

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

108 snips
Nov 18, 2019 • 1h 3min
#98 Enzo Ferrari (the making of an automobile empire)
The podcast delves into Enzo Ferrari's extraordinary passion for automotive excellence. It highlights his relentless pursuit of perfection and the deep personal losses that shaped his character. From a young age, Enzo rejected conventional education, driven instead by a desire to start working immediately. His journey includes failures, lessons learned from seasoned mentors, and the eventual creation of a legendary brand that stands as a symbol of exclusivity and performance in the automotive industry.

81 snips
Nov 10, 2019 • 55min
#97 Enzo Ferrari (Ferrari vs Ford)
Dive into the fierce rivalry between Enzo Ferrari and Henry Ford II, showcasing the emotional connection Ferrari had with cars versus Ford's business-driven approach. Explore Ferrari's passion for craftsmanship and how it fueled his climb from struggling racer to iconic manufacturer. Discover the importance of belief and determination in entrepreneurship, as exemplified by figures like Ferrari and Steve Jobs. Lastly, see how Ferrari cleverly shaped public perception to enhance his legacy in the racing world.

79 snips
Nov 4, 2019 • 59min
#96 James J. Hill (Empire Builder of the Northwest)
The podcast dives into the life of James J. Hill, a key figure in railroad history. It highlights his belief that saving money is a marker of success. Hill’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming an influential entrepreneur showcases his relentless work ethic and commitment to self-education. The discussion emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and adaptability in business. Hill's philosophy on treating business as a living organism offers deep insights into sustainable success and maintaining focus.

84 snips
Oct 27, 2019 • 1h 5min
#95 Claude Shannon
Discover the imaginative life of Claude Shannon, the father of information theory. He pursued his passions without concern for practicality, turning solitude into a source of creativity. His groundbreaking work in cryptography during WWII and innovative spirit at Bell Labs redefined modern information. Shannon emphasized that life is about playful experimentation, not just financial success. You'll also hear amusing insights into his unique perspective on life and death, including his unconventional funeral plans.

166 snips
Oct 20, 2019 • 1h 21min
#94 Henry Singleton (The Outsiders)
Discover the innovative mind of Henry Singleton, who redefined business success by prioritizing profitability over mere growth. Learn how he transformed Teledyne into a cash-generating powerhouse through strategic divestments and share buybacks. The podcast contrasts Singleton's unconventional methods with traditional business philosophies, emphasizing the importance of trusting one’s judgment and adapting to market changes. Gain insights into cultivating independent thinking for entrepreneurial mastery and how to harness flexibility in decision-making.

92 snips
Oct 13, 2019 • 1h 8min
#93 Ed Thorp (A Man for All Markets)
In this engaging conversation, Ed Thorp, a trailblazing mathematician and investor, shares his thrilling journey from the blackjack tables to Wall Street. He discusses his revolutionary mathematical principles that reshaped risk management in finance. Thorp reflects on the lessons learned from the Great Depression and advocates for independent thinking in gambling and investing. With anecdotes revealing the pitfalls of wealth, he emphasizes the value of personal relationships and experiences over materialism, offering profound insights into fulfillment and happiness.

162 snips
Oct 7, 2019 • 1h 22min
#92 Ed Thorp and Claude Shannon
Dive into the groundbreaking intersection of gambling and investing through the minds of Ed Thorp and Claude Shannon. Discover how Thorp's mathematical genius revolutionized Blackjack and his journey to hedge fund success. Uncover the secretive Project X that enhanced secure communication, while exploring Shannon's pioneering work in information theory. Learn about the volatile nature of markets and risk management, and hear anecdotes about Thorp's meetings with legends like Warren Buffett. A captivating exploration of intellect and strategy!

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.

1,089 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.

210 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!