

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

412 snips
Dec 26, 2022 • 52min
#283 Andrew Carnegie
Discover the remarkable journey of Andrew Carnegie, from his humble Scottish beginnings to becoming a titan of the American steel industry. The discussion dives into his business philosophies, focusing on cost control and innovative manufacturing techniques. Learn about his strategic partnerships and the role of self-education in his success. The talk also delves into Carnegie’s legacy in philanthropy, emphasizing his commitment to public libraries and the enduring impact of his principles on modern business.

1,552 snips
Dec 19, 2022 • 1h 10min
#282 Jeff Bezos Shareholder Letters
Explore the art of long-term thinking and customer obsession through insights from Jeff Bezos' shareholder letters. Learn how proactive service builds trust and prioritizes customer satisfaction. Discover the boldness needed for innovation and the importance of embracing risks in business growth. Delve into the transformative power of continuous learning and the necessity of individuality in a conformist world. This is a journey through the principles that set Amazon apart in the competitive landscape.

498 snips
Dec 12, 2022 • 41min
#281 Working with Steve Jobs
Dive into the relentless pursuit of perfection and excellence as drawn from the experiences of Steve Jobs. Discover how clarity of vision is essential in complex endeavors and why every day at Apple felt like a design-focused university. Hear fascinating stories about Jobs’ passion for outstanding products and his hands-on, high-standards leadership style. The discussion also draws parallels between Jobs and coaching legends, highlighting how intentionality can drive remarkable outcomes.

262 snips
Dec 9, 2022 • 1h 15min
The Founder of Kinkos — Paul Orfalea
Join Paul Orfalea, the visionary founder of Kinko's, as he shares his incredible journey of turning dyslexia and ADHD into a multi-billion dollar success. Discover how he transformed a single copy machine into a thriving business by prioritizing employee engagement and real-time feedback. Paul reflects on the unconventional wisdom that the D students build the companies, while the A students work for them. He also discusses the emotional toll of entrepreneurship and the importance of self-awareness in leadership, all delivered with his signature humor and insight.

236 snips
Dec 6, 2022 • 55min
#280 Jimi Hendrix
Dive into the intriguing life of Jimi Hendrix, a musical genius whose obsessive creativity spilled onto anything he could find. Discover how his upbringing shaped his unique sound and his quest for individuality amidst the chaos of fame. Hear reflections on the emotional toll of success and his contemplations on legacy, freedom, and authenticity. The podcast also draws fascinating parallels with other iconic musicians while exploring the struggles that come with genius. Get an intimate look at the pressures and triumphs of a true legend.

304 snips
Nov 29, 2022 • 56min
#279 What I Learned Before I Sold to Warren Buffett
Discover the intriguing pitch made to Warren Buffett by a jewelry business owner on the street, revealing Buffett's unique investment style based on trust. Dive into lessons on resilience and mentorship gleaned from generational entrepreneurship. Hear anecdotes that emphasize humility and relationship building as cornerstones of business success. The discussion also highlights a past financial crisis that reshaped strategies and focused on core competencies, all while navigating the entrepreneurial landscape with a supportive culture.

1,649 snips
Nov 22, 2022 • 57min
#278 Peter Thiel
The discussion highlights the invaluable insights from Peter Thiel's book, emphasizing the unique visions of founders like Steve Jobs. It delves into the paradox of teaching entrepreneurship: every innovation is unique and cannot be reduced to a formula. The podcast explores the importance of monopolistic ventures and the power of choosing the right co-founder to drive success. Additionally, it showcases how effective sales strategies can overshadow product differentiation, ultimately shaping industry landscapes.

1,077 snips
Nov 17, 2022 • 48min
#277 Paul Graham's Essays Part 3
Dive into the treasures of Paul Graham's insights on entrepreneurship and wealth. Discover how true wealth isn't just money but the stuff that enriches life. Explore the challenge of taking the hard path for startup success and the magic of small teams. Uncover the parallels between hackers and painters, emphasizing hands-on learning and collaboration. Learn about structured teamwork as a vital element for innovation and how recognizing flaws can drive improvement. Plus, get a sneak peek at a new resource aimed at personal growth!

1,038 snips
Nov 9, 2022 • 42min
#276 Paul Graham’s Essays Part 2
Dive into the mind of Paul Graham as he challenges conventional wisdom on startups. He argues that pursuing unconventional ideas can lead to groundbreaking innovations. The importance of independent thinking and curiosity in entrepreneurship takes center stage, pushing founders to evaluate their work differently. Graham discusses the balance between hard work and innate talent, using examples like Bill Gates. Finally, redefine what passion means in your endeavors, emphasizing the significance of collaboration and supporting fellow entrepreneurs.

2,830 snips
Nov 3, 2022 • 1h 20min
#275 Paul Graham
Discover the wisdom of Paul Graham as he reflects on the balance between passion and work. He argues that true happiness comes from engaging in what you admire. The struggle of finding fulfilling work is real, and societal pressures can complicate the journey. The importance of total immersion and adaptability in startup life is highlighted, alongside the emotional challenges founders face. Insights on user engagement and community support reveal how personal connections can propel startups toward success.