
Founders
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
Latest episodes

364 snips
Sep 14, 2022 • 1h 10min
#267 Thomas Edison
Dive into the world of Thomas Edison, where invention meets relentless ambition. Explore his formative years, shaped by a thirst for knowledge and an unwavering work ethic. Uncover the challenges he faced while creating revolutionary technologies like the phonograph and electric light bulb. Learn how he viewed problems as opportunities for growth, alongside dynamic interactions with established innovators. This fascinating journey showcases Edison's tenacity and innovative spirit, illuminating the path of a true pioneer.

649 snips
Sep 8, 2022 • 1h 14min
#266 Henry Ford's Autobiography
Discover the captivating insights of Henry Ford's autobiography, emphasizing that true education comes from life experiences rather than formal schooling. Ford's philosophy centers on serving people over chasing profits, advocating for accessible, high-quality products. Embrace the idea of continuous improvement, viewing challenges as growth opportunities. The discussion also covers the importance of efficient business practices and ethical manufacturing, illustrating how Ford revolutionized industries with a service-oriented mindset.

670 snips
Aug 30, 2022 • 1h 26min
#265 Becoming Steve Jobs: The Evolution of a Reckless Upstart into a Visionary Leader
Dive into the evolution of Steve Jobs from a reckless upstart to a visionary leader. Discover how his relentless pursuit of perfection was shaped by profound life lessons. Explore the complexities of balancing intense work commitments with family life, and how mentorship played a pivotal role in his journey. Uncover his strategic comeback after leaving Apple, which redefined his influence in the animation industry. Finally, redefine success by valuing collective achievements over financial gains.

397 snips
Aug 24, 2022 • 54min
#264 The Story of Edwin Land and Polaroid
Dive into the world of Edwin Land, the visionary behind Polaroid and the instant camera revolution. Explore his relentless innovation and artistic approach, drawing fascinating parallels to Steve Jobs and Apple. Discover how Land’s unique management style and bold marketing made Polaroid an aspirational brand. Delve into the challenges that ultimately led to its decline, revealing both the triumphs and tribulations of creating a lasting legacy in technology.

146 snips
Aug 18, 2022 • 1h 12min
#263 Land's Polaroid: A Company and the Man Who Invented It
Delve into the fascinating world of Edwin Land, the visionary behind Polaroid's instant camera. Discover his unique approach to innovation, characterized by a refusal to accept conventional wisdom and a passion for experimentation. Learn about the pivotal moments in his journey that shaped photography forever. The discussion also highlights the importance of reading for entrepreneurs, showcasing how intellectual growth fuels creativity and problem-solving. Edwin’s legacy is a testament to relentless dedication and the power of fostering a positive work environment.

198 snips
Aug 11, 2022 • 59min
#262 Herbie Cohen (World's Greatest Negotiator)
Dive into the art of negotiation with a legendary figure who turns life into a game of strategy. Discover how understanding others' motivations can shift a 'no' into a 'yes.' Enjoy stories from a distinguished career, illustrating that resilience and persistence are key to success. Explore profound discussions on life's meaning and the wisdom that age brings while navigating familial relationships. From car deals to philosophical insights, every anecdote reveals how the essence of negotiation intertwines with everyday life.

188 snips
Aug 4, 2022 • 39min
#261 Dee Hock's Autobiography of a Restless Mind Volume One and Two
Discover insightful reflections from Dee Hock's autobiographical works, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and intention in life. Engage with timeless quotes from historical figures that inspire happiness and fulfillment. Explore the interplay between reading, writing, and clarity in communication as the speaker shares their own transformative journey. Dive into the challenges of life and the significance of embracing adversity while nurturing creativity and curiosity.

230 snips
Aug 3, 2022 • 1h 21min
#260 One from Many: VISA and the Rise of Chaordic Organization
The speaker reflects on their courageous leap from a successful career at Visa to pursue deeper meaning in life. They honor Dee Hock's revolutionary ideas that blend order and chaos in organizations. The narrative dives into the chaotic beginnings of the credit card industry, highlighting resilience and ethical challenges. It explores transformative leadership and the evolution of money perception. Personal anecdotes illustrate the importance of embracing failure for growth, emphasizing the journey from traditional to innovative business practices.

216 snips
Jul 27, 2022 • 1h 18min
#259 Bob Dylan
Dive into the transformative journey of a legendary musician through the lens of his memoir. Explore the art of self-creation as he emphasizes the importance of differentiating oneself in a competitive landscape. Discover the profound influences of literature and history on his work, fueling creativity and identity. From pivotal encounters to reflections on fame, this captivating narrative reveals the relentless quest for authenticity and the passion that drives artistic evolution.

304 snips
Jul 22, 2022 • 1h 39min
#258: Jay Gould (Dark Genius of Wall Street)
Dive into the controversial legacy of Jay Gould, a financial genius known for his audacious strategies and manipulation tactics on Wall Street. Explore his rise from poverty to controlling railroads and telegraph systems. Learn how his groundbreaking methods shaped modern market practices, some of which were later prohibited. Delve into the complexity of his reputation as both a savvy entrepreneur and a reviled figure, revealing the duality of ambition and public perception in his life.