

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

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.

107 snips
Dec 14, 2020 • 52min
#158 Walt Disney (Disneyland)
Delve into the captivating journey of Walt Disney as he dared to create Disneyland, transforming skepticism into a dream come true. Discover the chaotic yet innovative creative process that led to the world's first theme park, driven by Disney's relentless pursuit of quality. Learn about his childhood influences and collaborations that shaped his visionary approach. The narrative also reveals the tumult of opening day and highlights the heartfelt legacy he left behind, proving that imagination and determination can indeed change the world.

114 snips
Dec 7, 2020 • 58min
#157 The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution
Dive into the world of pioneering geniuses like Ada Lovelace and Alan Turing, whose innovative spirits shaped the digital landscape. Discover how Lovelace foresaw a future where machines augment human imagination. Explore the tension between ambition and interpersonal skills through key figures in tech leadership, and witness the resilience of innovators like Andy Grove and Nolan Bushnell in overcoming challenges. Finally, unravel the profound connection between humanity and technology, highlighting the role of creativity in fueling the digital revolution.

78 snips
Nov 30, 2020 • 57min
#156 Theodore Roosevelt
Dive into the adventurous life of Theodore Roosevelt, a man defined by grit and determination. Hear about his bizarre juxtaposition of catching thieves while reading Anna Karenina. Explore his transformative journey through personal tragedies in the Badlands and how they shaped his character. Discover his motto, 'Get Action!' and the intense influences during his formative years. Finally, reflect on his dynamic presidency, including landmark achievements like the Panama Canal and his passion for conservation.


