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 22, 2020 • 1h 29min
Ring: Jamie Siminoff
Jamie Siminoff, the mastermind behind Ring, a billion-dollar video doorbell company, shares his inspiring journey from tinkering in his garage to entrepreneurial triumph. He reveals how a personal frustration led to the invention of the Wi-Fi doorbell, overcoming challenges in product development and a nail-biting moment on Shark Tank. Jamie discusses the complexities of selling a business, his adaptive approach to innovation, and the impactful acquisition by Amazon, all while emphasizing resilience, creativity, and community engagement throughout his adventure.
Jun 20, 2020 • 26min
How I Built Resilience: Live with Sadie Lincoln
Sadie Lincoln, the founder of Barre3, shares her insights on leading a fitness revolution that fuses ballet, Pilates, and yoga. She discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic, including the closure of most locations and the shift to an online platform, which has surprisingly boosted subscriptions. Sadie highlights the resilience of both the Barre3 community and her personal journey as an introverted leader. She also emphasizes the importance of innovation, connection, and open conversations on racial justice in fostering a thriving environment.
Jun 18, 2020 • 25min
How I Built Resilience: Live with Cathy Hughes
Cathy Hughes, founder of Urban One and pioneering entrepreneur in the broadcasting world, shares her insights on resilience in the face of social and economic challenges. She discusses the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement and the COVID-19 crisis on Black entrepreneurs. Cathy emphasizes the need for genuine diversity and inclusion in corporate America and the importance of innovating for community empowerment. Additionally, she highlights the role of media in simplifying complex business concepts, making them accessible for everyone.
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.
