#320 The Making of Winston Churchill Part 2

In this episode, the host discusses the profound impact that quality sleep and innovative products like the Eight Sleep mattress have on the performance and decision-making abilities of high-profile entrepreneurs like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg. He shares a personal anecdote about his friend Rick's reliance on the Eight Sleep's temperature control feature and away mode, highlighting the product's influence on users' lives. The host then shifts to discuss Vesto, a financial tool that helps businesses invest idle cash in U.S. Treasuries, offering anecdotes about founder friends who use Vesto to extend their runway or earn better returns. He also mentions his recent interview on "Invest Like the Best" and delves into the life of Winston Churchill as portrayed in Michael Sheldon's "Young Titan." The host reflects on Churchill's early ambition, his rise and fall in politics, and his relentless drive, drawing parallels to Steve Jobs' comeback and underscoring the importance of self-belief and perseverance in the face of adversity.

• Jeff Bezos emphasizes the importance of getting 8 hours of sleep for improved mood, energy, and decision-making.
• As a founder, the ability to make high-quality decisions is crucial, which is difficult with poor sleep.
• David Senra shares that Eight Sleep has improved his own sleep quality.

"He said that he makes sure he gets 8 hours of sleep a night, and as a result, his mood, energy, and decision making is improved."

This quote underlines the direct correlation Bezos draws between adequate sleep and enhanced daily performance, particularly in decision-making.

• Eight Sleep receives praise from founders like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, who are not paid for their testimonials.
• Users, including David Senra's friend Rick, appreciate features like 'away mode' which shows the product's impact when absent.
• The ability to control mattress temperature is highlighted as a key feature enhancing sleep quality.

"Elon Musk is talking about the fact that he loves his eight sleep. Mark Zuckerberg is talking about the fact that he loves his eight sleep."

This quote highlights the unsolicited endorsements from high-profile individuals, suggesting the product's value and effectiveness.

• Vesto is designed for businesses to invest idle cash in U.S. Treasuries, offering a secure and interest-earning option.
• Different use cases are illustrated: extending a startup's runway and earning better returns for bootstrapped companies.
• The founder of Vesto, Ben, is available for direct discussions with potential clients, underscoring personalized customer service.

"Vesto helps businesses of all sizes invest their cash in U. S. Treasuries."

The quote explains Vesto's primary service, indicating its focus on providing businesses with a secure investment opportunity.

• Churchill experienced a loss of spirit in 1915, which changed his exuberant character to a more hardened one.
• Despite setbacks, Churchill's early failures contributed to his eventual success as a leader during World War II.
• His perseverance and refusal to give in to others' doubts about him were critical to his role in history.

"Churchill was never the same. He persevered in politics until his moment in the sun came 25 years later, in 1940."

This quote reflects on Churchill's transformation over time and his eventual rise to a leadership position that utilized his life's lessons.

• Michael Sheldon's biography "Young Titan" focuses on Churchill's life from age 26 to 40.
• The book highlights Churchill's early political career, his overreach, and subsequent fall from grace.
• Churchill's belief in his destiny and his role in history is a central theme.

"Young Titan, the making of Winston Churchill, and it was written by Michael Sheldon."

The quote introduces the biography that provides a detailed account of a formative period in Churchill's life, offering insights into his character development.

• Churchill's early success was followed by dramatic failures, paralleling Steve Jobs' experience.
• These setbacks were essential in preparing Churchill for his role as Prime Minister during World War II.
• Churchill's self-belief and refusal to conform to others' expectations are emphasized as vital to his historical impact.

"Churchill thought his chance for greatness on a grand scale would come early in life."

This quote captures Churchill's ambitious nature and his expectation of achieving greatness, which was tested by the reality of his career trajectory.

• Churchill believed in the impact of great leaders on history, rather than vast movements or impersonal systems.
• His philosophy was to take action and shape events, rather than letting them unfold passively.
• Churchill's mastery of the English language and his understanding of history are noted as influential factors in his life.

"Little men let events take their course. I like things to happen, and if they don't happen, I like to make them happen."

The quote encapsulates Churchill's proactive approach to life and leadership, highlighting his determination to influence events rather than be a bystander.

• Churchill was inspired by historical figures but did not idolize them; he saw himself in them.
• Lord Byron, a romantic poet, provided encouragement for Churchill's passionate nature.
• Churchill and Byron shared a fascination with Napoleon and kept busts of him on their desks.
• Byron's phrase "a fever at the core" succinctly described Napoleon's ambition, which resonated with Churchill.
• Churchill was also a chronicler of his own history, writing books about his adventures at a young age.

"Churchill found encouragement for his passionate nature in the writings of the romantic poet."

This quote highlights Churchill's connection with Lord Byron and how Byron's writings inspired Churchill's own passionate nature.

"Both men were dazzled by the story of Napoleon's rise and fall, and both kept cherished busts of the great French leader on their desks."

The quote emphasizes the shared admiration Churchill and Byron had for Napoleon, which influenced their own ambitions and actions.

"Churchill was fascinated by Byron's poetic meditation on Napoleon's unbounded ambition."

Churchill's fascination with Byron's depiction of Napoleon's ambition shows the impact that succinct and powerful language had on him.

• Churchill wrote about his experiences as a soldier and war correspondent in his early 20s.
• By 25, Churchill had written as many books as Moses, totaling 43 books throughout his life.
• His books detailed his adventures in India, Cuba, along the Nile, and his capture and escape in South Africa.
• Churchill's escape from the Boers made him world-famous and helped him enter political office.
• The book being discussed covers Churchill's journey from age 26 to 40, including his failures and learning experiences.

"When I was 25 years old, Churchill said, in old age, I had written as many books as Moses."

This quote shows Churchill's prolific writing at a young age, equating his literary output to that of a historical figure, Moses.

"That is exactly what happens when he has that daring escape after being in the prisoner camp in South Africa."

The quote describes how Churchill's daring escape from captivity in South Africa catapulted him to fame and facilitated his political career.

• Churchill was a masterful orator and persuasive speaker, which became evident in his speeches.
• His speeches were well-prepared, often rehearsed before a mirror, and he had a remarkable memory.
• He used common words in pleasing rhythms to convey complex ideas through memorable images.
• Churchill's ability to craft speeches was not innate but developed through diligent practice.

"Churchill mobilized the English language and sent it into battle."

This quote encapsulates Churchill's powerful use of language as a tool in rallying support and leading the nation.

"Even when he was speaking extemporaneously, the sentence would come out fully formed, almost as if they were written."

The quote illustrates Churchill's exceptional oratory skills, where his spoken words were as eloquent as written prose.

• Churchill read extensively, far beyond what most politicians did at the time.
• He had a habit of reading entire shelves of books and even slept with encyclopedias.
• Churchill's breadth of reading contributed to his depth of knowledge and understanding.

"Churchill began living with books and sleeping with encyclopedias."

This quote highlights Churchill's dedication to learning and knowledge through his extensive reading habits.

• Churchill felt isolated in his peer group due to his unique outlook on life.
• He had a romantic view of life, seeing it as a heroic endeavor, and was not shy about his achievements.
• Churchill's early environment celebrated greatness, influencing his desire to be a dominant political figure.

"His Peers weren't looking to cultivate a sense of destiny."

The quote reflects Churchill's distinct ambition and sense of destiny compared to his contemporaries.

• Churchill sought guidance from older, powerful figures, treating them as father figures.
• Joseph Chamberlain, a self-made man and powerful politician, became an influential figure in Churchill's life.
• Churchill's relationship with Chamberlain was akin to that of a mentor and mentee, with Churchill absorbing Chamberlain's advice and perspective.

"I had a great many more real talks with him than I ever had with my own father, Churchill said."

Churchill valued his conversations with Joseph Chamberlain, which were more influential than those with his own father.

• Churchill's ultimate goal in politics was to reach the top, viewing all other positions as stepping stones.
• He was determined to become the prime minister from a very early age.
• Churchill's ambition was not limited by the expectations of others.

"For Churchill, there was only one goal in politics. The top."

This quote underscores Churchill's singular focus on reaching the highest political office, the prime ministership.

• Observers noted Churchill's restlessness, egotism, and personal magnetism.
• Despite criticisms, his courage and character were seen as qualities that could lead him to great success.
• Churchill's self-confidence and determination were apparent to those who met him.

"He had what the kids call riz, what you and I would call charisma, superhuman levels of charisma."

The quote captures the essence of Churchill's charismatic personality, which was recognized by contemporaries.

• Chamberlain advised Churchill to be self-assured, as it would make him more effective.
• This advice contrasted with others who cautioned against emulating figures like Napoleon.
• Chamberlain's guidance reflected the mindset of someone who had achieved great success and understood the importance of self-belief.

"If a man is sure of himself, it only sharpens him and makes him more effective."

Chamberlain's advice to Churchill emphasized the value of self-confidence in achieving one's goals.

• The relationship between a father and son can be deeply influential, shaping the son's life and character.
• Winston Churchill's complicated relationship with his father, Lord Randolph Churchill, was a significant factor in his own development.
• Lord Randolph was often absent from Winston's life and died early, leaving a lasting impact on his son.

"You can always understand the son by the story of his father, that the story of the father is embedded in the son."

This quote emphasizes the importance of the father's influence on the son's life, suggesting that to understand Winston Churchill, one must look at his father's story.

• Churchill wrote a biography of his father as a means of honoring his memory and understanding his own life.
• The biography reflects Winston's yearning for a closer relationship with his father and his attempt to make sense of their similarities and differences.
• The biography portrays Lord Randolph as a misunderstood hero, paralleling Winston's own challenges in his political career.

"The biography was meant to honor Randolph's memory, but writing it was also a way for Winston to understand his own life."

Churchill's biography of his father was a personal journey to connect with his father and explore his own identity through the lens of his father's story.

• Churchill's ambition and personality were often compared to his father's, with some seeing him as a superior version due to his work ethic and foresight.
• His contemporaries were struck by his energy, intensity, and work ethic, which set him apart from other aristocrats and his father.
• Churchill's drive to outperform his father and his own personal attributes played a significant role in his rapid rise in politics.

"Winston is astonishingly like his father in manners and ways and the whole attitude of his mind. But Mr. Churchill is superior to his father."

This comparison between Winston and his father underscores the perception of Winston's enhanced capabilities and the impact of his father's legacy on his own ambitions.

• Churchill possessed the ability to recognize threats and opportunities earlier than others, a trait that was evident in his observations of the German military before World War I.
• His insights into the German military's readiness for war were ignored by many at the time, but later proved to be accurate.
• Churchill's ability to see things before others was a recurring theme in his life and contributed to his reputation as a visionary leader.

"Churchill spent a week observing maneuvers of the German army... He tries to tell people around them, people don't believe him."

Churchill's observations of the German military exemplify his foresight and his struggle to convince others of the impending threat, highlighting his analytical and predictive abilities.

• Churchill's forceful personality and ability to inspire change were notable traits that influenced those around him.
• His approach to leadership involved setting high standards, taking risks, and seizing opportunities, which he believed could also benefit the nation.
• Churchill's ambition and drive to improve himself and his surroundings had a profound impact on his peers and the institutions he was part of.

"I intend to make myself damn disagreeable."

This quote from Churchill reflects his determination to challenge the status quo and exert his influence to bring about change, showcasing his assertive leadership style.

• Churchill's desire for a family and a meaningful personal life was a strong motivator in his life.
• His marriage and becoming a father were significant milestones that brought him happiness and a sense of fulfillment.
• Churchill's disdain for idleness and laziness was evident in his criticism of those who led such lives, including his own son and King Edward VI.

"Your idle and lazy life is very offensive to me."

Churchill's admonishment of his son's lifestyle highlights his personal values and the importance he placed on hard work and purposeful living.

• Even in leisure, Churchill's personality shone through; he enjoyed physical activities like digging in the sand at the beach.
• His intense approach to life was consistent across both his professional and personal endeavors.

"One of Winston's favorite ways to relax was to dig in the sand."

This quote reveals Churchill's preference for active relaxation and his tendency to find joy in simple, yet physically engaging, activities.

• Young Winston Churchill indulged in creating battle defenses and pretend campaigns on the beach.
• His activities were serious and allowed him to create worlds without external opinions or permissions.
• These imaginative plays were seen as preparation for his future leadership roles.

"He would create BattlE defenses and pretend campaigns as a way to indulge his ever active imagination."

This quote highlights Churchill's imaginative childhood activities, which were a precursor to his strategic thinking and leadership in adulthood.

• At 37, Winston Churchill became the First Lord of the Admiralty, leading the strongest naval force in the world.
• He immediately sought to imbue the organization with his own personality and focus on decisive victory.
• Churchill believed in the importance of overwhelming force and sought to make war impossible by ensuring victory was certain.

"At 37 years old, he becomes the civilian head of the strongest naval force in the world. He becomes the first lord of the AdmIralty."

This quote marks a significant turning point in Churchill's career, where he assumed a powerful leadership role that would impact his future contributions during wartime.

• Churchill aimed to modernize the British Navy by transitioning from coal to oil-powered ships.
• He played a pivotal role in the formation of British Petroleum (BP) by securing a government majority interest in the Anglo Persian Oil Company.
• Churchill also advocated for larger naval guns, pushing for the development of a 15-inch gun despite its unprecedented nature.

"So he solves the problem... arranging for the government to acquire a majority interest in the Anglo Persian Oil Company, which is now British Petroleum."

This quote demonstrates Churchill's problem-solving approach and his foresight in modernizing the navy, which included the strategic move to secure oil resources for Britain.

• Churchill's drive and innovative spirit were compared to Larry Ellison's competitive nature in the book "The Billionaire and the Mechanic."
• Both Churchill and Ellison were willing to take risks and push boundaries to achieve a competitive advantage.

"The best way to make war impossible is to make victory certain."

Churchill's philosophy on ensuring victory to prevent war is encapsulated in this quote, which also reflects his broader approach to leadership and strategy.

• Churchill was a lifelong student of history, which informed his strategic thinking and leadership.
• His knowledge of British naval history motivated him to protect and advance the Royal Navy's legacy.

"As a lifelong student of the country's history, Churchill was allowed to play a role in the epic story of the British naval power."

This quote highlights the importance of historical knowledge in shaping Churchill's perspective and actions as a leader.

• Churchill was able to foresee the likelihood of war and prepared the navy for it, despite opposition and calls for reasonableness from the cabinet.
• His insistence on preparing for war was seen as unreasonable by many contemporaries who did not believe war between civilized nations was possible.

"And yet, just a year or two later, in August 1914, the war with Germany actually began."

This quote underscores Churchill's foresight and his ability to anticipate and prepare for future events, despite widespread disbelief.

• Churchill demonstrated hands-on leadership by actively participating in combat situations, a move that was unconventional for someone in his position.
• His leadership style was characterized by a willingness to put himself in harm's way and a single-minded conviction in his goals.

"He shocked the military and most of the nation when he abruptly decided to throw himself into combat as a field commander in all but name."

The quote illustrates Churchill's direct approach to leadership and his readiness to lead from the front lines, which was both shocking and inspiring to others.

• Churchill's involvement in the Gallipoli campaign led to a significant military disaster, for which he was largely blamed.
• The campaign's failure was a result of underestimating the enemy, a common mistake made by powerful nations and organizations.

"The blame for this tragic campaign was put at the feet of Churchill, who was made to pay the price for the failure."

This quote reflects the political fallout Churchill faced following the Gallipoli campaign, marking a low point in his career.

• After the Gallipoli disaster, Churchill faced personal and professional disgrace but resolved to start over and restore his reputation.
• He joined the military in the trenches during World War I, risking his life for another chance at making a significant impact.

"He arranged for a letter to be given to Clemie, his wife. In the event of my death..."

The quote reveals Churchill's acceptance of the potential consequences of his actions and his readiness to face them, showing his resilience and dedication to his country.

• David Senra recommends reading more about Churchill for those interested in his life and leadership.
• He suggests the books "Hero of the Empire" and two other podcast episodes for further exploration of Churchill's story.

"Highly recommend reading this book. And I would also read hero of the Empire."

The quote serves as a recommendation for those seeking a deeper understanding of Churchill's life and the qualities that made him a remarkable leader.