

Founders
David Senra
Learn from history's greatest entrepreneurs. Every week I read a biography of an entrepreneur and find ideas you can use in your work. This quote explains why: "There are thousands of years of history in which lots and lots of very smart people worked very hard and ran all types of experiments on how to create new businesses, invent new technology, new ways to manage etc. They ran these experiments throughout their entire lives. At some point, somebody put these lessons down in a book. For very little money and a few hours of time, you can learn from someone’s accumulated experience. There is so much more to learn from the past than we often realize. You could productively spend your time reading experiences of great people who have come before and you learn every time." —Marc Andreessen
Episodes
Mentioned books

1,387 snips
May 8, 2023 • 50min
#302 Napoleon (The Mind of Napoleon)
Dive into the intricate mind of Napoleon, where ambition and destiny collide! Discover his philosophy on happiness and the essential alignment with one's true self. The podcast tackles his beliefs on action versus contemplation, showcasing how his contradictory nature shaped leadership strategies. Gain insights into the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship through Napoleon's lessons on operational efficiency. Through historical parallels, explore how legacy and ambition intertwine in the quest for greatness!

300 snips
May 1, 2023 • 1h 4min
#301 Tiger Woods
Discover the remarkable legacy of Tiger Woods and how he transcended the game of golf. Explore his humble beginnings shaped by a demanding father, coupled with intense training and dedication. Delve into the immense pressure he faced, battling injuries and addiction, while seeking personal redemption. Witness his profound influence on sports and culture, highlighting both the triumphs and controversies. Amidst it all, learn about the mindset that fueled his relentless pursuit of greatness.

1,302 snips
Apr 24, 2023 • 1h 21min
#300 James Dyson (Against the Odds)
James Dyson, the brilliant inventor behind the iconic bagless vacuum cleaner, dives into his intriguing life and the journey of innovation. He shares how he built his first vacuum out of cereal boxes and the importance of difference in his designs. The impact of his father's death fueled his determination to embrace his individuality and chase his dreams. Through perseverance, Dyson navigated setbacks in retail to find success in direct sales, reminding us that resilience and creativity often lead to groundbreaking inventions.

5,314 snips
Apr 17, 2023 • 2h 1min
#299 Steve Jobs (Make Something Wonderful)
This discussion dives into Steve Jobs' visionary journey, revealing how his blend of art and technology shaped Apple's legacy. It emphasizes the importance of passion, resilience, and innovation in both life and work. The narrative contrasts traditional corporate hierarchies with Apple's inclusive culture, highlighting the value of ideas from all levels. Listeners will appreciate insights on simplifying product lines and the necessity of fostering talent. Ultimately, it reflects on Jobs' lasting influence and the creation of iconic products like the iPhone.

571 snips
Apr 10, 2023 • 1h 30min
#298 I had lunch with Sam Zell
Dive into a fascinating lunch with Sam Zell, filled with inspiring insights on passion and resilience. Discover parallels between personal stories and the entrepreneurial wisdom shared during this enlightening conversation. Explore the journey of historical figures like James J. Hill and their impact on modern business success. Uncover the complexities of high-stakes real estate deals and the importance of focus to avoid catastrophic failures. This discussion emphasizes lifelong learning, innovative strategies, and the joy of pursuing what you love.

696 snips
Apr 3, 2023 • 60min
#297 Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia)
Explore Yvon Chouinard's unconventional journey with Patagonia, where business meets personal fulfillment. Discover the idea that entrepreneurship mirrors juvenile delinquency—rebellion against the norm. Delve into the importance of crafting the best products, and the challenges of maintaining quality over mere profitability. Learn about 'Yarak,' a state of alertness essential for growth, and how stress can fuel innovation. Through reflecting on purposeful practices, the narrative emphasizes adaptation, sustainability, and a commitment to genuine connections with customers.

488 snips
Mar 29, 2023 • 3h 10min
A conversation with David and Ben from the Acquired podcast
David Rosenthal and Ben Gilbert, co-hosts of the Acquired podcast, dive into their shared obsession with entrepreneurship history. They discuss the importance of authenticity in narrative and the complexities of biographical storytelling. Insights from legends like Charlie Munger and Henry Flagler are revealed, alongside reflections on the evolution of podcasting and monetization strategies. They tackle the delicate balance of nurturing wealth in future generations and emphasize that true success stems from learning both from triumphs and failures.

583 snips
Mar 27, 2023 • 1h 8min
#296 Bernard Arnault (The Richest Man in the World)
Dive into the fascinating world of luxury with Bernard Arnault, the mogul behind LVMH. Discover his competitive spirit and strategic mindset that reshaped the luxury market. Hear about early influences from his grandfather's engineering company and how ambition drove him to acquire Christian Dior. Uncover the internal conflicts at LVMH and how Arnault capitalized on them. Learn about his calculated rise to power, drawing comparisons to iconic figures like Steve Jobs, showcasing a blend of intuition and aggression in the business world.

2,102 snips
Mar 21, 2023 • 1h 18min
#295 I had dinner with Charlie Munger
Discover insights from a transformative dinner with Charlie Munger, where the importance of investing in extraordinary businesses at fair prices is highlighted. The discussion reveals the significance of surrounding oneself with influential people and valuing time. Explore principles of success, emphasizing patience and a proactive mindset in business. Learn from Rose Blumkin's inspiring journey in the retail world and the value of continuous learning and trust. The conversation also touches on profound life lessons about change and mortality.

308 snips
Mar 13, 2023 • 43min
#294 Napoleon
Delve into Napoleon's extraordinary leadership and his unique ability to inspire and manage people—a quality many founders can learn from. Explore his remarkable rise to power, the strategic brilliance behind his military campaigns, and the catastrophic mistakes he made during the Russian invasion. Discover how Napoleon manipulated public perception to regain control and the parallels between his ambition and modern entrepreneurship. Additionally, learn insights from Warren Buffett that emphasize simplicity in business transactions.