How I Built This

The Unexpected Paths to Success from the World’s Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs

by Guy Raz

How I Built This (2020) tracks the twists and turns on the road to building a business. Inspired by the premier business podcast, with a staggering 200 million downloads so far, this book shares the stories of numerous global entrepreneurs. It delves into their toughest challenges and their most rewarding victories.

About the author

Guy Raz, a seasoned journalist, steers the NPR show How I Built This, where he explores the journeys of successful entrepreneurs. He's also the brain behind four other popular programs, reaching an audience of 19 million listeners every month.

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Lessons from the world's most inspiring business leaders.

Everyone is captivated by the hero's journey. From ancient myths to modern superhero stories and sacred texts, these narratives often share a common thread: a protagonist who stands out from the crowd, survives a critical challenge, holds firm to their convictions, and ultimately gains renown and wealth.

These elements are also at the heart of every compelling business narrative. Business isn't solely about profit or the stress of balancing books at the kitchen table late into the night. It's about courage and venturing into the unknown. It's about staking everything on an idea so bold it might just succeed.

In these summaries, you'll discover the true essence of entrepreneurship. Follow startup founders from the inception of their groundbreaking ideas through hardships like poverty and discrimination, to their triumphant achievements that define success beyond mere wealth.

In these summary, you'll discover:

• how choosing a business partner is akin to choosing a life partner;

• the clever strategy the founder of 5-hour Energy used to take on the giants of the beverage industry; and

• why Johnson & Johnson's decision to recall a product was a pivotal moment in its history.