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
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!
Dec 8, 2022 • 39min
HIBT Lab! Gro Intelligence: Sara Menker
Sara Menker, Founder of Gro Intelligence and a former Wall Street commodities trader, shares her journey from experiencing famine in Ethiopia to launching a cutting-edge platform for agricultural data. She discusses how AI is revolutionizing agricultural forecasting, helping stakeholders navigate complexities in food supply. The conversation also touches on the global grain crisis accentuated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions to food insecurity and the role of data analytics in sustainable farming practices.
4 snips
Dec 5, 2022 • 1h 16min
Famous Dave's: Dave Anderson (2020)
Dave Anderson, founder of Famous Dave's, shares his inspiring journey from a barbecue-loving child in Chicago to a successful entrepreneur. He recounts the pivotal moments that shaped his business, including overcoming personal struggles and the aggressive growth of his brand. Dave emphasizes the importance of community and cultural heritage while navigating challenges in the competitive food landscape. He reflects on the emotional highs and lows of building a beloved barbecue chain and the impact of leadership in times of adversity.
6 snips
Dec 1, 2022 • 47min
ICYMI... HIBT Lab! Babish Culinary Universe: Andrew Rea
Andrew Rea, creator of the Babish Culinary Universe, shares his inspiring journey from aspiring filmmaker to YouTube sensation. He opens up about the therapeutic nature of his initial cooking videos, sparked by a Parks and Recreation scene. The conversation dives into the intersection of pop culture and food, his mental health struggles, and the authentic connection he builds with his audience. Rea also discusses the financial evolution of his channel and his big dreams for a multimedia culinary brand.
15 snips
Nov 28, 2022 • 1h 12min
Guayakí Yerba Mate: David Karr and Chris Mann
David Karr and Chris Mann, co-founders of Guayakí Yerba Mate, share their journey of introducing yerba mate to the American market. They recount living in a van and driving nationwide to offer samples, reflecting on the pivotal moments that helped them overcome early challenges. The duo emphasizes their commitment to sustainability and community support while navigating packaging changes and growth strategies. They also discuss the blend of luck and hard work that fueled their impressive rise to an annual revenue exceeding $100 million.
7 snips
Nov 24, 2022 • 45min
HIBT Lab! Goodr: Jasmine Crowe-Houston
Jasmine Crowe-Houston, founder of Goodr, tackles the alarming issue of food waste and its impact on food insecurity in America. She discusses her journey of creating a for-profit solution that redistributes surplus food from businesses to those in need. With a focus on innovative logistics and technology, Jasmine shares how Goodr is changing the narrative around food waste while promoting sustainability. She also reveals the importance of community collaboration in ensuring a dignified dining experience for the underserved.
42 snips
Nov 21, 2022 • 1h 13min
Roku: Anthony Wood
Anthony Wood, the innovative Founder and CEO of Roku, revolutionized television twice, first with the DVR and then with Roku's streaming platform. He shares his journey from struggling with ReplayTV's challenges against TiVo to launching a user-friendly streaming device that transformed TV viewing. Wood discusses the strategic shift of Roku toward partnerships with TV manufacturers and the evolution of their revenue model. He also highlights the underestimated potential of the streaming industry, reflecting on his unique insights and future ambitions.
11 snips
Nov 17, 2022 • 34min
HIBT Lab! Tala: Shivani Siroya
Shivani Siroya, Founder and CEO of Tala, revolutionizes microfinance by providing loans to underserved entrepreneurs, having disbursed over $3 billion globally. She shares her journey from the UN to launching Tala and discusses innovative loan assessment methods that empower individuals, especially women. Highlighting the success stories of local entrepreneurs, she illustrates how accessible credit can transform lives. The conversation also dives into unique repayment strategies and Tala’s commitment to balancing social impact with profitability.
