Leadership, Culture, and the Meghan Markle Effect:
why bullying has no place in work or society.
Full disclosure: I’ve always been a fan of Meghan Markle, Suits, and the Monarchy. I’ve been a (mostly lone) supporter in the 'Meghan vs the World' debate because I just can’t reconcile the hate.
For me, “empowered women empower women” isn’t just a tagline. And if there’s one thing I know about tabloids and social media, it’s that there are always two sides and then there’s the truth. I’m not about to be sucked into the spin - how do we really know? Why do we care?
No matter what you think of Meghan Markle, the bullying has to stop.
The treatment of Meghan Markle is a stark reminder of how society can be complicit in tearing down those who dare to be brave, stand out, speak up, break the mould, have an unpopular opinion, make mistakes. Sure, she’s a public figure, but the adage that “it comes with territory” is entirely archaic. This is why we are still dealing with bullying in the workplace - it is a societal issue.
As leaders, we have a responsibility beyond our teams. Leadership isn’t just about results - it’s about integrity and the example we set. When public figures are subjected to relentless scrutiny, unfounded criticism, and personal attacks, it normalises a culture of bullying and it normalises it for every aspect of society and therefore work.
It’s time to stop excusing toxic behaviour everywhere and recognise that how we treat others - whether we know them personally or not - reveals more about us than them. I'm guessing Meghan got this memo!
Great leaders set the tone - in workplaces and in society.
When we tear people down, we reinforce the very biases that hold us all back. True leadership is about uplifting others, supporting their having a go, challenging toxic behaviours, and calling out bullying no matter where it happens and in what form.
Whether in boardrooms or the media, leadership is a privilege and a responsibility. An emotionally intelligent culture doesn’t separate how we lead at work from how we show up in society - it demands consistency.
It’s time to stop excusing toxic behaviour and recognise that how we treat others, whether colleagues, strangers, or public figures, reflects our own emotional intelligence.
By fostering a culture of self-awareness, empathy, and respect, we don’t just change the tone of leadership, we reshape the narrative. We create environments where people can show up as themselves, without fear, judgment, or prejudice. And in doing so, we build workplaces, and a world, where everyone has the space to thrive.
If the topic of Meghan Markle is part of your round table fodder in a team meeting, use it as a story to reset the culture and climate for these types of discussions - ask what can be learned?
Oh, and if you don’t like her, don’t watch, keep scrolling, but don’t tune in to pile on.
