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
20 snips
Aug 13, 2020 • 23min
How I Built Resilience: Brian Chesky of Airbnb
Brian Chesky, the CEO and co-founder of Airbnb, shares his journey of navigating the turbulent times brought on by the pandemic. He reveals how Airbnb faced an 80% drop in business and executed compassionate layoffs. Chesky highlights the shift towards nature-centric travel, emphasizing the changing desires of travelers seeking unique, personalized experiences. He reflects on the importance of resilience, connection, and core values in driving the company forward during challenging times, showcasing innovative strategies for recovery and adaptation.
Aug 10, 2020 • 1h 11min
Briogeo: Nancy Twine
Nancy Twine, Founder and CEO of Briogeo, transitioned from a finance career at Goldman Sachs to create a natural hair care line after a personal tragedy. She shares her journey of transforming grief into creativity and resilience while developing products for all hair textures. Twine faced hurdles in securing investment, particularly as an African American entrepreneur, but ultimately persevered, landing Briogeo in Sephora. Her story emphasizes the power of family influence and the importance of pursuing passion in the beauty industry.
Aug 8, 2020 • 20min
How I Built Resilience: Jessie Woolley-Wilson of DreamBox
Jessie Woolley-Wilson, CEO of DreamBox, shares insights from her journey leading an online math platform for K-8 students. She discusses the surge in users during the pandemic and the operational challenges that arose, emphasizing the need for transparent leadership. Jessie highlights the importance of equity in education technology and the philosophies behind her approach to leadership, particularly the concept of 'benevolent friction.' Her perspective on navigating the complexities of reopening schools and the shift towards blended learning is both timely and inspiring.
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.
