Elizabeth Holmes’ handwritten note says a lot about how she believed she had to present herself as a CEO

Elizabeth Holmes, the former CEO of Theranos, penned a series of handwritten notes detailing her daily routine and beliefs about how she should present herself as a leader. One such note, written while she was in the midst of a criminal fraud trial, revealed her approach to business and personal interactions. The schedule, which began at 4:00 a.m. and concluded with scheduled meals, was described as "ALL ABOUT BUSINESS."

Holmes emphasized her lack of impulsivity, emotional restraint, and the precision with which she spoke. She attributed these traits to her former business partner, Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani, who allegedly imposed these rules on her. Holmes testified that Balwani told her she lacked business acumen and that following her instincts would lead to failure.

This note, along with other evidence, contributed to her conviction on four counts of wire fraud and conspiracy, resulting in a decade-long prison sentence. Recently, a documentary exploring Holmes's story has reignited public interest in her case.