Kristin Cabot’s Political Science degree didn’t cover this: Career missteps no HR leader can afford

Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s former Chief People Officer, resigned days after a viral kiss-cam moment with CEO Andy Byron at a Coldplay concert went public. The fallout, which forced both leaders to exit amid reputational damage, reveals a deeper truth: HR professionals sit on a delicate balance of power, perception, and integrity—and one misstep can fracture it all.