
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

1,156 snips
Jun 29, 2024 • 1h 33min
#354 Sam Walton: The Inside Story of America's Richest Man
Discover the inspiring journey of Sam Walton, who turned humble beginnings into a retail empire with his mantra of 'Buy cheap, sell low, every day.' Explore his resilience during tough times, notably the Great Depression, and his relentless determination to conquer challenges. Delve into his innovative strategies in inventory management and customer satisfaction that set Walmart apart. Learn about his unique leadership style, emphasizing strong relationships and empowering his team, while reflecting on how his principles remain relevant in today's entrepreneurial landscape.

1,019 snips
Jun 23, 2024 • 1h 4min
#353 How To Be Rich by J. Paul Getty
Delve into the essential principles from J. Paul Getty's teachings on building relationships and embracing innovation. Discover the resilience of an oil entrepreneur who triumphed against fierce competition. Learn about the importance of optimism and extreme ownership in achieving business success. Nonconformity emerges as a vital ingredient for wealth, encouraging independent thinking among entrepreneurs. Plus, explore a groundbreaking tool for accessing wisdom from history's greatest entrepreneurs.

773 snips
Jun 15, 2024 • 1h 30min
#352 J. Paul Getty: The Richest Private Citizen in America
Explore the life of J. Paul Getty, the richest private citizen in America, and his relentless ambition shaped by both triumphs and personal tragedies. Journey through his monumental oil deals that transformed his company into a global powerhouse. Delve into Getty's emphasis on building meaningful relationships in business and the creation of the Liaison Center as a networking hub for entrepreneurs. Learn how effective hiring strategies are crucial for startup success, drawing from the experiences of historical figures.

676 snips
Jun 4, 2024 • 57min
#351 The Founder of Rolex: Hans Wilsdorf
Discover the remarkable journey of Hans Wilsdorf, from orphan to the visionary founder of Rolex. Uncover how wristwatches evolved from a novelty to a symbol of masculinity, thanks to his innovative marketing tactics. Learn about his groundbreaking creations, like the self-winding and waterproof watches, that redefined luxury. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of clear communication in entrepreneurship, drawing lessons from Wilsdorf's legacy and offering insights into how historical successes can shape modern ventures.

2,012 snips
May 27, 2024 • 47min
#350 How To Sell Like Steve Jobs
This discussion delves into the art of selling, emphasizing the customer experience over mere product features. It highlights Steve Jobs' masterful presentations, particularly his effective storytelling techniques. The importance of clear communication in fundraising, especially within the real estate sector, is explored. Additionally, the podcast emphasizes understanding the true value of products and using memorable messaging to engage customers. Tips on presentation skills and building connections through communication are also shared, drawing inspiration from historical figures.

1,905 snips
May 20, 2024 • 52min
#349 How Steve Jobs Kept Things Simple
Discover the genius of simplicity that drove Apple to success, as inspired by Ken Segall's insights. The discussion highlights the power of clear communication in leadership and the need to eliminate bureaucratic layers. Explore how Steve Jobs and Walt Disney fostered creativity with small teams and iterative processes. The importance of concise messaging for marketing is emphasized through examples from Apple and Dyson, showcasing how simplicity enhances consumer understanding. Lastly, learn about networking opportunities for entrepreneurs at an upcoming conference.

1,318 snips
May 12, 2024 • 1h 36min
Michael Jordan In His Own Words
Explore the relentless pursuit of excellence through personal stories from Michael Jordan and insights on teamwork in sports and business. Discover the critical role of authenticity and relationships in achieving long-term success. Delve into effective talent acquisition strategies for startups, emphasizing the importance of early hires and company culture. Learn how living in the moment can enhance resilience and dedication in both careers and personal lives, inspired by Jordan's mindset and experiences.

443 snips
May 7, 2024 • 1h 16min
#348 The Financial Genius Behind A Century of Wall Street Scandals: Ivar Kreuger
Unravel the captivating story of Ivar Kreuger, the charming mastermind behind Wall Street scandals. His monopolization of the match industry showcases the fine line between ambition and ethical integrity. Learn how personal relationships can drive entrepreneurial success, as highlighted by exclusive networking events. The insights into investor psychology offer a deeper understanding of business strategies. Plus, discover tools to enhance learning from historical figures and the profound impact of personal connections in financial landscapes.

505 snips
Apr 29, 2024 • 1h 18min
#347 How Walt Disney Built His Greatest Creation: Disneyland
Discover the visionary journey of Walt Disney as he transformed his ambitious dream into Disneyland, facing skepticism and financial hurdles along the way. Explore his innovative marketing strategies and how he embraced television to reshape business practices. The podcast dives into the vital partnership between Walt and Roy Disney, their sibling dynamics, and the chaotic yet memorable opening day. Uncover the strategic business deals that catapulted Disneyland into success while showcasing Disney's relentless pursuit of excellence and storytelling.

1,299 snips
Apr 22, 2024 • 1h 47min
#346 How Walt Disney Built Himself
Walt Disney's journey reveals a mix of raw ingenuity and relentless determination. From facing financial struggles to innovating Disneyland, his passion for creativity shines through. The contrast between his early educational challenges and ultimate artistic triumphs inspires. Merchandise became a game-changer for Disney, showcasing how storytelling and innovation intertwined. Insights from Disney's life offer valuable lessons for modern entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of understanding history in shaping success.