Trampled by Unicorns
- 256 pages
- 9 hours of reading
An insider's revealing examination of Big Tech's failure to uphold its foundational promises and the necessary steps for course correction to positively impact the world. This book explores how technology has advanced humanity's noble pursuits while addressing the industry's empathy deficit and practical measures for self-regulation. Author Maëlle Gavet highlights the tendency of Big Tech leaders to stray from user-first ideals, creating products that harm customers and society. The narrative covers tech startups in the U.S. and Europe, including Amazon, Google, and Facebook, arguing that failures stem from four main sources: cultural insularity, hyper-growth business models, a lack of diversity, and a self-sustaining ecosystem. However, the book is not merely a critique; it serves as a passionate call to action for industry leaders, board members, employees, and consumers to drive necessary change for more sustainable businesses. Gavet outlines potential government actions if tech leaders fail, such as tax reforms, reclassification of platforms, new labor laws, and algorithmic transparency. This exploration of technology's promise and perils is essential for those interested in entrepreneurship and global commerce, offering insights into creating more empathetic tech and a realistic path forward. As Gavet states, “we don't need less tech, we need more empathetic tech.”

