Speak Like a CEO (McGraw Hill)
App Store · US
Speak Like a CEO (McGraw Hill)
Expanded Apps3.7010 ratings
AI Competitor Brief

What this app is. What it isn’t. What you could build.

One-liner

An app that teaches business communication skills through curated content from McGraw Hill's 'Speak Like a CEO' book, with audio and text-based lessons.

Strengths
  • Highly relevant keyword ranking for 'discourse' (#11), indicating strong SEO in the business communication niche.
  • Content is perceived as valuable by users who managed to access it—reviews mention the book being 'great' when functional.
  • Audio format is a key feature for target audience (busy professionals), suggesting demand for voice-driven learning.
  • Positioned as a premium product with clear branding around executive communication and leadership tone.
  • Strong association with McGraw Hill, lending credibility and authority in the business education space.
Weaknesses
  • Frequent reports of app not opening past title screen despite multiple reinstalls (1★ review: 'paid for nothing — I paid for access but the app doesn’t open past the title page').
  • Audio playback fails after iOS updates (2★ review: 'audio stopped working upon one of the IOS updates').
  • Misleading marketing: users expected full book access but only received first chapter; rest requires additional purchase (1★ review: 'only first chapter is included... rest has to be purchased aside').
  • App appears to function more as a sales funnel than a usable tool, with users calling it 'nothing more than a sales promo' (1★ review).
  • No visible support response or update history on App Store—users feel abandoned after reporting issues.
Opportunities
  • Build a lightweight, reliable version of the same content with full access to all chapters, fixing audio and launch bugs.
  • Offer a free tier with full audio access to the first chapter + preview of next sections to build trust and reduce misleading perceptions.
  • Create a standalone audio-first app focused on executive speaking tips, using the same content but without paywall traps.
  • Target users frustrated with the current app by positioning as a no-BS alternative with guaranteed functionality and transparency.
  • Leverage the 'discourse' keyword dominance by expanding into related topics like negotiation language, boardroom phrasing, and persuasive writing.
Build ideas
Competitors
  • The CEO Book
  • Audible
  • Skillshare
AI-generated brief · 5/12/2026, 7:41:14 AM