🎙️ Lens of Leadership - Episode 6: The Signal, Difficult Conversations, and Bold Risks with Dan Ayer 🎙️

In this episode of Lens of Leadership, Marnie and Nick dive into Season 2, Episode 6 of Ted Lasso—“The Signal”—and explore its leadership lessons with Dan Ayer, award-winning copywriter and co-founder of Oyster Creative.

We unpack key moments from Ted Lasso, including:
⚽ Ted’s struggle with vulnerability and panic attacks—and how leaders can show strength through openness.
⚽ Higgins’ tough conversation with Coach Beard—what it teaches us about addressing personal issues at work.
⚽ Jamie Tartt’s ego check and growth mindset—lessons in embracing feedback and trying new approaches.

Special Guest Insight:
Dan shares his journey as a creative leader, opening up about his own battles with anxiety and depression and how vulnerability became his superpower. He reflects on:
✅ Building a culture of psychological safety and creativity at work.
✅ Supporting employees through challenges—without losing sight of goals.
✅ Taking bold risks and trusting the process—even when it feels uncomfortable.

💡 Key Takeaway: Whether you’re navigating difficult conversations, pushing past creative blocks, or rethinking your leadership style, this episode will inspire you to lead with heart, humor, and courage—just like Ted.

👉 Subscribe for more Ted Lasso insights and leadership lessons, and follow us for updates!

📚 Read it like Lasso: Get our book Lead It Like Lasso to learn more about leadership principles for life.

📣 Connect with Dan Ayer:

• Website: Oystercreates.com
• LinkedIn: Dan Ayer

#LeadershipPodcast #TedLasso #TheSignal #MentalHealthAwareness #CreativeLeadership #LeadershipLessons #LeadItLikeLasso

What can Ted Lasso teach us about finding confidence, pivoting to align with our passions, and embracing authenticity? Join Marnie and Nick as they dive deep into Rainbow (Season Two, Episode Five) alongside special guest Erin King, an educator and founder of Inspired Education.

Here’s what we explore:

• Nate’s journey toward confidence and the fine line between assertiveness and arrogance.
• Roy Kent’s pivot from punditry to coaching and the role of mentorship in unlocking potential.
• Isaac’s rediscovery of joy and its connection to performing at our best.
• The power of building an authentic personal brand.

Erin also shares how her work empowers educators to lead authentically and rediscover their passion for teaching. Packed with relatable leadership insights and thoughtful discussion, this episode is perfect for fans of Ted Lasso and leadership lessons alike.

Show Notes:

• Inspired Education Link: http://www.inspirededucation.info
• Teacher's Pep Rally Link: https://teacherpeprally.com

Wondering how Ted Lasso's holiday episode can teach us about leadership and community? Tune into this episode of the Lens of Leadership podcast as we delve into "Carol of the Bells" from Season Two, Episode Four. Joining Marnie and Nick is Amy Wieland, who brings a treasure trove of insights from her extensive background in education and ed tech.

Here's what we'll explore:

* Ted’s experience away from family during the holidays and the universal longing for connection.
* Roy and Keeley’s creative problem-solving as they tackle Phoebe’s humorous yet touching dilemma.
* How these stories from the episode reflect our own holiday challenges and the deeper quest for community and well-being.

Amy will share her personal holiday traditions and the unexpected joys of her unique Black Friday surprises, illustrating the profound impact of community support during the festive season. Through engaging stories and thoughtful discussion, we highlight how the themes of generosity and connection in Ted Lasso are not just seasonal but foundational elements of effective leadership. Join us for an episode filled with heartwarming tales and leadership lessons wrapped in holiday cheer.

What happens when creativity meets national security? In this episode, Marnie and Nick dive into Ted Lasso’s “Do the Rightest Thing” with special guests Erik Oksala and Brian Layer, who share how their innovative company uses entertainment-industry techniques to tackle some serious challenges. Together, we unpack leadership lessons from Sam’s principled stand against Dubai Air to Ted’s quirky team-building methods (and yes, even Led Tasso makes an appearance).

We explore ethics, trust, and mentorship, drawing connections between Ted’s optimistic world and real-life leadership challenges. Erik and Brian sprinkle in military insights, showing how humor, surprise, and physical presence can strengthen connections—whether in a boardroom or a locker room.

Tune in for an episode packed with wisdom, wit, and practical tips to level up your leadership game—and learn how you can connect with RL Leaders online to further explore these groundbreaking ideas. 

You are in for a treat! Lucy Broadbent (author of What would Ted Lasso do? and How to be a Lioness?) joins Marnie and Nick to rewatch Season 2 Episode 2 Lavender. From the power of positivity in Ted to the bravery of lions not pandas, they discuss the leadership lessons from Ted Lasso and Lucy's books.

Curious about the secret sauce behind Ted Lasso's leadership charm? Garth Nichols and Dr. Jason Rogers from the Lassoing Leadership podcast join us as we dive into season two, episode one, "Goodbye, Earl." We have a good time examining key leadership moments like:

• Dani Rojas overcoming the yips
• Not settling for "fine," echoing Roy Kent's philosophy
• Nate's rapid rise and the complexities of mentorship
• Discussing how several of the characters are "stuck" and how this happens to folks every day (and what to do about it) 

We share strategies to stay motivated and challenge the status quo. From leaving jobs on a high note to fostering self-sustaining growth, our discussion is packed with tips to help you avoid stagnation and find fulfillment in your journey. As we wrap up, we hear about Garth and Jason's trick plays ;)

What can Ted Lasso teach us about leadership, creativity, and resilience? Join us as Marnie and Nick unpack the season finale of Ted Lasso's first season, "The Hope that Kills You," through the lens of leadership. We explore Nate's promotion and Ted's unforgettable locker room speech, examining how having a mission or "why" can transform a team. We contrast the high stakes of the English relegation system with the complacency commonly seen in American sports leagues, and analyze how the team's brainstorming of trick plays underscores the importance of creativity and alignment with core values.

Ever thought a TV show could offer insights into global challenges and personal growth? We dive into the intricate dynamics between Jamie, Roy, and Keeley, noting Keeley's symbolic gesture of blending their coffees and Roy's captaincy transition to Isaac. We draw parallels between Ted's unconventional coaching methods and creative problem-solving in business and social media, celebrating the power of manifesting success. Reflecting on our own journey from writing a book to launching this podcast, we discuss turning disadvantages into advantages and setting the stage for future achievements. What leadership lessons did you learn in this episode?

Leadership calls for change and accountability, but how do we embrace these challenging aspects? Join Marnie and Nick on this episode of Lens of Leadership as we dissect so many leadership insights from Ted Lasso's "All Apologies." We scrutinize Rebecca's numerous apologies and Ted and Higgins and their unexpected reactions. Consider Keeley's role in propelling Rebecca towards these pivotal moments as we connect these acts to the broader societal context of cancel culture and the vital need for growth and understanding.

We explore the difficulty in admitting mistakes and the personal growth that follows. This episode is packed with lessons from Ted and Roy’s challenging discussions to Beard and Nate’s cold shoulder approach. Through Ted's evolving relationship with Roy, we uncover the tough decisions leaders must make for the collective good.

Keeley's behind-the-scenes leadership, fostering growth without overshadowing others, showcases her as a sleeper leader. Her influence as an integral part of an accountability network highlights the importance of having individuals who challenge and push leaders towards necessary, albeit difficult, actions. This discussion leads us to crucial life lessons reflected in a simple football drill and the broader theme of changing direction for success. (We will say it once again - the writers of Ted Lasso are brilliant!)

What if the key to effective leadership lies in a simple mantra: "Be curious, not judgmental"? On this episode of the Lens of Leadership podcast, we unpack this idea from Ted Lasso Season 1, Episode 8, "Diamond Dogs." We dive into Ted's heartfelt conversation with Coach Beard, Keeley's romantic entanglements with Roy and Jamie, and the formation of the Diamond Dogs support group. Through these storylines, we emphasize the critical role of trusted advisors and the power of curiosity in leadership. Our personal experiences, including a thrilling meeting with Robin Roberts and winning an award for "Lead it Like Lasso," add extra zest to our analysis.

Curiosity over judgment isn't just a catchy phrase or the most popular quote of the show—it's a transformative approach that can reshape how we interact with others, both online and offline. Roy's path towards maturity and Keeley's inquisitive nature are examples of leadership in practice. Through personal anecdotes, we highlight how assumptions can lead to misunderstandings, especially in stressful situations like road rage incidents. By adopting a curious mindset, we find the ability to handle high-pressure scenarios more effectively, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

In a world divided by polarization, curiosity and humility are essential tools for bridging gaps. Drawing from the wisdom of Adam Grant's "Think Again" and Mori Taheripour’s "Bring Yourself," we offer practical tips for maintaining an open mind, especially in challenging conversations with adult children. We review the character development of Ted, Keeley, and Roy, celebrating their growth while encouraging listeners to apply these principles in their own lives. Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership skills or navigate societal divides, this episode provides valuable insights to help you lead with curiosity.

This week Marnie and Nick discuss the episode "Make Rebecca Great Again." We will discuss the power and need to embrace courageous conversations, reflecting on Nate's pep talk with the team as they strived to beat Everton for the first time in years.  Together, we discuss the impact of emotional intelligence and how it is your secret weapon in navigating tough conversations and feedback. 

In the been there, done that world of challenging conversations, Marnie and Nick have some stories to share. We tackle the art of matching emotional energy with rational responses, ensuring that even the toughest conversations can lead to growth and stronger connections. This conversation is filled with insights for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills, improve family dynamics, or elevate their emotional intelligence.