Billion Dollar Loser: The Epic Rise and Spectacular Fall of Adam Neumann and WeWork
by Reeves Wiedeman
Narrated by Will Collyer
Why Listen to This Audiobook?
WeWork raised $47 billion on vibes, yoga mats, and one man's messianic delusion — and this book explains exactly how we all fell for it.
- Great if you want: a cautionary tale about startup culture and unchecked charisma
- Listening experience: propulsive and satisfying — the third act is pure schadenfreude
- Narration: Collyer keeps a dry, journalistic tone that suits the absurdity well
- Skip if: you've already read Bad Blood and are fatigued by founder-fraud stories
About This Audiobook
Wall Street Journal reporter Reeves Wiedeman chronicles the extraordinary saga of WeWork, the co-working startup that transformed from a simple office-sharing concept into a global phenomenon valued at $47 billion before crashing spectacularly in 2019. At the center of this corporate drama stands Adam Neumann, the charismatic Israeli entrepreneur whose grandiose vision promised to revolutionize work culture and "elevate the world's consciousness." Wiedeman traces how Neumann's magnetic personality and relentless ambition attracted billions in investment capital while building an empire that stretched far beyond office spaces into apartments, schools, and lifestyle brands, all while operating at staggering losses that investors chose to overlook.
Will Collyer delivers a measured, authoritative narration that perfectly captures the book's investigative journalism tone without sensationalizing the already dramatic events. His clear delivery navigates complex financial details and rapid-fire business developments with precision, making the intricate web of venture capital dealings and corporate maneuvering accessible to listeners. Collyer's performance maintains steady pacing through both the euphoric highs of WeWork's expansion and the nail-biting tension of its five-week collapse, allowing Wiedeman's meticulous reporting and insider interviews to shine through in this compelling audio format.