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
Oct 29, 2020 • 20min
How I Built Resilience: Cheryl Contee of Do Big Things
Cheryl Contee, founder and CEO of Do Big Things, leads a digital agency focused on social change and diversity. She discusses how her mission-driven approach enhances authentic engagement, emphasizing the need for diverse teams in tech. Contee shares insights on the barriers faced by founders of color when seeking venture capital and navigating imposter syndrome. The conversation also touches on leveraging networking to foster career growth and the importance of resilience in leadership amidst current challenges.
Oct 26, 2020 • 1h 11min
McBride Sisters Wine (Part 2 of 2): Robin McBride and Andréa McBride John
Robin McBride and Andréa McBride John, co-founders of McBride Sisters Wine, share their remarkable journey from discovering they were half-sisters to creating a thriving, inclusive wine brand. They discuss the challenges of breaking into the wine industry, including securing investments and navigating a predominantly white market. Their innovative blend of heritage and ambition resonates throughout the conversation, showcasing their commitment to accessibility in wine. Hear how they transformed personal stories into a brand that empowers and celebrates diversity.
Oct 22, 2020 • 19min
How I Built Resilience: Sonia Gil of Fluenz
Sonia Gil, Founder and CEO of Fluenz, shares her journey of transforming language learning amid the pandemic. She discusses the creative pivot from in-person immersion programs to engaging online experiences tailored for English speakers. Sonia highlights the impact of travel restrictions on her business and reveals innovative strategies she implemented to maintain cultural richness in learning. Through her insights, we explore the future of blended education and how adapting to change can open new opportunities for growth.
Oct 19, 2020 • 51min
McBride Sisters Wine (Part 1 of 2): Robin McBride and Andréa McBride John
Robin McBride and Andréa McBride John are the dynamic duo behind McBride Sisters Wine, one of the largest Black-owned wine companies in the world. Their incredible story begins with a heartwarming reunion after growing up apart, discovering a shared love for winemaking. They discuss the challenges they faced while building their business from the ground up, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and diversity in the wine industry. Their journey of sisterhood and resilience offers a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship and identity.
Oct 12, 2020 • 53min
method: Adam Lowry & Eric Ryan (2018)
Adam Lowry and Eric Ryan, the co-founders of Method cleaning products, revolutionized the cleaning industry with eco-friendly solutions. They reflect on their creative journey from childhood friends to entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of design and sustainability. Discover how they transformed a chance flight encounter into a thriving brand, faced financial hurdles, and secured a pivotal deal with Target. Their story highlights the blend of luck and skill in building a successful company that challenged conventional cleaning perceptions.
Oct 10, 2020 • 23min
How I Built Resilience: Cynt Marshall of Dallas Mavericks
Cynt Marshall, the groundbreaking CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, discusses her pivotal role in reshaping the team's culture after a scandal exposed serious issues. She shares her approach to implementing a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and her commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion. Marshall also explores the complex relationship between NBA owners and players and emphasizes the importance of leadership in driving social change. With an optimistic view of the future of sports post-pandemic, she urges listeners to embrace resilience and dialogue.
Oct 8, 2020 • 22min
How I Built Resilience: Aishetu Dozie of Bossy Cosmetics
Aishetu Dozie, the founder of Bossy Cosmetics and former investment banker, shares her inspiring journey from finance to beauty. She discusses the challenges of launching a cosmetics brand during a pandemic and the importance of resilience in navigating crises. Aishetu emphasizes empowering women through her products and the significance of branding and customer insight in her business model. She also reveals the complexities of trademarking 'Bossy' and the rise of interest in Black-owned businesses, showcasing the power of passion and adaptability.
Oct 5, 2020 • 1h 26min
Lush Cosmetics: Mark Constantine
Mark Constantine, co-founder of Lush Cosmetics, shares his entrepreneurial journey from crafting natural hair care products in a cramped room to building a global brand. He discusses the ups and downs of launching Lush after previous business struggles, emphasizing the innovative creation of bath bombs and the brand's commitment to eco-friendly practices. Mark also reflects on personal challenges, including emotional scars from his youth, and how these experiences shaped his resilience and passion for a distinct shopping experience.
Oct 3, 2020 • 23min
How I Built Resilience: Jennifer Neundorfer of January Ventures
Jennifer Neundorfer, co-founder and managing partner of January Ventures, champions innovation in tech startups led by women and people of color. She discusses the unique challenges these entrepreneurs face and highlights the importance of inclusivity in funding. Neundorfer shares insights on how diverse ideas have always existed, even amid economic downturns. She addresses vital issues like sustainable solutions in the food sector and the ongoing struggle for equitable access to venture funding, showcasing the resilience needed to navigate these turbulent times.
Oct 1, 2020 • 26min
How I Built Resilience: Jeremy Stoppelman of Yelp
Jeremy Stoppelman, the founder and CEO of Yelp, shares insights on navigating the turbulent waters of the pandemic. He reveals how his leadership team prepared for a 'nuclear winter' and the proactive steps they took to support struggling businesses. Stoppelman discusses new initiatives promoting visibility for Black and Latinx-owned businesses amid social unrest. He also dives into the challenges of managing negative reviews and emphasizes the importance of effective communication in leadership during crises. Resilience, innovation, and community support take center stage.
