Good Bad Billionaire

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, India’s first self-made female billionaire, built her pharmaceutical empire Biocon after initially failing in the brewing industry. She shares her journey from childhood in a brewery compound to facing gender bias as a pioneer in biotech. Discover how she navigated challenges, pivoted to producing insulin, and became a global figure in pharmaceuticals. The discussion also touches on her philanthropic efforts in cancer care sparked by personal experiences, revealing the heart behind her success.

George Soros, a legendary investor and philanthropist, reflects on his journey from escaping Nazi-occupied Hungary to becoming a financial titan. He shares the thrilling story of how he made a billion dollars in a single day by shorting the British pound, an act that earned him the title of 'the man who broke the Bank of England.' The conversation dives into the ethical dilemmas of investing, his philosophical influences, and the duality of his legacy, exploring how he balances being a notorious billionaire with his impactful charitable efforts.

Jerry Seinfeld, a legendary comedian and the creative force behind one of TV's most successful sitcoms, shares his journey from stand-up to billionaire status. He delves into his lifelong obsession with comedy and how streaming syndication skyrocketed his wealth. Transcendental meditation, navigating personal grief, and his unique approach to acting are all part of the recipe for his success. The conversation touches on his iconic sitcom's cultural impact and Seinfeld's legacy in reshaping the comedy landscape, posing the question of whether he embodies a 'good billionaire'.

Join Peter Jackson, the visionary director behind the iconic Lord of the Rings films, as he shares his remarkable journey from childhood movie obsessions to becoming a billionaire filmmaker. Discover how his innovative work in special effects led to the founding of Weta Digital and the challenges he faced bringing Middle-earth to life. Explore Jackson's bold decision to film the trilogy all at once and the transformative impact his work has had on New Zealand's film industry, along with his unique spending habits and philanthropic efforts.

Discover the fascinating journey of Miuccia Prada, from a reluctant fashion novice to a billionaire icon of ‘ugly fashion.’ Explore how her innovative designs challenged conventional beauty and reshaped the luxury market. Delve into her strategic investments that transformed brands like Gucci and the incredible rise of her own empire. The discussion also highlights the ethical dilemmas in fashion philanthropy, offering a glimpse into Miuccia's impact on both style and society as she nears retirement.

In this discussion, Sergey Brin, the tech titan who co-founded Google, shares his fascinating journey from a Jewish immigrant in Russia to a pioneering billionaire. The conversation unveils his innovative partnership with Larry Page and the dynamic culture of Google, likening it to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. They also dive into the pivotal role of advertising in Google's success, the complexities of leadership during IPOs, and the ethical challenges surrounding his legacy. Brin's evolution highlights both the triumphs and moral dilemmas of shaping the internet.

Simon Jack, a BBC business editor, and journalist Zing Tsjeng delve into the incredible journey of Tiger Woods, a golfing prodigy turned billionaire. They discuss his record 15 major championships and the transformative impact he had on golf's image. Personal challenges, including scandals and car accidents, nearly derailed his career. Together, they explore the complexities of his legacy—how he broke barriers and influenced future players, while also navigating the ups and downs of fame and wealth.

Journalist and BBC editor delve into Mark Zuckerberg's rise from Harvard dropout to billionaire. They discuss his leadership style, strategic acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, controversies like Cambridge Analytica scandal, and his impact on social media and society. Podcast explores Zuckerberg's complex persona and legacy as a 'good' or 'bad' billionaire.

From The Exorcist to owning 400 companies, the podcast dives into the mysterious world of Virgin entrepreneur Richard Branson. Explore his surprising ventures, from music to space travel, and unravel the enigma of his shy yet adventurous personality. Is he a good, bad, or just another billionaire? Find out in this intriguing exploration of a man of many paradoxes.

Discover how Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire behind Manchester United, made his fortune through daring investments and impressive acquisitions. From mortgaging his house for business to investing in cycling and sailing, his journey from petrochemicals to football ownership is full of risk and reward.