logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2024
1h 42m

101- LEGO - Business Design Teardown

d.MBA
About this episode

Prepare to embark on an exciting journey about the magic of building – both in terms of creative design and prosperous business strategy.


We're about to unravel the colorful story of LEGO, where imagination and innovation interlock seamlessly to create an empire that's been stacking up success, one brick at a time! It's a brand where business philosophy and product design are as interconnected as the bricks it's so famous for.


So join Alen, Franz, and Tom as they explore how this iconic brand has masterfully constructed its path to global acclaim, including...


  • How a pivot from wood to plastic (and from traditional toys to bricks) transformed the direction of a small Danish toy brand
  • Why a chance encounter on a business boat trip would lead to a critical strategic decision in Lego's history
  • Lego's 1990s slump and how it turned things around through franchising, IP, and the mature play market
  • The surprising margins Lego maintains in the declining toy market

Whether you're a lifelong LEGO enthusiast or intrigued by the story of turning creativity into commerce, this episode shows how every great idea starts with a solid foundation and a few strategic building blocks!

Up next
Aug 2024
107- GoPro - Business Design Teardown
Ever thought about the ingenious business and design strategies that turned an everyday gadget into an adventurer's (and content creator's) best friend?Our latest Business Design Teardown dives into the thrilling business and design strategies behind the iconic action camera bran ... Show More
1h 24m
Jun 2024
106- Wikipedia - Business Design Teardown
When you want to learn about the intersection of business and design, you can turn to d.MBA Business Design Teardowns.But for everything else? It has to be Wikipedia. In this podcast episode, we're tearing down one of the most significant sources of knowledge on the internet and ... Show More
1h 33m
Apr 2024
105- Patagonia - Business Design Teardown
Ready for a business adventure?For our latest Teardown, we're exploring the terrain of a brand that has revolutionized business and ethical standards. Yes, we're unearthing the tale of Patagonia, a brand that's more than just outdoor apparel. It's a testament to sustainability, i ... Show More
1h 24m
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2023
LEGO: From Bankruptcy to Brick Behemoth
Episode 79: Alex (@businessbarista) is breaking down one of the greatest brands of all time: LEGO. While Lego has become the world’s largest toy company thriving off millions of kids & grown ass men like me, it wasn’t always that way. Lego’s story is turbulent enough to make a Ha ... Show More
16m 53s
Dec 2022
LEGO Are Bricks That Aren't Just For Kids
Are you an AFOL who builds MOCs? If that sentence made sense to you, chances are you are an Adult Fan of LEGO who likes to build My Own Creations. About 80 million children around the world receive a LEGO set each year, but among LEGO fans, adults can be the most passionate. And ... Show More
55m 49s
Oct 2021
Lego: Jørgen Vig Knudstorp
For years, it was a secret: the family that owned LEGO was actually losing money on the company. The man who built the company back up into one of the biggest toymakers in the world, Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, reveals his controversial plan that led LEGO back to profitability. It lean ... Show More
1h 2m
Aug 2023
Lego: Jørgen Vig Knudstorp
For years, it was a secret: the family that owned Lego was actually losing money on the company. The man who built the company back up into one of the biggest toymakers in the world, Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, reveals his controversial plan that led Lego back to profitability. It lean ... Show More
1h 2m
Oct 2022
What Makes Jacquemus So Successful?
<p>Simon Porte Jacquemus is one of fashion’s hottest independent designers — and his namesake label is one of its most impressive businesses. The company, known for its tiny bags and minimalist playfulness, is on track to double annual revenues to over €200 million ($199 million) ... Show More
21m 41s
Nov 2023
094 - Brad Pedersen - A ’how-to’ guide to entrepreneurship
Brad Pedersen joins me to talk about entrepreneurship, and his new book 'Startup Santa' Brads website: https://www.bradpedersen.com/ His book: https://www.amazon.ca/Startup-Santa-T... Learn the hard-won business wisdom by award-winning entrepreneur and business coach Brad Pederse ... Show More
53m 42s
Jul 2021
The Science Behind Building a Profitable Business
<p>You'll learn the rules of thumb from building a successful business from a serial entrepreneur. </p><p>For more on Beast and  show notes:<a> https://www.shopify.com/blog/beast-inventory-management?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=description&utm_source=podcast</a></p><h3 ... Show More
52m 48s
Mar 2022
The Art Of Building A Business To Sell | John Warrillow
<p><strong>EP628 - The Art of Building a Business to Sell - John Warrillow</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this episode of the Millionaire Mindcast, we have an superb guest John Warrillow who shares a lot of valuable insights on strategies and ways to pull your ... Show More
1h 4m