Founders
Bold, Curious, and Building Big Ideas
Meet the dreamers and doers we celebrate in our series. They come from different places and moments in history, yet each had the courage to try something new. They often faced tough questions, doubters, and roadblocks. But they kept going.
Pleasant Rowland
American Girl
- •A former teacher who used reading programs and bright ideas to create a one-of-a-kind doll.
- •Mixed her love of education with an understanding of what kids need.
- •Proved that a bold vision can inspire millions.
Phil Knight
Nike
- •Started with a small shoe idea in college.
- •Grew it into a global sports brand that changed how people run.
Daniel Ek
Spotify
- •Liked music and coding from a young age.
- •Found new ways to deliver songs to fans around the world.
Jensen Huang
NVIDIA
- •Fascinated by computers.
- •Helped shape the tech we use for games, science, and more.
Nick Woodman
GoPro
- •Surfer who wanted a better camera.
- •Built a new way to capture life's adventures.
Markus Persson
Minecraft
- •Loved video games and programming.
- •Created blocky worlds that millions of players explore daily.
Sara Blakely
Spanx
- •Turned everyday problems into practical products.
- •Showed that problem-solving and a dash of humor can go a long way.
Dharmesh Shah
HubSpot
- •Passionate about software and community building.
- •Created tools that many businesses use to grow.
Reed Hastings
Netflix
- •Frustrated by late fees at the video store.
- •Sparked a new way to enjoy shows and movies at home.
Stay tuned for upcoming book releases on each of these founders. Their paths might look different, but they share a spirit of exploration and grit.
Ready to Explore Their Stories?
Check out our books or sign up for the starter pack to begin your own entrepreneurial journey.