

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

239 snips
Jan 5, 2022 • 1h 50min
#224 Charles de Gaulle
Dive into the legacy of Charles de Gaulle, a leader shaped by resilience and unwavering resolve. Discover how his radio broadcasts turned him into a beacon of hope during WWII, and explore his tumultuous rivalry with Pétain that highlighted his commitment to military modernization. The podcast reveals the complex relationship he had with Churchill and showcases de Gaulle's belief in victory, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and adaptability in both leadership and personal endeavors.

64 snips
Dec 29, 2021 • 1h 15min
#223 Unstoppable: Siggi Wilzig's Astonishing Journey from Auschwitz Survivor and Penniless Immigrant to Wall Street Legend
Experience the incredible journey of a Holocaust survivor who thrived against all odds. Discover how he transformed from a penniless immigrant to a Wall Street legend. Learn about his resilience, using humor and faith to cope with past traumas. Explore the dynamics between different employee archetypes and their impacts on success. Ultimately, witness the celebration of life as he reflects on his meaningful legacy amidst health struggles. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief.

952 snips
Dec 20, 2021 • 1h 38min
#222 Ed Thorp (My personal blueprint)
Dive into Ed Thorpe's extraordinary journey from casinos to capital markets, emphasizing how he challenged conventional wisdom. Discover how his love for knowledge shaped his views on mastery, resilience, and relationships. Learn about his innovative strategies that transformed gambling and investment while reflecting on the importance of time management. Thorpe's insights on building a strong workforce and the impact of financial innovation blend personal anecdotes with profound life lessons, highlighting a fulfilling journey over mere wealth accumulation.

488 snips
Dec 13, 2021 • 1h 25min
#221 Charlie Munger
Dive into the wisdom of Charlie Munger, where he champions the importance of integrity, discipline, and never making excuses. Discover how he values life lessons from biographies over traditional business books, emphasizing resilience and partnerships that shaped his success. Munger's philosophy on risk-taking in investing showcases his unique approach to entrepreneurship. The discussion further highlights the significance of continuous learning and the role of failure as a stepping stone toward quality and personal growth.

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.

156 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.

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.


