The kiss cam rolled. The crowd laughed. And a company nearly crumbled.
Jul 28, 2025
At a Coldplay concert in July 2025, the CEO and Chief People Officer of a data company were unexpectedly caught on the stadium kiss cam, mid-embrace. What followed was a viral firestorm, a moment meant for fun (sort of), suddenly layered with scandal, exposure, and a PR nightmare. It became a masterclass in what happens when real life, and real leadership and real people go off-script.
There is a strategic tool they used from Improv Theater to reframe this situation.
Astronomer didn’t just survive. It improvised. And in doing so, it won back trust.
When Crisis Becomes an Offer
In improv theater, every unexpected action is an “offer,” a chance to build something new. The rule isn’t to panic or run. It’s to say “Yes, and…”
That’s exactly what the interim CEO Pete DeJoy and team did.
Instead of retreating or issuing stiff apologies, Astronomer embraced the awkwardness head-on with humor and honesty. They brought in none other than Gwyneth Paltrow as a mock corporate spokesperson. The video leaned into the absurdity, winked at the viral moment, and swiftly pivoted to what really matters: the company’s product, mission, and the upcoming DataOps conference.
- A reclaimed narrative.
- A social media win.
- A reminder that creativity can be a form of leadership.
Crisis Leadership Lessons from Improv
1. Don’t Block What’s Already Happened
When you deny, ignore, or avoid the moment, you lose control of the story. Blocking fuels speculation and erodes trust.
2. Say “Yes, and…” to Reframe the Scene
Accept what’s visible. Then add energy, creativity, and direction. Build forward, don’t just clean up backward.
3. Bring in Trusted Voices
A well-placed ally—like Paltrow—can help shift tone, rebuild credibility, and re-center attention on what matters.
Tools for Your Team: Apply the Improv Mindset
- Pause. Don’t react from fear. Acknowledge what’s surfaced. (That’s your “Yes.”)
- Build. Add a thoughtful response. A plan, a joke, a reframe. (That’s your “And.”)
- Co-create. Crisis is never solo. Pull in diverse voices to shape the path forward.
Final Takeaway: Say Yes, and…
In a world where disruption is constant, your greatest leadership skill might not be a strategy; it might be your ability to improvise with courage, creativity, and collaboration.
Because the most resilient teams and leaders don’t avoid surprises, they turn them into scenes worth watching.
Want to learn how to lead like an improviser?
Say “Yes, and…” to your next step. Join us at The School of Creativity and Innovation, where tools like improv aren’t just performance techniques. They’re powerful business strategies.
Let’s co-create your next act.