Source: Fortune
Summary
Elizabeth Holmes, former Theranos CEO, wrote a handwritten note detailing her daily schedule and personal rules, including waking at 4:00 a.m. and maintaining strict control over her behavior. The note, presented as evidence during her 2021 fraud trial, included statements like “I do not react” and “I am always proactive.” Holmes claimed the advice came from her former partner, Ramesh Balwani, who she alleged abused her. She was convicted in 2022 and is serving a prison sentence. A new documentary, “You Can See Everything,” features Holmes and her efforts to clear her name.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Holmes wrote a schedule that started at 4 a.m. and included strict behavioral rules.
She claimed her former partner controlled her, but he denied the abuse.
She was convicted of fraud and is now in prison.
The documentary shows her trying to rebuild her career while serving time.
Author: Evan Null
Elizabeth Holmes’ Mantra as a CEO
Elizabeth Holmes’ handwritten note outlines a rigid daily schedule and personal rules. The document, presented during her 2021 trial, included a 4:00 a.m. wake-up time and a list of behavioral directives. Holmes claimed the rules came from her former partner, Ramesh Balwani, who she alleged abused her. The note also included statements like “I do not react” and “I am always proactive.”
Her Trial and Conviction
Holmes faced criminal fraud charges in 2021 and was convicted in 2022 on four counts of wire fraud and conspiracy. She is currently serving a decade-long prison sentence. During her trial, she testified that her former partner, Ramesh Balwani, emotionally and sexually abused her. Balwani’s lawyer denied the allegations, but no comment was provided to Fortune after Holmes’ testimony.
The Documentary and Her Efforts to Clear Her Name
A new documentary titled “You Can See Everything” features Holmes and her attempts to clear her name. The film, directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, follows her as she grants the crew access to her life. Holmes maintains she did nothing wrong and has been working on a potential “Theranos 2.0” venture with her partner, Billy Evans. The film was released in 2026 and highlights her efforts to rebuild her career.
Her Alleged Abuse and Control
Holmes testified that her former partner, Ramesh Balwani, exerted significant control over her, including emotional and sexual abuse. She claimed he told her she didn’t know what she was doing in business and that her instincts would lead to failure. The documentary includes scenes where she and her partner, Billy Evans, are shown making calls about a new venture, a dynamic some reviewers compare to her account of Balwani’s control.
The Legacy of Theranos and Holmes’ Public Image
The Theranos scandal, which involved false claims about blood-testing technology, led to Holmes’ downfall. Her public image as a visionary CEO was shattered after the company collapsed. The documentary offers a new perspective on her story, showing her attempts to regain control of her narrative. Despite her conviction, Holmes continues to seek ways to rebuild her career and reputation.
