

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

86 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.

173 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.

121 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.

194 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!

75 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.

1,115 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.

216 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!

474 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!

98 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.

36 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.


