Mike interviews Bradley Birkenfeld.
Bradley’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From his roots in Boston to becoming a currency trader in Switzerland, he found himself at the heart of a massive financial conspiracy. When he decided to blow the whistle on the egregious practices he witnessed, he knew the personal and professional risks involved. But for Bradley, the stakes were higher than his career; they were about right versus wrong.
In our conversation, Bradley shared the weight of his decision to speak out against a system that prioritized profit over ethics. He explained that his conscience wouldn’t allow him to remain silent despite the dangers. “I could never sleep at night knowing I could have done something,” he said. This sentiment resonates deeply with anyone who has faced a moral crossroads.
Bradley’s revelation that he brought back over $30 billion to the United States is a testament to his resolve. He didn’t just expose wrongdoing; he actively contributed to eradicating the crime that had plagued the banking system. “Not only did we eradicate the crime, but I also helped change tax treaties and hold banks accountable,” he shared. This was a battle fought not for personal gain but for the financial system’s integrity.
Bradley’s critique of the broader system was one of the most striking aspects of our discussion. “I don’t hate America; I hate the system,” he asserted. This nuanced perspective highlights his love for the country while simultaneously condemning its corrupt institutions. He called out the hypocrisy of adults who tell children not to cheat or steal yet engage in the same behaviours in the corporate world.
This reflection prompted a powerful question: If we expect integrity from our youth, why should we tolerate anything less from our leaders? Bradley’s experiences challenge the status quo and call for accountability in all spheres of life. They serve as a reminder that systemic change begins with individuals willing to take a stand.
Our conversation also touched on the personal costs of whistleblowing. After exposing the banking system’s secrets, Bradley’s life took a dramatic turn. Yet, he didn’t let fear dictate his actions. Instead, he embraced the opportunity to educate and inform others about the corruption within the system. “Most of the money I make goes to charities,” he said, reinforcing his commitment to using his experiences for the greater good.
He also emphasized that whistleblowing is essential to a free and democratic society. “Expose waste, fraud, and corruption to get rid of it,” he urged. This is a call to action for all of us—an invitation to stand up against injustice in whatever form it may take. Bradley’s journey inspires us to reclaim our agency in a world where we often feel powerless.
As we delved deeper into his story, Bradley shed light on the connections between power and corruption. He spoke candidly about political figures, including former President Obama and Hillary Clinton, and the systemic issues that perpetuate corruption. His firsthand experience in dealing with these entities provides a unique insight into the interplay of politics and finance.
Bradley’s revelations about the corrupt practices within the Swiss banking system challenge us to rethink our understanding of financial institutions. “This is a coup de grâce of the story,” he said, emphasizing the interconnectedness of corruption across borders and political parties. It’s a sobering reminder that accountability is crucial, regardless of position or power.
Bradley gave us a powerful message: “If you don’t like whistleblowing laws, stop breaking the law.” It’s a call for a collective awakening—a plea for integrity in our personal and professional lives. His story serves as a beacon for those navigating the murky waters of morality and ethics.
If you want to understand the complexities of the financial world and the importance of integrity, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the profound insights shared by Bradley Birkenfeld and discover how one individual’s courage can spark monumental change. Tune in to Million Dollar Stories, and let’s embark on this journey together—because a million-dollar story can lead to a million-dollar life, and we all deserve to live freely and authentically.
Mike Fallat, aka The BookMan, is the owner of Dreamstarters Publishing and the Million Dollar Book Agency. They have helped 300+ entrepreneurs become bestselling authors. His goal is to help 1,000 entrepreneurs publish books and teach them how to use their books as a gateway to generating 7-figures.
Visit website for more information: https://www.milliondollarbookagency.com/
[{"id":2420,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/steve-selengut-author-of-retirement-money-secrets-a-financial-insiders-guide-to-income-independence\/","name":"steve-selengut-author-of-retirement-money-secrets-a-financial-insiders-guide-to-income-independence","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Steve-Selengut.png","alt":""},"title":"Steve Selengut - Author of \"Retirement Money Secrets: A Financial Insider's Guide to Income Independence\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Dec 23, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-12-23 11:00:00","modifiedDate":"2024-12-21 16:20:18","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-12-21 16:20:18","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":7},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2393,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/dr-steven-yacovelli-author-of-your-queer-career-workplace-advice-from-the-gay-leadership-dude\/","name":"dr-steven-yacovelli-author-of-your-queer-career-workplace-advice-from-the-gay-leadership-dude","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/steve-yacovelli.png","alt":""},"title":"Dr. Steven Yacovelli - Author of \"Your Queer Career: Workplace Advice from \"The Gay Leadership Dude.\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Dec 16, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-12-16 11:53:00","modifiedDate":"2024-12-13 17:53:56","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-12-13 17:53:56","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":49},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2385,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/janelle-brittain-author-of-how-to-say-it-performance-reviews-phrases-and-strategies-for-painless-and-productive-performance-reviews\/","name":"janelle-brittain-author-of-how-to-say-it-performance-reviews-phrases-and-strategies-for-painless-and-productive-performance-reviews","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Janelle-Brittai.png","alt":""},"title":"Janelle Brittain - Author of \"How To Say It Performance Reviews: Phrases and Strategies for Painless and Productive Performance Reviews\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Dec 13, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-12-13 17:42:59","modifiedDate":"2024-12-13 17:43:03","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-12-13 17:43:03","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":0},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2369,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/paul-falcone-author-of-101-tough-conversations-to-have-with-employees-a-managers-guide-to-addressing-performance-conduct-and-discipline-challenges\/","name":"paul-falcone-author-of-101-tough-conversations-to-have-with-employees-a-managers-guide-to-addressing-performance-conduct-and-discipline-challenges","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Paul-Falcone.png","alt":""},"title":"Paul Falcone - Author of \"101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees: A Manager's Guide to Addressing Performance, Conduct, and Discipline Challenges\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Dec 10, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-12-10 15:09:01","modifiedDate":"2024-12-10 15:09:05","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-12-10 15:09:05","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":11},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2362,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/julie-winkle-giulioni-co-author-of-help-them-grow-or-watch-them-go-career-conversations-organizations-need-and-employees-still-want\/","name":"julie-winkle-giulioni-co-author-of-help-them-grow-or-watch-them-go-career-conversations-organizations-need-and-employees-still-want","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Julie-Winkle.png","alt":""},"title":"Julie Winkle Giulioni - Co-Author of \"Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go: Career Conversations Organizations Need and Employees Still Want\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Dec 5, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-12-05 17:12:14","modifiedDate":"2024-12-05 17:12:18","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-12-05 17:12:18","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":48},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2346,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/jessica-pettitt-author-of-almost-doing-good-doing-the-best-that-you-can-with-what-you-have-some-of-the-time\/","name":"jessica-pettitt-author-of-almost-doing-good-doing-the-best-that-you-can-with-what-you-have-some-of-the-time","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Jessica-Pettitt.png","alt":""},"title":"Jessica Pettitt - Author of \"Almost Doing Good: Doing the Best That You Can With What You Have Some of the Time\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Dec 2, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-12-02 11:04:00","modifiedDate":"2024-11-30 19:11:42","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-11-30 19:11:42","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":51},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2342,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/ed-brodow-author-of-negotiation-boot-camp-how-to-resolve-conflict-satisfy-customers-and-make-better-deals\/","name":"ed-brodow-author-of-negotiation-boot-camp-how-to-resolve-conflict-satisfy-customers-and-make-better-deals","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Ed-Brodow.png","alt":""},"title":"Ed Brodow - Author of \"Negotiation Boot Camp: How to Resolve Conflict, Satisfy Customers, and Make Better Deals\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Dec 2, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-12-02 11:00:00","modifiedDate":"2024-11-30 18:28:28","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-11-30 18:28:28","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":11},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2330,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/chris-fenning-author-of-the-first-minute-how-to-start-conversations-that-get-results\/","name":"chris-fenning-author-of-the-first-minute-how-to-start-conversations-that-get-results","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Chris-Fenning.png","alt":""},"title":"Chris Fenning - Author of \"The First Minute: How to Start Conversations That Get Results\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Nov 21, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-11-21 12:44:10","modifiedDate":"2024-11-21 12:44:13","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-11-21 12:44:13","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":43},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2310,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/kenneth-cloke-author-of-resolving-conflicts-at-work-ten-strategies-for-everyone-on-the-job\/","name":"kenneth-cloke-author-of-resolving-conflicts-at-work-ten-strategies-for-everyone-on-the-job","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Kenneth-Cloke.png","alt":""},"title":"Kenneth Cloke - Author of \"Resolving Conflicts at Work: Ten Strategies for Everyone on the Job\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Nov 15, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-11-15 13:18:10","modifiedDate":"2024-11-15 13:18:13","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-11-15 13:18:13","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":33},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2299,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/honoree-corder-author-of-your-book-means-business-save-time-make-money-and-dominate-your-industry-with-the-power-of-a-bespoke-book\/","name":"honoree-corder-author-of-your-book-means-business-save-time-make-money-and-dominate-your-industry-with-the-power-of-a-bespoke-book","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/honoree-corder.png","alt":""},"title":"Honor\u00e9e Corder - Author of \"Your Book Means Business: Save Time, Make Money, and Dominate Your Industry with the Power of a Bespoke Book\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Nov 13, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-11-13 14:28:54","modifiedDate":"2024-11-13 14:42:04","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-11-13 14:42:04","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":45},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2290,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/frank-somma-author-of-b2b-is-really-p2p-how-to-win-with-high-touch-in-a-high-tech-world\/","name":"frank-somma-author-of-b2b-is-really-p2p-how-to-win-with-high-touch-in-a-high-tech-world","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Frank-Somma.png","alt":""},"title":"Frank Somma - Author of \"B2B Is Really P2P: How to Win With High Touch in a High Tech World\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Nov 7, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-11-07 20:21:31","modifiedDate":"2024-11-07 20:21:34","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-11-07 20:21:34","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":45},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":2268,"link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/agnesia-agrella-author-of-mind-your-own-business-your-money-is-your-business\/","name":"agnesia-agrella-author-of-mind-your-own-business-your-money-is-your-business","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Agnesia-Agrella.png","alt":""},"title":"Agnesia Agrella - Author of \"Mind Your Own Business: Your Money Is Your Business!!!\"","author":{"name":"Bookman Forever","link":"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/author\/mdbapodcast\/"},"date":"Nov 4, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-11-04 12:00:00","modifiedDate":"2024-11-02 15:27:47","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-11-02 15:27:47","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.milliondollarbookagency.com\/category\/podcasts\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Podcasts<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":32},"status":"publish","excerpt":""}]