Ep 16. The Drop Out: The Rise and Con of Elizabeth Holmes

The Drop Out: The Rise and Con of Elizabeth Holmes is the 16th episode of season 44 of the popular investigative news program ABC 20/20. This episode is a deep dive into the story of Elizabeth Holmes, a young woman who rose to fame as the CEO of Theranos, a Silicon Valley startup that promised to revolutionize the blood testing industry.

Through interviews with former employees, experts, and investors, The Drop Out explores how Holmes convinced some of the biggest names in tech and finance to invest in a company that had no working product. The episode also delves into how Theranos was able to trick major retailers like Walgreens into partnering with them, despite the fact that the company's technology had never been properly tested or vetted.

As the story unfolds, viewers will also learn about the culture of secrecy and manipulation that Holmes fostered within Theranos. Interviews with former employees and insiders offer insight into how Holmes was able to maintain a façade of success, even as the company's technology continued to fail.

Finally, The Drop Out explores the aftermath of the Theranos scandal, including the criminal charges brought against Holmes and the fallout for investors, employees, and patients who were affected by the company's deception.

Overall, The Drop Out: The Rise and Con of Elizabeth Holmes offers a fascinating look at one of the biggest frauds in recent tech history, and the many people who were taken in by it. Through a combination of interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and expert analysis, this episode of ABC 20/20 paints a vivid picture of how a charismatic young leader was able to dupe so many people into believing in a company that never had a chance of succeeding.