Launchpad Republic Audiobook By Howard Wolk, John Landry cover art

Launchpad Republic

America's Entrepreneurial Edge and Why It Matters

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Launchpad Republic

By: Howard Wolk, John Landry
Narrated by: Lyle Blaker
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In Launchpad Republic: America's Entrepreneurial Edge and Why It Matters, Howard Wolk and John Landry provide an insightful and thought-provoking history of entrepreneurship in the United States, with a focus on the political, legal, and cultural forces that have sustained "creative destruction" and propelled the country forward for more than 200 years. In telling this story, the book highlights the critical features that have set America apart from other countries and identifies the key attributes necessary for it to maintain leadership for years to come.

Entrepreneurship is a rebellious act, and America's democratic system is unique in enabling new companies to challenge established ones. As a result, the country enjoys not just more robust start-up activity, but also a dynamism that forces big companies to improve-or face the consequences. It protects both property rights and the right to compete in ways not enjoyed elsewhere, encouraging investment and innovation. Aside from assessing how American entrepreneurial capitalism unfolded, the authors address current challenges such as the rise of the "Big Tech", concerns about inequality, inclusivity and sustainability, and the evolution toward stakeholder capitalism. They compare the American approach to both Continental Europe's consensus-oriented framework and China's authoritarian model.

©2022 Howard Wolk and John Landry (P)2023 Ascent Audio
Business Development & Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship
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This audiobook felt like a masterclass in American innovation—with a narrator who absolutely nailed the tone. The content itself is bold and timely, weaving together the history of American entrepreneurship with modern dilemmas like Big Tech dominance and the rise of social entrepreneurship. But what truly brought it to life for me was the narration. The voice was confident, well-paced, and refreshingly easy to follow, even when the subject matter got complex. You can tell the narrator understood the spirit of the book—equal parts informative and provocative.

One of the highlights for me was how the narration gave weight to key moments—like the discussions around Patagonia and hybrid business models that blend purpose with profit. There’s something about hearing those examples aloud that adds a whole new layer of meaning. The narrator didn’t just read words; they brought energy and emphasis where it mattered most, making the experience feel less like a lecture and more like a guided conversation about where business is headed next.

If you’re into business books that push you to think deeper—about history, ethics, innovation, and impact—this is a must-listen. And if you’re someone who prefers audiobooks over print, rest assured: the narration holds up beautifully. It’s well-produced, thoughtfully delivered, and a great companion for anyone looking to challenge their understanding of modern entrepreneurship.

America’s Entrepreneurial Edge and Why It Matters.

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Launchpad Republic offers detailed, well-researched history from the unique perspective of entrepreneural development. This book considers many different aspects such as poverty, human rights, the environment, and technological development. There is a bias towards the American Dream being universally beneficial, which is why I give this book only 4 out of 5 stars. Overall, this book should become a US history staple, as long as readers are educated more broadly about the negative impacts of the American Dream.

The reader is pleasant to listen to and easy to understand.

Well-Researched and Covers Broad Topics

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The narrator’s delivery strikes a perfect balance between clarity and energy, which is essential for a book that blends economic analysis, entrepreneurial insight, and historical context. The pacing was steady and never rushed, allowing the complexity of the authors’ arguments to really sink in without feeling overwhelming. Whether discussing the disruptive rise of tech giants or unpacking broader trends in American innovation, the narrator kept the tone sharp and accessible—ideal for listeners who want to absorb big ideas without zoning out.

What I appreciated most was how the narration matched the book’s overall tone—measured, thoughtful, but with a pulse of excitement running underneath. It brought extra life to the case studies of Amazon, Google, Tesla, and other industry leaders, helping listeners connect with the broader themes of innovation, risk-taking, and market evolution. For an audiobook packed with both data and opinion, the smooth and professional narration made all the difference. This is the kind of audiobook that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys thoughtful business writing but prefers to consume it on the go. Highly recommended.

Great book

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