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
Nov 5, 2020 • 24min
How I Built Resilience: Varshini Prakash of Sunrise Movement
Varshini Prakash, co-founder and executive director of the Sunrise Movement, shares her journey in climate activism. She discusses how frustrations over political inaction ignited a youth-led movement and the strategic protests that followed, including a notable action at Nancy Pelosi's office. Varshini emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives and addresses criticisms of their approaches, while also linking climate activism to historical civil rights movements. Her inspiring narrative highlights resilience and the need for political engagement among young activists.
Nov 2, 2020 • 1h 16min
Famous Dave's: Dave Anderson
Dave Anderson, founder of Famous Dave's, shares his journey from a boy who cherished barbecue in Chicago to creating one of the largest barbecue chains in the U.S. He delves into the cultural influences of his family's culinary traditions and recounts the challenges of launching his first restaurant in small-town Wisconsin. Anderson reveals pivotal moments in his entrepreneurial path, including personal struggles, overcoming skepticism, and the emotional complexities of brand identity. His passion for smoked ribs and resilience shines through as he navigates success and setbacks.
Oct 31, 2020 • 22min
How I Built Resilience: Justin Gold of Justin's
Justin Gold, founder of Justin's, shares his inspiring journey from blending peanuts at home to revolutionizing the nut butter market. He discusses the innovative squeeze packs that made his products more accessible during the pandemic and how consumer habits shifted. Justin reflects on timing and risk in entrepreneurship, navigating skepticism, and the importance of community support. He also emphasizes sustainability and personal growth in leadership, revealing how obstacles can lead to new opportunities.
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.
