logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2024
29m 56s

Tinker your way to scale: James Dyson

Waitwhat
About this episode

James Dyson's journey to building a global invention enterprise began with a simple goal: to build a better vacuum. After 5,000+ prototypes and years of precise tinkering, his innovative bagless vacuum was ready. But none of the big brand names wanted it. So he started the Dyson company, betting that customers would be swayed by new technology, better performance, and distinctive design. Today the Dyson Corporation commands $9 billion in annual revenue, and – driven by engineering curiosity – develops products from air purifiers to hair dryers, even making a big bet on an electric car (that never hit the market). James Dyson’s inspiring story of scale involves challenging experts at every turn, relentless iteration, and a resilient view of failure as a stepping stone to the next breakthrough.

Read a transcript of this episode: https://mastersofscale.com

Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Up next
Jul 10
How a summer job grew into an ice cream empire, with CEO Ben Van Leeuwen
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is one of the fastest growing dessert brands in the country. It’s known for its seriously delicious classic flavors and its wacky collaborations. (Kraft Mac and Cheese ice cream, anyone?) Co-founder and CEO Ben Van Leeuwen talks with Jeff Berman to reveal ho ... Show More
32m 44s
Jul 8
PBS fights for its future, with President & CEO Paula Kerger
PBS President & CEO Paula Kerger joins Rapid Response to take us inside the organization’s financial reality if federal funding is stripped, and how she’s battling to protect iconic programming — from Frontline to Sesame Street. Kerger shares the role of corporate philanthropy in ... Show More
27m 7s
Jul 3
How Baby2Baby stepped up as LA wildfires raged, with co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof
Devastating wildfires tore through Los Angeles at the start of 2025. Nonprofit Baby2Baby was on the ground leveraging its deep knowledge of how to respond to natural disasters to help families in need. Co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof joined host Jeff Berman on s ... Show More
36m 16s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2019
Dyson: James Dyson (2018)
In 1979, James Dyson had an idea for a new vacuum cleaner — one that didn't use bags. It took him five years to perfect the design, building more than 5,000 prototypes in his backyard shed. He then tried to convince the big vacuum brands to license his invention, but most wouldn' ... Show More
43m 57s
Feb 2018
Dyson: James Dyson
In 1979, James Dyson had an idea for a new vacuum cleaner — one that didn't use bags. It took him five years to perfect the design, building more than 5,000 prototypes in his backyard shed. He then tried to convince the big vacuum brands to license his invention, but most wouldn' ... Show More
42m 57s
Sep 2021
#205 James Dyson (Invention: A Life)
What I learned from reading Invention: A Life by James Dyson. ----Come see a live show with me and Patrick O'Shaughnessy from Invest Like The Best on October 19th in New York City. Get your tickets here! ----Subscribe to listen to Founders Premium  Subscribers can: -ask me questi ... Show More
1h 52m
Sep 2021
#530: Sir James Dyson — Founder of Dyson and Master Inventor on How to Turn the Mundane into Magic
Sir James Dyson — Founder of Dyson and Master Inventor on How to Turn the Mundane into Magic | Brought to you by BlockFi crypto platform, Athletic Greens all-in-one nutritional supplement, and Theragun percussive muscle therapy devices. More on all three below.Sir James Dyson is ... Show More
1h 35m
Apr 2023
#300 James Dyson (Against the Odds)
What I learned from reading Against the Odds: An Autobiography by James Dyson for the 4th time. You can also find the book on Book Finder. ----Follow one of my favorite podcasts Invest Like The Best and listen to episode 293 David Senra: Passion and Pain ----Episode Outline: [4:3 ... Show More
1h 21m
Aug 2021
#200 James Dyson (Against the Odds)
What I learned from rereading Against The Odds: An Autobiography by James Dyson and reading A History of Great Inventions by James Dyson. ----Come see a live show with me and Patrick O'Shaughnessy from Invest Like The Best on October 19th in New York City. Get your tickets here!  ... Show More
2h 14m
Jul 2021
Elon Musk à son tour dans l’espace ?
Après Richard Branson et Jeff Bezos, c’est au tout d’Elon Musk de partir à la conquête de l’espace ! Rien d’étonnant de la part du patron de Space X, mais ce qui l’est davantage, c’est qu’il n’a pour l’instant jamais profité de son entreprise pour aller faire un tour en apesanteu ... Show More
2m 35s
May 2023
Wondery Presents - Flipping The Bird: Elon vs Twitter
When Elon Musk posted a video of himself arriving at Twitter HQ carrying a white sink along with the message “let that sink in!” It marked the end of a dramatic takeover. Musk had gone from Twitter critic to “Chief Twit” in the space of just a few months but his arrival didn’t pu ... Show More
4m 42s
Jan 2021
SpaceX vs Blue Origin | Rocket Men | 1
It's 2001 and a 30-year-old Elon Musk has just been fired from Pay-Pal, the company he co-founded. In need of a second act, he hits on the idea of bankrolling a bizarre Mars mission.But he's not the only tech tycoon who's stargazing. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has also got space f ... Show More
29m 6s