In analyzing the final chapter of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes’ career, it’s tempting to attribute the entrepreneur’s dramatic downfall to greed and hubris. But a series of fatal errors in Holmes’ approach to corporate and litigation communications is also to blame.

From implementing a management style based on secrecy and ignoring employees who voiced concerns, to shunning—at times even provoking—credible journalists, Holmes’ undoing was a clinic in what not to do when faced with scrutiny and legal jeopardy.