08/19/2025

Leadership Lessons from the Coldplay KissCam

The workplace admiration that corrupts leaders starts with a simple lie

Now that the media storm surrounding the Coldplay KissCam Scandal has passed, it is a good time to look at what happened from the perspective of lessons for leaders and organizations. To do that, it's important to acknowledge that, in spite of all the memes and jokes that this incident provoked, this is a tragic event for at least two families, and to a lesser extent, one company. It is also necessary to confront a second uncomfortable reality: it could happen to just about any leader, and any company.

That's right. It is tempting to believe that this was just a matter of two executives who simply lacked spousal fidelity and self-control and therefore, will get what they deserve. But that attitude is dangerous because it leaves people susceptible to making the same mistake, one that has been happening within companies for years, and sadly, will continue to happen without proper caution and wisdom.

For what it is worth, I have witnessed a number of leaders make this mistake during my career as a consultant to CEOs. And though I will gratefully acknowledge that I have been faithful to my wife of 33 years, I will admit that I understand how well-intentioned leaders can, little by little, put themselves in a position to risk the destruction of their families, and their businesses. And it starts when they believe one particular lie.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Chief Executive.