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
8 snips
Apr 27, 2020 • 1h 5min
Fitbit: James Park
James Park, co-founder of Fitbit, shares his journey from a "lightning bolt" moment with a Nintendo Wii to revolutionizing the fitness tracking industry. He discusses the birth of Fitbit from a small team's home, the innovative freemium model, and the challenges of fundraising and product development. The conversation dives into consumer privacy concerns, competition with major players, and Fitbit's strategic pivot toward healthcare. Park reflects on the invaluable lessons learned and the impact of Google's acquisition on the future of health and wellness.
52 snips
Apr 23, 2020 • 19min
How I Built Resilience: Live with Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek, renowned author of 'Start With Why' and 'The Infinite Game,' delves into the art of resilience in business. He discusses the essential difference between finite and infinite games, highlighting the need for an adaptable mindset to ensure long-term success. Sinek unveils five key principles for fostering an infinite mindset among leaders, emphasizing trust and shared purpose. He also reflects on the power of service and sacrifice during tough times, advocating for community resilience and unity. A thought-provoking conversation filled with actionable insights!
Apr 20, 2020 • 1h 9min
Brooklinen: Vicki and Rich Fulop
Rich Fulop and Vicki Fulop, co-founders of Brooklinen, share their journey from a memorable hotel experience to launching a $100 million bedding brand. They discuss the challenges of making luxury linens affordable for a younger audience. The couple recounts their serendipitous meeting and how their diverse backgrounds shaped their entrepreneurial spirit. They also delve into the success of their Kickstarter campaign, raising $237,000, and the logistical hurdles of scaling their business from their Brooklyn apartment.
Apr 16, 2020 • 21min
How I Built Resilience: Live with David Neeleman and Tristan Walker
Tristan Walker, the innovative founder of Walker & Company, brings insights on leading a beauty products team through the pandemic. He discusses the importance of supporting teams and maintaining morale during tough times. David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue Airways, shares how the airline industry has faced drastic changes, showcasing solidarity among employees. They explore strategies for innovation and resilience, emphasizing the balance between productivity and self-care as essential for effective leadership in today's challenging landscape.
14 snips
Apr 13, 2020 • 1h 10min
Sweetgreen: Nicolas Jammet and Jonathan Neman
Jonathan Neman and Nicolas Jammet, co-founders of Sweetgreen, share their journey from frustrated Georgetown students to successful entrepreneurs in the fast-casual dining scene. They discuss the challenges they faced launching their first salad shop and the resourcefulness required to overcome financial hurdles. The duo reflects on their innovative approach to sourcing ingredients and building community engagement through music events. As they navigate the ever-evolving food industry, they emphasize resilience and adaptation during crises, showcasing how challenges can fuel growth and evolution.
Apr 9, 2020 • 14min
How I Built Resilience: Live with Susan Griffin-Black
Susan Griffin-Black, founder of EO Products, shares her inspiring journey of pivoting from a diverse range of body and skin care products to focusing solely on hand sanitizers and soap during the COVID-19 crisis. She discusses the challenges of ensuring employee safety while meeting the surge in demand, as well as the importance of supporting the community and first responders. Griffin-Black also emphasizes self-care and mindfulness, offering practical tips to enhance well-being during tough times, all while nurturing sustainable practices in her business.
Apr 6, 2020 • 1h 7min
S'well: Sarah Kauss
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Kauss, founder of S'well, shares her journey from real estate to creating stylish, sustainable water bottles. Inspired by a memorable hike, she highlights the importance of design in reducing plastic waste. Kauss reflects on overcoming skepticism and numerous rejections in her early days, emphasizing the power of persistence. She also discusses pivotal partnerships, including a collaboration with Starbucks, that elevated her brand. With a mission to promote environmental responsibility, her story is a testament to innovation and resilience.
Apr 2, 2020 • 15min
How I Built Resilience: Live with Jeni Britton Bauer
Jeni Britton Bauer, founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, shares her inspiring story of resilience after facing a listeria outbreak that nearly ruined her business. She discusses the critical lessons learned in crisis management, such as the significance of transparency and community support. Jeni reflects on the nostalgia of childhood flavors and how personal storytelling has fostered connections with customers. She also highlights strategies for engaging with community feedback and adapting in the ever-evolving food market.
5 snips
Mar 30, 2020 • 1h 7min
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company: Ken Grossman
Ken Grossman, the visionary founder of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, shares his journey from brewing in high school to building one of America's largest craft breweries. He delves into the challenges of launching a brewery from scratch with limited resources and the importance of community support, especially during crises like the 2018 campfire disaster. Ken also discusses the pivotal role of hops in crafting distinctive flavors and his commitment to maintaining consistency in their iconic Pale Ale, all while navigating the evolving craft beer landscape.
15 snips
Mar 23, 2020 • 56min
Ben & Jerry's: Ben Cohen And Jerry Greenfield (2017)
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, the dynamic co-founders of Ben & Jerry's, share the whimsical journey of launching their iconic ice cream brand in Vermont. They discuss their innovative, quirky flavors that stood out in a crowded market and the transformative impact of a Time magazine feature that catapulted them to fame. The duo also candidly talks about navigating challenges from bigger competitors while remaining committed to their social mission, blending personal passion with a corporate identity that values community engagement.
