In the world of startups and entrepreneurship, surprises often lead to hard-learned lessons. Recently, the unexpected decision by FCC Chair Brendan Carr to alter official website language raised serious questions about transparency, independence, and the balance of power in government agencies. While this might seem disconnected from the lives of entrepreneurs in Europe, especially female founders, it serves as a fascinating case study on leadership, communication, and adaptability.
Let’s break this story into actionable insights for entrepreneurs, particularly those of us navigating the European startup scene.
What Happened at the FCC, and Why It Matters
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently removed the term "independent agency" from its website following testimony from its chair, Brendan Carr. When pressed during a U.S. Senate hearing, Carr stated that the FCC is not formally independent, as it is subject to presidential influence.
This dramatic pivot was made in real time during the hearing, something rarely seen from government bodies, where messaging is typically deliberate and slow to update. While the political and legal implications are being debated in the U.S., two key takeaways for entrepreneurs are clear: staying ahead of public accountability and anticipating shifts in organizational dynamics.
For female founders, who may already feel under scrutiny in male-dominated industries, being publicly questioned, or worse, being caught off guard, can have lasting reputational effects. It’s critical to establish what your business stands for clearly and be prepared to adjust if the groundwork changes.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs from This Public Debacle
Running a startup is often described as managing the unknown while hoping for the best. Here's what we can learn from the FCC's chaotic pivot:
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Clarity Before Crisis
- Similar to the FCC’s confusion about its "independence," many startups face unexpected pushbacks from stakeholders, whether it’s a team member, investor, or even a regulator. Ask yourself, "Can I explain my position clearly, without ambiguity?"
- Female founders often face pressure to "prove" their businesses in deeply scrutinized sectors like fintech or biotech. Stand firm on your mission and avoid adopting contradictory stances under external pressure.
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Transparency Wins Confidence
- The FCC’s quick yet opaque approach, removing content without explanation, eroded trust. Whether you're presenting your financials to an investor or explaining a pivot to your team, acknowledge mistakes or restraints upfront.
- Example: A founder I know in Amsterdam realized mid-pitch that her customer segment analysis was outdated. Instead of glossing over it, she confidently said, "I missed updating this, but here’s how I plan to fix it."
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Leadership Aligns with Accountability
- Carr mentioned changing leadership dynamics as a rationale for altering policy interpretations. Your investors or partners may ask tough questions if that sounds like "blaming others."
- As a female founder, claiming ownership of choices (and showing how you’ll address roadblocks) demonstrates strength, especially in male-dominated negotiations.
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Adapt, But Have a Process
- Carr’s response felt reactive rather than strategic. Even in a crisis, lead with a process. It could be as simple as: “Gather feedback → Revisit decisions → Announce updates.”
Mistakes Entrepreneurs Must Avoid in Similar Situations
Keeping a steady hand during challenges will set you apart as a leader. The FCC story presents these avoidable pitfalls:
- Ignoring Public Perception: Whether it’s users, the press, or your LinkedIn followers, silence can be as damaging as bad action.
- Changing Direction Abruptly: Business pivots, like policy changes, need context. If your team understands why, they’ll stay on board.
- Citing External Forces Without Strategy: Explaining external challenges (economic downturn, regulatory shifts) is fine, but your focus must remain on what you’re doing about it.
A European Perspective: Cultural Insights on Accountability
As entrepreneurs in Europe, we operate in a mix of regulatory systems and cultural expectations. From Dutch straight-talk to the French preference for debate, how we communicate impacts how we're trusted. Female founders often have the added challenge of balancing the need to assert authority with the ability to demonstrate collaboration.
Take inspiration from the FCC’s misstep. Here’s a guide, tailored for European startups navigating cultural complexity:
- Know Your Core Story: Are your brand’s values clear across different stakeholders, whether you’re pitching in Berlin or Stockholm? Cohesion matters.
- Anticipate Questioning: Especially as a female founder, do mock Q&A that tests how well you defend your strategies.
- Own Errors: Acknowledge mistakes quickly. In many European cultures, humility builds trust faster than defensiveness.
Action Plan: Turning Lessons Into Strategy
For a busy entrepreneur, adapting these lessons means having actionable steps:
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Regularly Audit Messaging
Use tools like brand audits, are your descriptions consistent on your LinkedIn, website, or investor decks? A tool like BrandMentions tracks perception across stakeholders seamlessly. -
Prepare for Missions to be Tested
If regulators or team members question your independence or authority, ensure your answers tie back to measurable actions you’ve taken. -
Build a Crisis Plan Now
Have a predefined communication process for mistakes. For example, a concise email template acknowledging the error, the plan to fix it, and when the solution takes hold. -
Practice Assertiveness in Leadership
If, like me, you’re stepping into fields dominated by male voices, rehearse assertive yet collaborative tactics with mentors. Role-playing investor scenarios, getting questioned in real-time, builds confidence.
Insights Female Entrepreneurs Will Appreciate
The FCC’s story might appear bureaucratic, but it holds value for us. Flexing transparency, strong messaging, and collaborative leadership are essential elements of startup success.
The moment you sense contradiction in your mission, whether at a roundtable with investors or on a live public platform, pause. Ask yourself, "Do I need clarity, context, or collaboration to fix this?" Then, act with deliberate calmness.
Conclusion
This FCC episode proves that decisions made under pressure without clear communication can erode trust, no matter how seasoned the leadership. For European startup founders, especially women navigating a space where every decision faces extra scrutiny, the takeaway is clear: when your independence, resilience, or authority is questioned, your transparency and response must shine brighter than the mistake itself.
Leadership isn’t about avoiding scrutiny. It’s about thriving under it.
FAQ
1. What triggered the FCC to edit its website?
The FCC removed references to being an "independent agency" after Chair Brendan Carr testified that the agency is subject to presidential influence during a Senate hearing. Explore the story on Ars Technica
2. What did the FCC’s website originally state?
The website previously described the FCC as "an independent US government agency overseen by Congress." This language was removed following Carr's testimony. See before and after comparisons on Axios
3. How did FCC Chair Brendan Carr define agency independence?
Carr stated during the Senate hearing that the FCC is "not formally an independent agency," asserting that commissioners can be removed by the president for any reason. Learn more from NBC News
4. Was Carr’s statement consistent with past assertions about FCC independence?
No, Carr previously described the FCC as an independent agency, even accusing Congress of infringing on this independence in 2021. Discover context on CNBC
5. Why did Carr’s comments cause controversy?
Carr’s testimony contradicted longstanding legal references that classify the FCC as an independent regulatory agency, sparking debate among lawmakers and the public. Read more on The Independent
6. What rationale did FCC provide for website changes?
An FCC spokesperson claimed the website update was part of broader revisions reflecting the agency's new leadership under the current administration. Learn more on Fox News
7. How have Senate Democrats responded to Carr’s statements?
Democrats, including Senator Ben Ray Luján, grilled Carr over the contradiction between his remarks and the FCC’s longstanding claim of independence. Explore the Senate exchange on NBC News
8. Is this issue tied to broader concerns about agency independence?
Yes, outcomes of this debate may influence the Supreme Court’s decision on whether agency commissioners can be fired at will by the president, with significant implications for other agencies like the FTC. Learn more on Ars Technica
9. Has the FCC targeted broadcasts on other occasions recently?
Yes, Carr recently threatened ABC’s broadcast license over comments by comedian Jimmy Kimmel, further heightening concerns about the FCC’s role in curbing speech. Explore the incident on CNBC
10. What impact might this controversy have on media regulation?
This controversy highlights risks of self-censorship by broadcasters, as concerns grow over FCC scrutiny regarding politically sensitive content. Investigate further on Ars Technica
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.
