Coming from a famous rugby family, Faulkner made a name for himself after a knee injury ended his playing career, working for and eventually owning Welsh technology company Nimbus.
He talked Richard Branson into investing in CDs and then succeeded Robert Maxwell as owner of the business he later floated on the New York stock exchange.
He helped launch the Xbox and Microsoft Office before making his fortune trading and investing with some of the biggest tech companies in the United States – and even featured on Apprentice-style TV show The Mentor.
“$100m doesn’t frighten me,” he quipped.
But while Faulkner joked that not only his wife, but also close friends questioned his decision to get involved in the chaos of Welsh rugby, there was a heartfelt belief he can help provide solutions.
And he admitted he was frustrated by the “noise” generated by those voicing opinions “from the side of the ring” but unwilling to roll up their sleeves.
Swansea council leader Rob Stewart, ex-player Alex Cuthbert and businesswoman Hayley Parsons all called on WRU bosses to resign after the reported financial loss last week.
“Let’s be honest, I’m putting my impeccable professional reputation on the line here,” admitted Faulkner.
“But I’m actually getting in the ring. It frustrates me there’s a lot of voices out there telling everybody what to do, but many of those voices are not prepared to actually get in the fight – and that list is quite extensive.
“It’s also pretty distracting from the playing side. There are positive things happening, but we need people to support.”
He added: “I don’t need a job. I love Welsh rugby and this is purely motivated around trying to make a difference. I can apply all the things I’ve done in business but as an ex-player, I also understand rugby.
“There’s no shortage of people telling me what we should be doing, but I think everybody in Wales wants us to do well, on and off the field. That’s my goal.”