

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

132 snips
Jun 20, 2017 • 1h 1min
#8 The Intel Trinity: How Robert Noyce, Gordon Moore, and Andy Grove Built the World's Most Important Company
Discover the powerful dynamic between Robert Noyce and his mentee Steve Jobs, which shaped Silicon Valley. Dive into how Noyce and Gordon Moore revolutionized the semiconductor industry while navigating competition and market bubbles. Learn about Intel's transformative leap from memory chips to microprocessors, marked by visionary leadership and a partnership with IBM. Explore the psychological challenges entrepreneurs face, and uncover the darker side of the tech boom, revealing greed’s impact on the industry's evolution.

86 snips
May 27, 2017 • 1h 3min
#7 Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald's
This discussion dives into the relentless work ethic of entrepreneurs as exemplified by Ray Kroc's journey. It chronicles his challenging path to establishing McDonald's, filled with deceptive partnerships and pivotal decisions. The emphasis on persistence and the lessons derived from failures highlight Kroc's dedication even in adversity. The podcast also touches upon his philanthropic views and the practicalities of running a successful franchise, proving that hard work often trumps talent in the pursuit of success.

123 snips
May 14, 2017 • 1h 4min
#6 Sam Walton
Discover the remarkable journey of a retail giant from his early days at JCPenney to the founding of Walmart. Explore the relentless pursuit of excellence and the role of employee satisfaction in driving customer loyalty. Learn how childhood experiences during the Great Depression shaped personal financial philosophies. Reflect on the values of humility and hard work that contributed to lasting success, alongside insights into entrepreneurial legacy and modern-day lessons from leaders like Jeff Bezos.

365 snips
Apr 30, 2017 • 1h 36min
#5 Steve Jobs
Discover the intriguing journey of Steve Jobs from hobbyist to tech mogul. Explore his minimalist lifestyle and complex views on wealth amid his rise with Apple. Delve into his leadership challenges at Pixar and Apple, navigating chaos while driving innovation. Uncover his groundbreaking visions that redefined retail and technology, creating iconic products. Gain insights into creativity's evolution and the legacies of legendary artists, highlighting the value of building on past brilliance. This is a captivating dive into the mind of a visionary.

55 snips
Apr 19, 2017 • 57min
#4 The Remarkable Life and Turbulent Times of Joseph P. Kennedy
What I learned from reading The Patriarch: The Remarkable Life and Turbulent Times of Joseph P. Kennedy by David Nasaw
----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

106 snips
Mar 24, 2017 • 1h 27min
#3 The Wizard of Menlo Park: How Thomas Edison Invented The Modern the Modern World
Explore the fascinating life of Thomas Edison, starting from his entrepreneurial ventures at just 12 years old. Delve into his disciplined approach to innovation and the intriguing rivalry he had with Alexander Graham Bell. Discover his unique friendship with Henry Ford, which shaped modern industry. Learn how Edison's deafness influenced his creativity while weaving through his complexities as a public figure. Lastly, reflect on the profound legacy he left behind as he faced life's final challenges.

172 snips
Oct 10, 2016 • 1h 18min
#2 Walt Disney
Discover the early challenges that shaped Walt Disney’s creative journey, including a betrayal that fueled his artistic autonomy. Dive into the creation of iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and the groundbreaking 'Snow White.' Explore the immense success and cultural impact of Disney's first full-length animated film. Uncover the personal struggles he faced, from family tragedies to labor disputes, and witness his relentless pursuit of perfection, leading to the magical birth of Disneyland.

286 snips
Sep 19, 2016 • 58min
#1 Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, & the Quest for a Fantastic Future
Elon Musk's audacious investments in SpaceX and Tesla redefine risk-taking in entrepreneurship. He believes in a future where humanity pushes boundaries, exemplified by his Mars Oasis initiative aiming to cultivate life on the Red Planet. The podcast highlights Musk's unique worldview, setting him apart from traditional Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. It also recounts his early ventures and the hurdles faced by his teams, plus the drive that fuels his quest to inspire hope and ambition among the public.