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 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.
Dec 7, 2020 • 1h 15min
Kodiak Cakes: Joel Clark
Joel Clark, co-founder and CEO of Kodiak Cakes, started selling pancake mix door-to-door as a child. He shares the rollercoaster journey of transforming a family recipe into a powerhouse brand approaching $200 million in revenue. From selling mixes from a Mazda to securing pivotal deals with Target, Joel discusses the challenges faced, lessons learned, and the whimsical identity of Kodiak Cakes. He reflects on memorable moments, including his experience on 'Shark Tank,' and the impact of childhood inspirations on his entrepreneurial path.
Nov 30, 2020 • 26min
Remembering Tony Hsieh of Zappos
Tony Hsieh, the visionary former CEO of Zappos, transformed the shoe industry with his unique approach to customer service and company culture. He shares his journey through the dot-com boom and the challenges Zappos faced during its early struggles. Hsieh emphasizes the significance of company culture and the innovative strategies that drove Zappos to success. He reflects on the role of luck in shaping the company's fortunes and discusses the value of experiences over material wealth. An inspiring look at a life dedicated to exceptional service.
Nov 25, 2020 • 28min
How I Built Resilience: Dr. Iman Abuzeid of Incredible Health
Dr. Iman Abuzeid, Co-founder and CEO of Incredible Health, discusses how her platform is revolutionizing nurse recruitment by streamlining the hiring process from 90 days to just 15. She highlights the alarming nursing shortage and shares innovative strategies to attract new talent, including free continuing education. Iman dives into the challenges faced during the pandemic, emphasizing the role of technology and telemedicine. Her inspiring anecdotes underline the resilience needed in entrepreneurship, especially in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Nov 23, 2020 • 1h 21min
The Lip Bar: Melissa Butler
Melissa Butler, the Founder and CEO of The Lip Bar, shares her inspiring journey from Wall Street analyst to beauty entrepreneur. Frustrated by the lack of diversity in cosmetics, she launched bold, inclusive lipstick shades from her kitchen. Despite a rocky appearance on Shark Tank, her determination led to a partnership with Target, expanding her brand significantly. Melissa discusses her creative marketing strategies, the importance of community support, and the challenges faced by black entrepreneurs in the beauty industry.
Nov 19, 2020 • 25min
How I Built Resilience: Father Gregory Boyle of Homeboy Industries
Father Gregory Boyle, the founder of Homeboy Industries, shares his inspiring journey transforming the lives of former gang members through rehabilitation and community support. He discusses the vital adaptation of Homeboy’s programs during the pandemic, offering job opportunities through initiatives like Homeboy Bakery and Homegirl Cafe. Father Boyle also highlights the power of resilience, kinship, and joy amidst adversity, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity in addressing food insecurity and fostering hope in Los Angeles.
Nov 16, 2020 • 1h 16min
Kenneth Cole: Kenneth Cole
Kenneth Cole, founder of Kenneth Cole Productions, is a fashion innovator and social activist. He shares the story of launching his shoe business from a truck in Manhattan and how he turned challenges into opportunities. The conversation highlights his bold connection to the AIDS crisis in the '80s through impactful marketing campaigns, navigating retail changes, and the shift to direct-to-consumer sales. Cole discusses adapting to post-COVID consumer needs while emphasizing the importance of social responsibility in fashion.
Nov 9, 2020 • 48min
Dropbox: Drew Houston
Drew Houston, Co-founder and CEO of Dropbox, shares his journey from struggling with a forgotten thumb drive to building a cloud storage service worth nearly $8 billion. He reveals the sparks of innovation driven by early tech experiences and how network effects fueled Dropbox’s rapid growth. Drawing on challenges in fundraising and investor skepticism, Drew highlights the technical hurdles in creating a seamless file-sharing platform. He reflects on the balance of skill and luck in entrepreneurship, illustrating his path with a surfer's mindset.
