TED: Theranos, whistleblowing and speaking truth to power | Erika Cheung

Erika shares her journey from joining Theranos with high hopes to uncovering ethical issues and becoming a whistleblower. She highlights the importance of speaking up and introduces a framework for ethical decision-making.

What was the initial promise of Theranos that attracted the speaker?

• A new type of medication for chronic illnesses

• A revolutionary cancer treatment

• A device that could diagnose diseases with a single drop of blood

• A cure for genetic disorders

What personal challenges did the speaker face during her first year at university?

• Health issues

• A series of crimes and assaults

• Academic failures

• Financial difficulties

What was one of the first red flags the speaker noticed at Theranos?

• Lack of proper equipment

• Unqualified staff

• Inadequate funding

• Data manipulation by removing outliers

How did the speaker respond to the inconsistencies she observed in the lab results?

• She ignored them

• She reported them to the COO

• She adjusted the results herself

• She left the company immediately

Who did the speaker and her colleague approach to discuss their concerns about Theranos?

• The CEO of Theranos

• A journalist

• George Schultz, a board member

• The FDA

What action did the speaker take after realizing her concerns were not being addressed?

• She went public with her story

• She wrote a complaint letter to regulators

• She sought legal action against Theranos

• She started her own company

What framework does the speaker introduce for making ethical decisions?

• The 3 Rs: Respect, Responsibility, Resilience

• The 3 Ss: Strategy, Strength, Success

• The 3 Ps: Patience, Persistence, Positivity

• The 3 Cs: Commitment, Consciousness, Competency

What does the 'Commitment' aspect of the 3 Cs framework emphasize?

• The importance of teamwork

• The need to follow company policies

• The desire to do the right thing regardless of the cost

• The ability to work hard and achieve goals

According to the speaker, what is crucial for fostering a culture of speaking up?

• Providing financial incentives

• Encouraging open communication and listening

• Implementing strict rules

• Offering promotions for whistleblowers

What does the speaker hope moonshots will achieve?

• Innovations for entertainment

• Solutions for financial gain

• Chances for everyone to thrive

• Opportunities for survival