When Titans Clash: How The Showdown of Trump vs Musk Exposed Toxic Masculinity In Leadership Roles

Today, Jivan is analysing the very public feud between President Trump and Elon Musk as a case study in toxic masculinity and leadership. She explores how their performative conflict and lack of accountability negatively impact workplace culture, employee morale, and brand reputation. Jivan calls on leaders to reflect on the behaviours they reward and to foster healthier, more ethical workplace cultures. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Trump-Musk feud is a prime example of toxic masculinity and performative leadership, where public posturing and personal attacks overshadow professionalism and accountability. Toxic behaviours at the top, such as ego-driven conflicts and lack of vulnerability, don’t just stay with leaders—they cascade down, damaging company culture, morale, and even brand equity. Research shows that toxicity in leadership is a major predictor of employee attrition and lower shareholder returns, with toxic bosses making employees 54% more likely to quit and ego-driven companies seeing a 24% lower return over five years. The public fallout between high-profile leaders can have real business consequences, as seen when $150 billion was wiped off Tesla’s market cap in a single day due to the Twitter spat. True leadership is rooted in vulnerability, emotional honesty, collaboration, and accountability—not dominance or bravado. BEST MOMENTS "In my view, the Trump-Musk bromance and bust-up is a really good case study in toxic masculinity and toxic leadership." "We want our employees, our customers, and our future leaders to feel that our businesses are places where they can actually thrive." "I've got to say that the whole Elon Musk-Trump saga has been a gift for the rest of the world, because we know we can do better and we must do better." "I think it's actually a wake-up call for boards, investors, employees, and especially for us in HR, to ask the kind of questions: What kind of leadership are we actually rewarding? What kind of culture are we actually creating and fostering? Maybe even protecting?" "I think the world has had enough toxic bravado." HOST BIO Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity and bad boss behaviour. Triggered by the #MeToo movement she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, groomed and assaulted by a boss at work, his subsequent aggression and bullying behaviour which impacted her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved. Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience. Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger. As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke consultancy and programmes to help companies navigate HR transformation that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all. Please connect with Jivan on Linked In: here Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn Or send her an email at: [email protected] www.fiverivers-consulting.com HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out https://bit.ly/3BPZXSR This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/