Ep. 351: Why Good People Commit Fraud: The Role of Capital Vices

Join host Adam Larson as he welcomes expert guests Dana Hermanson, Daniel Haggerty, and Douglas Boyle—the authors of the 2026 Curt Verschoor Ethics Feature of the Year—for an honest, eye-opening discussion on the shadow side of professional ethics. After their award-winning article on building virtue, the trio flips the script—this time tackling the capital vices of pride, envy, and greed, and exploring why good people sometimes make bad choices.
 
Hear real-world examples, from Enron to Theranos, and pick up practical strategies for recognizing and overcoming these vices in yourself and your organization. Daniel shares a philosopher’s perspective on the roots of bad behavior, Douglas draws on his executive experience to talk about healthy versus harmful pride, and Dana connects classic wisdom to familiar fraud prevention tools.
 
Whether you’re a finance leader, student, or just curious about why fraud still happens, this is a conversation packed with insight, stories, and advice you can use right away—including a behind-the-scenes look at their award-winning article.

Creators and Guests

Adam Larson
Producer
Adam Larson
Producer and co-host of the Count Me In podcast
Dana R. Hermanson, Ph.D.
Guest
Dana R. Hermanson, Ph.D.
Dana R. Hermanson, Ph.D., is the Dinos Eminent Scholar Chair of Private Enterprise and professor of accounting at Kennesaw State University.
Daniel P. Haggerty, Ph.D.
Guest
Daniel P. Haggerty, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Philosophy, The University of Scranton
Douglas M. Boyle, DBA, CMA, CPA
Guest
Douglas M. Boyle, DBA, CMA, CPA
Douglas M. Boyle, DBA, CMA, CPA, is a professor and department chair in accounting in the Kania School of Management at the University of Scranton. Doug also serves as director of the Ph.D. in accounting program.
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