Leadership Tools in the Spotlight: Lessons from Astronomer’s Crisis Response

Some leadership moments are planned.

Others show up on the Jumbotron at a Coldplay concert.

On July 16, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot appeared on the venue’s kiss cam. The clip showed Byron kissing Cabot on the cheek and both quickly ducking out of frame. Coldplay’s Chris Martin quipped, “Either they’re having an affair, or they’re very shy.”

The moment went viral. Internet sleuths soon identified the pair. Both executives are married, but not to each other. Within days, Astronomer placed them on leave and, following internal review, accepted their resignations. Cofounder Pete DeJoy was appointed interim CEO.

This article isn’t about the headline; it’s about leadership and the tools we reach for when the spotlight finds us in a moment (public or private) that takes on a life of its own.

When the Unexpected Becomes the Spotlight

Had you heard of this 300-person tech company before this incident? Most people probably hadn’t. Fewer still could explain what the company does.

However, it suddenly became a trending topic across platforms, not for its product, but for its people.

That’s the reality of leadership today. We live in a 24/7, always-on cycle of media, opinion, and algorithms. A single moment can quickly spiral out of control before you even have a chance to assess the situation and decide on a course of action.

And in those moments, your response is the message.

What Astronomer Did Next Was Smart

Shortly after the resignations, Astronomer released a new promotional video featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, produced in partnership with Ryan Reynolds’ agency Maximum Effort. The commercial nodded to the headline without naming it, then redirected attention to what the company does: powering complex data workflows and hosting its Beyond Analytics event.

It was so clever.

It was a clever pivot, using humor and timing to shift the story back toward purpose.

It was subtle, strategic, and, most of all, intentional.

The ad wasn’t spin. It was reframing.

Reframing is one of the most underutilized tools in a leader’s communication toolkit.

Tools for Leadership Transformation: Reframing, Timing, and Transparency

Here’s what stood out to me in Astronomer’s response and what leaders can apply when the unexpected hits:

1. Reframe Without Denial

The video didn’t deny what happened. It didn’t even attempt to explain it. Instead, it redirected attention to the company’s core message: making the right connections. The humor worked because it acknowledged the situation without exploiting it.

2. Respond While People Are Still Listening

Timing matters. Astronomer’s commercial was released while the story was still in the headlines and people were still watching and talking about it. Rather than panic, they showed awareness and confidence.

When leaders wait too long, they lose control of the narrative. But when they respond too fast without intention, they risk making things worse.

Astronomer landed right in between.

3. Protect the Brand While Being Human

There was no smear. No over-explaining. Just a clear shift toward brand clarity. That’s rare. And wise. In an era where people value transparency but also expect professionalism, this move struck a delicate balance between the two.

In the days following the resignations, interim CEO Pete DeJoy addressed the situation publicly in a LinkedIn post titled “Moving Forward at Astronomer.” His message acknowledged the intensity of the moment while also highlighting the team’s resilience and the company’s long-term vision.

“The spotlight has been unusual and surreal for our team, and while I would never have wished for it to happen like this, Astronomer is now a household name… The mission is bigger than any one moment.”  — Pete DeJoy, Interim CEO, Astronomer

DeJoy didn’t over-explain or deflect. He named the reality, affirmed the people, and re-centered the mission. That kind of narrative leadership doesn’t erase the misstep—but it gives people something stronger to hold onto: purpose.

Every Leader Has a Moment Like This

Your moment might not be on a Jumbotron. But it might be:

• In a team meeting where things go sideways
• During a presentation where the intended message misses the mark
• A personal misstep that affects how others see you.

The real question isn’t whether those moments will happen; it’s whether you’re prepared to lead through them. Transformation can result from how you lead and respond in these pivotal moments.

Reflection: Your Narrative Pivot

Think back to a moment that didn’t go the way you hoped—one that left you exposed, misunderstood, or off-track.

Now ask:

• What story got told?
• What part of that story would you reframe today?
• How might you reframe the message to focus on purpose, ownership, or alignment?

Because that’s what strong leaders do.

They don’t just manage the moment.

They reshape what the moment means.

Final Thought

Astronomer’s story is a case study in how fast things can shift and how innovative leaders respond.

Whether it’s a viral video or an internal miscommunication, what you do next will always speak louder than what happened.

The story will be told—why not shape it intentionally? Choose what the message becomes.

That’s the work of transformational leadership. And a skill worth developing.