Podcast Summary
From home movies to multi-million dollar business: Perseverance, creativity, and a unique vision can turn a small investment into a successful business, even with limited resources or challenging backgrounds.
Building a successful business or personal brand often requires perseverance and creativity, even when faced with challenging circumstances. Casey Neistat, today's guest on How I Built This, is a prime example of this. He started making home movies with an iMac he bought for $1,200 and turned video vlogging into a multi-million dollar business, despite dropping out of high school and facing financial struggles early in life. Amica, a mutual insurance company, also emphasizes the importance of empathy and human connection in their business model, aiming to protect not just homes and cars, but the lives and adventures they represent. And for business owners looking to grow their teams, Insparity offers HR solutions to help build a strong company culture that aligns with business goals. So whether it's through filmmaking, insurance, or HR services, these innovators have built movements that resonate with people and drive success.
Childhood financial stress shapes experiences: Childhood financial struggles can negatively impact a child's development and emotional well-being, but supportive adults can make a difference.
Financial stress in a household during childhood can significantly impact a child's upbringing and development. The speaker's parents' constant financial struggles, which were largely hidden from them, shaped their childhood experiences in profound ways. The speaker recalls feeling neglected and unsupported, leading to mischievous behavior. However, certain adults, like a 10th grade English teacher, were able to break through the speaker's tough exterior and offer valuable support during a challenging time. Ultimately, the speaker's childhood was marked by a lack of emotional security and stability, which left a lasting impact.
Leaving Home and Facing Uncertainty: Experiencing unexpected life events, especially during adolescence, can lead to uncertainty and complexity.
The speaker's experience of leaving home at a young age due to family issues led him to a series of uncertain and challenging experiences, including crashing with friends and eventually moving in with a girlfriend. The unexpected discovery of her pregnancy forced them both to confront reality and return to Connecticut to face the consequences. Despite the speaker's initial excitement, his girlfriend struggled with the situation. The experience underscores the unpredictability and complexity of life's circumstances, particularly during adolescence.
Overcoming Challenges with Optimism: Regardless of circumstances, staying optimistic and focused can lead to small accomplishments, strong bonds, and personal growth.
Despite facing challenging circumstances, including being a young, single parent, the speaker remained optimistic and focused on providing the best life for his child. He saw their situation as an opportunity to improve, rather than a reason to give up. This mindset allowed him to find pride in small accomplishments, like buying a trailer home, and to form a strong bond with his son. The speaker's determination to give his child a better life drove his relationship with the child's mother and fueled his personal growth. Despite the odds being against him, he saw only the possibility of moving up in life.
Discovering video editing for the first time: Empowering experience of video editing led to deep connection with son and passion for storytelling
The power to create and express oneself can be a transformative experience. The speaker shares a story of discovering video editing for the first time with her brother in New York, which left a lasting impression on her. This moment of empowerment came during a time when she was spending most of her hours caring for her young son and found solace in creating videos together. The limitations of technology at the time required a labor-intensive process, but the excitement of manipulating video was worth it. This experience not only led to a deep connection with her son but also ignited a passion for storytelling and creativity.
From family videos to NYC film career: Determination, perseverance, and community support can help turn a passion for filmmaking into a successful career.
The speaker's passion for filmmaking began with creating videos for his family, which eventually led him to move to New York City to pursue a career in the industry. The speaker's determination to follow his dreams, even amidst personal challenges and financial constraints, demonstrates the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to one's passions. The speaker's experiences also highlight the significance of community and support systems, as he relied on the encouragement and assistance of friends and family to make his transition to New York City and start his career. Ultimately, the speaker's story is a testament to the power of following one's dreams, even in the face of adversity.
The 9/11 attacks disrupted daily life for the speaker but led to a new beginning: The 9/11 attacks caused fear and chaos, but the speaker found stability and opportunity in the aftermath, leading to a new beginning
The 9/11 attacks in New York City served as a turning point in the speaker's life. He was living in the area at the time and was so close to the World Trade Centers that he was knocked off his feet when the first plane hit. The attacks disrupted daily life for many Americans, and the speaker considered leaving New York City. However, he decided to stay and found a small, secure living situation, which gave him a sense of stability. During this time, he and his brother began making videos together, leading to a high-paying job creating a birthday video for an art collector. This unexpected opportunity provided a financial boost and helped the speaker establish a footing in New York City. Despite the initial terror and chaos, the attacks ultimately led to a new beginning for the speaker.
Feeling intimidated despite confidence: Even successful individuals can feel intimidated and uncertain, but maintaining confidence and pushing forward can lead to great opportunities and achievements.
Confidence and arrogance can be key to securing high-profile opportunities, but it's important to remember that behind the scenes, even the most successful individuals can feel intimidated and uncertain. Casey and his brother Van, two young filmmakers, were no exception when they were given the chance to create a video with former President Bill Clinton. Despite their arrogance and confidence, they were terrified inside. However, they managed to deliver a funny joke during the interview, which became the standout highlight of the video. This first paid gig marked the beginning of their successful careers, but they faced challenges when their TV show did not go as planned. Despite the setbacks, their arrogance and confidence helped them keep pushing forward. Atlassian, a company known for creating software that powers collaboration, emphasizes the importance of teamwork and confidence in achieving impossible goals. With the help of Atlassian's AI-powered software, teams can work together more effectively and efficiently, leading to better results for their customers.
Speaking up against injustice and using creativity to spread awareness: Creating a viral video exposing Apple's iPod battery issue led to media attention, millions of views, and the start of Casey Neistat's successful career. Nurturing talent and taking bold decisions are crucial for entrepreneurs.
Casey Neistat's viral video "iPod's Dirty Secret" showcased the importance of speaking up against injustice and using creativity to spread awareness. Neistat, feeling frustrated with Apple's policy of not replacing iPod batteries, created a video warning consumers about the short battery life and shared it online. The video gained massive attention, leading to media coverage and millions of views. This event marked the beginning of Neistat's successful career as a filmmaker and entrepreneur. Additionally, the discussion highlighted the significance of nurturing talent and making bold decisions, both essential qualities for any leader or entrepreneur. Casey and his brother Van built a business producing videos for art galleries and clients, but their breakthrough came when they took a bold step to create and share "iPod's Dirty Secret." Lastly, the mention of Masterclass and American Express offered listeners valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. Masterclass provides access to expert-led classes, and new members can try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. American Express Business Gold Card offers flexible rewards for businesses, allowing cardholders to earn four times points on their top two eligible spending categories.
Seizing Opportunities with Determination and Hustle: Determination and hustle can lead to unexpected opportunities. Stay persistent and seize every chance to showcase your skills.
Determination and hustle can lead to unexpected opportunities. The speakers started as filmmakers with a tiny budget, hustling for every job they could get, from wedding videos to fashion videos. One of these opportunities led them to work with the brilliant marketer Andy Spade, who introduced them to Tom Scott. Tom saw their potential and offered to finance them, allowing them to focus on creating content instead of worrying about finances. They used this opportunity to make high-quality videos, eventually leading to the chance to make a movie with Owen Wilson. This story highlights the importance of seizing opportunities and staying persistent in pursuing your goals.
The Neistat Brothers' journey to HBO: Passion, creativity, and determination led the Neistat Brothers to catch an investor's attention, but their show was ultimately not aired due to a change in leadership. Nevertheless, their story serves as an inspiration to pursue dreams relentlessly.
The Neistat Brothers' journey to creating and selling their TV show to HBO started with making movies as a way to express their experiences and emotions. They made films about their relationship problems, their love for each other, and even a monster movie with their young son. Their dedication and creativity caught the attention of an investor, who saw potential in their unique approach to storytelling. However, the celebratory moment of selling their show to HBO was short-lived when the head of programming left the company, and their show was ultimately not aired. Despite the setback, their story highlights the power of passion, creativity, and determination in achieving success.
Navigating partnership success: Starting over from scratch after a partnership ends can lead to new opportunities and growth
Navigating success in a partnership can be challenging and may lead to tension and eventual separation. Casey Neistat and his brother Van experienced this firsthand after achieving success with their HBO show. The lack of follow-up and validation from HBO left them feeling frustrated and without a clear direction for their next project. The combination of newfound success and the absence of a clear partner to blame failures on or attribute successes to made their relationship explosive. Ultimately, they went their separate ways, with Casey starting a YouTube channel to rebuild his career and pursue new opportunities. This experience taught Casey that starting over from scratch, even after achieving success, can be a necessary step towards growth.
Turning Negatives into Opportunities: Persevering through setbacks and using creativity to transform negatives into content can lead to unexpected business opportunities and success.
Perseverance and creativity can lead to unexpected opportunities. Casey Neistat, a filmmaker, shared a video of him crashing into obstacles while riding his bicycle in the bike lanes to illustrate the dangers of only using them. The video went viral, and Neistat used the attention to build his first business, creating YouTube content that attracted commercial opportunities. He reinvested the revenue into making more content for his channel and eventually caught the attention of Nike, leading to a collaboration and a successful career in advertising. Neistat's experience shows that turning a negative situation into content and staying true to your passion can lead to significant rewards.
Embracing the unknown can lead to unexpected rewards: Taking risks and deviating from the plan can lead to extraordinary results, even if it means ditching a planned commercial shoot and traveling the world instead.
Sometimes taking a risk and deviating from the plan can lead to extraordinary results. The speaker, Casey Neistat, shares his experience of ditching a planned commercial shoot for Nike worth $80,000 and instead opting for a spontaneous trip around the world. Despite the initial hesitation from Nike, the video became a massive success with over 30 million views on YouTube. This experience not only defined Casey's career but also opened doors for numerous job opportunities. It serves as a reminder that stepping out of our comfort zone and embracing the unknown can lead to unexpected rewards.
Embracing Different Aspects of Personality and New Experiences: Stay true to yourself, embrace different aspects of your personality, and be open to new experiences to achieve success in various fields
Casey Neistat's success in various fields, from filmmaking to YouTube to business, stems from his ability to embrace different aspects of his personality and not let criticism define him. He shared stories of his experiences as a wise ass, curious adventurer, family man, and romantic, explaining that people may not like all of his work but that's part of being human. Casey also discussed the challenges of being pigeonholed as a one-trick pony in his production company, which led him to pursue new opportunities like the social media platform Bean. A turning point in his career came when MIT professor Sept Camvar believed in him and became his first investor, giving him the confidence to raise significant funds for his business. Overall, Casey's story highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and being open to new experiences.
Creating a strong online presence through consistent content creation: Building a loyal following through authentic content creation can lead to unexpected opportunities and success in business
Creating a strong online presence through consistent content creation can lead to a massive following and ultimately, the opportunity to turn that following into a successful business. Case in point, Casey Neistat, a former tech entrepreneur, raised funds for his company and simultaneously started a daily vlog on YouTube. His authentic and personal content resonated with audiences, leading to exponential growth and engagement. This unexpected success gave him the platform to launch a product and build a loyal customer base. However, the journey was not without self-doubt and insecurities, a common feeling among entrepreneurs, which he acknowledges as his greatest asset. The parallels between Neistat's YouTube career and Emily Weiss's blog-turned-beauty-brand, Glossier, further highlight the power of building a dedicated following through content creation.
Struggling to Compete: The Founder's Perspective: Even with a successful launch, a company can face challenges in delivering a product that meets expectations. Founders may need to pivot or sell to larger companies for resources and continued growth.
Even with a successful launch and promising idea, a company can face significant challenges in delivering a product that lives up to expectations. The founder of Beam, a video sharing app, experienced this firsthand as they struggled to compete with Snapchat and faced uncertainty and fear of letting down investors and employees. Eventually, they sold the company to CNN for a reported $20 million. The founder was motivated by the opportunity to further the ideas and leverage the resources of CNN rather than just the financial gain. Despite the acquisition being short-lived, the founder maintains a positive perspective, viewing it as a smart risk that didn't work out, and remains friends with those involved.
From dropping out of high school to building a successful career: Hard work and opportunities can lead to success, regardless of background or circumstances
Determination and hard work, regardless of one's background or circumstances, can lead to success. As shared by Casey Neistat, despite dropping out of high school and having a child at a young age, he was able to build a successful career and provide a debt-free education for his children. He attributes his success to a combination of hard work and being privileged enough to have opportunities presented to him. Neistat challenges societal norms and believes that anyone can achieve great things, no matter the odds. Since leaving his previous company, he has continued to create content and even started a podcast with his wife. It's important to remember that while hard work is necessary, it's also essential to recognize the privileges and opportunities that contribute to our success.
A man's determination to create a non-clogging sink strainer leads to innovation: Perseverance and creativity can result in simple yet effective solutions to everyday problems
Sometimes the smallest inventions can make a significant impact on our daily lives. Pat, a man without a garbage disposal, faced the challenge of creating a sink strainer that wouldn't clog. Through determination and innovation, he designed a strainer that allowed water to drain around the sides and through a hollow stem. After numerous prototypes and industry lingo lessons, Pat's invention, Drip-S, became a success. It's a reminder that not all inventions need to be grand or groundbreaking, but rather, they can be simple solutions to everyday problems. Pat's story demonstrates the importance of perseverance and creativity in finding solutions to make life easier. If you want to listen to more inspiring stories of innovation, tune in to How I Built This podcast.
Imagining Different Sports Histories: If Drew Brees had joined the Dolphins instead of the Saints, it could have led to a Dolphins dynasty and altered the legacies of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
The sports world could have looked drastically different if Drew Brees had passed his physical with the Dolphins and joined Nick Saban's team in Miami. This hypothetical scenario could have led to a Dolphins dynasty, altering the legacies of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, and potentially making Tuscaloosa the center of the college football universe instead of New England. Trey Wingo and Kevin Frazier, former SportsCenter anchors and current sports enthusiasts, explore such what-if questions in their new weekly sports podcast, Alternate Routes, available on Wondery Plus. As fans who are deeply invested in every drop pass and play call, they invite listeners to join them in imagining the exciting possibilities of alternate sports histories. However, even in the realm of imagination, they remind us that some moments, like Brady's infamous goal-line interception, are too fresh to joke about just yet.
