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Welcome to BIG IDEAS by NEW ECONOMIES - a show where we learn how the most iconic founders have turned crucible moments into global companies. Throughout these episodes, we also discover the trends our guests are most excited about, and the types of businesses those trends could go on to create.
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This week’s guest is Tyler Shultz, the former employee turned whistleblower at Theranos founded by Elizabeth Holmes.
Throughout this gripping story, we chat about:
1. Becoming the Whistleblower: How a 23-year-old employee took a stand against one of Silicon Valley’s most hyped startups.
2. Inside Theranos: The reality behind the lab walls — failed technology, secrecy, and an intense, tightly controlled culture.
3. Working with Leadership: What it was really like working with Elizabeth Holmes and Sunny Balwani.
4. The Turning Point: How a pivotal conversation with his grandfather, former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz, and an interaction with a Wall Street Journal reporter ultimately brought the truth to light.
Grab a notebook and enjoy the episode ✍️
Episode Chapters
(0:00) Intro
(10:20) Joining Theranos
(17:40) Inside Theranos
(25:40) Going Downhill
(37:49) Sunny Balwani
(42:20) Leaving Theranos
(46:00) The WSJ Reporter
(50:00) George & Tyler’s Chat
(1:06:00) The WSJ Exposes Theranos
(1:09:00) Final Moments With George Shultz
(1:11:50) Closing The Theranos Chapter
(1:15:08) Healthcare Trends
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