INSIGHT
Treat your digital footprint like a permanent CV: accurate and aligned with your values that you are willing to live with and will have an impact on your future career. In short, prudence online protects employability, preserves trust with stakeholders, and keeps attention on performance—not controversy.
CONTEXT
Former Primeminister and Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, recently faced public humiliation when President Trump confronted him about past social media posts in which Rudd had called Trump “the most destructive president in history”, “a traitor to the West”, and “a village idiot”.
During a White House meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Trump told Rudd directly, “I don’t like you either, and I probably never will”, creating an awkward diplomatic incident that has jeopardised Australia’s critical relationship with its most important strategic ally.
This episode illustrates a crucial lesson for all employees: social media posts never truly disappear, and what you write today can haunt your career tomorrow.
Although Rudd deleted his comments after Trump won back the White House, the damage was already done. His past statements have undermined his credibility as Australia’s representative and raised questions about his future in the role.
Employees at all levels must recognise that social media is a public forum, not a private conversation. Comments that seem justified in the moment can become career-limiting liabilities when circumstances change.
LESSONS
Before posting anything online, consider how it might appear to future employers, clients, or colleagues—especially those you may one day need to work with productively.
1. Assume anything you post may be screenshotted, searchable, and viewed without context—long after deletion.
2. Recognise that personal accounts are rarely “private” in effect; your role, clients, and partners can make your views organisational concerns.
3. Understand role-based duties: impartiality, confidentiality, and conflict-of-interest obligations can be strained by “hot takes.”
4. Consider proportionality—ask whether a post advances a legitimate interest or simply vents. 5. Have a remediation plan: if past posts surface, respond promptly, take responsibility, and redirect attention to the work at hand.
