
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

142 snips
Dec 9, 2021 • 1h 22min
#220 Enzo Ferrari: The Man and the Machine
Dive into the intriguing life of Enzo Ferrari, a man defined by his tenacious drive for racing victory. Explore his chaotic childhood and the relationships that shaped his relentless ambition. Discover how his charisma and unique management style transformed him into a motorsport legend. Unpack the risks of historic racing events and his unyielding pursuit of excellence. Despite achieving fame, Ferrari's passion for racing remained unmatched, leaving an enduring legacy that went beyond mere profits.

151 snips
Nov 30, 2021 • 1h 47min
#219 Tony Bourdain: The Definitive Biography
Discover the captivating life of Tony Bourdain, a culinary icon whose journey was marked by struggles and triumphs. Explore his relentless drive to succeed, fueled by a passion for writing and a desire to promote his work. Delve into the tension between his authentic vision and network expectations, revealing the thin line between his true self and on-screen persona. Unravel the complexities of his relationships and battles with addiction, all leading to a legacy that resonates deeply—even beyond his untimely death.

109 snips
Nov 25, 2021 • 58min
#218 Johan Cruyff (A Life of Total Football)
Explore the profound philosophy of Johan Cruyff, as he links life lessons from football to passion, family influence, and personal growth. Discover his thoughts on intelligence and commitment in succeeding as a player and coach. Hear about the challenges of navigating complex football management, and the need for cohesive leadership in teams. The episode also emphasizes mastering the basics and embracing life's intensity, drawing parallels with famous artists, while promoting the importance of sharing knowledge for future generations.

606 snips
Nov 18, 2021 • 1h 23min
#217 Estée Lauder
Discover the inspiring journey of a beauty industry pioneer who believed in her product passionately. Learn how risk-taking is vital for success, and why persistence played a key role in her triumph. The importance of networking and having strong allies in business is emphasized, alongside strategies for effective sales. Uncover the power of visualization in achieving career goals and the necessity of genuine engagement in one’s work. Realize that loving what you do is essential for a fulfilling career.

116 snips
Nov 14, 2021 • 1h 29min
#216 Paul Van Doren (Founder of Vans)
Discover the compelling journey of the Vans founder, who transformed challenges into opportunities. Delve into the crucial role of family values and resilience in shaping legacy. Explore innovative workplace incentives that drive success and enhance motivation. Hear how embracing misfits within the skate culture revolutionized a brand's identity. Gain insights into navigating personal tragedy and the lessons of grief, all while emphasizing authenticity and adaptability in the entrepreneurial landscape.

145 snips
Nov 9, 2021 • 57min
#215: J. Robert Oppenheimer and Leslie Groves (The General and the Genius)
Explore the fascinating partnership between General Leslie Groves and physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer during World War II. Their contrasting leadership styles fueled the creation of the atomic bomb under immense pressure. Groves, a hard taskmaster, pushed his team relentlessly, while Oppenheimer brought intellectual brilliance to the table. The podcast dives into their unique dynamics, the logistical challenges faced during the Manhattan Project, and the emotional rollercoaster leading to the Trinity test's success.

409 snips
Nov 3, 2021 • 2h 12min
#214 Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography
Explore the relentless pursuit of innovation through Steve Jobs' unique leadership philosophy that values creativity over profit. Uncover how his intense focus and refusal to accept conventional truths drove breakthroughs at Apple and Pixar. Delve into the complex dynamics of his personal life, family ties, and relationships, revealing the emotional struggles that shaped his legacy. Learn how the Beatles influenced his approach to perfection in product design and how his reflections on mortality guided his big life choices. A fascinating look at a visionary's journey!

320 snips
Oct 27, 2021 • 1h 7min
#213 Michael Jordan: Driven From Within
Delve into the mindset of a champion as Michael Jordan shares insights from his life on and off the court. Discover how hard work can feel like play when driven by passion, and the power of focus and unwavering commitment in achieving excellence. Explore the importance of personal relationships and being present in the moment, as well as the mental battles that shape true greatness. Jordan's experiences highlight the significance of discipline and authenticity in both sports and business, making for an inspiring listen.

264 snips
Oct 23, 2021 • 1h 38min
#212 Michael Jordan: The Life
Discover the psychological factors that fueled Michael Jordan's legendary drive, including transformative moments from his childhood. Explore his relentless pursuit of greatness, marked by pivotal challenges like getting cut from his high school team. Hear about his revolutionary sneaker deal with Nike and the unique triangle offense that helped build a basketball dynasty. Reflect on the emotional ties that influenced his legacy, especially the profound connection with his father that shaped his ambition and competitive spirit.

125 snips
Oct 16, 2021 • 1h 15min
#211 Aristotle Onassis: An Extravagant Life
Dive into the extravagant life of Aristotle Onassis, whose story reads like Greek mythology. Explore his captivating charm and tumultuous relationships, especially his unconventional marriage to Jackie Kennedy. Discover how early tragedies, including the burning of Smyrna, shaped his resilient business acumen. With a relentless focus on detail, Onassis became a master at absorbing knowledge. The podcast also examines the paradoxes of his world—success intertwined with deep personal loss, especially the impact of his son's death.