Ethical Leadership: Cautionary Tales from Theranos and Silicon Valley

Join the Center for Business Ethics for this once-in-a-lifetime event with Erika Cheung, key whistleblower in the Theranos case that gripped the world. Listen as she shares her experience at the now infamous Silicon Valley firm Theranos, its demise, and the lessons we can draw in leading ethical organizations.

• What: Live discussion with Erika Cheung, key whistleblower in the Theranos case
• When: Thursday, April 4, 2024
• Time: 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
• Where: Pigott Auditorium, Seattle University, 901 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122
• Organized by Seattle University’s Center for Business Ethics with partnering sponsors Student Government of Seattle University (SGSU) and School of Law's Technology, Innovation Law, and Ethics (TILE) program.

Seattle University students will have the opportunity to register before the page is made available to the rest of the community. Please use your seattleu.edu email to register during the pre-sale.

• Start: Mon 03/04, 10 am PST

• End: Wed 03/06, 10 pm PST

• Start: Thurs 03/07, 10 am PST
• End: Fri 03/08, 10 pm PST

Opens on Sat 03/09 at 10 am PST

About Erika Cheung

Erika Cheung is the Executive Director of Ethics in Entrepreneurship, a non-profit organization with the mission to embed ethical questioning, culture, and systems in startup ecosystems worldwide.

She began her career as a medical researcher in the biotechnology industry and is most famously known for her role in reporting the medical diagnostic company Theranos to health regulators. Her report subsequently led to the shutdown of Theranos’ clinical lab which prevented the company from providing false medical results to thousands of patients. This account is covered in the book Bad Blood by John Carreyrou, 60 Minutes, ABC Podcast: The Drop Out, and Alex Gibney’s documentary The Inventor: Out for Blood In Silicon Valley.

Cheung went on to help launch a technology accelerator in Hong Kong supporting early-stage technology investments across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. She continues to advise and support the development of biotechnology and healthcare initiatives across APAC in addition to her work at Ethics in Entrepreneurship.

About Seattle University's Center for Business Ethics

Established in 2011, the Center for Business Ethics partners with business leaders, scholars, faculty, students and alumni to critically examine ethical issues in business and the role business can play in advancing the common good. The center is the administrative home for the Northwest Ethics Network (NWEN), an independent group of ethics and compliance professionals representing more than 30 Pacific Northwest organizations. NWEN meets in a confidential setting to network, facilitate member-led discussions of best practices and examine current issues facing ethics and compliance professionals.

About the Albers School of Business and Economics

Located in the heart of Seattle, the Albers School of Business and Economics at Seattle University is one of the premier business schools in the Northwest United States. Small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios ensure that a student is never just a number. Students benefit from the school’s deep business connections through mentorships, internships, and employment opportunities. Finally, Albers is distinct for its nearly 80-year legacy in championing the responsibility of business to create a better society.

About Student Government of Seattle University

The Student Government of Seattle University (SGSU) is the official governing body of student representatives who are committed to advocating for the needs and concerns of the undergraduate student community. SGSU officers are appointed to university committees, in which they represent students’ voices and are responsible for corresponding with SGSU to ensure continuity between university initiatives and the student body. SGSU’s legacies include legislation for increased sustainability, wellness, and financial transparency across Seattle University. More information about SGSU is available on its website.

About Technology, Innovation Law, and Ethics (TILE)

The Technology, Innovation Law, and Ethics (TILE) program at Seattle University’s School of Law offers a comprehensive curriculum in innovation law, including intellectual property, with an emphasis on ethics, values, and social justice. Situated in the world class city of Seattle, TILE offers comparative and international perspectives, in addition to a strong grounding in U.S. law. More information about TILE is available on its website.

Host or Publisher Albers School of Business and Economics