

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
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

288 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.

321 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.

144 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!

222 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.

241 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.

637 snips
Jun 27, 2022 • 1h 41min
#254 John D. Rockefeller: The Founding Father of the Rockefellers
This discussion dives into John D. Rockefeller's rise as a titan of the oil industry, showcasing his strategic mindset and the importance of secrecy in business. Listeners will explore his complex character and his early life lessons on integrity and ownership, drawing parallels to modern entrepreneurs. The narrative also reveals the intricate power dynamics within partnerships and Rockefeller's ruthless tactics that solidified his dominance. Ultimately, it examines his journey to unprecedented wealth and the challenges he faced in navigating his legacy.

117 snips
Jun 22, 2022 • 56min
#253 Henry Goldman (Goldman Sachs)
Explore the fascinating origins of Goldman Sachs, tracing the legacy of Marcus and Henry Goldman. Discover how personal struggles and family dynamics shaped their journey in the banking industry. Learn about early retail innovation through figures like Woolworths, and the bold strategies that redefined commerce. Henry shares his reflections on life, legacy, and the importance of living fully while acknowledging the transient nature of success and personal connections.

306 snips
Jun 17, 2022 • 47min
#252 Socrates
Dive into the wisdom of Socrates and the timeless quest for knowledge! Discover how his insights align with those of Confucius and highlight the importance of moral education for happiness. Explore Socrates’ life in Athens and his methods of introspection that prioritize the soul over bodily desires. Learn about his courageous stance on justice in the face of societal norms, leading to his trial and execution. This rich exploration reveals how ancient philosophies continue to resonate in modern entrepreneurial thought.

191 snips
Jun 13, 2022 • 57min
#251 Ben Franklin and George Washington: The Founding Partnership
Explore the remarkable friendship between Benjamin Franklin and George Washington and how they collaborated during pivotal moments like the American Revolution. Discover Franklin's groundbreaking work in electricity and his entrepreneurial wisdom emphasizing industry and frugality. Learn about Washington's early ambitions as a surveyor and his extensive library. Delve into their mutual growth amidst war and politics, and reflect on their enduring legacies that shaped a nation.

134 snips
Jun 8, 2022 • 57min
#250 Jacob Fugger (The Richest Man Who Ever Lived)
Discover the extraordinary life of Jacob Fugger, the wealthiest man of the 16th century, known for his bold business strategies and ethical dilemmas. He transformed from a textile trader to a banking titan, mastering innovative bookkeeping and leveraging powerful connections across Europe. Fugger’s radical approach to finance challenged noble privilege and shaped banking practices, all while navigating tumultuous periods like the Protestant Reformation. His relentless pursuit of wealth raises questions about purpose and legacy in a world driven by money.


