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FoundersMay 9, 2025

A conversation on focus and finding your life's work

About This Episode
My friend Patrick O’Shaughnessy asked me to come to New York and record a conversation. Patrick had just finished listening to episode #383 "Todd Graves and his $10 Billion Chicken Finger Dream" and he believed there was an important conversation to have on focus and finding your life's work. This conversation was off-the-cuff and from the soul. I hope you find it useful. If you'd prefer to watch the episode you can do that on Spotify and YouTube. Patrick and I are doing a live show on May 27th in New York. Event details and registration here! ---- Ramp gives you everything you need to control spend, watch your costs, and optimize your financial operations —all on a single platform. Make history's greatest entrepreneurs proud by going to Ramp and learning how they can help your business control your costs and save more. ---- ---- 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
10 book mentions in this episode.
Jump to books
Tip: Click “Mentioned at …” to copy a timestamp.
Tip: Click a cover image to open a book link.

Books Mentioned

Andrew Carnegie cover

The excerpt discusses Andrew Carnegie's views on cost control and how it was a significant aspect of his business philosophy.

ASIN: B0006IU7JK
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Sam Walton cover

Sam Walton's autobiography is referenced regarding the importance of controlling expenses in business operations.

ASIN: N/A
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Partnership Letters cover

The speaker references a line from Nick Sleep's Partnership Letters discussing companies losing money while trying to grow.

ASIN: N/A
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Zero to One cover
Zero to One
Peter Thiel

The speaker mentions 'Zero to One' as a highly recommended book, suggesting it's excellent for understanding technology companies.

ASIN: N/A
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Insanely Simple cover
Insanely Simple
Ken Siegel

The book discusses Steve Jobs' obsession with details and how he would review every single ad that went out from Apple.

ASIN: N/A
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Let My People Go Surfing cover

The speaker expresses love for this book, which reflects on doing work for its own sake.

ASIN: N/A
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Charlie Brown and Peanuts cover

The speaker recalls reading about Charles Schultz and his dedication to his work, leading to a desire to read his biography.

ASIN: 1787738582
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On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft cover

The speaker references a quote from Stephen King about being both the writer and the first reader of their work.

ASIN: N/A
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Against the Odds cover
Against the Odds
James Dyson

The speaker discusses James Dyson's autobiography, highlighting Dyson's perseverance in creating the world's first cyclonic vacuum cleaner.

ASIN: 0752809814
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Pappyland cover
Pappyland
Wright Thompson

The speaker mentions reading 'Pappyland' by Wright Thompson, praising its excellent writing and exploration of family dynamics.

ASIN: N/A
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