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
Jan 12, 2023 • 46min
ICYMI... HIBT Lab! Malala Fund and Our Place: Shiza Shahid
Shiza Shahid, co-founder of the Malala Fund and Our Place, shares her transformative journey from corporate life to activism after the shooting of Malala Yousafzai. She discusses how her childhood experiences in Pakistan shaped her advocacy for girls’ education, the challenges of launching a nonprofit, and her successful shift to a for-profit model with Our Place. The conversation highlights the crucial role of community in empowerment, the innovative spirit behind her kitchen brand, and the intersection of social impact and entrepreneurship.
30 snips
Jan 9, 2023 • 58min
Health-Ade Kombucha: Daina Trout (2020)
Daina Trout, co-founder of Health-Ade Kombucha, shares her journey from farmer's market sales to a $200 million brand. She reveals how a failed hair loss product idea led her and her co-founders to embrace kombucha instead. The trio's commitment to brewing, customer feedback, and bold moves into full-time entrepreneurship are highlighted. Daina discusses the challenges of scaling production, securing funding, and managing rapid growth while reflecting on the balance of luck and grit that shaped their success.
14 snips
Jan 5, 2023 • 40min
ICYMI... HIBT Lab! The Financial Diet: Chelsea Fagan
Chelsea Fagan, Founder and CEO of The Financial Diet, transformed her early financial struggles into a thriving multimedia personal finance platform. She shares insights on prioritizing employee satisfaction over rapid growth and the challenges of managing finances in a society that pressures young individuals. Fagan discusses the significance of targeting niche audiences, especially women, to ensure meaningful financial education. Her commitment to sustainable practices, including a four-day work week, highlights a refreshing approach to corporate culture.
28 snips
Jan 2, 2023 • 1h 15min
Kodiak Cakes: Joel Clark (2020)
Joel Clark, co-founder of Kodiak Cakes, shares his entrepreneurial journey from selling pancake mix door-to-door as a child to creating a pancake empire. He recounts the challenges he faced, including a near-bankruptcy and risky decisions. Securing a partnership with Target proved to be a game changer for the brand. The narrative highlights themes of resilience, family legacy, and the creativity required to thrive in the competitive food industry. Clark's story is a testament to never giving up, even when the odds seem against you.
4 snips
Dec 29, 2022 • 44min
ICYMI... HIBT Lab! The Sorry Girls: Kelsey MacDermaid and Becky Wright
Kelsey MacDermaid and Becky Wright, the creative duo behind The Sorry Girls, delve into their transition from film students to successful YouTubers with over 2 million subscribers. They share their fascinating journey of pursuing a YouTube career, navigating brand partnerships, and building a media company while staying true to their values. The pair discuss the evolving challenges of the creator economy, the emotional toll of negative feedback, and their passion for meaningful content creation. Tune in for insights on balancing creativity and sustainable growth!
7 snips
Dec 26, 2022 • 1h 7min
I.R.S. Records: Miles Copeland
Miles Copeland, a music industry mogul and founder of I.R.S. Records, shares his remarkable journey in shaping the 1980s music scene with iconic bands like The Police and R.E.M. He talks about his early struggles, nearly going bankrupt, and his resurrection through the punk movement. Copeland recounts pivotal moments that led to signing major acts, highlighting the blend of timing, instinct, and personal connections crucial in the competitive industry. He also reflects on his legacy and the evolution of music management, emphasizing resilience and adaptability.
9 snips
Dec 22, 2022 • 34min
HIBT Lab! Immunai: Noam Solomon
Noam Solomon, Co-founder and CEO of Immunai, is revolutionizing drug development by using AI to map the human immune system. He discusses the staggering costs and inefficiencies of drug discovery while sharing how Immunai's innovative approach could change the landscape of personalized therapies for diseases like cancer. Noam emphasizes the importance of a culture that embraces uncertainty, which drives their scientific innovation. He also highlights the collaboration between data science and biology, aiming to create tailored treatment solutions that could improve patient outcomes.
Dec 19, 2022 • 1h 11min
Beautyblender: Rea Ann Silva
Makeup artist Rea Ann Silva, the visionary behind Beautyblender, revolutionized the beauty industry with her iconic teardrop sponge designed for high-definition filming. She shares her journey from struggling single mother to successful entrepreneur, revealing the challenges she faced and the significant partnerships that fueled her rise. Rea discusses the transformation of makeup application techniques and Beautyblender's evolution from niche product to retail giant, along with innovative sustainability efforts in the beauty space.
Dec 15, 2022 • 37min
HIBT Lab! mitú and SUMA Wealth: Beatriz Acevedo
Beatriz Acevedo is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of mitú and Suma Wealth, dedicated to empowering the Latino market. She shares how her early obsession with DJing led her to a vibrant career in media. The discussion highlights the challenges young Latinos face in accessing financial services and the importance of cultural representation. Beatriz explains her innovative approach at Suma Wealth, which bridges the wealth gap through personalized coaching and community engagement, aiming to build financial literacy and trust within the Latino community.
8 snips
Dec 12, 2022 • 1h 15min
Alienware: Frank Azor and Nelson Gonzalez
Nelson Gonzalez and Frank Azor, co-founders of Alienware, share their remarkable journey from a small Miami shop to a leading gaming PC company. They recount their unique entry into a market dominated by traditional PCs, fueled by the passion for gaming and innovation. The duo discusses overcoming early financial hurdles and the art of personalizing gaming experiences. Their unexpected acquisition by Dell brought new challenges but also spurred growth, showcasing the importance of teamwork and perseverance in entrepreneurship. Dive into their inspiring story of success!
