God Forbid How should our leaders behave?
Jul 30, 2025
In this discussion, philosopher Tim Dean, management expert Nelly Liyanagamage, and author Tim Duggan tackle whether leaders should uphold higher personal standards, especially after public scandals like the Coldplay incident. They explore the ethical challenges leaders face under scrutiny, the striking pay disparity between CEOs and their employees, and the dangers of idolizing leaders as perfect entities. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of leadership in a digital age, advocating for ethical practices and fostering trust.
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Coldplay Kiss Cam Scandal
- The CEO and HR manager were caught on Coldplay's kiss cam having an affair, instantly becoming a global meme.
- Both resigned, and the company had to manage massive media fallout including hiring Gwyneth Paltrow to handle inquiries.
Workplace Romance Complexity
- Workplace romances are shockingly common, with 1/3 to 2/3 of employees having experienced them.
- The Coldplay case highlighted the complicated blurred lines between public and private relationships at work.
Higher Standards for Leaders' Conduct
- Leaders should be held to higher standards relevant to their role's influence and impact.
- Personal private actions may not always reflect or affect their professional leadership abilities.
