“she destroyed one of the greatest research and tech companies on the planet”
She happened because for all the homage Bill and Dave got, the system they left in place for running the company was seriously flawed. Just like Apple, and may other companies that are founded and run by visionaries! The visionary model of management only works for a lifetime. Then it is very rare that any progeny will have the skills or desire to run a company. Ford had to go through several generations to get a winner.
I’m not justifying the foolish things CF did, just saying that IMHO HP was broken prior to her arrival.
No she happened because some of the board put politics over common sense and when it became clear of the disaster it was they couldn’t cut and run because of the politics.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the same boat for the same reasons right now.