Natalie Dawson, co-founder and President at Cardone Ventures, recently appeared on The Diary Of A CEO podcast. Hosted by Steven Bartlett, the episode throws light on Dawson’s millionaire mindset. She elaborates on the need to use AI to grow businesses, setting goals, the need for communication, and work-life balance, among others. During their conversation, Dawson opened up about the recent backlash she faced on social media for firing two employees from her company due to the personal nature of their relationship.
Upon further inquiry from Bartlett, Dawson explained that the employees who had been laid off were reportedly cheating on their respective significant others. Through this, she exemplified how actions and decisions made in one’s personal life are a reflection of their moral footing when it comes to their career. Dawson’s justification of her employees’ lay-off has created significant buzz on social media.
Many users extended their support to the President of Cardone Ventures, stating that such a work environment is indeed crucial to maintain professional boundaries. Others, however, expressed their dissatisfaction towards Dawson’s viewpoint.
Natalie Dawson speaks on workplace ethics
In the latest episode of The Diary Of A CEO podcast, the Cardone Ventures co-founder explained the reason why she recently fired two of her employees. She stated that they were cheating with one another behind their respective partners, which compelled Dawson to take such a harsh step. She added that she wants to build a proper environment to make “people’s success easy.” However, Dawson also mentioned that such an environment could not be sustained if questional ideas exist that “erode the values of the group.”
Prioritizing the necessity for a code of ethics in the workplace, Dawson reiterated that decisions in one’s personal life could compromise the integrity of not only their professional lives but also that of the workplace they are a part of.
When host Steven Bartlett asked her that some people would feel that personal relationship’s are not the concern of executives, Dawson immediately replied, “It is my business.” The co-founder further explained that those who cheat on their significant others could also be capable of cheating “on their work.” She concluded her remark by calling them a “liability” to the work environment.
Netizens react to Natalie Dawson firing employees for cheating
Natalie Dawson’s views on personal ethics and their reflection on one’s career has been making rounds on social media. Netizens flocked in the comment section to share their opinion on the co-founder’s perspective. Some viewers appreciated her candor and leadership skills, stating that such a step is necessary for a workplace to thrive positively.
People forget cheating isn't just about romance… It’s a blueprint for how they move through the world
— SUAREZ (@suayrez) November 12, 2025
There were other netizens who disagreed with Dawson’s explanation. Some criticized her vehemently for not acknowledging the personal circumstances of the employees in its entirety. Another group of users questioned the position of a company to pass judgments in personal matters of its employees.
While the affair is certainly unprofessional and messy, terminating people for actions that happen outside the company, even if they impact judgment, seems like a massive overreach into their private lives. Is the company truly justified in judging their "morals"?
— Sood Saab (@SoodSaab11) November 12, 2025
Natalie Dawson’s take on morality and ethics in personal lives and how they make their way into one’s career is justified from the perspective of a corporate leader. At the same time, this ignited conversations on whether a company has the moral position to evaluate their employee’s work ethics based on their personal life.
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