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Why we think Elizabeth Holmes is a Type 3
Success at all costs and ethical compromises. Holmes was determined to revolutionize the medical testing industry with her company, Theranos. She sought to create a successful public image and attracted significant investments from prominent investors. She then falsified test results and misled investors, patients, and regulators about her company's technology for personal glory and financial gain.
Fear of failure. Holmes went to great lengths to protect Theranos's image and her own success in order to avoid failure, even when it became clear that her company’s medical technology was not effective.
Image-consciousness and emphasis on personal branding. Holmes cultivated a distinct personal brand, modeling her style after Steve Jobs with the black turtleneck and minimalistic look (which is also consistent with her 4 Wing).
Demeanor. She has a poised and confident demeanor. She speaks with a deep, measured voice, and maintains steady eye contact during conversations, which gives an impression of confidence and seriousness. She is charismatic, engaging, and persuasive in her communication style, which helped her build connections and secure investments for her company, Theranos.
Ambition and drive. Holmes founded Theranos at the age of 19, displaying remarkable ambition and drive to succeed in a competitive field from a very young age. She dropped out of Stanford University to pursue professional success.
Building a network. Holmes was adept at networking with influential figures, including investors, politicians, and high-profile board members.
Deception. She kept her romantic relationship with Theranos's former president, Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani, a secret from investors and employees.
Chameleonic. Holmes successfully navigated the worlds of technology, business, and healthcare, despite not having formal expertise in medical testing technology. She was able to adapt her communication style and persona to appeal to investors, business partners, and the media.
Attention-seeking. At the height of Theranos's success, Holmes was frequently featured in the media, including magazine covers, interviews, and public events.
Elizabeth Holmes quotes that show she is a Type 3
“I work all the time, and I'm basically in the office from the time I wake up and then working until I go to sleep every day.”
“What matters is how well we do in trying to make people's lives better. That's why I'm doing this. That's why I work the way that I work. And that's why I love what I'm doing so much.”
"I think that the minute that you have a backup plan, you've admitted that you're not going to succeed."
"This is what happens when you work to create things that have never existed before."
"We will build the best team that has ever been built, and we will do the kind of things that have never been done before."
"I would much rather live a life of purpose than one in which I might have other things but not that."
"You have to have a mission and a vision to do something you're passionate about."
"I had the tools to do what I wanted to do, and I decided to build a company."
"I had a very clear vision of what I wanted to do, and I made that decision and never looked back."
"I'm not the kind of person who would sit on a beach.”
"I always thought that I would spend the first part of my life making money so I could spend the second part of my life giving it all away."