Discussion questions

[STEMMinist]

Q1. Throughout the phenomenal rise of Theranos Elizabeth Holmes was often referred to as the “female Steve Jobs”. Why do you think female leaders are referred to in reference to men in this way, and have you seen/experienced this in your own career?

[STEMMinist]

Q2. What was the most shocking part of the Theranos story as told in “Bad Blood”?

[STEMMinist]

Q3. Silicon Valley accepts & often celebrates a flare and fail pathway to success. Do you think health start-ups and technology should be held to a higher standard than start ups from other sectors?

[STEMMinist]

Q4. “Bad Blood” refers a number of times to Elizabeth Holmes lowering her natural voice to be taken seriously by investors. What do you make of this? Have you ever received similar advice?

[STEMMinist]

Q5. “Bad Blood” describes a toxic workplace & culture where critique & feedback were not tolerated, communication was vertical only and projects were siloed from each other. Have you seen aspects of these models in your own sector?

[STEMMinist]

Q6. Do you think the descriptions of Elizabeth Holmes in “Bad Blood” or other reporting are particularly gendered or not? Would a story with a male protagonist have been as sensational?

[STEMMinist]

Q7. While the focus has mainly been on Elizabeth, who also bears responsibility for the fraud described in “Theranos”? Should more employees have spoken up earlier?