
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

21 snips
Jul 22, 2019 • 1h 12min
#81 Henry Royce (Founder of Rolls-Royce)
Discover the fascinating partnership between Henry Royce and Charles Rolls, and how their meeting in 1904 set the stage for luxury automotive engineering. Explore Royce's relentless pursuit of quality against the backdrop of early automotive challenges and resistance to change. Delve into his resilience following personal losses and the impact of his perfectionist mindset on innovation. Engage with the contrast between Royce's meticulous craftsmanship and the mass-production methods of his contemporaries, revealing insights into leadership and creativity.

104 snips
Jul 14, 2019 • 46min
#80 Henry Ford (Today and Tomorrow)
Explore how a single innovative idea, like the affordable automobile, can spark economic growth and job creation. Delve into the future of innovation, likened to the rise of electricity, and how Ford's vision reshaped society. Discover the concept of a 'serving corporation' that prioritizes customer satisfaction over mere profits. Uncover the timeless value of hard work in entrepreneurship as emphasized by Ford. Plus, hear insights from influential figures and get a sneak peek into engaging upcoming content!

306 snips
Jul 7, 2019 • 1h 13min
#79 Charlie Munger (The Complete Investor)
Dive into the mindset of successful investing with lessons from Charlie Munger. Discover how independent thinking and emotional control can give you an advantage. Explore the balance between curiosity and distraction in business, alongside key traits like patience and preparation. Learn about the value of frugality and the importance of capital allocation, while gaining insights from historical investing figures. Unpack mental models that shape decision-making and engage with recommended readings for further exploration.

489 snips
Jun 30, 2019 • 59min
#78 Charlie Munger (the Tao of Charlie Munger)
Discover the remarkable journey of Charlie Munger, who defied conventional education to become a legendary investor. Learn how poker strategies shaped his investment acumen. Delve into his philosophies on patience and the importance of cash reserves. Unpack common investment misconceptions and the need for understanding diverse business models. Embrace wisdom from history and the value of personal growth in navigating life's challenges. Explore how frugality and relationships play essential roles in long-term success.

138 snips
Jun 23, 2019 • 1h 38min
#77 Steve Jobs (The NeXT Years)
Dive into the tumultuous journey of Steve Jobs as he navigates the challenges of launching NeXT after Apple. Discover the intriguing balance between his visionary ambition and the harsh realities of tech entrepreneurship. The discussion covers the pitfalls of overconfidence, where aesthetic choices overshadowed practicality, leading to NeXT's struggles. Explore the complex dynamics of Jobs' micromanagement philosophy and the lessons learned from his strategic decisions during a pivotal tech era. Experience the transformative impact of the information revolution through his unique lens.

246 snips
Jun 16, 2019 • 1h 13min
#76 Steve Jobs: The Early Years of Apple
Explore the intriguing early years of Apple through the lens of Steve Jobs' unconventional approach to design and leadership. Discover how his early experiences and passion fueled the company's meteoric rise while highlighting the humorous escapades of his early tech pursuits. Unpack the challenges Apple faced after Jobs' departure and the transformative journey that led to his comeback, revitalizing the company. This deep dive into Jobs’ innovative spirit offers valuable insights into the drive behind one of the world's most iconic brands.

40 snips
Jun 9, 2019 • 1h 23min
#75 Henry Clay Frick: Andrew Carnegie's Partner
Dive into the life of Henry Clay Frick, a figure of contradictions—both a ruthless industrialist and a thoughtful philanthropist. Discover the lessons he holds for modern entrepreneurs as we explore his business ethics and the impact of events like the Homestead Strike. Unearth the historical context of the whiskey rebellion and how it shaped Frick's spirit of entrepreneurship. Through his partnership with Andrew Carnegie, see how financial acumen and innovation paved the way for transforming Carnegie Steel into an industrial giant.

162 snips
Jun 2, 2019 • 55min
#74 The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie
Explore Andrew Carnegie's fascinating journey from poverty to steel magnate. Discover his philosophy that champions optimism and a positive mindset over mere wealth. Learn how quality drove his success with Keystone Bridgeworks and his strategies for maximizing manufacturing efficiency. Delve into the importance of focus in business and retaining top talent, while gaining insights from other historical figures. This reflective exploration reveals timeless lessons on entrepreneurship and personal fulfillment.

77 snips
May 26, 2019 • 1h 32min
#73 Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick: The Bitter Partnership That Changed America
Discover the tumultuous partnership between Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick, two titans of American industry. Their journey from poverty to power is marked by intense labor disputes and a near-assassination, illustrating the fierce conflict between corporate interests and worker rights. As their collaboration dissolves amid the Homestead Strike, the story reveals the personal and professional toll of ambition and capitalism, making for a gripping narrative of success, betrayal, and the complexities of industrial growth.

38 snips
May 19, 2019 • 59min
#72 Stan Lee: Founder of Marvel
Explore the remarkable journey of Stan Lee and his creation of the Marvel Universe. Discover how his early love for reading ignited a lifelong passion for storytelling. Hear about the transformational impact of the Great Depression on his work ethic. Delve into his groundbreaking approach to character development and marketing that captivated fans. Uncover the power of creativity as a means of escape and the vital connection between creators and their audience in shaping a thriving brand.