This is another episode in season 1 of the SBL Guru Podcast where we take a topic from the ACCA Strategic Business Leader exam and apply it in a real life company. This episode of the SBL Guru Podcast explores how the dramatic rise and collapse of Theranos, led by Elizabeth Holmes, offers a real-world study in corporate governance failures. Host Marty Windle connects key ACCA Strategic Business Leader (SBL) Corproate Governance topics —like accountability, transparency, and board oversight—to the company's downfall.
The podcast can help you prepare for your ACCA SBl exam. If you need more help contact the SBLguru at www.sblguru.com
Episode summary
Theranos promised to revolutionize medical testing with a single drop of blood but unraveled due to a vacuum of governance controls. Its board lacked scientific expertise, leaving executives unchecked. Non-executive directors failed to challenge Holmes, committees for audit and remuneration were nonexistent, and transparency was replaced by secrecy. As a result, regulators were misled, patients were endangered, and the company collapsed following media and legal investigations—culminating in fraud convictions for Holmes and COO Sunny Balwani.
This episode breaks down how poor diversity, weak oversight, and absent accountability mechanisms at Theranos demonstrate the importance of effective corporate governance—and how these lessons apply directly to ACCA SBL exam preparation
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