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Paola Biason’s blunt interview sparks backlash over executive discretion

A podcast interview cost her credibility with recruiters. Why do executives face such high stakes when discussing past employers?

In this image there is a conference in which there are people sitting in chair and listening to the...
In this image there is a conference in which there are people sitting in chair and listening to the people who are on the stage. It seems like an event in which there is a conversation between the media people and the owners. At the background there is a big hoarding and the wall beside it.

Paola Biason’s blunt interview sparks backlash over executive discretion

Paola Biason, the former leader of Gesichter & Geschichten, has faced criticism after openly discussing the programme’s cancellation. In a recent podcast interview, her remarks sparked debate over how executives should discuss past employers in public.

Her comments have drawn attention from industry experts, including headhunter Hans Hofmann, who warns of potential consequences for her job search.

Biason’s appearance on the podcast included sharp criticism of the decision to axe Gesichter & Geschichten. While she framed her remarks as honest reflection, the interview quickly became a talking point among recruiters and senior leaders.

Top executives are often held to strict standards when discussing former roles. Employers scrutinise not just what is said but also how past colleagues and decisions are portrayed. Hofmann, a well-known figure in executive recruitment, cautioned that such public statements can damage a candidate’s reputation. He described the line between constructive feedback and ‘airing dirty laundry’ as dangerously thin.

The controversy has already affected Biason’s job search. Hofmann revealed that some potential employers now view her with scepticism, questioning her loyalty and discretion. For senior leaders, public criticism—even if justified—can become a red flag in future hiring processes.

Biason’s interview has highlighted the risks of public criticism for high-profile executives. Recruiters like Hofmann stress that such appearances can influence hiring decisions, particularly when confidentiality and professionalism are in question.

The incident serves as a reminder of how carefully senior figures must navigate discussions about former employers—even in informal settings.

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