When Florida's “Don’t Say Gay” bill sparked controversy in 2022, then-Disney-CEO Bob Chapek faced pressure from all sides. Employees demanded the company oppose the legislation. Conservatives warned against “going woke.” Chapek issued a carefully calibrated statement emphasizing inclusion while avoiding explicit opposition.
It satisfied no one. Employees staged walkouts. LGBTQIA+ advocates organized boycotts. Governor Ron DeSantis stripped Disney of tax privileges anyway. Chapek’s attempt to thread the needle backfired—angering both sides while demonstrating neither conviction nor values. Less than a year later, Disney’s board ousted him.
This is the difficult position facing leaders today—take a stand and trigger backlash, stay silent and lose credibility or hedge and satisfy no one. Stakeholders increasingly demand leaders demonstrate values. The question isn't whether to have conviction, but how to express it without making yourself a target.
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