Speaking on The Diary of a CEO podcast, Dawson explained that the decision felt immediate and necessary the moment she learned what had happened, as per a report.
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“As soon as I caught wind of it, it wasn’t even like a split-second decision. I can’t have this in my environment,” she said. “People trust me and should trust any leader to help make their success easy,” she added.
Should private behaviour affect someone’s job?
Podcast host Steven Bartlett pushed back, asking whether an employee’s personal life should influence their professional standing. Dawson didn’t hesitate. “If they’re going to cheat on the person they’re supposed to spend the rest of their life with, do you think they’re cheating on their work? That person is a liability to the environment,” she said, as per a report.
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When Bartlett pressed further and asked whether she would fire any employee who cheated on a partner, Dawson responded, “Absolutely. I can’t have cheaters.” She argued that there is no separation between a person’s private ethics and their behavior on the job. “If somebody has a problem in their personal life, they’re the same person that shows up to work,” she said.
Why did Dawson defend her decision so strongly?
After the podcast, Dawson took the conversation to LinkedIn, where she expanded on her reasoning. ““Firing is not about punishment. It’s about protection. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to create an environment where people can grow in the right direction. That means holding the line on integrity, even when it’s uncomfortable.”
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She continued in the same post, “If someone is disingenuous in their personal life, that behavior doesn’t magically stop when they walk into the office. Character is consistent. And if I tolerate dishonesty in one area, I set a new standard for everyone else watching.” For Dawson, maintaining culture means choosing what behaviors are—and aren’t—acceptable, “Firing someone feels like a taboo topic—but I don’t think it should be. The culture you build depends on what you allow,” she added, as per a report.
How did people react online?
Dawson’s stance has split online opinion. Many agreed with her reasoning, praising her emphasis on trust and integrity. One supporter wrote, “I understand where she’s coming from. Integrity matters, and honesty is essential. The energy it takes to sneak or cheat often drains from the energy needed to bring excellence and authenticity to one’s work.” Another commenter added, “It goes deeper then cheating. She is surrounding herself with descent, honest and people with good morals and values… good on her for leading with integrity.”
But critics felt she crossed a line by bringing personal morality into employment decisions. As one user argued, “Half of the companies would be left with no workers if every CEO would do this.” Another commenter questioned Dawson’s motives, writing, “I would be willing to bet that she had cheated on and now she’s trying to act like it’s a corporate issue when it’s really just a personal one.”
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The debate shows no signs of slowing, as Dawson’s comments continue to fuel discussions about integrity, leadership, and how much of a person’s private life should matter at work, as per a report.
FAQs
Why did Natalie Dawson fire the two employees?
She says the affair violated her values and made them a “liability” to the work environment.
Why is the internet divided?
Some support her focus on integrity; others argue she unfairly judged employees’ private lives.