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
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.
May 23, 2020 • 18min
How I Built Resilience: Live with Sarah LaFleur
In this conversation, Sarah LaFleur, founder of M.M.LaFleur, discusses her journey in revolutionizing professional attire for women. As many workers shifted to remote environments, she had to creatively adapt her brand. Sarah highlights her strategies for innovation, managing a team, and understanding new fashion trends that prioritize comfort. She shares valuable insights on supporting mental well-being in crisis and the importance of community, providing a refreshing perspective on resilience in entrepreneurship.
May 21, 2020 • 32min
How I Built Resilience: Live with Tony Xu and Marcia Kilgore
Tony Xu, the visionary behind DoorDash, shares how his platform became crucial for local restaurants during the pandemic. He emphasizes community support and adapting to consumer needs. Meanwhile, Marcia Kilgore discusses the ups and downs of her brands, particularly how Beauty Pie has thrived in the digital landscape amidst retail challenges. Both guests highlight resilience, innovation, and the importance of genuine connections in navigating business hurdles.
May 18, 2020 • 1h 22min
Jo Loves: Jo Malone CBE
Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Malone London and Jo Loves, shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey from making face creams as a child in 1970s London to creating iconic fragrances. She discusses the challenges of building her brand, navigating personal struggles, and the emotional toll of leaving her first business. Jo reflects on the beauty industry's evolution, resilience during crisis, and her innovative approaches at Jo Loves. Her story intertwines authenticity, creativity, and the importance of human connection in beauty.
May 16, 2020 • 30min
How I Built Resilience: Live with Tobias Lütke and Jon Stein
Tobias Lütke, founder of Shopify, shares how his company thrived during the pandemic, emphasizing the resilience of small businesses. Jon Stein, founder of Betterment, discusses the advantages of starting new ventures during economic downturns and why 2008 inspired him. Both guests delve into the importance of adaptability in e-commerce and investment, highlighting lessons learned from past crises. They also explore the evolving financial behaviors of younger generations and the opportunities within economic adversity.
May 14, 2020 • 27min
How I Built Resilience: Live with Samin Nosrat and Alice Waters & Fanny Singer
Samin Nosrat, acclaimed author of "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat," shares her journey in adapting to the cooking revival during lockdown, emphasizing community ties. Fanny Singer, daughter of culinary innovator Alice Waters, discusses the vital role of supporting local farmers and the joys of growing a victory garden. Together, they reflect on the creativity born from cooking challenges, the significance of sensory experiences at home, and the profound connections forged through food. Their insights inspire a passionate approach to home cooking and community support.
May 11, 2020 • 1h 3min
Impossible Foods: Pat Brown
Pat Brown, a biochemist and founder of Impossible Foods, shifted from a stable career to create plant-based meat as a solution to climate change. He discusses the journey of developing the Impossible Burger, tackling challenges in mimicking meat's taste and texture. Pat shares insights on the importance of innovation, collaboration with chefs, and the hurdles of securing funding. The conversation also highlights the booming popularity of plant-based alternatives and Impossible Foods' ambitious future plans, including plant-based pork and steaks.
May 9, 2020 • 22min
How I Built Resilience: Live with Stewart Butterfield and Steve Holmes
Stewart Butterfield, co-founder of Slack, delves into the future of work and the challenges remote teams face, emphasizing the importance of communication for productivity. Steve Holmes, co-founder of Springfree Trampoline, shares how his company saw a 300% increase in demand during the pandemic and the strategic shifts they made to adapt. Together, they discuss the evolving workplace landscape and the rise of direct-to-consumer sales, highlighting resilience and adaptability in unprecedented times.
