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
Mar 16, 2023 • 51min
HIBT Lab! Saysh: Wes and Allyson Felix
Allyson Felix, the most decorated American track athlete, shares her inspiring journey alongside her brother Wes, as they discuss creating their women's footwear brand, Saysh. They delve into the challenges of negotiating contracts while balancing motherhood and sports ambitions, particularly her break from Nike over inadequate maternal protections. The duo also highlights their mission to revolutionize women's footwear, tackling issues like industry neglect and fostering inclusivity, all while celebrating resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
9 snips
Mar 13, 2023 • 1h 25min
Xero Shoes: Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix
Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix, co-founders of Xero Shoes, share their journey from a simple barefoot running experience to creating a successful minimalist footwear brand. They discuss overcoming manufacturing challenges, a rough appearance on Shark Tank, and their bold move from 'Invisible Shoes' to 'Xero Shoes.' The couple highlights the intersection of luck and hard work that fueled their growth, revealing how they transformed a personal passion for running into a nearly $50 million global business.
7 snips
Mar 9, 2023 • 40min
HIBT Lab! Too Good To Go: Lucie Basch
Lucie Basch, a French entrepreneur and co-founder of Too Good To Go, discusses her innovative app that tackles food waste by connecting consumers with surplus food from restaurants. Lucie shares her philosophy that collaboration trumps competition, leading to partnerships that optimize food rescue efforts. With over $30 million raised, the app has expanded to 17 countries, fostering a community of ‘waste warriors’ committed to minimizing waste. She highlights the importance of educating consumers and shifting cultural values around food.
26 snips
Mar 6, 2023 • 1h 17min
Michael Kors: Michael Kors
Michael Kors, founder of the iconic fashion brand, has a rich story that started with childhood doodles and dreams. He shares how he transitioned from designing thousand-dollar dresses in his bedroom to building a global luxury empire. Kors dives into his struggles, including a tough bankruptcy, and the vital partnerships that helped him recover. He emphasizes the importance of accessories, innovation, and staying true to one’s creative vision in the fast-paced fashion world, alongside humorously recalling a Met Ball idea with Brooke Shields.
Mar 2, 2023 • 36min
HIBT Lab! The Confess Project: Lorenzo Lewis
Lorenzo Lewis, founder of The Confess Project, is on a mission to reshape barbershops into mental health havens. He discusses how barbers can become frontline allies for Black men's mental health by facilitating important conversations. Lorenzo shares his own journey, from growing up with incarcerated parents to transforming his life after a gang-related incident. The discussion highlights the vital role of barbers in providing emotional support and addresses the stigma around mental health, ultimately envisioning an inclusive ecosystem for diverse communities.
25 snips
Feb 27, 2023 • 1h 20min
Politico & Axios: Jim VandeHei
Jim VandeHei, co-founder of Politico and Axios, reflects on his journey from managing a night shift at Little Caesar's to reshaping political journalism. He discusses the challenges of launching Politico and the innovative strategies behind Axios, emphasizing the shift towards concise, impactful reporting. VandeHei shares the serendipitous partnerships that fueled his ventures and the pivotal decision to embrace independence. The conversation reveals key insights into the evolving media landscape and the importance of quality journalism amidst significant industry changes.
18 snips
Feb 23, 2023 • 40min
HIBT Lab! Boom Supersonic: Blake Scholl
Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, is on a mission to revive commercial supersonic flight, aiming to break barriers that have held back the industry since the Concorde. He discusses his transformation from tech entrepreneur to aviation leader, emphasizing innovation and economic viability. Blake shares insights on the development of the new Overture aircraft, highlighting its advantages like passenger comfort and sustainability. He also reflects on overcoming challenges in aircraft design, promising a revolution in air travel by 2029.
22 snips
Feb 20, 2023 • 60min
Osprey Packs: Mike Pfotenhauer
Mike Pfotenhauer, founder of Osprey Packs, turned a passion for design into a global outdoor brand. He shares how his bespoke backpacks evolved from his Santa Cruz shop in the 1970s to encompass innovative designs. Mike recounts overcoming production challenges, relocating to Colorado and then to Southeast Asia, while grappling with the emotional impacts on local workers. He reflects on transformative experiences, including meaningful interactions with the Navajo community, and the proud journey of building a multimillion-dollar enterprise driven by quality and craftsmanship.
128 snips
Feb 16, 2023 • 59min
ICYMI... HIBT Lab! OpenAI: Sam Altman
Sam Altman, Co-founder and CEO of OpenAI and former president of Y Combinator, shares his remarkable journey from a tech-savvy teenager to a leader in AI. He discusses the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, the mission behind OpenAI, and the dual-use dilemma of AI tech. Sam emphasizes the importance of responsibility and collective input in AI development, all while balancing innovation with safety. Tune in for insights on the future of AI and its profound impact on various fields, from creativity to employment.
10 snips
Feb 13, 2023 • 1h 21min
The Ringer: Bill Simmons
Bill Simmons, founder of The Ringer and former ESPN star, discusses his journey from sports writer to media mogul. He shares the challenges of launching new media projects like '30 for 30' and his transition to entrepreneurship. The conversation also humorously tackles Hall of Fame controversies, reflecting on the complex dynamics of sports and cheating. Simmons highlights the evolution of sports journalism, the rise of podcasting, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling, all while navigating the highs and lows of a competitive industry.
