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
Jul 26, 2021 • 1h 18min
Robert Reffkin: Compass
Robert Reffkin, the Co-founder and CEO of Compass, shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood as a bi-racial, Jewish kid in Berkeley to leading a multi-billion-dollar real estate tech company. He reveals how a job interview turned into an entrepreneurial leap that launched Compass. Reffkin discusses overcoming past failures, the impact of his mother's resilience, and the company's rapid growth during the 2020 housing boom. He also emphasizes the importance of technology in reshaping the agent experience and the evolving landscape of real estate.
Jul 22, 2021 • 42min
Live From HIBT Summit: Payal Kadakia, Tristan Walker, and Perry Chen on Innovation
Join Payal Kadakia, founder of ClassPass; Tristan Walker, founder of Walker & Company; and Perry Chen, co-founder of Kickstarter, as they dive into the essence of innovation. They discuss how personal frustrations fuel entrepreneurial creativity and the importance of resilience. The trio emphasizes that innovation thrives on authenticity, not just new ideas. Their insights on navigating business model iterations and the impact of consumer behavior reveal how diverse perspectives can spark groundbreaking ideas.
10 snips
Jul 19, 2021 • 46min
Bobbi Brown Cosmetics: Bobbi Brown (2018)
Bobbi Brown, founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, transformed the beauty industry with her emphasis on natural makeup. She discusses her early days as a makeup artist battling the flashy 1980s aesthetic, leading to the creation of her revolutionary nude makeup line. Bobbi shares insights on her journey from startup to the acquisition by Estée Lauder, revealing the challenges of maintaining her brand identity within a corporate structure. She also reflects on the emotional complexities of leaving a brand she built, exploring themes of personal fulfillment and creative control.
7 snips
Jul 12, 2021 • 1h 22min
Mailchimp: Ben Chestnut
Ben Chestnut, co-founder and former CEO of Mailchimp, shares his journey from a struggling designer to a successful entrepreneur. He reveals how Mailchimp pivoted from a web design agency to an email marketing powerhouse tailored for small businesses. Chestnut discusses the innovative freemium model, the impact of sponsoring the podcast Serial, and the company’s unique marketing strategies that included quirky ads and merchandise. He also reflects on leadership challenges and the evolution of Mailchimp's company culture amidst changing dynamics.
Jul 5, 2021 • 1h 10min
Numi Organic Tea: Reem Hassani and Ahmed Rahim
Reem Hassani and Ahmed Rahim, co-founders of Numi Organic Tea, share their inspiring journey from humble beginnings to launching a multi-million dollar brand. Reem's childhood memories of Iraqi tea spark their passion, while Ahmed's artistic background shapes their business vision. They discuss the challenges of sourcing quality ingredients, navigating retail markets, and the importance of maintaining sustainability. Their story intertwines cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit, proving that dreams brewed from love and tradition can lead to success.
Jun 28, 2021 • 1h 21min
Casper: Philip Krim
Philip Krim, co-founder and CEO of Casper, reflects on his journey from selling random products in his college dorm to revolutionizing the mattress industry. He discusses how Casper turned a mundane purchase into an engaging experience through innovative branding and e-commerce. As competition surged, Casper adapted by expanding its product line and opening retail stores. Philip shares insights on tackling financial challenges, building a sleep-focused brand, and leveraging customer engagement, all while emphasizing the fine balance between hard work and luck in entrepreneurship.
Jun 24, 2021 • 35min
Live From The HIBT Summit: Cynt Marshall, Chieh Huang, and Sadie Lincoln on Leadership
Cynt Marshall, the inspiring CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, Chieh Huang, the innovative co-founder of Boxed, and Sadie Lincoln, the creative mind behind Barre3, share their impactful leadership journeys. They dive into the power of vulnerability, discussing how it fosters trust and collaboration among teams. The trio emphasizes the importance of authenticity and mental health in leadership, revealing personal stories that highlight the delicate balance between empathy and decision-making in tough situations. Their insights are sure to inspire future leaders!
Jun 21, 2021 • 1h 29min
ARRAY: Filmmaker Ava DuVernay
Ava DuVernay, award-winning filmmaker and founder of ARRAY, shares her inspiring journey from a successful publicist to a groundbreaking director. She discusses her deep-rooted passion for storytelling, shaped by her upbringing in Compton and experiences in the hip-hop scene. Ava reflects on the challenge of navigating Hollywood as a black woman and the evolution of representation in the film industry. She also shares the resilience needed to overcome rejection and the personal narratives that drive her empowering projects like 'Selma' and 'When They See Us'.
53 snips
Jun 14, 2021 • 1h 3min
Expedia & Zillow: Rich Barton
Rich Barton, co-founder of Expedia and Zillow, revolutionized travel and real estate by empowering consumers with technology. He shares how his early days at Microsoft led to the creation of Expedia, transforming booking experiences amidst industry skepticism. Rich discusses the launch of Zillow, which faced a crash due to overwhelming traffic, and how it sparked a new era of transparency in real estate. Reflecting on the balance of passion and luck, he highlights Zillow's evolution through challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis, showcasing the impact of digital innovation.
Jun 7, 2021 • 1h 17min
Jovial Foods: Carla Bartolucci
Carla Bartolucci, founder of Jovial Foods, shared her inspiring journey from an Italian-American upbringing to creating a multi-million dollar brand focused on gluten-free pasta and einkorn wheat. She discussed the impact of family traditions on her culinary passion and how a personal crisis spurred her commitment to health and nutrition. Carla also reflected on the challenges of launching a natural food business and the significance of reviving ancient grains, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to her lasting legacy in the health food industry.
