John Geoghegan

Career Trajectory Analysis

John J. Geoghegan has carved a niche as a journalist and author specializing in "White Elephant Technology" (WETech)—innovative inventions that fail commercially despite their ambition. His career spans roles as a Special Correspondent for The New York Times, director of The SILOE Research Institute’s Archival Division, and author of four nonfiction books, including Operation Storm (2013) and White Elephant Technology (2024). Geoghegan’s work blends historical analysis with investigative rigor, often highlighting the human drama behind technological overreach.

Key Articles and Analysis

• John Geoghegan on Inventors, Inventions and the Upside of Failure (OLLI Berkeley Blog, 2024)

This interview delves into Geoghegan’s two-decade exploration of WETech, framing failure as a lens to understand human ingenuity. He discusses case studies like Japan’s WWII underwater aircraft carriers and 1960s high-speed trains, emphasizing how these projects reflect societal ambitions. The piece underscores his methodology: combing patents, historical records, and inventor interviews to reconstruct narratives of obsolescence. Geoghegan’s analysis reveals how WETech failures often precede later successes, offering lessons in risk-taking.

Beat Analysis with Pitching Recommendations

Focus on Historical Precedents Over Contemporary Hype

Geoghegan prioritizes inventions that failed due to timing or cultural context rather than technical flaws. For example, his book Operation Storm examines Japan’s submarine aircraft carriers—a WWII-era WETech project. Pitches should tie historical failures to modern parallels, such as today’s flying car prototypes, to highlight cyclical innovation patterns.

Emphasize Human Stories Behind Innovations

His work often profiles inventors who risked careers on unviable projects, like the creators of the 1960s “Goblin” mini-fighter jet. Successful pitches should spotlight underdog narratives or ethical dilemmas, avoiding purely technical angles.

Awards and Achievements

• New York Times Bestselling Author: Operation Storm earned acclaim for its meticulous research, with The Wall Street Journal calling it “a fascinating, meticulously researched account.”
• Documentary Features: His work has been adapted for PBS and the Smithsonian Channel, amplifying his reach beyond print media.

Pitching Tips

• Avoid mainstream tech trends: Geoghegan’s focus on historical failures means pitches about AI or blockchain will likely miss the mark.
• Highlight archival discoveries: Unearth patents or prototypes with untold stories, like his coverage of zeppelin innovations.