

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

5,669 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.

702 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.

509 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.

2,168 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.

336 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.

185 snips
Mar 6, 2023 • 52min
#293: Ray Kroc (The Making of McDonald's)
Explore the inspiring journey of Ray Kroc and his pivotal role in transforming McDonald's into a global phenomenon. Discover how he overcame personal challenges to seize a unique restaurant concept and shape it with simplicity and effectiveness. Delve into the importance of strategic shifts and persistence in achieving success. The episode also highlights the interplay between dreams and actions, emphasizing Kroc's belief that work can be play, and how a vision can lead to groundbreaking innovations.

263 snips
Feb 27, 2023 • 47min
#292 Daniel Ludwig (The Invisible Billionaire)
Delve into the intriguing life of the mysterious billionaire Daniel Ludwig, famed for his obsession with privacy and incredible business acumen. Discover how he built a vast empire, owning over 200 companies worldwide while sticking to a frugal lifestyle. Hear tales of his ingenious strategies in shipping and oil, and learn about the fascinating dynamics between corporate power and government. Explore how Ludwig's relentless pursuit of low costs and innovation transformed industries, showcasing the audacious spirit of entrepreneurship.

300 snips
Feb 20, 2023 • 47min
#291 David Packard (Founder of HP)
David Packard's vision emphasized societal contributions over mere profits, shaping HP's legacy. The podcast highlights the company's humble beginnings and their groundbreaking innovations, including the audio oscillator. It delves into lessons learned from Japan on quality and adaptability, which transformed their approach to growth. Additionally, insights from Warren Buffett illuminate the nuances of selling a business, contrasting with modern business models. The discussion also touches on the importance of quality and detail in today's tech landscape.


