Book description
A vital and timely investigation into the opaque and powerful consulting industry--and what to do about it There is an entrenched relationship between the consulting industry and the way business and government are managed today that must change. Mariana Mazzucato and Rosie Collington show that our economies' reliance on companies such as McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, and EY stunts innovation, obfuscates corporate and political accountability, and impedes our collective mission of halting climate breakdown. The "Big Con" describes the confidence trick the consulting industry performs in contracts with hollowed-out and risk-averse governments and shareholder value-maximizing firms. It grew from the 1980s and 1990s in the wake of reforms by the neoliberal right and Third Way progressives, and it thrives on the ills of modern capitalism, from financialization and privatization to the climate crisis. It is possible because of the unique power that big consultancies wield through extensive contracts and networks--as advisors, legitimators, and outsourcers--and the illusion that they are objective sources of expertise and capacity. In the end, the Big Con weakens our businesses, infantilizes our governments, and warps our economies. In The Big Con, Mazzucato and Collington throw back the curtain on the consulting industry. They dive deep into important case studies of consultants taking the reins with disastrous results, such as the debacle of the roll out of HealthCare.gov and the tragic failures of governments to respond adequately to the COVID-19 pandemic. The result is an important and exhilarating intellectual journey into the modern economy's beating heart. With peerless scholarship, and a wealth of original research, Mazzucato and Collington argue brilliantly for building a new system in which public and private sectors work innovatively for the common good.
Miss Nova
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it!
Cereal Killer
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a winner. Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Doz
The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues! ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day!
Murmur
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Freesia
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience – it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. Download options are plenty – I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content.
Waylay Dave
Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature! ListenBook’s interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Undergrad Split
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. Simplifying my reading routine – this app's ease of use is remarkable. Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have!
Thunder Tank
This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go – it's my daily companion. Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Swedish Twizz
Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. 🚶♂️🌟 Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon – this app is my relaxation buddy! 🏖️🎧 The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me. I’d listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Old Orange Eyes
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Stickers
I'm grateful for this app – it's made reading a part of my everyday life. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits.
Homerun Diva
Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
Stone Boomstick
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. 🏃♂️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! 🏃♂️📖 The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Landfill Max
This app has turned even my mundane tasks into exciting learning opportunities. This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. I love the auto-rewind feature. It’s great for when I zone out.
SprkR
Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
xFRST
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge.
Bug Fire
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. 📱📖 ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
The Flying Mouse
📱 Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories – this app is pure magic! 📚✨ Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
InsightInkwell
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length – I'm in! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
High Deck
🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖 ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening. I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience