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 18, 2021 • 1h 17min
Jazzercise: Judi Sheppard Missett
Judi Sheppard Missett, founder of Jazzercise, shares her inspiring journey from teaching dance to creating a revolutionary fitness program that combined fun and exercise. She reveals how Jazzercise broke new ground in the group fitness industry and discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood with her choreography career. Judi reflects on the program's evolution alongside the women's rights movement, emphasizing community and inclusivity. Her resilience in the face of skepticism paved the way for a $100 million legacy that continues to empower women today.
Jan 11, 2021 • 1h 25min
Patreon: Jack Conte and Sam Yam
Jack Conte, a musician from the band Pomplamoose, and Sam Yam, a seasoned software engineer, share their journey in creating Patreon. They discuss the struggles artists face in monetizing their work, especially with the rise of streaming services. The duo highlights the revolutionary crowdfunding model that connects creators directly to fans. Their reflections on early ventures, the challenges of launching the platform, and the balance between free speech and content moderation provide a fascinating glimpse into entrepreneurship in the creative sector.
Jan 4, 2021 • 46min
Chipotle: Steve Ells (2017)
In this engaging conversation, Steve Ells, the founder of Chipotle and a classically trained chef, shares his journey from high-end restaurants to creating a fast-casual dining revolution. He reveals how a burrito inspired him to start Chipotle and the challenges he faced, including a major food safety crisis. Ells discusses his commitment to quality and the evolution of consumer expectations in fast food. He reflects on the balance of luck and preparation in entrepreneurship as he navigated the brand's rapid growth and transformation.
Dec 28, 2020 • 45min
ActOne Group: Janice Bryant Howroyd (2018)
Janice Bryant Howroyd, the founder and CEO of ActOne Group, made history as the first African-American woman to own a billion-dollar business. She shares her journey from working as a secretary in Los Angeles to launching a successful staffing agency. Janice discusses the challenges of securing funding, the pivotal moments that shaped her business philosophy, and the importance of networking. She reflects on merging personal and professional life, navigating technology in staffing solutions, and the profound impact of family on her entrepreneurial endeavors.
8 snips
Dec 23, 2020 • 31min
How I Built Resilience: Morra Aarons-Mele of Women Online
In this engaging talk, Morra Aarons-Mele, founder of Women Online and host of The Anxious Achiever, shares her journey of embracing anxiety as a force for leadership. She discusses how her agency pivoted during the pandemic, losing 30% of business overnight yet adapting to thrive. Morra debunks myths about introversion and public speaking, emphasizing that introverts can be dynamic leaders. She stresses the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in business, offering valuable insights into navigating anxiety and building resilient teams.
22 snips
Dec 21, 2020 • 1h 25min
Author and Podcaster: Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss, bestselling author and podcaster known for 'The 4-Hour Workweek,' shares his transformative journey to success. He discusses the interplay of luck and hard work, emphasizing low-risk bets with high rewards. Tim reflects on personal adversities, including early health challenges and mental health struggles, shaping his entrepreneurial mindset. He reveals insights on marketing his sports supplement, Brain Quicken, and navigating fame after his book's success. With tales of creative travels and unique experiences, his story is a blend of resilience and inspiration.
Dec 17, 2020 • 24min
How I Built Resilience: Daniela Corrente of Reel
In this engaging conversation, Daniela Corrente, CEO and co-founder of Reel, shares her journey creating a digital savings platform aimed at helping users make significant purchases while avoiding credit card debt. She discusses the emotional aspects of consumer behavior and how data-driven decisions build customer trust. Daniela also explores the innovative revenue strategies and adaptive marketing approaches Reel employs, especially in response to pandemic-driven financial trends. Her insights into resilience and financial literacy will inspire aspiring entrepreneurs.
Dec 15, 2020 • 11min
Riot Games: Bonus Episode
The co-founders of a major gaming company dive into the challenges of parenting in a world dominated by screens. They discuss the dual impact of digital technology on kids and the significance of boredom in fostering creativity. The conversation touches on the dynamics of online friendships, particularly for those with disabilities, and the complexities of virtual interactions. They also address the troubling issue of toxic behavior in gaming and how they're striving to cultivate a more positive community.
14 snips
Dec 14, 2020 • 1h 32min
Riot Games: Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill
Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill, co-founders of Riot Games, share their inspiring journey from college friends to creators of League of Legends. They discuss the challenges of launching their innovative free-to-play model, overcoming investor skepticism, and navigating early financial struggles. Their experience in building a passionate team and adapting to the evolving gaming landscape offers valuable insights. They delve into the explosive growth of esports and the emotional highs and lows of their entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on their unexpected success.
Dec 10, 2020 • 25min
How I Built Resilience: Emily Powell of Powell's Books
Emily Powell, third-generation owner of Portland's iconic Powell's Books, shares her journey of resilience in navigating the pandemic's challenges. She discusses the tough decisions of staff layoffs and pivoting to e-commerce while enhancing community engagement. Emily emphasizes the unique culture of independent bookstores amidst competition from giants like Amazon. Listeners will appreciate her insights on fostering local connections, the emotional impact of the crisis, and her passion for literature, revealing her current reading habits.
