

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

587 snips
May 8, 2022 • 1h 21min
#245 Rick Rubin (In the Studio)
Dive into the world of a legendary music producer who champions simplicity and authenticity in art. Discover how his minimalist approach revolutionized genres from hip-hop to heavy metal. Hear anecdotes about collaborations with iconic artists and learn about the nuances of serving the song over flashy presentation. The journey highlights the profound connection between trust and creativity, showcasing how true artistry emerges from allowing others to shine. Get insights into his philosophy that music discovery is about unveiling what already exists.

209 snips
May 3, 2022 • 1h 5min
#244 Harry Snyder (In-N-Out Burger)
Discover the captivating journey of a family business that created a cult following without traditional advertising. Delve into the dynamics of joyful communities in entrepreneurship and how word-of-mouth can elevate brands to legendary status. Learn about Harry Snyder's philosophy on quality and customer service at In-N-Out Burger, and how a minimalist menu fosters excellence. Explore the legacy of fresh, hand-crafted ingredients that sets this brand apart from the convenience-driven fast food landscape.

127 snips
Apr 25, 2022 • 1h 16min
#243 Francis Greenburger (Real Estate Billionaire)
Explore the emotional rollercoaster of launching skyscrapers in New York's unpredictable real estate market. Delve into the impact of family dynamics on entrepreneurial journeys, particularly the influence of a father in the literary world. Discover lessons in resilience through financial crises and personal losses. Learn about the art of navigating investment risks while balancing leisure during turbulent times. The wisdom gained from past economic downturns emphasizes adaptability and the strength of personal relationships in successful investing.

160 snips
Apr 21, 2022 • 1h 29min
#242 Francis Ford Coppola: A Filmmaker's Life
Discover the complex legacy of Francis Ford Coppola, shaped by the influence of his father's struggles and ambitions. Delve into his innovative journey through filmmaking, highlighting his relentless drive and clever navigation of the industry. Experience the emotional weight of a tragic accident that reshaped his life and priorities. Hear how personal loss fueled his creative freedom and perseverance. Through it all, Coppola's willingness to embrace uncertainty in his craft reveals a unique perspective on storytelling and family dynamics.

103 snips
Apr 14, 2022 • 1h 27min
#241 The Wright Brothers, Glenn Curtiss, and the Battle to Control the Skies
The intriguing rivalry between Wilbur Wright and Glenn Curtiss takes center stage, revealing the personal and professional tensions that fueled early aviation. Both pioneers showcased remarkable intelligence but struggled with their limitations. The narrative explores the dangerous landscape of early flight, the obsession with aviation crashes, and the impact of ambition and overconfidence. As the story unfolds, we witness divergent paths following tragedy, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of innovation and the human spirit's quest to conquer the skies.

132 snips
Apr 7, 2022 • 46min
#240 Mozart: A Life
Dive into the life of Mozart and discover his relentless dedication to music, working until his final days. Explore how his father influenced his genius while navigating the constraints imposed by authority figures. The discussion highlights the significance of personal expression in both music and modern entrepreneurship. Reflect on Mozart's insights on mortality and family, and how these shaped his creativity. Gain career wisdom from his multifaceted income streams and transformative impact on opera, showcasing the balance between art and joy.

59 snips
Apr 1, 2022 • 30min
Steve Jobs and His Heroes
Discover the profound impact of biographies on entrepreneurial journeys, especially those of Steve Jobs. Explore his transformative years away from Apple, revealing key lessons in talent acquisition and personal growth. The podcast also highlights influential figures like Edwin Land, showcasing how historical innovators shape modern leadership. It's an insightful exploration of how learning from the past can inspire innovation and drive success in today's entrepreneurial landscape.

201 snips
Mar 29, 2022 • 1h 33min
#239 The Wright Brothers
Discover the inspiring journey of the Wright brothers, who transformed their passion for flight into groundbreaking innovation. They demonstrated that being 'relentlessly resourceful' is key to overcoming obstacles in entrepreneurship. Their close partnership, unique personalities, and determination played crucial roles in their historic first flight. The podcast also highlights the profound impact of mentorship and family support in turning dreams into reality, even in the face of ridicule and challenges.

457 snips
Mar 23, 2022 • 1h 58min
#238 Jay Z: Decoded
The podcast explores the transformative journey of self-belief as shaped by Jay-Z's memoir, 'Decoded.' It emphasizes how relentless practice, like that of musical legends, is key to success, contrasting fame's illusions with unseen hard work. The narrative delves into the struggles of artists, mentorship's vital role, and the connection between ambition in art and business acumen. It also tackles the emotional impact of absent fathers in hip-hop culture and highlights stories of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of personal growth through shared experiences.

55 snips
Mar 16, 2022 • 1h 11min
#237 Julio Lobo (Cuba's Last Sugar Tycoon)
Discover the dramatic rise and fall of Julio Lobo, Cuba's last sugar tycoon, whose fortune vanished with the revolution. His story reveals how quickly things can change, highlighted by a past assassination attempt that left him marked. The discussion dives into themes of ambition, personal sacrifice, and the emptiness that can accompany relentless pursuit of wealth. We also hear poignant tales from Cuban refugees, contrasting Lobo's lavish life with the struggles of many seeking freedom. It's a cautionary tale about integrity and the true costs of success.