

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

98 snips
Feb 21, 2021 • 1h 8min
#168 Larry Miller (Driven: An Autobiography)
In this insightful discussion, the guest shares his remarkable journey from dropping out of college to building a $3.2 billion business empire, overcoming failures along the way. He emphasizes the intoxicating shift from fear-driven work to a passion for excellence. The importance of work-life balance is highlighted, revealing the personal costs of ambition. Listeners are prompted to reflect on mortality and meaningful choices, ending with lessons on integrity and the value of personal connections.

41 snips
Feb 19, 2021 • 57min
#167 Jackie Cochran (Aviation)
Discover the extraordinary life of Jackie Cochran, a pioneering aviator who shattered records and societal norms. From her impoverished upbringing in Florida to leading the Women's Airforce Service Pilots during WWII, her journey is a testament to unyielding determination. With a fierce competitive spirit, she became the first female pilot to break the sound barrier, earning numerous accolades along the way. The podcast delves into her complex personality and relentless drive, showcasing how she defied the odds to leave an indelible mark on aviation history.

106 snips
Feb 8, 2021 • 1h 13min
#166 Robert Noyce (Intel)
Discover the life of Robert Noyce, a co-founder of Intel, whose mentorship inspired many, including Steve Jobs. Delve into his contrasting legacy with William Shockley, showcasing Noyce's collaborative spirit. Explore his rebellious beginnings and the vital role of mentorship in shaping his innovative approach. Learn how he navigated the tech landscape, emphasizing flexibility and expertise. Finally, reflect on the duality of his success, from professional achievements to personal challenges, revealing insights for future entrepreneurs.

27 snips
Feb 1, 2021 • 1h 2min
#165 William Shockley (Creator of the Electronic Age)
Delve into the intriguing life of William Shockley, the genius behind the transistor, whose brilliance was marred by personal struggles and controversial beliefs. Explore the paradox of his success and downfall, highlighting his management style that stifled innovation. Discover the contrast between Shockley's charisma and the collaborative nature of his contemporaries. The conversation also touches on tools that can enhance productivity for founders and emphasizes the importance of meaningful relationships in the tech world.

13 snips
Jan 25, 2021 • 1h 5min
#164 Robert Goddard (Rocket Man)
Discover the incredible journey of Robert Goddard, the pioneer of rocketry, whose innovative spirit fueled the birth of the Space Age. Delve into his personal struggles and the contrasts between his life and those of modern-day entrepreneurs. Explore the dynamics of collaboration among aviation and rocketry trailblazers, and reflect on how personal choices shaped the happiness of figures like Goddard and Alfred Nobel. The podcast reveals the persistent quest for success against skepticism and the transformative power of ideas.

24 snips
Jan 18, 2021 • 1h 2min
#163 Alfred Nobel
Explore the intriguing life of Alfred Nobel, a man torn between his inventive genius and personal struggles. Discover how financial pressures fueled his creativity, leading to groundbreaking inventions. Delve into his paradoxical legacy, where dynamite meets the quest for peace. Hear about a memorable wedding gift that showcased his generosity and wit. Uncover the emotional battles he faced, shaping his decision to create the Nobel Prizes as a way to leave a positive mark on the world.

24 snips
Jan 11, 2021 • 1h 20min
#162 Chuck Yeager
Discover the exhilarating life of a legendary pilot, starting from his humble West Virginia roots to breaking barriers in aviation. Learn about the fierce determination and resilience that shaped his career and personal philosophy. Experience the gripping survival story of a World War II pilot navigating chaos and danger while exploring themes of bravery and self-reliance. Delve into the emotional complexities of test pilots in the Mojave Desert and the unique camaraderie they share, underscoring the balance between humor and resilience in challenges faced.

32 snips
Jan 4, 2021 • 1h 7min
#161 Dr. Seuss
Dive into the inspiring journey of Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, whose creativity was shaped by his supportive parents. Discover the perseverance he demonstrated through early struggles in freelancing and the advertising world. His breakthrough work, 'The Cat in the Hat,' redefined children's literature and showcased his unique approach to storytelling. The conversation also touches on the powerful influence of mentors and the importance of commitment to one's craft. Explore the lasting legacy of a literary genius who continually embraced wonder and humor.

69 snips
Dec 28, 2020 • 1h 10min
#160 Peter Cundill
Dive into the extraordinary life of a value investor whose journey intertwines financial genius with personal challenges. Discover the blend of Stoicism and Epicureanism, offering practical tips for a balanced life. Reflect on the duality of self through personal achievements and the importance of generosity. Explore the emotional landscape of love and loss as a man navigates his wife's terminal illness, emphasizing authentic living amidst grief. Finally, celebrate resilience through poignant anecdotes of life's joys and struggles.

57 snips
Dec 21, 2020 • 1h 10min
#159 Andy Grove (Intel)
Dive into a gripping tale of survival set against the haunting backdrop of Budapest during and after World War II. Explore a youthful perspective on the horrors of fascism and the Holocaust, and feel the weight of loss and separation. Experience a powerful family reunion amid political unrest and the yearning for freedom. Discover how resilience fuels the journey from chaos to the bright promise of America, leading to eventual success as a tech CEO, underscoring the importance of mentorship and community in overcoming adversity.