Michael OLeary, Matt Cooper
Michael OLeary, Matt Cooper
List: $12.38 | Sale: $8.67
Club: $6.19

Michael O'Leary
Turbulent Times for the Man Who Made Ryanair

Author: Matt Cooper

Narrator: Stephen Hogan

Unabridged: 11 hr 9 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/27/2018

Synopsis

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Michael O'Leary by Matt Cooper, read by Stephen Hogan.

September 2017. Ryanair cancels over 700,000 bookings and its powerful PR juggernaut comes shuddering to a halt. For once, the airline's aggressive and flamboyant CEO, Michael O'Leary, is contrite and apologetic.

A month later Ryanair announces increased passenger traffic for October, year-on-year growth and increased profits. Its share price soars. For the moment, it appears, a fundamental shake-up of Europe's biggest airline is off the table. But questions remain about the causes of the debacle and O'Leary's role in it.

Michael O'Leary lifts the veil on the wildly successful and wildly controversial Ryanair CEO. Based on extensive research - including with close associates of O'Leary - the book examines O'Leary's personality, beliefs and obsessions and describes how these have moulded the business he runs. Written by a multi-award-winning journalist and broadcaster, with a thirty-year career covering business and current affairs, it is a fascinating insight into the business behind the man, and the man behind the business.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Maurice on February 22, 2019

Follows the the story of one of Ireland's most successful businessmen. Starts out from the early days and traces the life of Ryanair and O'leary up troubles with the unions and strikes in present day Ryanair. (Would also recommend reading "Tony Ryan: Ireland's Aviator". A great complimentary book.)......more

Goodreads review by Martin on March 29, 2025

A Mixed Bag: Insightful Yet Overly Self-Centered Michael O’Leary’s Turbulent Times offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the rise of Ryanair and the man himself, whose bold and often controversial decisions shaped the airline into a major player in the European market. The book provides an insid......more

Goodreads review by Bryan on December 25, 2019

Michael might not be the most loved business personality by consumers of his services but he's definitely right on the money when it comes to running a business. My take away from this well written book is that anyone running a business has to drive sales up, make it cheaper for customers and cut co......more

Goodreads review by Claire on December 25, 2022

Wow! No holds barred for Michael o leary… def an out of the box thinker incredible focus on the bottom line… led to some game changing stuff. Loved his disregard for what is he is meant to do… standing up and being different. Some incredible PR stories.......more

Goodreads review by Hugh on April 06, 2025

Covers a lot of old ground but transformation of customer service is interesting......more

Quotes

An indispensable guide for anyone who wants to understand not just where Michael O'Leary and Ryanair are coming from, but where they are going Sunday Business Post

A frequently enlightening unauthorised biography ... entertaining Irish Independent

Cooper's book tracks O'Leary's change of attitude towards passengers since 2014. He built his career amid alehouse expletives and wisecracks that should have been enough to make most customers steer clear - were it not for the promise of ever lower prices. The Mail on Sunday

Fascinating book ... very comprehensive The Stand

In a world of colourless corporate leaders, Ryanair's aggressive, mouthy chief executive provides catnip for journalists. Cooper, an award-winning Irish writer and reporter, makes the most of the opportunity to dissect his colourful subject. The Financial Times

Matt Cooper explores the recent tough times for the high-profile businessman. The Journal, Ireland

This is an engaging read full of anecdotes, some of which shocked me and made me laugh out loud The Scotsman

Add to Cart
Add to Wish List