Kohl’s just fired its CEO for funnelling multimillion-dollar business to a vendor run by his romantic partner—and not disclosing the relationship. He’s forfeiting equity awards and must repay part of his $2.5 million signing bonus.
This isn’t just one bad decision—it’s a lesson that trust and transparency aren’t optional. To keep conflicts from derailing your organization:
- Write a clear policy. Define conflicts (romantic ties, side gigs, family vendors) with real examples.
- Normalize early disclosure. Make it easy and safe for people to speak up before things blow up.
- Train regularly. Gray areas trip everyone up—keep the topic front and center.
- Enforce at every level. If leaders aren’t held to the rules, nobody else will be.
- Act fast. Investigate red flags immediately, document thoroughly, and follow through.
Lead with integrity—and when in doubt, disclose, disclose, disclose.
He’s forfeiting equity awards and must repay part of his $2.5 million signing bonus.
This isn’t just one bad decision—it’s a lesson that trust and transparency aren’t optional. To keep conflicts from derailing your organization:
- Write a clear policy. Define conflicts (romantic ties, side gigs, family vendors) with real examples.
- Normalize early disclosure. Make it easy and safe for people to speak up before things blow up.
- Train regularly. Gray areas trip everyone up—keep the topic front and center.
- Enforce at every level. If leaders aren’t held to the rules, nobody else will be.
- Act fast. Investigate red flags immediately, document thoroughly, and follow through.
Lead with integrity—and when in doubt, disclose, disclose, disclose.
