#404 How Larry Ellison Thinks

In this episode of the Founders podcast, David Senra discusses the book "Software: An Intimate Portrait of Larry Ellison and Oracle" by Matthew Symonds, offering insights into Ellison's mindset and business strategies. Senra highlights Ellison's self-critical nature, his contrarian thinking, and his focus on simplicity and cost control. He emphasizes Ellison's early recognition of the internet's potential, his aggressive competitive spirit, and his ability to learn from mistakes, particularly the near collapse of Oracle in 1991. Senra also touches on Ellison's management style, his emphasis on marketing, and his strategic approach to picking enemies, most notably Bill Gates. The episode concludes with key lessons from Ellison's life, including the importance of self-discovery, adapting to change, and finding something you love or something important to do.