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FoundersMarch 26, 2020
#117 : Chung Ju-yung founder of Hyundai (the most inspiring autobiography I've read)
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About This Episode
What I learned from reading Born of This Land: My Life Story by Chung Ju-yung. --- For a long time I was known as the bulldozer. [0:01] How Chung’s son remembers him: He had a wonderfully positive disposition and a rigorous work ethic. [3:15] Memories of his father + Half century of struggle + Why he is writing this book [9:25] Running away from home. Four times. [12:15] A different level of poverty. [15:40] How struggle shaped his personality + Why he had to run away for the last time [17:15] On his own + Early jobs before the birth of Hyundai [19:24] On simple tasks + The fundamental principle of his life + Hard work paying off [21:15] Getting into the auto repair business + More struggle + More perseverance [25:55] Why you should emulate bedbugs. [31:00] Hyundai Auto Service Center + Hyundai Construction + Disaster strikes again + The Korean War [33:11] His management style + Don’t waste time if you want to be remarkable [39:30] Go where the money is: Hyundai must go abroad to escape poor domestic conditions. [42:15] The beginning of Hyundai Motors + Chung had only one speed: GO! That is not always a good thing. [45:57] Ships or how a great idea starts as a small idea [53:26] Why determination is more important than intelligence [58:10] Find something you love to do and do it until you die. [1:06:39] Don’t covet luxury. [1:08:49] Be diligent. [1:15:40] Positive thinking is the road to happiness. [1:16:48] ---- 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.
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Books Mentioned

Born of This Land, My Life Story
Chung Ju Young
“This book is the autobiography of Chung Ju Young, the founder of Hyundai, detailing his life experiences and philosophies.”
ASIN: B07YNZF25Z
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.

“Chung talked about, at the beginning of the book, if you just stick to common sense, like you're limiting what is possible.”
ASIN: B0CDZYL7G3
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.

“The speaker discusses the challenges faced by Chung in convincing buyers to purchase ships from a shipyard that didn't exist yet, highlighting the determination required to succeed.”
ASIN: N/A
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.

“The speaker references a multiple part series on Enzo Ferrari, contrasting his dedication to building race cars with the arrogance of Henry Ford II.”
ASIN: B0CFM2Z2K2
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.