When I speak, I tell the story of the “former” Healthsouth and its failed corporate culture, but more importantly, I focus on why this story is relevant in today’s business world.  I talk about the fraud’s small beginnings, the deceptive rationalizations, and how and why it grew exponentially.  I also share my thoughts on my decision to ultimately blow the whistle.

With accounting and auditing professionals, I thoroughly review the mechanics of the fraud and how we eluded detection by auditors, analysts and the SEC.  I point out not just financial red flags, but non-financial ones as well.  In university settings, the needs of each class are different. For example, with MBA students I may focus on leadership principles and ethics, while with auditing students I may study the debits and credits of the Healthsouth fraud, and how to effectively audit those areas.  Whether students are in business or not, my goal is to stress principles of honesty and long term direction and discipline.

With all groups, whether it’s professional or academics, I provide a unique perspective, and I challenge attendees to work with ethics, integrity, and a strong moral compass and how to identify people who don’t share those virtues.

Specifically, I focus on the following:

• The Corporate Culture Leading to the Fraud
• The 3 Stages of the Healthsouth Fraud
  • “Conservative” Acquisition Accounting
  • Merger Accounting – Capitalizations, Pro-Forma EPS Gaming & “One-Time” Charges
  • Rabbits Pulled out of Hats, Hole & Dirt Accounting, and Cover-Up
• Why did the Auditors Not Discover It?
• The Ultimate Toll of the Fraud on the Innocent
• Why This Story Remains Relevant Today
• Setting the Tone: Dead Fish Rot from the Head First