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
179 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 10min
Skype and Kazaa: Niklas Zennström
Niklas Zennström, a Swedish entrepreneur known for co-founding Kazaa and Skype, shares his journey in pioneering peer-to-peer technology. He recounts the challenges of launching Kazaa amidst legal battles with the music industry. Zennström discusses the innovative pivot to Skype, which transformed telecommunications by enabling free global calls. He reflects on the entrepreneurial landscape of the early 2000s, navigating funding hurdles and competition from major tech players, ultimately leading to Skype's acquisition by Microsoft.
Mar 13, 2025 • 46min
Advice Line with Jenn Hyman of Rent The Runway
Jenn Hyman, co-founder and CEO of Rent the Runway, shares her entrepreneurial wisdom while advising early-stage business owners. She tackles the importance of valuing artisan craftsmanship for local apparel, and emphasizes how letting go of ego can enhance leadership effectiveness. Conversations include strategies for raising capital in sustainable fashion and achieving significant revenue for beauty brands. Hyman offers insights on the evolution of fashion rentals and the emotional resilience needed in entrepreneurship, inspiring listeners on their journeys.
63 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 1h 8min
SpotHero: Mark Lawrence
Mark Lawrence, Co-founder and CEO of SpotHero, shares his journey from dealing with parking fines in Chicago to creating a leading digital parking platform. He discusses the evolution from a peer-to-peer service to partnering with garages, emphasizing strategic growth over rapid expansion. Lawrence reflects on overcoming intense competition and investor pressures, while navigating challenges during the pandemic. He also shares his adventurous spirit, highlighting future goals like a bicycle tour across Africa and the importance of community in entrepreneurship.
17 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 49min
Advice Line with Alberto Perlman of Zumba
Alberto Perlman, co-founder and CEO of Zumba, discusses the importance of strategic partnerships and saying ‘yes’ to new opportunities. He offers advice to early-stage founders, like the best ways to raise capital and navigate ownership dynamics. Jack from Drink Wholesome shares insights into expanding his protein powder business for sensitive stomachs, while Peter from Mountain Flow emphasizes creating sustainable outdoor products. Their discussions highlight resilience and the significance of transparency in building successful brands.
114 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 24min
PayPal: Max Levchin (June 2022)
Max Levchin, co-founder of PayPal and founder of Affirm, shares his journey from Soviet Ukraine to Silicon Valley's tech scene. He discusses the formation of PayPal with notable figures like Elon Musk and the challenges they faced, including Musk's ouster as CEO. Levchin reflects on the intense work culture and pivotal moments in the company's rapid growth, driven by innovation. His transition to entrepreneurship after PayPal's acquisition by eBay showcases his relentless drive to create impactful fintech solutions.
34 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 46min
Advice Line with Lyndon Cormack of Herschel Supply Co.
Lyndon Cormack, co-founder of Herschel Supply Co., shares insights with early-stage founders seeking success. They dive into crafting compelling brand stories that resonate with customers. Topics include the innovation behind FloorDrobe for decluttering clothes and the unique challenges of designing nursing bras. Lyndon emphasizes adaptability in entrepreneurship, offering practical advice on marketing strategies and staying relevant in a competitive market. This discussion blends personal experiences with actionable insights, inspiring listeners to forge their paths.
96 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 5min
Lenny & Larry’s Protein Snacks: Barry Turner
Barry Turner, co-founder of Lenny & Larry's, shares his inspiring journey from American Gladiator to protein snack innovator. He discusses the early days of protein muffins in the 90s and how they stumbled upon the idea of protein-rich baked goods. Barry reflects on the challenges of scaling their brand and the whimsical evolution of their logo. He also reveals his motivation for returning to Lenny & Larry's to revive the brand and introduce new products, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to health-focused snacks.
Feb 20, 2025 • 51min
Advice Line with Ariel Kaye of Parachute Home (August 2024)
Ariel Kaye, founder of Parachute Home, leads an insightful discussion with guests Daen Brown, co-founder of King Brown Pomade, and Deanna Blasi-D, founder of Mindset Tapestry. They tackle smart strategies for brand growth, with Daen seeking investment after a decade of self-funding while navigating the grooming market's challenges. Deanna shares her journey of creating an emotional health tool for children, emphasizing the impact of affirmations and effective marketing strategies. The conversation also highlights women breaking barriers in male-dominated industries.
59 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 21min
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day: Monica Nassif
Monica Nassif, the innovative founder of Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, shares her incredible journey in the cleaning product industry. She creatively shifted from an upscale brand to making her products accessible, targeting chains like Target. The importance of family influences shines through, especially how her mother became a beloved mascot. Monica discusses the delicate balance of launching new products and the critical lessons learned about timing in retail. Her insights into blending nostalgia with modern branding reveal the heart behind her successful venture.
23 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 45min
Advice Line with Travis Boersma of Dutch Bros
Travis Boersma, co-founder of Dutch Bros Coffee, and Sean Chang, co-founder of Mukja Korean Fried Chicken, share invaluable entrepreneurial insights. They discuss the journey of transforming a simple espresso cart into a national coffee chain, tackling challenges like rising costs and competition. Sean highlights creative marketing strategies for his restaurant, while both guests emphasize the power of word-of-mouth in boosting customer growth. The conversation also touches on the importance of resilience and adaptability for new founders in today’s ever-changing market.
