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FoundersMarch 31, 2020
#118 Forty Years With Henry Ford
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About This Episode
What I learned by reading My Forty Years With Ford by Charles Sorensen. ---- Henry Ford’s greatest achievement and his greatest failure [0:01] Henry Ford had one, single idea [4:15] Henry Ford’s management style [5:46] The paradox of Henry Ford [8:27] Henry Ford’s greatest advisor [11:30] A great story about The Dodge Brothers [16:20] Why and how Henry Ford bought out all of the shareholders of Ford [19:15] Henry Ford would tell you to not divert your attention [27:15] Henry Ford would tell you to not be afraid [28:20] Henry Ford would tell you to be firm in what you want to accomplish but flexible in how you do it [31:45] Why Henry Ford and The Ford Motor Company are worthy of study [36:20] The difference between a pioneer and an expert [39:45] Henry Ford would tell you not to worry about titles [47:40] Henry Ford would tell you to focus on individual contact over collective speeches [49:52] Henry Ford would tell you don't let your team grow stale [50:10] Henry Ford would tell you that you can’t foresee everything. Even things that should be obvious. [50:50] Henry Ford would tell you to never stop learning [51:32] A description of Detroit and the early days of one of the most important industries ever created [55:14] The story of the Model T: Henry ford was groping and fumbling toward a low-cost car. [59:14] ---- 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. ” — Gareth Be like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast
Book Mentions
4 book mentions in this episode.
Jump to booksTip: Click “Mentioned at …” to copy a timestamp.
Tip: Click a cover image to open a book link.
Books Mentioned
My 40 Years with Ford
Charles Sorenson
“The excerpt discusses the last chapter of 'My 40 Years with Ford', which details the father-son relationship between Henry Ford and Edsel Ford.”
Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: Henry Ford's relationship with Edsel
For: History enthusiasts and serious Ford historians
Key quote: “That chapter, interestingly enough, is called Henry Ford's Greatest Failure.”
The host mentions 'My 40 Years with Ford' to highlight the complex and tragic relationship between Henry Ford and his son Edsel, as detailed in the book. The insights provided by Charles Sorenson, who worked closely with Henry Ford, offer a unique perspective on the dynamics of their father-son relationship.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.

“The excerpt mentions Steve Jobs' method of product design in the book 'Creative Selection', comparing it to Henry Ford's desire to see his ideas in physical form.”
Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: product design principles
For: Entrepreneurs and product designers
Key quote: “It's not very different, if you think about, than what we learned about Steve Jobs, Steve's method of product design, in that book, Creative Selection.”
The host mentions 'Creative Selection' to draw parallels between Henry Ford's and Steve Jobs' approaches to product design. Both innovators emphasized the importance of seeing and interacting with their ideas in physical form rather than just conceptualizing them.
ASIN: B01M32Z9VE
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.

“This book goes into great detail about these three greats and many more people that played important roles in the building of Ford Motor Company.”
Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: Henry Ford's management style
For: History enthusiasts and business students
Key quote: “It is about the creation and birth in that company of what has been the miracle of the 20th century.”
The host discusses the insights provided in the book about Henry Ford's unique management style and his singular vision for the Ford Motor Company. This book is highlighted as a significant resource for understanding the complexities of Ford's character and leadership over decades.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.

“James Dyson writes a lot about his experiences, including the 5,127 prototypes he created before making his first vacuum cleaner, which made him a billionaire.”
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
Trigger: Edisonian principle of design
For: Aspiring inventors and entrepreneurs
Key quote: “Dyson writes a lot about that in his autobiography.”
The host mentions James Dyson's autobiography to highlight the importance of perseverance and experimentation in design, as exemplified by Dyson's journey with his vacuum cleaner prototypes. The autobiography serves as an inspiring account for those interested in innovation and determination in engineering.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.