The recent appointment of Dr. Kirk Milhoan as the CDC’s lead vaccine advisor has sparked significant discussions and concerns, particularly due to his views linking vaccines to heart disease. As a female entrepreneur in Europe, I find this story fascinating not just from a healthcare perspective but because it touches upon leadership, pivoting, and the impact of decisions on public trust, topics that resonate deeply with business founders. Let’s unpack the situation and see what lessons can be drawn for those of us running businesses.
What’s the Situation?
Dr. Milhoan, a pediatric cardiologist, has taken the helm of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), replacing Martin Kulldorff, who transitioned to a role within the Department of Health and Human Services. The change caught attention because of Milhoan’s controversial stance that vaccines, especially COVID-19 vaccines, cause heart issues, a narrative widely debunked by scientific evidence.
This appointment wasn’t entirely unexpected, given the restructuring of the ACIP by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a noted vaccine skeptic. The ACIP, once a bastion of evidence-based guidance, now faces questions about its objectivity.
While it may seem distant from the entrepreneurial world, I see parallels between leading the vaccine advisory board and steering a startup. Both require balancing expertise, public trust, and data-driven decisions. Missteps can lead to confusion, reputational damage, and waning confidence from stakeholders.
Lessons For Entrepreneurs
Here are my takeaways for female entrepreneurs in Europe, inspired by this public health leadership shift:
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Transparency Builds Trust
One crucial lesson from the CDC's shakeup is the importance of transparency. Whether it’s vaccine safety or your business processes, keeping stakeholders informed fosters credibility. For instance, if you’re rolling out a new product, sharing clear, evidence-backed reasons for changes can strengthen customers’ loyalty. -
Know Your Facts and Lead With Data
Milhoan’s claims about vaccines causing heart problems clash with robust data from studies like the CDC’s analysis of myocarditis cases. Businesses need the same rigor. Use data to guide critical decisions and ensure your messaging aligns with verified findings. If you stretch facts to fit a narrative, it will ultimately harm your business's integrity. -
Be Prepared to Defend Your Choices
As someone bootstrapping her startups, I’ve learned that pivoting without clear reasoning can lead to backlash. Milhoan and the ACIP are now in the public crossfire for decisions that seem ideologically driven rather than evidence-based. Entrepreneurs, take note: always have solid justification ready for any strategic shift. -
Beware of Groupthink
Replace advisors with voices that agree with you, and you risk falling into groupthink, a dangerous trap for anyone leading a business. Whether it’s your board or your team, ensure a diversity of perspectives to avoid blind spots. -
Adapt to Public Opinion Without Compromising Values
The ACIP is now heavily scrutinized by those who rely on its recommendations. Similarly, businesses face customer feedback daily. Learn how to adapt where necessary but also know when to stick to your values, even under pressure.
How Does This Impact European Entrepreneurs?
Entrepreneurship in Europe often feels like navigating a maze of regulations, cultural nuances, and shifting customer expectations. The CDC’s case reminds us that leading does not mean satisfying every demand but making informed choices that align with your vision. Build networks and remain receptive to advice, all while grounding decisions in concrete facts.
Statistics Speak Loudly
Looking at the healthcare side, myocarditis risks from vaccines remain incredibly rare. For males aged 12-24, cases per million hover around 27, a stark contrast against the higher risks associated with COVID-19 infection. Entrepreneurs can learn from this. Numbers matter. Master them. Share them. Understand them fully before launching a product or defending pricing changes.
A Step-by-Step Guide To Navigate Controversial Decisions
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Start With Data Collection
Whether pivoting within your business or introducing new policies, ensure you have enough accurate data to guide your decisions. -
Involve External Experts
If your team lacks specific knowledge, seek input from professionals. These voices often shed light on gaps you might miss. -
Communicate Intentionally
After making a decision, clarify your reasoning. This applies to investor meetings, press releases, and customer pitches. -
Monitor Feedback Carefully
Just like ACIP will face criticism, your new direction may invite questions. Leverage constructive feedback to improve further. -
Update, Iterate, Move Forward
Bold choices sometimes require tweaking. Keep refining until your outcomes align with expectations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Reacting to Criticism with Defensive Messaging
Milhoan’s rise shows the hazards of doubling down when facing valid opposition. Take feedback seriously, even if it’s uncomfortable. - Ignoring Established Evidence
Basing decisions on ideology instead of facts drives skepticism. Whether as a health board or startup, showing evidence-backed reasoning builds confidence. - Overhauling Without Communication
The ACIP reshuffle sparked confusion because the public wasn’t briefed adequately on changes. Entrepreneurs must avoid this by clearly outlining any shifts to clients and teams alike.
My Personal Take
This story is a timely reminder for leaders everywhere about the delicate balance between expertise, ideology, and public trust. Pivoting, especially when controversial, cuts to the heart of what leadership means. Female founders, especially in traditionally male-dominated sectors, often feel pressure to prove themselves repeatedly. Let these lessons guide how you approach sensitive decisions.
As someone who manages projects in deep tech and blockchain, I understand that science and entrepreneurship share one thing in common: the need for data-driven strategies. Public trust isn’t won through shortcuts; it’s earned by showing consistent, clear reasoning.
Useful Links For Entrepreneurs
- Learn more about ACIP’s decision-making process via Stat News on vaccine safety changes
- For statistics regarding myocarditis cases among vaccinated individuals, see the CDC official presentation
- Read about the revamped health policies under RFK Jr. via AP News coverage
Wrap Up
Entrepreneurs across Europe should treat the Milhoan story as more than a healthcare issue. It’s a case study on decision-making under scrutiny. As a founder, you’ll face choices balancing data, external pressure, and repercussions on trust. When decisions align with evidence and clear reasoning, people notice. That’s how long-term credibility is built.
FAQ
1. Who is Dr. Kirk Milhoan, and why is his appointment controversial?
Dr. Kirk Milhoan, a pediatric cardiologist and vaccine skeptic, was appointed as the chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). He is known for falsely linking vaccines to heart disease. Learn more about Kirk Milhoan
2. What are Dr. Milhoan’s claims about vaccines and heart disease?
Dr. Milhoan has claimed that COVID-19 vaccines cause heart-related deaths and disabilities, a narrative widely debunked by scientific data. Discover more about Milhoan's claims
3. What are the myocarditis risks from COVID-19 vaccines according to data?
The CDC states myocarditis risk after COVID-19 vaccines is rare, 27 cases per million among males aged 12–24. Recovery rates are high, and risks associated with COVID infection are significantly higher than vaccination risks. Explore CDC myocarditis data
4. What changes could Dr. Milhoan bring to the CDC’s ACIP?
Under Milhoan’s leadership, ACIP may focus more on anti-vaccine claims, possibly revising vaccine schedules and recommendations despite evidence demonstrating their safety. Learn more about Milhoan’s impact on ACIP
5. How does the ACIP restructuring relate to public trust in healthcare decisions?
The restructuring under Health Secretary RFK Jr., known for anti-vaccine views, has raised concerns about the committee’s objectivity, potentially undermining public trust. Discover more about ACIP restructuring
6. What actions has RFK Jr. taken to reshape ACIP?
RFK Jr. dismissed all original ACIP members and appointed individuals with histories of skepticism or misinformation about vaccines, reflecting ideological alignment with his anti-vaccine stance. Learn about RFK Jr.’s changes to ACIP
7. How has Dr. Milhoan been connected with misinformation campaigns in the past?
Dr. Milhoan has appeared on public panels promoting unproven therapies for COVID and falsely linked vaccines to heart disease, facing previous complaints for spreading medical misinformation. Explore Milhoan's history
8. What are myocarditis risks from COVID-19 infection versus vaccines?
According to CDC studies, COVID-19 infection increases the risk of myocarditis significantly more than vaccines. Vaccination outcomes show high recovery rates with no serious long-term effects. Learn more about myocarditis risks
9. What changes in vaccine recommendations has ACIP proposed recently?
Some recent ACIP proposals, such as restricting MMRV vaccines and revising hepatitis B vaccine schedules, have drawn criticism for being ideologically rather than evidence-driven. Learn more about recent ACIP changes
10. What lessons can entrepreneurs learn from ACIP’s leadership controversy?
Entrepreneurs can learn the importance of transparency, evidence-based decision-making, and adapting without compromising values in leadership. Explore lessons for entrepreneurs
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
