'I Lead by Example': Kristin Cabot's LinkedIn Bio Mocked as Netizens Ask When She'll Resign

Kristin Cabot, Chief People Officer of Astronomer, is facing mounting criticism after an old LinkedIn bio resurfaced in the wake of the company's now-infamous 'kiss cam' scandal.

The phrase, 'I lead by example and win trust with all employees', has gone viral on social media, where users have accused Cabot of hypocrisy and questioned whether she, like her boss, should resign.

The controversy erupted on 16 July at a Coldplay concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where Cabot was caught on the stadium's kiss cam with then-CEO Andy Byron.

As the camera lingered on the pair, Coldplay's Chris Martin quipped: 'They're either having an affair or they're just very shy.' The moment quickly spread online, drawing public scrutiny to both executives.

Scrutiny Over Leadership and Trust

While Byron's position as CEO made him the initial target for public backlash, attention soon shifted to Cabot when users unearthed her leadership statements. A previous LinkedIn bio, updated months earlier, stated: 'I lead by example and win trust with employees from CEOs to assistants.' For many observers, the irony was inescapable. Critics flooded social media with memes, accusing Cabot of failing to uphold the very standards she promoted.

The ridicule intensified as screenshots of her profile circulated on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Posts highlighted the contradiction between her HR role and her involvement in a workplace scandal, with many questioning her credibility as a leader.

Timeline of the Scandal

The Coldplay concert took place on 16 July. By the morning of 17 July, footage was circulating widely across social media.

Within 48 hours, screenshots of Cabot's LinkedIn profile appeared under hashtags such as #Coldplaygate and #HRFail, while business journalists and workplace commentators began weighing in. The story reached its peak on 18 July, when major outlets began reporting on the incident as a potential breach of workplace ethics.

Company Leadership Under the Spotlight

Cabot joined Astronomer in late 2024 as Chief People Officer, earning praise for spearheading inclusive hiring initiatives at the $1.3 billion data-ops company.

Byron resigned days after the video surfaced, but Cabot has yet to issue a statement or update her professional accounts. Company insiders report growing unease among staff, with many questioning the silence surrounding her future at Astronomer.

Questions Over Leadership Credibility

The scandal's staying power is rooted in issues of credibility and ethics. As an HR executive, Cabot was expected to model the standards she espoused—standards now seen as compromised. Her public statements about trust and example-setting have only intensified the backlash.

Legal and HR experts note that perceptions of favouritism, blurred professional boundaries, and double standards can damage workplace culture and morale. The longer Astronomer delays its response, the deeper the reputational impact may become.

From Viral Moment to Corporate Crisis

What started as a seemingly light-hearted concert moment became a corporate crisis after Chris Martin's comment drew attention to workplace boundaries and power dynamics. Public opinion quickly shifted from amusement to criticism, focusing not only on the incident but also on what it revealed about Astronomer's internal culture.

Formal Investigation

Astronomer's board has confirmed the launch of a formal investigation into the incident. Byron has stepped down, while Cabot remains silent, though reports suggest internal pressure is mounting for her to address the situation.