

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

65 snips
May 31, 2020 • 1h 10min
#128 Henry Leland (Cadillac)
Explore the inspiring journey of Henry Leland, who revolutionized the automotive industry by founding Cadillac and Lincoln. His unwavering commitment to quality set new manufacturing standards. Discover his role as a mentor and educator, emphasizing the importance of skilled labor. Leland's struggles against cutthroat industry tactics reveal his deep commitment to honor and integrity. His life lessons on craftsmanship and doing things the right way highlight his enduring legacy in American industry.

179 snips
May 25, 2020 • 59min
#127 Larry Ellison (Oracle)
Explore the intriguing complexities of Larry Ellison, comparing him to Charles Foster Kane. Discover his unconventional hiring practices that valued innovative thinkers and shaped Oracle's culture. Delve into the early software industry, revealing Ellison's unique path laden with ambition and flawed decisions. Uncover the dynamics of his vibrant personality, his partnership with Bob Miner, and how their contrasting strengths propelled Oracle forward. Finally, examine the interplay of competition and friendship within the tech world.

223 snips
May 20, 2020 • 1h 9min
#126: Larry Ellison (The Billionaire and the Mechanic)
Explore the essence of greatness with Larry Ellison as he compares historical figures like Gandhi and Napoleon. Dive into entertaining tales of mischievous neighbors struggling with loud peacocks, and uncover the profound lessons of resilience drawn from fierce sailing competitions. Hear about his friendship with Steve Jobs, their shared drive to innovate, and the relentless pursuit of success that defines them both. This captivating exchange reveals insights into ambition, competition, and personal growth in both business and life.

186 snips
May 15, 2020 • 1h 11min
#125 Charles Kettering (inventor, engineer, founder)
Discover the life of Charles Kettering, a groundbreaking inventor and engineer with 186 patents. Explore his philosophy of embracing challenges as a 'professional amateur', emphasizing perseverance and learning through trial and error. Uncover his revolutionary contributions, including the electrical starting motor and Freon. Delve into the 'shirt losing zone' concept, highlighting the importance of early user feedback in innovation. The podcast ultimately champions resilience, showcasing how challenges can lead to personal growth and remarkable advancements.

311 snips
May 9, 2020 • 1h 12min
#124 Larry Ellison and Oracle
Dive into the captivating world of Larry Ellison, where unyielding optimism meets rebellion against authority. Discover his journey from college dropout to tech titan, shaping Oracle's groundbreaking relational database. Explore the fierce competition with Bill Gates and contrasting sales strategies that define the tech landscape. Delve into the complexities of Ellison's personality, fueled by early life challenges, and see how a pivot saved Oracle from near collapse. It's a thrilling exploration of questioning convention and relentless ambition!

34 snips
May 1, 2020 • 1h 5min
#123 Albert Champion (Record-Setting Racer to Dashing Tycoon)
Explore the incredible life of Albert Champion, who transformed from a young errand boy in Paris to a record-setting racer and influential automotive tycoon. His mentorship with Clement shaped his racing ambitions and business acumen. Delve into Champion's crossroads between racing and duty, including a harrowing accident and the challenges of his entrepreneurial ventures. Discover his relentless pursuit of improvement and the tragic complexities of ambition that ultimately shaped his legacy in spark plug technology.

26 snips
Apr 26, 2020 • 1h 5min
#122 Alfred Sloan (General Motors)
Dive into the pioneering world of the automobile industry as early leaders grappled with market dynamics. Discover Alfred Sloan's innovative strategies at General Motors that transformed business practices. Explore the value of focus and decentralized organizations as keys to success. Learn how GM managed economic challenges and competitive pressures by understanding consumer behavior. Finally, uncover the dual nature of debt in business, highlighting the need for adaptability in a constantly changing market.

72 snips
Apr 19, 2020 • 1h 22min
#121 Billy Durant and Alfred Sloan (General Motors)
Discover the fascinating divergence between Billy Durant and Alfred Sloan, two giants of General Motors. Durant, the flamboyant dreamer, thrived on instinct and personal connections, while Sloan, the methodical engineer, focused on data-driven management. Their contrasting leadership styles not only shaped their company but also modern corporate practices. The podcast delves into the challenges of sustained success and the complex relationships in the automotive world, showcasing how the balance of risk and strategy can drive innovation.

32 snips
Apr 11, 2020 • 1h 11min
#120 Billy Durant (Creator of General Motors)
Billy Durant, a key figure in shaping the American automobile industry, started as a skeptic of cars but went on to establish General Motors, Chrysler, and Frigidaire. His journey is a rollercoaster of success and failure, marked by his efforts to protect investors, which ultimately led to his bankruptcy. Despite his immense contributions, he faced dramatic financial downturns. The tale of his rise and fall reveals profound lessons on ambition, innovation, and the unpredictable nature of business.

22 snips
Apr 5, 2020 • 54min
#119 The Dodge Brothers
Discover the remarkable journey of two machinists who transformed the automotive industry. From their early days in Detroit to becoming key players for Ford, their skills were unmatched. Unveil how they strategically decided to build their own brand and almost bankrupted one of the biggest names in auto manufacturing. Their unique approach to advertising and management showcased their dedication to quality. Dive into the deep bond between the brothers, a partnership that flourished until death, leaving a lasting legacy in automotive history.