

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

71 snips
Apr 11, 2021 • 1h 20min
#175 Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey
Dive into Theodore Roosevelt's gripping struggle in the Brazilian rainforest, where he fights illness and faces extreme challenges. Explore his philosophy of resilience and determination as he navigates the River of Doubt, confronting not only nature but his own personal setbacks. The narrative highlights his contrasting leadership style with Brazilian explorer Rondon and reflects on survival in the wild, revealing character through adversity. Discover parallels between nature’s growth strategies and business, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and niche focus.

112 snips
Apr 5, 2021 • 48min
#174 Bill Gates (Overdrive)
The podcast dives into Bill Gates' duality as a tech visionary and a business mogul. It discusses the birth of the Mosaic browser and contrasts its innovation with Microsoft's trajectory. Gates’ competitive nature reveals his relentless pursuit of market dominance, often missing crucial shifts towards the Internet. Insightful reflections highlight how successful individuals uncover value in unexpected areas. Additionally, it emphasizes the resilience needed in the tech industry, presenting humorous anecdotes to illustrate the challenges faced by those who resisted change.

44 snips
Mar 28, 2021 • 1h 9min
#173 Louis B. Mayer (MGM Studios)
Explore the tumultuous life of Louis B. Mayer, from his rise as a Hollywood mogul to his gripping battles with ego and ambition. Discover the dark side of fame as his need for validation leads to strained relationships and a dramatic decline. Dive into the contrasting ideologies between Mayer and Walt Disney, revealing the tension between passion and public perception in the evolving film industry. With tales of both triumph and tragedy, this narrative vividly captures the complexities of success in American cinema.

132 snips
Mar 21, 2021 • 1h 6min
#172 Elon Musk (Early Days of SpaceX)
In the early days of SpaceX, Elon Musk faced myriad challenges but insisted on a build-and-test approach, fostering rapid innovation. His management style emphasized action over discussion, encouraging a culture of decisiveness. Unique hiring strategies sought passionate talent rather than seasoned veterans, bringing fresh perspectives to the team. The drive to succeed was palpable, as the company overcame significant setbacks, leading to a groundbreaking first launch. Their mission extended beyond profit, aiming to advance humanity's presence in space.

50 snips
Mar 15, 2021 • 1h 9min
#171: Chuck Feeney (The Billionaire who gave all of his money away)
Discover the incredible journey of Chuck Feeney, the billionaire who chose to give away his fortune, finding emotional freedom in the process. Explore his unconventional business tactics and the fierce competition he faced while building a global duty-free empire. Hear about his struggles, including the complexities of partnerships and financial decisions. Delve into his philanthropic transformation, inspired by past philanthropists, which reflects the challenge of reconciling wealth with a charitable vision.

299 snips
Mar 8, 2021 • 1h 19min
#170 Claude Hopkins (A Life in Advertising)
Explore the fascinating world of advertising through the lens of Claude Hopkins, a pioneer who turned experience into profound lessons. Delve into his belief that every success and failure is a stepping stone towards mastery. Discover why he valued honesty in marketing, sharing a compelling case of a struggling brand reborn through transparency. Uncover innovative storytelling strategies that resonate with audiences and learn from a mentor's wisdom about finding true happiness in independence and personal fulfillment.

290 snips
Mar 1, 2021 • 1h 28min
#169 David Ogilvy (The King of Madison Avenue)
Dive into the life of a legendary advertising pioneer whose insatiable curiosity defined his success. Discover how his challenging childhood and his formidable grandfather shaped his ambition. Learn about his evolution from a door-to-door salesman to a titan of Madison Avenue. Hear humorous anecdotes about his perfectionism and unique views on creativity and teamwork. Explore the sacrifices he made in his career and the profound impact of his innovative strategies on the advertising world.

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.


