Professional Predators: From the Board Room to the Oval Office

This article might make you uncomfortable. You might think it doesn't belong on LinkedIn. But I challenge that. We’ve spent far too long hiding behind the convenient wall that separates business from social issues—a wall that lets us believe leadership is just about hitting goals and building teams, not confronting the ugly truths embedded in our culture. When predators rise to power—whether it’s in politics or the workplace—that’s not just a failure of individual morality. It’s a failure of the systems we’ve built and the excuses we make to keep them running. I refuse to be silent about these systemic issues. I hope you feel the same.

Here’s a hard truth: America elected a known sexual and financial predator not once, but twice. A man with over 40 accusations of sexual misconduct. An adjudicated rapist and fraudster. And he didn’t rise to power alone—he built an inner circle of enablers and predators just like him. This wasn’t an accident. It’s a reflection of how power is abused in systems that prioritize results, charisma, and dominance over integrity, accountability, and decency.

If that sounds familiar, it’s because the same dynamics are at work in organizations and businesses. Predatory behavior—whether it’s stiffing contractors, exploiting workers, or sexually harassing colleagues—thrives in cultures that excuse harm, overlook misconduct, and normalize abuse. While all forms of predation must be confronted, I’m focusing on sexual predation because it hits at the core of how power is abused to dehumanize, control, and exploit others.

Also... this article is directed at men. It's a call-out to men who are complicit, men who are silent, and men who claim to care. But it is also a call to arms to the good men out there who know that silence and neutrality are not options. We have an essential role in dismantling the systems that allow sexual predation to fester—and for actively creating cultures where women are affirmed, respected, and safe.

This isn’t just about politics or distant headlines. It’s about what happens in boardrooms, on sales floors, and at office parties. It’s about the jokes you let slide, the power plays you excuse, and the moments you stay quiet because speaking up feels too risky. This is your problem, my problem, our problem. And if we don’t take action, we’re part of the reason predators keep winning.

Predatory Behavior Didn’t Go Away—It Got More Subtle

You'd think that after all of the sexual harrassment training, the Me Too movement, and rise of more women in leadership positions that sexual predation is a thing of the past. Just ask any woman in a business or organizational setting. It didn't go away, it just got more subtle. It is still woven into systems that excuse harm, overlook misconduct, and even celebrate aggressiveness as a sign of strength. Case in point: how many of the men surrounding Trump have been credibly accused of sexual misconduct.

While some of the old-school, blatant predators are still out there, the modern predator has evolved. It has just learned how to hide better. Instead of obvious harassment today’s predators operate in the gray areas, using subtlety and plausible deniability to avoid consequences. They know the lines not to cross—or at least how to blur them enough to keep others off their backs.

Here’s what it looks like now:

• Microaggressions Instead of Full-Blown Harassment Instead of outright harassment, predators use coded language, inappropriate jokes, or lingering stares that can be dismissed as “misunderstandings.” These actions, while smaller on the surface, create a hostile environment that chips away at victims’ confidence and safety.
• Charm and Manipulation as Defense Mechanisms Today’s predators often hide behind charm, likability, or even a reputation for being a “nice guy” - see below. They cultivate an image that makes them seem above reproach, so when accusations arise, their defenders say, “That doesn’t sound like him” or “He’d never do that.”

By far, the most common one is Leveraging Power Quietly. Instead of overtly bullying or threatening, predators now use subtle power plays: excluding someone from meetings, withholding resources, or quietly sabotaging careers. These actions are harder to prove but just as destructive.

Sexual predators in the workplace no longer rely solely on blatant quid pro quo offers. Instead, they exploit power dynamics and desperation under the guise of professional “opportunities.” It’s no longer the overt, “Do this for me, and I’ll advance your career.” It’s subtler and often harder to confront.

These predators create situations where the lines are blurred, making it appear as though the victim consented or participated willingly. They might use mentorships, networking events, or one-on-one meetings to gain access under the pretense of helping someone’s career. They push boundaries in ways that can be dismissed as “misunderstandings,” leaving their victims unsure whether they even have the grounds to report it.

By maintaining the appearance of fairness—offering a chance, a connection, or a role—these predators protect themselves. They hide behind the fine print of contracts, implicit promises of opportunity, or the veneer of being a “supportive” leader. In reality, they’re leveraging their position to take what they want while keeping their hands clean enough to dodge accountability.

This kind of behavior thrives in environments where ambition and power dynamics are weaponized. Predators count on victims feeling isolated, confused, or too vulnerable to speak up, especially when the exploitation is framed as something they should be grateful for. The result? A system that perpetuates abuse while pretending it’s offering opportunities.

To dismantle this, organizations need to go beyond policies and examine the unspoken dynamics of power, mentorship, and access in their workplaces. Leaders must make it clear that no opportunity should ever come at the cost of someone’s dignity or safety. The appearance of fairness is not enough. We need cultures of transparency, accountability, and true equity to ensure no one is exploited in the name of advancement.

What This Means for Leaders

If you’re in a position of influence, you need to understand this evolution. Predatory behavior isn’t always loud, obvious, or headline-grabbing. It can be quiet, insidious, and difficult to pin down.

Your job isn’t just to react when things blow up—it’s to proactively create a culture where subtle predatory behavior has no room to grow. That means:

• Paying Attention to the Small Stuff Those “harmless” jokes, dismissive comments, or manipulative tactics? They’re not harmless. They’re the seeds of larger issues. Address them early and consistently.
• Fostering Psychological Safety Victims often stay silent because they fear retaliation or dismissal. Create an environment where people feel safe speaking up without fear of backlash.
• Looking Beyond Policies Policies don’t stop predators—culture does. Make sure your actions back up your words, and hold even your star performers accountable for harmful behavior.

Predators rely on people being too distracted, too trusting, or too uncomfortable to dig deeper. Don’t let them get away with it. Recognize the signs, challenge the subtle behaviors, and refuse to let camouflage protect those who harm others. Because just like the blatant predators of the past, the ones hiding in plain sight are counting on your silence.

The "Nice Guy" Myth

Let’s clear something up: being a “Nice Guy” is not the antidote to predatory behavior. In fact, the so-called “Nice Guy” archetype often contributes to the same toxic dynamics that allow predators to thrive. A predator relies on passivity, silence, and the appearance of decency from those around them. The opposite of a predator isn’t a “Nice Guy”—it’s a Stand-Up Guy. Here's the difference:

1. The “Nice Guy” Avoids Conflict; the Stand-Up Guy Confronts It Nice Guys stay quiet to keep things smooth. When they hear a degrading joke or see inappropriate behavior, they brush it off with a nervous laugh or an excuse like, “It’s not my place.” Meanwhile, predators thrive in that silence. The Stand-Up Guy doesn’t let it slide. He steps in, even if it’s awkward. If someone crosses a line, he says, “That’s not okay.” If a colleague makes a sexist comment, he doesn’t laugh along—he calls it out. He knows confrontation isn’t comfortable, but it’s necessary.
2. The “Nice Guy” Looks Good on the Surface; the Stand-Up Guy Goes Deeper The Nice Guy might shake his head in private, saying, “That’s terrible,” but he won’t take it further. He’ll complain to someone else later or rationalize inaction by telling himself, “What can I really do?” The Stand-Up Guy doesn’t stop at disapproval. If he sees a predator manipulating or exploiting someone, he takes steps to address it. That could mean documenting the behavior, supporting the victim, or escalating the issue to HR or leadership. He understands that being passive makes him part of the problem.
3. The “Nice Guy” Stays Neutral; the Stand-Up Guy Takes a Stand Nice Guys don’t like to “take sides.” They’ll say things like, “I don’t want to get involved,” or “It’s not my fight.” But neutrality is a gift to predators—it lets them operate without resistance. The Stand-Up Guy knows that staying neutral when harm is happening isn’t neutrality—it’s complicity. If a predator is harassing or abusing someone, the Stand-Up Guy speaks up, even if it means going against a popular figure or risking backlash. He knows that taking a stand isn’t optional—it’s his responsibility.
4. The “Nice Guy” Hides Behind Politeness; the Stand-Up Guy Builds Respect Politeness is the Nice Guy’s excuse for inaction. He’ll say, “I didn’t want to make a scene,” or, “I didn’t want to be rude.” But predators love politeness. It’s a shield that protects them from accountability. The Stand-Up Guy knows respect doesn’t come from being “nice”—it comes from doing the right thing. If a predator uses charm or status to dodge consequences, the Stand-Up Guy sees through it and holds them accountable. He prioritizes integrity over appearances.

What Stand-Up Men Can Do

Men have a specific role to play in dismantling this culture. It starts with the small, everyday actions that create the space for predators—or shut them down. Here’s what that looks like:

1. Call Out Misogyny in Real Time When someone makes a sexist comment or joke, don’t laugh it off—shut it down. Sure, it might make things awkward, but letting it slide sends a clear message: this behavior is acceptable.
2. Challenge Harmful Language Words matter. Stop using misogynistic terms to imply weakness. These words reinforce the idea that femininity is lesser and dehumanize women. The language we use shapes the culture we tolerate.
3. Hold Each Other Accountable If your friend, colleague, or boss crosses a line, speak up. Silence isn’t neutrality—it’s complicity. You don’t need to make a scene, but you do need to make it clear that their behavior isn’t okay.
4. Be Ready for the Fallout Let’s not sugarcoat this: doing the right thing might cost you. You could lose friends, alienate coworkers, or even risk your career. But the cost of staying silent—letting predators keep hurting people—is far worse.

This is Real Leadership

That a known sexual predator could return to the highest office in the land isn’t just a reflection of the collective dysfunction in America—it’s a green light for shadow predators in workplaces everywhere to become more brazen. It will embolden those who already exploit their power but keep it subtle. Now, they’ll feel freer to cross lines more openly, knowing the fallback excuses: “Boys will be boys,” or, “You’re just too sensitive. It’s no big deal.”

We have to call bullshit on this. As men, as leaders, as people who claim to care about integrity and justice, we cannot stay silent or complicit. This moment demands more than neutrality—it demands action. We need to take a stand, not just against predators, but for women. That means being explicit in our words, firm in our actions, and unapologetic in our support for creating workplaces where women feel affirmed, respected, and safe.

It’s not enough to disapprove quietly. We must show, in no uncertain terms, where we stand. Because when we fail to act, we aren’t just tolerating predators—we’re empowering them. Because every time we let this shit slide, we’re choosing convenience over courage. And the world doesn’t need more people looking the other way. It needs people willing to stand up, speak out, and tear these old systems down.