

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

627 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.

120 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.

423 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.

254 snips
Oct 10, 2021 • 1h 10min
#210 Stephen King On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Dive into the fascinating journey of creativity and resilience with insights from the master himself, Stephen King. Explore the emotional hurdles and self-doubt every writer faces, alongside the discipline required for consistent success. Uncover personal stories of rejection, perseverance, and the inspiration found in solitude. The narrative intertwines the sacrifices made within family dynamics and emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling, reminding us that the path to creation is often paved with challenges and determination.

154 snips
Oct 6, 2021 • 1h 11min
#209 Steven Spielberg: A Biography
Dive into the fascinating life of a legendary filmmaker who declared his ambition to direct at age 12! Discover his unique approach to filmmaking, emphasizing his connection with the audience. Uncover insights into his mentorship experiences and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. The journey from early struggles to monumental successes, like 'Jaws' and 'E.T.', showcases creativity born from adversity. Finally, reflect on the balance between family life and fame, offering valuable lessons from a life lived in the spotlight.

462 snips
Sep 29, 2021 • 1h 22min
#208 Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Michael Dell, Bill Gates, Andy Grove, Bill Hewlett
Explore the interplay of luck and strategy in the success of tech visionaries. Discover how passion shapes leadership decisions and inspires innovative thinking from Steve Jobs. Unpack the significance of recruiting top talent and being adaptable in a competitive landscape. Learn how frustration in larger companies can spark groundbreaking ideas in entrepreneurship. Delve into the balance of respect and ambition in both tech and hip-hop, and uncover the transformative lessons in leadership that drive sustainable growth in business.