What can the Elizabeth Holmes story teach us about hiring? More than you might think. Confidence, charisma, credentials and a compelling story can all shape how we see a candidate, sometimes before we’ve gathered the evidence. In this article, we explore how critical thinking can help us challenge our assumptions, look beyond impressive signals and make better hiring decisions.

One of the hardest decisions a founder can make isn’t hiring someone. It’s admitting when the person who helped build the business is no longer the right person for the role. As companies grow, responsibilities evolve, expectations change, and the leadership that got you from A to B may not be what gets you from B to C. The challenge is knowing when to make the call, and having the courage to act on what you already know.