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4.39 AVERAGE
4.39 AVERAGE
a 5 star after a long long time..
even though you already know what's gonna happen, it's still such an interesting read
charisma is a dangerous dangerous thing, I wish I had like an iota of the confidence this woman carries
I do like it from tech and business perspective, but I think it's a great book if you view it from psychology's lens - how can someone scam so many intelligent and experienced professionals like that
being scammed is such a strange phenomena - even though the facts are in front of you, your brain literally rejects them because you have already invested too much into this and you'll likely have to accept someone was able to scam you so you keep doubling down
I knew this but reading a real life story involving politicians and silicon valley geniuses was something else
even though you already know what's gonna happen, it's still such an interesting read
charisma is a dangerous dangerous thing, I wish I had like an iota of the confidence this woman carries
I do like it from tech and business perspective, but I think it's a great book if you view it from psychology's lens - how can someone scam so many intelligent and experienced professionals like that
being scammed is such a strange phenomena - even though the facts are in front of you, your brain literally rejects them because you have already invested too much into this and you'll likely have to accept someone was able to scam you so you keep doubling down
I knew this but reading a real life story involving politicians and silicon valley geniuses was something else
informative
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
Very good read that tells a fascinating story. My only complaint is I found the number of characters hard to keep track of, at times, and a few characters were perhaps not necessary for the story. However, it's extremely well documented and huge kudos to the author for this! I recommend the book.
I was vaguely aware of Theranos, but never really looked into it. This book tells the entire story behind it and how Elizabeth Holmes charmed affluent people into board members and, with that, gathered a ton of investments. It's especially interesting reading it after I read a Billion Dollar Loser and watched WeCrashed a couple of months ago. A similar story of charismatic individuals selling bullshit and getting a ton of personal gain in the process.
The big difference, however, is that WeWork didn't directly affect people outside the company/investors, whereas Elizabeth with Theranos played with many people's health and lives. Theranos went to extraordinary lengths to get around quality standards. The industry is highly regulated, and new diagnostics undergo rigorous testing. Move fast and break things does not apply when lives are at stake. No one really cares if a service goes down for a day. But if, as a consequence of your actions, people can die, then you shouldn't do it.
The book being written by the investigative journalist who broke the original story is just the cherry on the top.
The big difference, however, is that WeWork didn't directly affect people outside the company/investors, whereas Elizabeth with Theranos played with many people's health and lives. Theranos went to extraordinary lengths to get around quality standards. The industry is highly regulated, and new diagnostics undergo rigorous testing. Move fast and break things does not apply when lives are at stake. No one really cares if a service goes down for a day. But if, as a consequence of your actions, people can die, then you shouldn't do it.
The book being written by the investigative journalist who broke the original story is just the cherry on the top.
fast-paced
dark
informative
medium-paced
This is a very good book, despite the author.
Find the title annoying? It was done as an example of the few bad things about this book. Hint: sensationalist. More on this later, first the good.
This book chronicles the incredible story of fraud, deliberate mismanagement, harassment and institutionalized intimidation perpetrated by Theranos (a medical startup).
Indeed, the "reality distortion field" (a la Steve Jobs) that Theranos' founder seems to exude, duping many seasoned people, who should have known better, is quite amazing. To the point where in a fantasy novel, the reveal would be that she was a vampire or sorceress.
The chronicle of events is well told, has good narrative flow, and mostly sticks to the facts.
My main complaint is that, despite being unnecessary, the author engages in hyperbole and sensationalist turns of phase often enough to actually weaken his points.
One example of this is near the beginning, when the author cites an example of excessive "paranoia" the fact that Theranos not only requested nondisclosure agreements from employees, but also from visitors. This practice is incredibly common in the valley.
Still, it's a good tale overall, despite the occasional overstatement.
Find the title annoying? It was done as an example of the few bad things about this book. Hint: sensationalist. More on this later, first the good.
This book chronicles the incredible story of fraud, deliberate mismanagement, harassment and institutionalized intimidation perpetrated by Theranos (a medical startup).
Indeed, the "reality distortion field" (a la Steve Jobs) that Theranos' founder seems to exude, duping many seasoned people, who should have known better, is quite amazing. To the point where in a fantasy novel, the reveal would be that she was a vampire or sorceress.
The chronicle of events is well told, has good narrative flow, and mostly sticks to the facts.
My main complaint is that, despite being unnecessary, the author engages in hyperbole and sensationalist turns of phase often enough to actually weaken his points.
One example of this is near the beginning, when the author cites an example of excessive "paranoia" the fact that Theranos not only requested nondisclosure agreements from employees, but also from visitors. This practice is incredibly common in the valley.
Still, it's a good tale overall, despite the occasional overstatement.