Welcome to Lit in a Nutshell, the podcast that breaks down powerful books so you can soak in their wisdom without flipping a single page. Today, we’re diving into Alibaba: The House That Jack Ma Built by Duncan Clark — a riveting account of one of the most unlikely tech titans of our time.

This is not just a business biography. It’s the story of a former English teacher from Hangzhou who defied odds, skeptics, and even global tech giants to create one of the largest e-commerce empires in the world. Duncan Clark, who knew Jack Ma personally and witnessed the rise of Alibaba up close, gives us a rare window into the ambition, setbacks, and vision that turned a scrappy startup into a company that would change China’s digital economy — and challenge Amazon on the global stage.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

• How Jack Ma’s charisma and perseverance shaped Alibaba’s culture

• The fierce competition and political tightrope he had to walk in China

• What Alibaba’s rise says about the future of global trade, innovation, and regulation

So whether you're an entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast, or just love a good underdog story — buckle up. The Alibaba tale is more than business — it’s about belief, disruption, and rewriting the rules of the game.

Let’s get into it.