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.
Chocolate Thunder
The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
Married Man
Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences – time flies by! ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Sugar Apple
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a playful addition that lets me tweak the audiobook experience. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Roadblock
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. I’m blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and I’ve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
High Heel Goddess
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition – I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. 🧘♂️ Finding zen in the art of listening – this app takes mindfulness to a new level! 🧘♂️🎧 ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. 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!
Grave Digger
This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius.
ByteBard
This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. 📚 Embracing reading in the digital age – this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. 📱🎉 Mastering audiobook navigation – this app's ease of use is commendable. Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. 📚👏 ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze.
Highlander Monk
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. With ListenBook, I've found a convenient and enjoyable way to engage with audiobooks and educational content. ListenBook is a game-changer – it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is a true gift.
PixelPathfinder
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience – it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. 📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧
Admiral Tot
Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a delight. ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment.
Elektrik
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story. I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. It’s so convenient.
Microwave Chardonnay
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level – it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. 🌟 Adding excitement to each day – this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. 📚🚀 ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
Raggedy Ann
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. 💡 This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts – it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. 📚🎧 This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Domino Combat
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. ⭐️ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time – multitasking made easy! 🧠🎧 CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment.
Lucifurious
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. 🌌 Elevating my reading routine – this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. 📚🔑 I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities. ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities.
Moon Solitaire
With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Feral Mayhem
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators – they add a unique charm to each book. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Nutmeg
With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. 🌌 Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. 🎧✨ is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. It’s a pleasure to use.
Moon Radar
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. 🎶 Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! 🎵📚 🎶 Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators – audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. 🎵📚
Hex Panther
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is fantastic.
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