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.
Swing Setter
I can't believe how much time I've saved thanks to this efficient app! Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Scrapple
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process – I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds.
Despair
Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Hitch Frenzy
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. 🏡 Making house chores more enjoyable – audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. 🏠📚 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!
Frosty Snazz
ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks. Savoring audiobooks without fuss – this app's design is impressive. Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. I’ve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
ChatterChampion
ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless.
Mad Viral
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now – all thanks to this app. I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist! 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!
Blood Taker
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Jetta Talent
Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. 🌌🎧 I'm impressed by the app's performance – it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts.
Pinup Diva
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. ⏰ Waking up to audiobooks – mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! ☀️🎧 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
EchoEmissary
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. Say goodbye to boring commutes – this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. 🌟📚 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions.
Criss Cross
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
Beo
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Miss Murder
🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. 🏃♂️📖 🔥 Spicing up my routine with this app – it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! ✨📖 The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Austin Shamrock
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine – it's a habit I cherish. I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine.
X-Dew
This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Omega Sub
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design.
Lope Lope
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session.
Black Firefly
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is truly remarkable. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
MysticMingle
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. 👀📚 Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed – bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! 😴🎧 The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
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