Trampled by Unicorns: Big Tech's Empathy Problem and How to Fix It

Written by Maelle Gavet

Narrated by Megan Tusing

Trampled by Unicorns: Big Tech's Empathy Problem and How to Fix It explores how technology has progressed humanity's most noble pursuits, while also grappling with the origins of the industry's destructive empathy deficit and the practical measures Big Tech can take to self-regulate and make it right again. Author Maëlle Gavet examines the tendency for many of Big Tech's stars to stray from their user-first ideals and make products that actually profoundly damage their customers and ultimately society.

Offering an account of the world of tech startups in the United States and Europe, Trampled by Unicorns argues that the causes and consequences of Big Tech's failures originate from four main sources: the Valley's cultural insularity, the hyper-growth business model, the sector's stunning lack of diversity, and a dangerous self-sustaining ecosystem. However, the book is not just an account of how an industry came off the rails, but also a passionate call to action on how to get it back on track.

Gavet formulates a clear call to action for industry leaders, board members, employees, and consumers/users to drive the change necessary to create better, more sustainable businesses-and the steps Western governments are likely to take should tech leaders fail to do so.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ascent Audio
• Release date: Dec 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781469082356

Reviews for Trampled by Unicorns

[Matthew Gibb · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Part one is really good. It points out why those who go into engineering are not getting a well rounded education. It's due to all the required classes that are narrowly focused. This book also calls out big tech as white or Asian and often male. This is labeled as Bro Culture and it has excluded women and minorities, thus creating a limited perspective and lack of emotional understanding that needs to die. The 2cd part of the book offers the writer's opinions on how to specifically address many issues with big tech. Maelle works in this industry and is one of its few leaders, but she comes across as rather sanctimonious and my attention often flagged during part two. Perhaps because as a man I disagree with some of her ideas. This book isn't that long, so I slogged it out hoping to hear something more about Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk or one of th Unicorn gurus that most assuredly have serious mental disorders. I came to this after learning Elon Musk is on the Autism Spectrum. Perhaps only shinning reviews of their prowess and mental acumen are available? The five star narrative focused within the narrow confines of their respective branding stories is what you get. Some of us want to read beyond such guardrails to understand their true purpose and motivation.