

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
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.

147 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.

203 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.

212 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.

253 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.

306 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.

129 snips
Jul 15, 2022 • 1h 18min
#257 Richard Garriott (Video Games and Space Exploration)
Explore the fascinating intersection of video games and space exploration as a pioneering developer shares his journey. Discover how creativity and storytelling can transform industries and shape personal destinies. Delve into the unexpected economies that emerge within virtual worlds and the resilience needed to navigate failures in entrepreneurship. Experience thrilling tales from the gaming revolution, where humble beginnings lead to monumental successes, all while reflecting on the adventures inspired by historical heroes. Embrace the malleability of life!

190 snips
Jul 9, 2022 • 1h 18min
#256 Edward L. Bernays (Public Relations, Advertising, & Persuasion)
Dive into the fascinating world of public relations through the life of Edward L. Bernays, the original master of persuasion. Discover how he transformed consumer behavior by linking products to meaningful causes. Learn his unorthodox tactics that redefined advertising, like marketing cigarettes as symbols of women's empowerment. Explore the complex relationship between corporate interests and wartime hype, revealing the manipulative strategies that shaped American public opinion. Bernays' legacy continues to influence modern media and marketing today.

214 snips
Jul 2, 2022 • 1h 30min
#255 Sam Zemurray (Banana King)
Discover the extraordinary life of Sam Zemurray, the self-made Banana King and his audacious rise from humble beginnings to a titan of the banana industry. Hear tales of his controversial coups and fierce rivalries, especially against the United Fruit Company. Explore the resilience of immigrant workers in harsh conditions and the intricate legacy Zemurray left behind, intertwining business with politics and society. Delve into the struggles and triumphs that shaped an ambitious entrepreneur who embodied the American dream.