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
Jun 15, 2020 • 56min
Shake Shack: Danny Meyer
Danny Meyer, a celebrated restaurateur and founder of Shake Shack, shares his incredible journey from operating a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park to building a billion-dollar brand. He discusses the importance of community and storytelling in hospitality, the transformative evolution of Shake Shack, and the challenges faced during the pandemic. Meyer also reflects on his initial experiences in fine dining, highlighting lessons learned and the resilience required to navigate the ever-changing restaurant landscape.
Jun 13, 2020 • 23min
How I Built Resilience: Live with Y-Vonne Hutchinson
Y-Vonne Hutchinson, founder of ReadySet, is leading the charge for authentic inclusion in workplaces. She discusses the progress and challenges in diversity efforts, emphasizing the importance of engaging in tough conversations to dismantle deep-rooted biases. Y-Vonne explores how effective diversity training can drive meaningful change and highlights the critical need for data-driven approaches to enhance accountability. She also shares insights on elevating Black voices in organizations, stressing the importance of avoiding tokenism while committing to lasting cultural transformation.
Jun 11, 2020 • 18min
How I Built Resilience: Live with Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart, a renowned actor, comedian, and entrepreneur, shares his insightful journey through fear, resilience, and social responsibility. He discusses how personal growth often stems from hitting rock bottom and the importance of engaging in social justice issues. Hart reflects on the emotional impact of recent protests for racial justice and encourages listeners to embrace change as a catalyst for success. His anecdotes highlight the struggles he faced in the predominantly white entertainment industry, promoting self-belief and perseverance.
Jun 8, 2020 • 1h 12min
Supergoop!: Holly Thaggard
Holly Thaggard, Founder of Supergoop!, discusses her journey from harpist to sunscreen entrepreneur after a friend's skin cancer diagnosis. She shares how she pivoted her initial business model from schools to retail, facing challenges with sunscreen policies and eventually landing in Sephora. Holly emphasizes the importance of innovation, ingredient transparency, and consumer education in promoting daily sun protection. Her brand's growth from $150,000 to over a million in sales highlights resilience and the power of personal experience in entrepreneurship.
Jun 6, 2020 • 24min
How I Built Resilience: Live with Troy Carter
Troy Carter, founder of Q&A and Atom Factory, shares insights from his journey in the music and tech industries, particularly during challenging times. He discusses the emotional toll of racial bias on parenting and the importance of having open dialogues about social justice. The conversation highlights how the music industry has adapted through adversity, leveraging virtual platforms while addressing systemic inequalities. Carter emphasizes the need for empathy and innovation to foster a more equitable future, rounding off with reflections on resilience and creative challenges.
Jun 4, 2020 • 23min
How I Built Resilience: Live with Jenn Hyman
Jenn Hyman, co-founder of Rent the Runway, shares her insights on leading a billion-dollar fashion rental company during the pandemic. She discusses overcoming the challenges of reduced rental interest and prioritizing emotional support for her team. Hyman emphasizes the importance of sustainability and adaptability in business, highlighting how leadership dynamics have evolved. She also explores the role of fashion in uplifting mental well-being and empowering women in the workforce amid these turbulent times.
Jun 1, 2020 • 1h 27min
Sub Pop Records: Bruce Pavitt and Jonathan Poneman
Bruce Pavitt and Jonathan Poneman, co-founders of Sub Pop Records, share their thrilling journey from music enthusiasts to key players in the Seattle grunge scene. They discuss the birth of their label with borrowed funds and bold ideas, launching iconic bands like Nirvana. The duo reflects on their creative strategies, navigating the rise of grunge and the emotional rollercoaster of industry changes. Their insights reveal the delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial success, culminating in a celebration of Sub Pop’s lasting impact on music history.
May 30, 2020 • 32min
How I Built Resilience: Live with Alli Webb and Andy Puddicombe & Rich Pierson
Alli Webb, co-founder of Drybar, emphasizes the importance of investing in self-care through beauty, even during quiet times. Andy Puddicombe, along with co-founder Rich Pierson of Headspace, shares insights on navigating business challenges and the power of meditation for mental clarity. They discuss the adaptation to remote work, coping strategies during crises, and practical tips for mindfulness. Their candid experiences underline the significance of community and resilience in overcoming life's uncertainties.
May 28, 2020 • 25min
How I Built Resilience: Live with Kyle Connaughton and Daniel Humm
Kyle Connaughton, owner of the Michelin three-star SingleThread Farms, shares how he navigated wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic while supporting his community through free meals. Daniel Humm, mastermind behind Eleven Madison Park, discusses turning his iconic restaurant into a commissary kitchen, serving 5,000 daily meals during lockdown. Together, they explore resilience in the culinary world, rethinking fine dining's future, and the emotional toll of adapting their beloved establishments to serve those in need.
May 25, 2020 • 1h 4min
reCAPTCHA and Duolingo: Luis von Ahn
Luis von Ahn, a brilliant computer scientist from Guatemala, shares his inspiring journey from creating CAPTCHA to co-founding Duolingo. He reveals how a chance encounter led to the development of reCAPTCHA, monetizing language learning while tackling email spamming. Von Ahn discusses the challenges of maintaining a free platform and navigating monetization, highlighting Duolingo's mission to democratize education. His path symbolizes innovation's intersection with personal challenges and societal needs.
