“Michael advises the Board on the critical mechanics of compliance and crisis response. He serves as a powerful reminder that in the long term, reputation and integrity are a leader’s most valuable assets.”
Michael Woodford
Former President & CEO, Olympus Corporation
Author, Exposure
Consultant on Governance & Business EthicsMichael Woodford occupies a unique place in the history of Japanese business. As one of the very few Westerners to ascend to the role of President and CEO of a Nikkei 225 giant, he reached the pinnacle of the corporate establishment. However, his legacy is defined not just by his operational success, but by his unwavering commitment to integrity during the defining crisis of his career.
In 2011, weeks after his appointment as CEO, Michael uncovered and exposed a $1.7 billion accounting fraud within Olympus—a concealment spanning two decades. Despite immense pressure to remain silent, he chose to blow the whistle, triggering a global re-evaluation of corporate governance standards in Japan. His actions were a watershed moment, highlighting the critical need for transparency, board accountability, and ethical courage.
Today, Michael is a globally sought-after advisor and speaker. His bestselling memoir, Exposure, details the personal and professional cost of standing for the truth. He brings to the network a perspective that cannot be taught in business school: the reality of leadership under extreme moral and institutional pressure.