

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

52 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.

183 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.

107 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.

326 snips
May 12, 2019 • 1h 48min
#71 Jeff Bezos' Shareholder Letters
Dive into the wisdom of Jeff Bezos through his shareholder letters, showcasing long-term thinking, customer obsession, and relentless innovation. Discover how Amazon navigates fierce competition with daring decisions and a focus on the customer experience. Learn about the pivotal importance of firsthand verification in investment strategies, and how cultivating high standards can drive organizational success. Explore the surprising triumph of Alexa amidst skepticism, emphasizing vision in product development that anticipates consumer needs.

66 snips
May 6, 2019 • 59min
#70 Mark Spitznagel: The Dao of Capital
Dive into the intriguing world of investment philosophy with insights from Mark Spitznagel. Discover how embracing loss can yield greater long-term gains and why patience is key in both investing and entrepreneurship. Explore the indirect paths to success, likened to nature's own strategies. Historical examples, including Henry Ford's innovative approaches, showcase the power of strategic thinking. Plus, learn about the art of roundabout investing and how market distortions can create unique opportunities for savvy investors.

29 snips
Apr 28, 2019 • 1h 13min
#69 Charles Goodyear: An Inventor's Obsession and the Struggle for a Rubber Monopoly
Dive into the tumultuous world of Charles Goodyear, the inventor whose obsession for perfecting rubber led him through remarkable highs and devastating lows. Discover his groundbreaking innovation of vulcanized rubber, born from relentless trials, financial struggles, and even imprisonment. Explore the impact of his work on America's industrial evolution and reflect on the personal sacrifices made by his family. This tale highlights the power of purpose and resilience in the face of adversity, revealing the spirit of an American innovator.

75 snips
Apr 21, 2019 • 1h 27min
#68 Daniel Ludwig: The Invisible Billionaire
Dive into the enigmatic life of Daniel Ludwig, a billionaire who amassed a $3 billion fortune while shunning the spotlight. Discover how he forged a shipping empire using creativity and strategic financial moves in challenging times. Explore his innovative approaches, from navigating post-war opportunities to overcoming Great Depression hurdles. Reflect on the historical contexts of corporate greed and manipulation, along with Ludwig's unique ventures in remote industries. His obsession with work and privacy reveals the complexities of ambition and resilience.

67 snips
Apr 14, 2019 • 1h 26min
#67 Conrad Hilton: Hilton Hotel Dynasty
Explore the remarkable life of Conrad Hilton, starting with his humble beginnings and how he built a billion-dollar hotel empire. Discover the impact of the Great Depression on his journey and personal life. Delve into his unique decision-making philosophy, where intuition played a key role. Learn about his ambition, resilience, and the importance of surrounding oneself with inspiring friends. Finally, reflect on Hilton's regrets and the balance between professional success and personal happiness.

166 snips
Apr 7, 2019 • 1h 25min
#66 Henry Kaiser: Builder in the Modern American West
Dive into the remarkable journey of Henry J. Kaiser, a titan of American industry. Discover his innovative approach to construction and shipbuilding during WWII. Learn how he built major businesses from the ground up with no initial capital. Explore his unconventional management style that empowered employees and fostered decision-making. Uncover the strategic moves that allowed him to dominate sectors like steel and health care, turning challenges into opportunities. Kaiser's legacy is a testament to passion, ingenuity, and resilience.


