Founders

What I learned from reading Finding My Virginity: The New Autobiography by Richard Branson.  ----Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work.  Get access to Founders Notes here. ----“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — GarethBe like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast

What I learned from reading Losing My Virginity: How I Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Wayby Richard Branson----Business is a fluid, changing substance. A mutating, indefinable thing [0:45]I just pick up the phone and get on with it [7:50]smart ways to get initial traction [9:51]to understand the entrepreneur, study the juvenile delinquent [14:19]Richard Branson's early business philosophy [14:49]the beginning of Virgin [19:00]what he learned from going to jail [23:01]the scope of Richard's ambition at 21 [24:44]a model of compatible businesses [27:00]how Richard Branson made his first fortune [29:00]how Richard Branson gets Necker Island and the idea for Virgin Airways [34:45]protecting the downside risk [38:40]Richard Branson's view on public companies [46:12]taking Virgin private, funding secured [52:00]questioning the direction of his life at 40 years old [59:54] ----Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work.  Get access to Founders Notes here. ----“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — GarethBe like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast

What I learned from reading I Love Capitalism: An American Story by Ken Langone. ---His early life: there was never much money (3:30)Ken's first jobs (5:35)[At school] I didn't apply myself at all . I did the absolute minimum . I was too busy having fun and working at all my various jobs (12:05) further adventures in entrepreneurship (13:24)Looking for work / finding excitement (17:00)stepping out into the void / getting creative to get a job (23:50)how he starts growing a business within the firm (26:33)his first big break (28:50)You treat a customer right and you never have to worry (32:00)A lesson about human nature and developing trust (34:45)Getting rich is one skill. Staying rich is a different skill altogether(43:10)moral of the story: who wants it the most? (48:25)Hubris and Redemption: Starting over (50:25)how he started his own business (54:00)learning about the opportunity for home depot from other founders and some early tactics to get traction for their stores (59:00) leave more on the table for the other guy than he thinks he should get (1:03:32) ----Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work.  Get access to Founders Notes here. ----“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — GarethBe like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast

What I learned from reading Built From Scratch: How A Couple of Regular Guys Grew The Home Depot from Nothing to $30 Billion by Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank. ---The creation of The Home Depot began with two words: "You're fired!" [0:01]Blinders on focus on the customer [5:45]Learning how not to manage people from Ming the Merciless [8:37]Meeting Ken Langone / the prehistory of Home Depot [11:00]81% private / 19% public partnerships [18:40]Ken sells to Ming. Predicts Ming will fire Bernie [28:30]Getting fired was the best thing that ever happened [35:00]Bernie Marcus at 49 years old: little cash and a ruined reputation [38:15]How Bernie Marcus walks away from Ross Perot [38:50]The importance of equity [49:19]Do not work with people who don't know how to care about other people [51:00]How they got the money to open The Home Depot [55:30]The critical importance of selling at the right price [58:32]Knowing the right way to do something by seeing it done the wrong way [1:08:54]Mistakes can teach us we're never as smart as we think we are [1:11:25]  ----Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work.  Get access to Founders Notes here. ----“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — GarethBe like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast

What I learned from reading Idea Man: A Memoir by the Cofounder of Microsoft by Paul Allen ---I was 21 years old and at loose ends (0:01)how Paul Allen works (4:09)coming up with the idea for Microsoft (4:48)admiring Bill Gates' bravado (7:56)advice from his father: do something you love (12:30)"Paul is an 'enthusiast' and when in the grip of an enthusiasm is almost totally irresponsible in other areas. How can one help such a student to see the error of his ways ? I don't know. He could even be more right than we, who knows ?" (18:30)Going deep on subjects that interested him (20:56)Paul's first jobs (24:14)Paul Allen and Bill Gates first business (26:44)New Mexico and the start of Microsoft (31:37)We were certain that the tech establishment was wrong and we were right (34:40)Unequal cofounders (37:29)Starting to grow Microsoft (39:00)Unequal cofounders part two (41:00)Early Microsoft culture: When I talk about the early days at Microsoft, it's hard to explain to people how much fun it was.( 46:43)Turning down a millions of dollars from Ross Perot (53:37)Unequal cofounders part 3 (56:54)The deal that led to Microsoft becoming the largest tech company of its day (58:00)Health crisis and Paul Allen leaves Microsoft (1:05:30)His most important realization (1:09:27)How Paul makes $75 million from AOL (1:13:00)I start from a different place , from the love of ideas and the urge to put them into motion and see where they might lead (1:18:10) ----Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work.  Get access to Founders Notes here. ----“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — GarethBe like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast

Discover the transformative power of principles in decision-making from Ray Dalio. He emphasizes the importance of questioning certainties, shifting mindsets, and systematizing choices. His journey highlights the value of independent thinking and learning from failures. Delve into the intersection of technology and investing, where systematic approaches outshine traditional methods. Explore the balance between public success and personal fulfillment, revealing how authenticity trumps fame in the quest for true happiness.

What I learned from reading One From Many: VISA and the Rise of Chaordic Organization by Dee Hock ---Walking away at the pinnacle of success was the hardest thing I have ever done (0:01)Through the years, I have greatly feared and sought to keep at bay the four beasts that inevitably devour their keeper – Ego, Envy, Avarice, and Ambition. In 1984, I severed all connections with business for a life of isolation and anonymity, convinced I was making a great bargain by trading money for time, position for liberty, and ego for contentment – that the beasts were securely caged. –Dee Hock (4:14)Visa was little more than a set of unorthodox convictions about organization slowly growing in the mind of a young corporate rebel (9:03)Dee's first jobs (21:44)Learning how mechanistic, Industrial Age organizations really function (28:17)Useful questions to ask in your organization (34:30)A failure at 36 years old (38:33)The environment from which Visa emerged (46:41)Healthy vs Unhealthy Organizations (55:19)Focus on how your product or company "ought to be" and nothing else. (57:30)I had held fast to the notion that until someone has repeatedly said "no!" and adamantly refuses another word on the subject, they are in the process of saying "yes" and don't know it yet. –Dee Hock (1:03:55)His biggest regret: The fight against duality (monopoly) (1:04:35)How Dee Hock dealt with stress (1:07:00)His biggest regret: The fight against duality (monopoly) continued (1:09:52)Dee's surprising conclusion about his work (1:16:50) ----Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work.  Get access to Founders Notes here. ----“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — GarethBe like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast

Explore the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, where there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Discover the journey of two resilient co-founders navigating challenges that led to the creation of LoudCloud. Learn how perseverance often trumps intelligence and why training and a unique company culture matter. Dive into the emotional rollercoaster of handling negative feedback and the vital role of community in innovation. This insightful conversation reveals that sometimes, asking tough questions can lead to unexpected solutions.

Discover the riveting journey of Edwin Land, the visionary behind instant photography and Polaroid. The discussion dives into how his stubbornness and unique approach to innovation challenged traditional consumer demands. Explore the balance of perseverance and the necessity for disruptive creativity in technology. Hear how Land's principles resonated with Steve Jobs, shaping a new era of product development. Uncover the philosophy of making the impossible possible and the relentless pursuit of design excellence.

What I learned from reading Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas---He seemed eager to sum up the lessons he had learned and tell people how he applied them in his life. [0:01]He worked long hours over drawings in his room. Never revealing a project until he completed it. [5:32]Walt Disney's first business: Iwerks-Disney Commercial Artists [9:34]Walt Disney's second business: Laugh-O-Gram Films [13:30]Walt Disney's third business: The Walt Disney Company [17:03]"Should the idea or name be exploited in any other way, such as toys or merchandise we shall share equally." / Jeff Bezos on the importance of sleep [21:08]Committees throttle creativity [25:31]It is normal to doubt yourself when you are creating something. Walt Disney doubted the quality of Steamboat Willie. What would go on to be one of the most famous cartoons ever created. [33:28]People don't know what is good until the public tells them/Or how to get film distributors to come to you [37:10]The power of licensing Disney characters [42:06]Advice from Charlie Chaplin [47:17]You can't top pigs with pigs [52:29]A most unusual response to financial calamity [57:42]The Army takes over Disney's studio [1:00:53]An amazing meeting with the founder of Bank of America [1:04:00]Coming up with the idea for Disneyland [1:09:30]Maniacal focus on the customer [1:18:00]Disneyland prints money [1:22:30] ----Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work.  Get access to Founders Notes here. ----“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — GarethBe like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast