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
4 snips
Sep 6, 2021 • 1h 14min
Lynda.com: Lynda Weinman and Bruce Heavin
In this insightful conversation, Lynda Weinman, co-founder of Lynda.com and a web design pioneer, teams up with Bruce Heavin, an illustrator and key player in the company's growth. They share their journey from hosting a small workshop in Ojai to creating a billion-dollar online learning platform. The duo discusses the challenges they faced post-9/11, the emotional turmoil of selling to LinkedIn, and navigating the intricacies of business growth and investor dynamics. Their story highlights resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of technology in education.
Aug 30, 2021 • 56min
Springfree Trampoline: Keith Alexander & Steve Holmes (2019)
In this engaging discussion, Keith Alexander, a New Zealand engineer and the inventive mind behind the Springfree Trampoline, shares his journey of creating a safer trampoline design. Alongside him is Steve Holmes, a Canadian businessman who took a leap of faith to commercialize Keith's innovative product. They delve into the challenges of marketing their unique trampoline, the importance of safety innovations, and the remarkable surge in sales during the pandemic, showcasing how perseverance and creativity can redefine an industry.
Aug 26, 2021 • 26min
Live From The HIBT Summit: Rashad Robinson
In a powerful conversation, Rashad Robinson, President of Color Of Change, discusses the essence of activism as a celebration of community and resilience. He emphasizes the importance of centering Black joy, moving beyond sorrow to highlight the aspirations of Black communities. Rashad shares insights on emotional resilience for social justice leaders, advocating for self-care within activism. He also explores the need for systemic changes in civil rights, inspiring hope through personal narratives and innovative strategies to empower marginalized voices.
Aug 23, 2021 • 50min
Burt's Bees: Roxanne Quimby (2019)
Roxanne Quimby, co-founder of Burt's Bees, shares her remarkable journey from living off the grid in Maine to creating a beloved natural personal care brand. She discusses her partnership with beekeeper Burt Shavitz, the evolution from selling honey to iconic beeswax products like lip balm, and the innovative marketing that set Burt's Bees apart. Roxanne also reflects on her commitment to conservation and the delicate balance between ambition and simplicity that defined their entrepreneurial path.
Aug 19, 2021 • 50min
Live From The HIBT Summit: Adam Grant
Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author, brings his insights to a lively discussion. He emphasizes the importance of adopting a scientific approach in decision-making for entrepreneurs. Grant explores the necessity of treating ideas as testable hypotheses and learning from failures, warning against complacency. He also dives into the creativity challenges of remote work and the value of feedback in maintaining confidence. With reflections on innovation and a 'creative checkup,' this conversation is a treasure trove for aspiring founders!
Aug 16, 2021 • 1h 10min
Logic: Logic & Chris Zarou (2018)
Join rapper Logic, known for his positivity and mental health advocacy, and his savvy manager Chris Zarou, who turned his passion for music into a remarkable career. They discuss the challenges of breaking into the industry, including the struggles they faced from a humble start and how free music and social media helped build Logic’s brand. Hear about their unique partnership, pivotal moments like signing with Def Jam, and the importance of mental health in creativity, all while navigating the chaotic world of early touring.
Aug 12, 2021 • 32min
Live From The HIBT Summit: Brené Brown
In a captivating live conversation, Brené Brown, a renowned professor, author, and host of the Unlocking Us podcast, delves into the transformative power of vulnerability in leadership. She argues that embracing vulnerability fosters authentic connections and is key to improving workplace culture through gratitude. Brené shares her journey from adversity to finding strength in openness and highlights the essential role of empathy in today's leadership. Her insights challenge traditional leadership methods, promoting a more inclusive and trust-driven approach.
Aug 9, 2021 • 57min
Stacy's Pita Chips: Stacy Madison (2019)
Stacy Madison, co-founder of Stacy's Pita Chips, shares her inspiring journey from selling pita sandwiches from a hot dog cart to creating a $250 million snack sensation. She discusses the resourcefulness that fueled her venture, overcoming early hurdles, and the innovative leap from leftover pita to crispy chips. Stacy also reflects on her personal transformations, including a significant career shift from social work and navigating a successful partnership with her former fiancé. Her story highlights the blend of creativity and resilience in entrepreneurship.
Aug 5, 2021 • 36min
Live From The HIBT Summit: Gary Vaynerchuk
Joining the conversation is Gary Vaynerchuk, a dynamic entrepreneur and social media expert known for his game-changing marketing strategies. He shares his insights on transforming passion into profit through innovative content creation. Gary emphasizes the vital role of authenticity in branding and how charisma can be developed. He highlights unconventional marketing tactics that engage audiences in surprising ways, and offers practical tips for entrepreneurs on creativity, consistency, and managing their time effectively.
5 snips
Aug 2, 2021 • 1h 10min
Serial Entrepreneur: Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vaynerchuk, a serial entrepreneur and founder of VaynerX, dives into his dynamic journey from selling baseball cards to revolutionizing the wine industry with innovative online marketing. He shares insights on building a personal brand through social media and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Gary speaks about the balancing act of family life and entrepreneurship, his ventures into NFTs, and the importance of genuine communication. His energetic approach to business and life is both inspiring and refreshingly candid.
