Book (audiobook): “Go Woke, Go Broke” by Charles Gasparino
Posted By RichC on April 17, 2025
In “Go Woke, Go Broke: The Inside Story of the Radicalization of Corporate America,” veteran financial journalist Charles Gasparino offers a critical examination of the increasing influence of progressive ideologies within major U.S. corporations. 
Drawing on insider interviews and extensive reporting, Gasparino argues that corporate leaders have shifted focus from traditional business objectives to embracing social justice initiatives, such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. He suggests that this shift has led to significant financial and reputational challenges for companies like Disney, Anheuser-Busch, and Target, as consumers push back against perceived political activism in the corporate sphere.
Gasparino traces the origins of this corporate transformation to events like the annual World Economic Forum meetings in Davos and the societal upheaval following George Floyd’s death in 2020. He contends that these developments spurred a wave of progressive activism that permeated corporate boardrooms, often at the expense of shareholder interests and financial performance. The book delves into specific instances where companies’ alignment with progressive causes led to consumer boycotts and declining revenues, highlighting the potential risks of prioritizing political agendas over business fundamentals.
While “Go Woke, Go Broke” has critics noting that the book’s tone may be confrontational. Nonetheless, Gasparino’s work contributes to the ongoing discourse on the role of corporations in societal issues and serves as a cautionary tale for business leaders navigating the complexities of modern corporate governance.
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