What happens when a Coldplay kiss cam moment spirals into a corporate crisis, executive resignations, and a global HR debate?
In this episode, I unpack the very public Coldplay kiss cam controversy that led to the sudden exit of Astronomer’s CEO and CPO, and what it reveals about power dynamics, bias, and the hidden cracks in organisational culture. Using this as a case study, I explore how HR should respond when the function itself is caught in the storm.
We’ll talk about why due process matters, even when public opinion is demanding instant action. I share why a romantic relationship between a CEO and their HR leader is the “Mount Everest” of conflicts, and how gender bias in media coverage can quietly shape public perception. I’ll also cover what succession planning, crisis communication, and independent investigation should look like in moments like this.
By the end, you’ll have practical takeaways on handling power and intimacy at work, spotting media bias, and protecting HR’s credibility when trust takes a hit.
If you were in the HR team at Astronomer right now, what would you do first? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Connect with us on LinkedIn and join the conversation.
SHOW NOTES: https://reimaginehr.com.au/hr-on-the-big-screen-leadership-power-the-coldplay-kiss/
Connect with Reimagine HR
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