
Founders
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
Latest episodes

70 snips
Sep 29, 2019 • 1h 1min
#91 Jim Clayton (Sold to Warren Buffett)
Warren Buffett praises Jim Clayton's remarkable journey, leading to a $1.7 billion deal for his company. From humble beginnings, Jim's story illustrates the power of resilience and mentorship. He creatively revolutionizes car sales through entertainment, proving trust is key in business. After facing bankruptcy, he quickly reinvents himself in the mobile home market. Finally, he shares invaluable lessons on entrepreneurship and the importance of continuous learning, encouraging listeners to broaden their knowledge.

1,036 snips
Sep 22, 2019 • 1h 37min
#90 Charlie Munger (Poor Charlie's Almanack)
Discover the wit and wisdom of Charles T. Munger through his reflections on business, learning, and self-improvement. Explore the journey of iconic investors, like the rise of Wal-Mart from humble beginnings. Unpack the secrets of success without innovating—just learning from the best. Dive into multidisciplinary approaches that enhance decision-making and challenge traditional wisdom. Gain insights on the importance of incentives, reliability, and the value of continuous growth in navigating life's complexities.

207 snips
Sep 15, 2019 • 1h 21min
#89 David Ogilvy (Confessions of an Advertising Man)
The discussion weaves through personal anecdotes that shaped a career in advertising. Insights from David Ogilvy's book highlight powerful messaging and enduring campaigns. Leadership lessons are drawn from a Parisian kitchen, emphasizing standards and innovation. A revolutionary approach to advertising urges persistence and creativity. Unique aphorisms redefine norms, while future plans include deep dives into wisdom from Buffett and Munger. Expect engaging content that inspires both thought and action!

376 snips
Sep 8, 2019 • 3h 1min
#88 Warren Buffett's Shareholder Letters— All of them!
Dive into Warren Buffett's remarkable journey as he transformed Berkshire Hathaway into an investment giant. Discover his investment philosophy emphasizing quality over mere growth and learn about the mistakes he navigated. The discussion highlights corporate management critiques and the need for skepticism in financial claims. Enjoy insights on focused investment strategies, the evolution of media, and the enduring spirit of American capitalism. Plus, be inspired by the entrepreneurial success of Doris Christopher with The Pampered Chef!

96 snips
Sep 1, 2019 • 1h 12min
#87 Thomas Watson (IBM)
Dive into the fascinating world of Thomas Watson Sr. and the rise of IBM. Discover the complexities of leadership styles and the impact of charismatic authority on employee loyalty. Explore Watson's journey from his Ohio roots to the top of the business world, including the innovative strategies that defined early corporate America. Learn about the controversial tactics encountered at NCR and how mentorship under a strong leader shaped future philosophies. This is a captivating look at leadership, legacy, and the lessons learned from historical entrepreneurs.

35 snips
Aug 25, 2019 • 1h 21min
#86 Carl Bosch and Fritz Haber (A Genius and a Doomed Tycoon)
Discover the extraordinary lives of Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch, pioneers of the Haber-Bosch process that transformed agriculture. Their groundbreaking invention had immense implications for food production but also fueled wartime devastation. Dive into the controversial guano industry and its geopolitical turmoil, and witness the clash of innovation with rising ideologies, including the struggles of a Jewish scientist in Nazi Germany. This poignant narrative unveils how remarkable achievements often come with profound ethical dilemmas.

35 snips
Aug 18, 2019 • 1h 9min
#85 Walter and Olive Ann Beech (Aviation Legends)
Discover the inspiring journey of aviation pioneers Walter and Olive Ann Beech, who transformed the industry during the Great Depression. Hear how Olive Ann rose to leadership after her husband's death, showcasing remarkable resilience. Learn about the bold decision to manufacture luxury planes amidst economic turmoil and the strategic success of the King Air turboprop. Personal anecdotes reveal Olive Ann's lasting impact, emphasizing the importance of self-education and perseverance for aspiring entrepreneurs.

99 snips
Aug 11, 2019 • 1h 28min
#84 Aristotle Onassis
Dive into the life of Aristotle Onassis, a shipping magnate whose journey was shaped by adversity and ambition. Discover how his escape during the Greco-Turkish War fueled his entrepreneurial spirit and led him to Argentina. Explore his innovative strategies during economic downturns and the challenges of navigating international business and media scrutiny. Learn how stress can be a catalyst for growth, and uncover the secrets of resilience in turbulent times. Unlock valuable insights from historical entrepreneurs on your own entrepreneurial journey.

116 snips
Aug 4, 2019 • 1h 50min
#83 Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, George Westinghouse, and the Race to Electrify the World
Delve into the electrifying rivalry between Edison, Tesla, and Westinghouse. Discover how personal pride fueled competing visions for electrical dominance and the challenges they faced. Explore J.P. Morgan's role in financing this transformative industry and the societal changes that ensued. Learn about the resilience shown by these innovators and how their strategies shaped the future. The episode also reflects on the lessons we can glean from historical figures in entrepreneurship and innovation.

378 snips
Jul 28, 2019 • 1h 4min
#82 David Ogilvy (Ogilvy on Advertising)
Dive into the world of advertising with insights from a pioneering figure. Discover how information, not just creativity, drives consumer action. Explore the vital role of knowledge and research in crafting effective campaigns, and the power of authentic communication. Delve into contrasting management styles that shaped industry legends and the ethical responsibilities advertisers carry. Finally, uncover timeless principles of human nature that still resonate in today’s marketing strategies.