Spotify Founder: How A 23 Year Old Introvert Built A $31 Billion Business!

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Published 2023-09-28
If you enjoy hearing about the personal journeys of founders, I recommend you listen to our conversation with Bumble founder, Whitney Wolfe Herd, here:    • Bumble Founder: World’s Youngest Fema...  

0:00 Intro
02:16 The Influence of Daniel Ek's Upbringing: A Single Mother's Determination
10:55 Paths to Success: University vs. Startup Experience
23:33 Daniel Ek's Wake-Up Call After Retiring At 22
25:45 Finding Passion in Work
27:10 The Unlikely Start: Daniel Ek's Vision for Spotify
36:27 Balancing Love and Alone Time in Entrepreneurship
45:28 Innovative Problem-Solving: Daniel Ek's Approach to Challenges
46:28 Pursuing Opportunities When They Present themselves
50:23 Surviving Apple Music's Challenge: Spotify's Focus on User Experience
52:30 The Strength of Co-founders: Supporting Each Other in Tough Times
56:12 Networking for Business Success: Building Relationships with Assistants
59:38 Financial Risk in Entrepreneurship: Daniel Ek's $10 Million Investment
01:08:27 Personal Growth Journey: How Daniel Ek Has Evolved
01:13:05 The Role of Culture in a Successful Business
01:17:30 From Sports to Business: Daniel Ek on Fostering Collaborative Culture
01:20:10 Embrace Your Superpower: Daniel Ek's Advice for Entrepreneurs
01:23:55 Spotify's Culture of Success: Learning and Adapting from Creators

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Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT7XGuZSzAMjoNWlX

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All Comments (21)
  • @TheDiaryOfACEO
    If you enjoyed this conversation could you do us a favour and HIT that like button on the video! Helps us a lot ❤ share your favourite part of the convo below 👇🏾
  • @aztradescrypto
    This podcast PROVES that when mothers or even fathers focus all their energy in making their kids better skilled and better humans, great things will come out of it. I felt like he was a PROJECT for his mother and she focused, persevered, installed in him all what he needed to become this man he is today.
  • Being an introvert, this is my favorite episode. I could very much relate to him talking about walking away from the dinner parties. I do the same and always wondered whether I was the only one and whether there was something wrong with me.
  • @dutchy1121
    The concept of getting an idea, walking away to contemplate on it and then coming back an hour later perfectly describes the life of a writer, although sometimes it can be several hours before they come back. The idea for a story can come at any time.
  • @aadhaya7885
    This is the best podcast in the world. The way the host challenges his guests with tough questions instead of just placating the guests, where its a real philosophical and existential conversation among equals instead of a fan boy interview is unparalleled and unrivaled. Bravo.
  • @withwilk7473
    I relate to this guy soo well. Introvert by nature that can turn it on. Avoided uni and went into startups in foreign countries early on. I have changed jobs soo much and gained a broad understanding of business, admin, sales, marketing, so on as well as multiple countries, cultures, etc. I am 30 and probably should start my own business.
  • @marwansafi7220
    Hands down, this is the best podcast in the world. How deep it dives into details where you can literally can get a clear idea how Daniel works in his own way. It's not that he's become a billionaire, it's that he's able to solve huge problems and said practically said anything is possible. Just wow.
  • When I first saw the video uploaded, I said "No Not Daniel Ek, he is a topic in every tech event in Stockholm". But I sit down and listened and respected his authenticity and that hold me every minute during this interview. Then yesterday I forwarded this interview and asked a friend who knows him and she said he listened him in many occasions, she said he is honest and open so it leaves a surprise to us and a moment of silence. When he shared his motivation to be in a group/herd, I saw the worries of my 11 year old son growing up in Stockholm. When he shared the difficulties of motivations and aims in life, this is so good. Thanks. I will watch again with my son.
  • @999Rabs
    So much to take out of this episode. The way Daniel has, with his co-founder, shaped their business and how he’s created a culture that allows people to grow and be able to fail is what I found especially refreshing. Empathy and humility are such important attributes for a leader to exhibit. As someone working in a startup with a founder who operates very differently and is far from what I think we need to take our business forward, this episode has been especially helpful. Thank you Stephen for continuing to have such incredible guests on your show. It’s making a real and positive impact on people like me 😊❤
  • @emilianolgu
    First time I ever heard of this channel. Felt like I found a goldmine. Impressed in your ability to let the guests talk/rant and knowing when you can add to the discussion.
  • This episode was truly refreshing. I identify a bit with being an introvert with add traits myself. I have always had more than one area of interest in my life: art, graphic design, brand management, copywriting, client management, psychology, fashion. I felt to be really good at many things, but not great at one. I worked with start-ups helping to build brands, but never thought I could be an entrepreneur myself as I saw this diversity in skills as a weakness more than a strength. I also always thought that work should be hard. So maybe it’s time to address those harsh believes.
  • Loved the interview. I worked in Corporate America for 20 years and then started my own company. Many of the things I'd learned in Corporations really helped me with growing my own business.
  • @AndyBlackSEO
    Keep doing what you're doing Stephen! Your interviews are STELLAR! Thank you.
  • So affirming to hear that there are other people who need to blend social time with a lot of alone time, even while socializing. And that their friends understand.
  • Thank you both for this portrait. I enjoyed watching the limited series "The Playlist" on Netflix telling the story of Spotify. This conversation was great additional context - never underestimate the power of change and quiet disruptors. ❤
  • @HI_Daily_Dose808
    Your podcast brings value and insight that cannot be gained in most other forms of media today. The part on University vs. startup experience is such an important dialogue to carry-on in society. Most of us have only realized the value in startups or entrepreneurship recently because our parents discouraged the idea of instability.
  • @ron95754
    Another one of the most interesting interviews I've had the extreme pleasere to listen to and comment on as well as repost and share with others. Your questions are extremely well structured to illuminate the inside Storey and people. Thank you so very much.
  • I instantly connected with how he described his mother, the activities she encouraged him to take part in, and the overall shaping of his diverse perspective on life. Mothers are magicians, especially those with limited means. I'm deeply inspired by both of your work. Here's to all fellow generalists adding variety to any space, those still taking risks and betting it on themselves. 🙏❤
  • This episode was highly commendable. I subscribed after your message about improving the channel's visibility and attracting prominent guests. I eagerly anticipate an episode featuring Peter Thiel.
  • What an intriguing brain this young man has. His mind is wired in a very symphonic way. LOVE IT. He has given me a lot of words that explain my feelings