This podcast delves into the unexpected origins of e-commerce, tracing its roots to Ink Development Corporation, a pen computing company of the early 1990s. Struggling with immature technology and market readiness, the company pivoted to e-commerce, rebranding as eShop Inc. This strategic move made them one of the first e-commerce platforms, laying the foundation for today’s trillion-dollar industry.

Featuring stories from key figures like Greg Stein, a prominent open-source engineer, and Pierre Omidyar, eBay’s founder, the podcast highlights how “failing fast” and adapting to challenges placed them at the forefront of technological innovation. It also examines the broader concept of intelligent failure, drawing lessons from companies like Apple, Google, and 3M, and explores how embracing setbacks can drive growth and breakthroughs.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into turning uncertainty into opportunity and fostering a culture of risk-taking and resilience.