of stepping down as CEO, providing a candid look at entrepreneurship intertwined with personal growth.
