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 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.
Sep 28, 2020 • 58min
Health-Ade Kombucha: Daina Trout
Daina Trout, co-founder and CEO of Health-Ade Kombucha, shares her inspiring journey from health science to entrepreneurship. She recounts the early days of brewing kombucha in her kitchen with friends and the leap of faith that turned a farmer's market side hustle into a $200 million brand. Daina discusses the challenges of product formulation and the pivotal moment of leaving stable jobs for their passion. Along the way, she touches on balancing personal relationships and the blend of persistence and luck that fueled Health-Ade's success.
4 snips
Sep 26, 2020 • 25min
How I Built Resilience: John Zimmer of Lyft
John Zimmer, co-founder of Lyft, shares insights on navigating the challenges of the pandemic. He discusses a dramatic 75% drop in rides and the company's strategic shift into bike and scooter rentals. Zimmer addresses the complex issue of driver classifications, debating whether they should be viewed as independent contractors or employees. He emphasizes resilience in leadership, innovative urban mobility solutions, and the balance between benefitting drivers while maintaining flexibility. Personal coping strategies for entrepreneurs also take center stage.
14 snips
Sep 21, 2020 • 1h 22min
Khan Academy: Sal Khan
Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, left a lucrative finance career to create a nonprofit educational platform after tutoring his cousins. His journey from the financial sector to education innovation was fueled by a desire to democratize learning. Sal discusses pivotal moments, including a game-changing $10,000 donation and recognition from Bill Gates. He reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on online education, highlighting how Khan Academy now serves 30 million users monthly, all while upholding the commitment to free, accessible learning.
Sep 19, 2020 • 20min
How I Built Resilience: Whitney Wolfe Herd of Bumble
Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of Bumble, shares insights on revolutionizing dating by empowering women to make the first move. She discusses the surprising rise of video calls during the pandemic, transforming how people connect. Whitney highlights the challenges of balancing motherhood while leading a tech company and emphasizes the importance of resilience through adversity. With innovative safety features and a growing focus on meaningful connections, Bumble aims to foster deeper relationships in an ever-evolving world.
Sep 17, 2020 • 29min
How I Built Resilience: Bert and John Jacobs of Life is Good
Bert and John Jacobs, the co-founders of Life is Good, share their inspiring journey of resilience and optimism. They discuss navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, from strategic pivots to e-commerce to innovative printing methods. The brothers emphasize the importance of community and core values like gratitude and authenticity in their business culture. With personal anecdotes, they highlight how fostering optimism can guide teams and customers through turbulent times, showcasing the power of collaboration and emotional connections.
4 snips
Sep 14, 2020 • 1h 12min
Calendly: Tope Awotona
Tope Awotona, founder of Calendly, shares his inspiring journey from Nigeria to entrepreneurial success in the tech world. After early setbacks with e-commerce ventures, he found his passion in creating a scheduling tool that caters to the needs of busy professionals. He discusses the financial risks he took, including cashing in his 401k, and the challenges of developing a user-friendly product. Tope reflects on resilience through personal loss and how the pandemic accelerated Calendly's growth, marking it as a pivotal moment for the company.
Sep 12, 2020 • 30min
How I Built Resilience (Special Edition): Guy Raz
Stacey Vanek-Smith, the engaging host of Planet Money's daily indicator podcast, interviews Guy Raz, an acclaimed storyteller and the brain behind the podcast. They discuss Guy's entrepreneurial upbringing and how his parents' journey influenced his career choices. From war reporting to crafting compelling narratives in podcasting, Guy shares insights on resilience and the hero's journey. He delves into the delicate balance of luck and hard work in success and reflects on how setbacks can transform into opportunities for growth.
