

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

203 snips
Jan 5, 2020 • 1h 19min
#105 Les Schwab (Charlie Munger recommended this book)
Discover the fascinating business philosophy of Les Schwab as he reveals his commitment to excellence and employee empowerment. He emphasizes the importance of serving customers through dedicated staff rather than office directives. The journey of building his tire empire showcases resilience against adversity, and the battle for independence against franchising woes adds a thrilling twist. Learn how passion and creative marketing shaped his success while underscoring the value of integrity in business.

109 snips
Dec 30, 2019 • 1h 22min
#104 Ingvar Kamprad (IKEA)
Discover the transformative journey of Ingvar Kamprad, whose early life and entrepreneurial spirit built IKEA from the ground up. Hear about his trials, including near failures, and his regret over family neglect due to work. Learn how the concept of self-assembled furniture was born and why he chose to keep IKEA private. Explore Kamprad’s unique work ethic, his views on mistakes, and the philosophy that drives his vision for a lasting company.

58 snips
Dec 22, 2019 • 1h 2min
#103 Hetty Green (The Richest Woman in America)
Discover the fascinating life of Hetty Green, the richest woman in America during the Gilded Age. Learn about her unique blend of frugality and financial genius that made her a pioneer on Wall Street. Explore her remarkable strategies for thriving during economic downturns and her family's impact on her financial philosophies. Delve into her legacy as a groundbreaking woman in finance who defied gender norms and left a lasting imprint on the financial world. Hetty's story is a testament to resilience and sharp investment insights.

376 snips
Dec 15, 2019 • 1h 16min
#102 Akio Morita (Sony)
Explore the inspiring journey of Akio Morita, who turned post-war Japan's ruins into a tech powerhouse with Sony. Learn about the resilience and innovation that led to products like the Walkman. Discover the importance of discipline and mental resilience in today's distraction-heavy world. Dive into unique management philosophies that prioritize long-term growth and continuous learning. Lastly, gain insights from Morita's visit to the USSR, highlighting Japanese cultural values that foster efficiency and innovation.

94 snips
Dec 8, 2019 • 42min
#101 Warren Buffett (The Tao of Warren Buffett)
Delve into the wisdom of Warren Buffett, whose insights reveal that true wealth often comes from identifying exceptional businesses rather than a diverse portfolio. Learn the importance of thinking critically before signing contracts and the necessity of choosing the right business environment. The podcast highlights the value of concise advice, opportunity costs in investments, and the balance between wealth and happiness. Discover how simple decisions can lead to profound success and the significance of patience in cultivating lasting value.

137 snips
Dec 1, 2019 • 1h 26min
#100 Warren Buffett (The Snowball)
Discover the extraordinary life lessons of a legendary investor. Explore Warren Buffett's duality as a teacher and practitioner of business. Learn about the pivotal moments that shaped his investment philosophy and his early struggles with public speaking. His advice on personal branding and the importance of relationships over wealth is truly inspiring. Reflect on how dedication and quality define success, as Buffett navigates the complexities of wealth and life. This journey showcases how personal experiences can lead to profound wisdom.

59 snips
Nov 24, 2019 • 1h 18min
#99 Carroll Shelby (My name is Carroll Shelby and performance is my business)
Discover the larger-than-life story of Carroll Shelby, a man who thrived on speed and self-belief. From his early struggles in poultry farming to becoming an icon in the automotive world, Shelby's journey is anything but ordinary. His charisma, passion, and refusal to conform shaped his path through racing and beyond. Learn how he overcame setbacks, built a legendary brand, and influenced the automotive industry. Shelby's enthusiastic spirit and determination to make life fun resonate throughout his storied life.

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.

90 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.


