

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

461 snips
Nov 23, 2020 • 1h 8min
#155 Jeff Bezos (Shareholder Letters and Speeches)
In a captivating discussion, Jeff Bezos, founder and former CEO of Amazon, shares his insights on innovation and resilience. He emphasizes that setbacks are vital for growth and resourcefulness is key to overcoming challenges. Bezos compares modern innovators to historical figures, stressing creativity over mere intelligence. He also highlights the balance between structured decision-making and intuition in business, advocating for speedy decisions while valuing meaningful choices. The conversation is a blend of nostalgia, business philosophy, and the importance of childlike wonder.

29 snips
Nov 19, 2020 • 53min
#154 Charles Schulz (Charlie Brown)
Delve into the life and creative journey of Charles Schulz, the genius behind Peanuts. Discover his unwavering dedication to crafting each comic strip by hand for nearly fifty years. Learn about the importance of solitude in generating ideas and the balance between passion and commercial success. Explore Schulz's reflections on growth, perseverance, and the emotional struggles faced by artists. This exploration of creativity emphasizes doing one task well and the lasting impact of Schulz's work on popular culture.

72 snips
Nov 12, 2020 • 1h 18min
#153 Bill Bowerman (Nike)
Discover the fascinating coaching philosophy of Bill Bowerman, where stress and recovery are vital for athlete development. His innovative training methods revolutionized the running culture in America and laid the groundwork for Nike. Delve into the tumultuous beginnings of the brand, highlighting the challenges faced by its founders. Bowerman’s relentless pursuit of excellence not only transformed athletes but also the sneaker industry, leaving an enduring legacy reflected in iconic campaigns like 'Just Do It'.

97 snips
Nov 5, 2020 • 1h 3min
#152 Katherine Graham (Washington Post)
The podcast dives into Katherine Graham's impactful life as the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 company. It explores her journey through grief after her husband's passing and the ensuing challenges in a male-dominated industry. Listeners hear her reflections on resilience and self-identity, emphasizing the importance of inner fulfillment over societal expectations. The narrative is laced with valuable advice from her family and a powerful call to embrace moments of struggle as opportunities for growth and second winds.

90 snips
Oct 29, 2020 • 1h 8min
#151 Frederick Smith (FedEx)
Frederick Smith's journey to create Federal Express was fraught with dramatic setbacks, including financial ruin and personal crises. Despite facing bankruptcy and being ousted as CEO, his unwavering determination and refusal to give up propelled him forward. The podcast explores the revolutionary concept of overnight delivery and the innovative problem-solving that defined FedEx's early struggles. It highlights the crucial role of timing and resilience in transforming a dream into a shipping giant, showcasing Smith's relentless spirit and voracious appetite for knowledge.

100 snips
Oct 24, 2020 • 54min
#150 Sam Walton (America's Richest Man)
Discover the incredible journey of Sam Walton, who rose from humble beginnings to become America's richest man. His unique business philosophy focused on simplicity and a relentless work ethic. Learn how Walton took on giants like Sears by mastering the low-price game while maintaining customer satisfaction. The discussion also highlights Walton's innovative strategies, frugality, and resourcefulness that propelled Walmart to unprecedented heights. His life story is a testament to ambition, resilience, and the power of hard work.

45 snips
Oct 18, 2020 • 1h 11min
#149 The Big Rich (Oil Billionaires)
Discover the fascinating tales of Texas oil billionaires, from humble beginnings to immense wealth and fame. The podcast dives into wildcatters, the suspense of finding buried fortunes, and the rivalry between independent drillers and major companies. It highlights the awe-inspiring stories of the Big Four oil tycoons, their relentless determination, and how the Texas oil boom shaped their lives. The colorful legacies—filled with personal dramas and financial triumphs—illustrate the enduring impact of this mighty industry.

177 snips
Oct 11, 2020 • 57min
#148 John D. Rockefeller (Autobiography)
Dive into the fascinating world of John D. Rockefeller as he shares episodic memories that shaped his empire. Relationships are highlighted as the foundation of success, emphasizing teamwork and trust. Hear about the importance of preparedness during financial crises, illustrated by a pivotal fire in the refining industry. Discover how Rockefeller's early experiences influenced his work ethic and leadership. Plus, gain entrepreneurial wisdom through practical advice on vision, fairness, and embracing feedback.

50 snips
Oct 5, 2020 • 1h 9min
#147 Sam Colt
Discover the extraordinary life of Sam Colt, a quintessential American entrepreneur who transformed firearms manufacturing. From facing financial ruin to becoming a millionaire, Colt's journey highlights resilience and innovation. His revolutionary six-shooter solved a 400-year-old technological problem, fundamentally changing weaponry. Explore his ambitious travels and relentless determination as he sought success against all odds. The podcast delves into the complexities of his character and the lasting impact of his work on American industrial history.

46 snips
Sep 27, 2020 • 49min
#146 Milton Hershey (Chocolate)
Explore the remarkable life of Milton Hershey, from his challenging childhood to becoming a chocolate giant. Discover how he learned perseverance and innovation, transforming a small caramel business into a chocolate empire. His pioneering production techniques revolutionized the industry, while his philanthropic legacy, particularly the Milton Hershey School, showcases his commitment to helping disadvantaged children. Dive into the fascinating intersection of wealth, community impact, and Hershey's vision for a better future.


