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
Aug 6, 2020 • 20min
How I Built Resilience: Alberto Perlman of Zumba
Alberto Perlman, co-founder of Zumba, shares his inspiring journey in transforming a global fitness phenomenon through the pandemic. He discusses how Zumba rapidly pivoted to an online platform, helping instructors stay employed while keeping the community connected. The joy of movement during virtual classes became a source of stress relief for many. Additionally, he introduces Strong Nation, a new workout routine, and reflects on leadership lessons learned during these turbulent times.
Aug 3, 2020 • 1h 11min
Vita Coco: Michael Kirban
Michael Kirban, Co-founder of Vita Coco, shares the energetic backstory of launching the popular coconut water brand after a chance bar encounter. He discusses facing fierce competition from Zico, highlighting the importance of guerrilla marketing and strategic distribution. Kirban reflects on the challenging journey of navigating FDA regulations and legal battles, alongside the unexpected support of celebrity endorsements. His insights reveal how resilience and a bit of luck played crucial roles in turning Vita Coco into a market leader.
Aug 1, 2020 • 17min
How I Built Resilience: Sarah Harden and Lauren Neustadter of Hello Sunshine
Lauren Neustadter, Head of Television & Film at Hello Sunshine, and CEO Sarah Harden discuss their Emmy-nominated successes and the mission to amplify women's voices in Hollywood. They delve into the challenges of film production amid the pandemic, highlighting their innovative adaptations for health and safety. The conversation shifts to the rise of unscripted storytelling and the importance of female representation. Both share personal reflections on resilience, collaboration, and the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
Jul 30, 2020 • 19min
How I Built Resilience: Taha Bawa of Goodwall
Taha Bawa, the co-founder of Goodwall, shares his insights on helping students navigate the challenging job market post-COVID-19. He discusses how Goodwall connects young people to job opportunities and scholarships, with a focus on empowering underprivileged youth in Africa. Bawa emphasizes the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Gen Z, while also addressing the impact of student debt and the need for innovative solutions in a tightening job market. His journey is a testament to adaptability and community support during turbulent times.
Jul 27, 2020 • 1h 6min
The Laundress: Lindsey Boyd
Lindsey Boyd, Co-founder of The Laundress, shares her journey from high-end fashion to eco-friendly laundry. Frustrated by expensive dry-cleaning, she teamed up with a friend to create gentle detergents for delicate fabrics. Lindsey reveals the hurdles they faced, including investor skepticism and counterfeiters, before selling to Unilever for $100 million. She highlights the importance of strong foundations in entrepreneurship and recounts their innovative approach to fabric care, emphasizing sustainability throughout their growth.
Jul 25, 2020 • 21min
How I Built Resilience: Jeremy Zimmer of United Talent Agency
Jeremy Zimmer, CEO and co-founder of the United Talent Agency, shares his insights on navigating the tumultuous entertainment landscape. He discusses how the pandemic reshaped the industry, pushing for innovative strategies like direct streaming. Zimmer emphasizes the importance of empathy in leadership during crises and highlights initiatives for increasing diversity in Hollywood. He reflects on the emotional challenges of salary cuts while inspiring resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing environment.
Jul 23, 2020 • 25min
How I Built Resilience: Songe LaRon of Squire
Songe LaRon, Founder of Squire, discusses his journey in revolutionizing the barbershop experience through technology. He shares insights on helping barbershops adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic with modern solutions. The conversation covers challenges faced by black entrepreneurs and the importance of resilience in navigating financial crises. Songe emphasizes building strong teams and maintaining connections in a remote work environment. He aims to inspire young black graduates to pursue entrepreneurial ventures despite the hurdles.
13 snips
Jul 20, 2020 • 1h 5min
La Colombe Coffee Roasters: Todd Carmichael and J.P. Iberti
Todd Carmichael and J.P. Iberti, co-founders of La Colombe Coffee Roasters, share their remarkable journey from friends to coffee pioneers. They discuss their dream of elevating coffee quality in the U.S. and the challenges they overcame in establishing their Philadelphia roastery. The duo reflects on the evolution of coffee culture, the importance of sourcing directly from farmers, and how luck intertwines with hard work in their success. Their story is a blend of friendship, resilience, and a passion for great coffee.
Jul 18, 2020 • 20min
How I Built Resilience: Live with John Foley
John Foley, the founder of Peloton, shares insights from navigating the booming fitness landscape during the pandemic. He discusses the surge in demand for Peloton bikes and the challenges of adapting supply chains while ensuring safety. Foley emphasizes the resilience required in entrepreneurship, especially in creating hardware. He also reflects on the emotional complexities of leadership amid growth, and touches on the influence of the pandemic on education and personal development.
Jul 16, 2020 • 24min
How I Built Resilience: Live with Julia Hartz
Julia Hartz, Founder and CEO of Eventbrite, shares her journey through the challenges faced by the live events industry during COVID-19. She discusses the emotional weight of making tough calls, including significant layoffs, while her team quickly pivoted to virtual events. Julia highlights the innovative strategies that emerged, such as drive-in concerts and fostering community engagement. With an eye on the future, she expresses optimism for in-person events, emphasizing the need for safety and the importance of supportive networks.
