Elizabeth Holmes's Future: Will She Find a New Career Path Post-Prison?

Elizabeth Holmes, the former founder of Theranos, is currently serving a prison sentence. Despite her criminal conviction and the stigma that comes with it, it's worth exploring whether any business might give her a second chance once she is released. The answer is likely no. She will be quickly forgotten as one of many fraudsters, and the world will have moved on to new challenges and opportunities.

Her Background: A Charitable Investment or More?

Elizabeth Holmes's mentor, Henry Kissinger, is a well-known political figure. It has been suggested that she was a mk Ultra asset, using charities and other causes as a means to funnel money and launder cash. These schemes are common, and people are often drawn into them through the guise of humanitarian or political movements. Notable examples include the Black Lives Matter, Red Cross, and the Me Too movement, which have all been implicated in similar money funnels.

Comparing Elizabeth Holmes to G. Gordon Liddy

It's instructive to compare Elizabeth Holmes's potential future with that of G. Gordon Liddy, who served time in prison for his role in the Watergate scandal. Unlike Liddy, who found success through writing, public speaking, and commercial endorsements, Holmes would be past her mid-40s by the time she is released, making it more challenging for her to reinvent herself in a meaningful way. Liddy, having served 8 years in prison, leveraged his tough-guy persona and association with figures like J. Edgar Hoover and Richard Nixon to build a career. He wrote multiple books, became a talk-show host, and achieved financial success through various commercial ventures.

Elizabeth Holmes's Personal Background and Resources

Elizabeth Holmes's personal and family background provides a stark contrast to Liddy's path. At 39, Holmes has two children with Billy Evans and a storied family history. Her father was a Vice President at Enron, and her mother was a congressional staffer. Additionally, she is a descendant of the founder of Fleischmann’s Yeast Company. Holmes is in federal prison with no parole, and her family is wealthy, suggesting that she does not need to work to support herself. Her father-in-law being a hotel heir further underlines her access to financial support.

Investors and Influence

Despite her conviction, Holmes had a wide array of investors, including the Waltons of Walmart, Carlos Slim, and Betsy DeVos. Her board included notable figures such as Henry Kissinger and James Mattis. This network of influential people would provide a significant advantage in any future endeavors, even if they are unlikely to provide direct financial or business support. However, it is clear that her criminal activities complicated her storyline and made it difficult to craft a compelling narrative for public or political engagement.

Finding a New Path: Contention and Repentance

Given these circumstances, it's unlikely that Holmes will find a traditional business career. Instead, she may face a more challenging path. One possibility is to leverage her contrition and seek a form of rehabilitation. If she can find a way to claim that she has genuinely repented and converted to a religion, she might attempt to write an autobiography detailing her experiences and the mistakes she made. Similarly, she could enter the public sphere as an entertainer or spiritual advisor, much like Dr. Laura. However, given her criminal activities, it is highly improbable that she would be taken as a financial or business advisor.

Elizabeth Holmes's future is shaped by her criminal past and the lack of a compelling narrative. While she may find ways to engage with the public and perhaps rebuild her reputation over time, it will be a long and challenging journey. Her background, resources, and the nature of her activities make it unlikely that she will find a new and profitable career in business.