What do you think?
Rate this book
Michael O'Leary: Turbulent Times for the Man Who Made Ryanair
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. 'Fascinating book ... very comprehensive' Eamon Dunphy, The Stand '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
368 pages, Paperback
Published September 27, 2018
24 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
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.)
(Would also recommend reading "Tony Ryan: Ireland's Aviator". A great complimentary book.)
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 inside view of the airline industry and O’Leary’s business strategies, including his relentless pursuit of cost-cutting and his brash approach to leadership.
O’Leary is candid about his achievements, and the book does offer valuable insights into the business world, especially for those interested in entrepreneurship and the aviation sector. The narrative is peppered with interesting anecdotes, and O’Leary’s unapologetic personality comes through clearly, which may be both engaging for some readers and off-putting for others.
However, the book can be quite self-congratulatory at times, with O’Leary’s portrayal of himself often feeling overly focused on his own success and less on the challenges or controversies he faced. His tone can come across as arrogant, which detracts from the depth of the story. Additionally, while the business aspects of the book are informative, the narrative sometimes lacks emotional engagement, leaving the reader more with facts than personal connection.
Overall, Turbulent Times is an interesting read for those curious about Michael O’Leary’s role in revolutionizing the airline industry, but it may not appeal to everyone. While it offers a lot of business insight, the self-centered tone and occasional repetition keep it from being a truly engaging and balanced read. A solid 3 stars—informative but could have benefitted from more depth and humility.
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 inside view of the airline industry and O’Leary’s business strategies, including his relentless pursuit of cost-cutting and his brash approach to leadership.
O’Leary is candid about his achievements, and the book does offer valuable insights into the business world, especially for those interested in entrepreneurship and the aviation sector. The narrative is peppered with interesting anecdotes, and O’Leary’s unapologetic personality comes through clearly, which may be both engaging for some readers and off-putting for others.
However, the book can be quite self-congratulatory at times, with O’Leary’s portrayal of himself often feeling overly focused on his own success and less on the challenges or controversies he faced. His tone can come across as arrogant, which detracts from the depth of the story. Additionally, while the business aspects of the book are informative, the narrative sometimes lacks emotional engagement, leaving the reader more with facts than personal connection.
Overall, Turbulent Times is an interesting read for those curious about Michael O’Leary’s role in revolutionizing the airline industry, but it may not appeal to everyone. While it offers a lot of business insight, the self-centered tone and occasional repetition keep it from being a truly engaging and balanced read. A solid 3 stars—informative but could have benefitted from more depth and humility.
June 25, 2019
Ryanair is a known low cost airline which had transitioned into a service based carrier. This book explains how. A good read to understand labour relations, airport hubs, fuel economics, ancillary revenue, need for better service in the 'experience economy', reliance on pilots etc. For those looking to invest in LCC, it helps explain the possible issues.
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 costs everywhere!
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.
October 31, 2018
Great insight into the business model and personality behind Ryanair. Some of the stories around the length Michael O’Leary would go to to contain costs were very interesting.
February 26, 2019
Interesting insights about a leader that is able to adapt and create a business that spans a wide network.
He is willing to take fights like no other and can definately teach leaders a word or two.
He is willing to take fights like no other and can definately teach leaders a word or two.
January 30, 2025
Excellent book very informative and insightful of the man behind Ryanair. The narrator of the audio book is top class and has O Leary off to a T.
April 6, 2025
Covers a lot of old ground but transformation of customer service is interesting
May 9, 2025
Didn't learn much new about him
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews