🎙 In the Season 2 finale of Lens of Leadership, Nick Coniglio and Marnie Stockman wrap up with Episode 12: Inverting the Pyramid of Success. They're joined by special guest Jessica McLeod-Waddell, a higher ed leadership pro and soon-to-be PhD student at the University of Georgia, who brings wisdom, wit, and warmth to a discussion rich with leadership takeaways.

Episode Highlights:

🔑 The Keys to Growth: Jessica introduces a fresh perspective on symbolic storytelling in the Lasso-verse—spotlighting keys as a metaphor for character transitions, identity shifts, and being “locked in” or “locked out” of transformation.

💬 Every Choice Is a Chance: Ted’s moment of owning his panic attack sparks a powerful conversation on values-based decision-making, how to lead your own story, and the real consequences of letting others define your narrative—especially in the digital age.

Special Guest Insights:

From student mentorship to social media guidance, Jessica shares actionable strategies for helping young leaders develop self-awareness, career clarity, and the confidence to pivot. Whether it’s leaning into red threads, chasing purpose, or tuning out the noise, her insights shine with empathy and practicality.

✅ Owning your message in the age of TikTok

✅ Building your Diamond Dogs: The power of peer support and professional community

✅ Mentorship magic: The mentor’s role in listening, lifting, and letting go

✅ Helping students rewrite their story with purpose, not pressure

💡 Key Takeaway: Leadership isn't about solving every problem—sometimes it’s about creating space to talk it out, lean into your values, and surround yourself with people who help you grow.

📚 Read it like Lasso: Explore more character-driven leadership in our book Lead It Like Lasso—designed for real life, real growth, and real connection.

📣 Connect with Jessica McLeod-Waddell: Find her on LinkedIn to follow her journey through education, career coaching, and leadership development. You can also learn more by following Jessica on Instagram and at: https://jessicamcleodwaddell.com/

#LeadershipPodcast #TedLasso #LeadItLikeLasso #ValuesBasedLeadership #LensOfLeadership #CareerDevelopment #MentorshipMatters #StudentSuccess

🎙 In this episode, Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio jump into Season 2, Episode 11, "Midnight Train to Royston," with special guest Phil Freidhoff from the TANG program. A former U.S. Navy submarine officer turned leadership and operations strategist, Phil brings a compelling mix of human-centered design, servant leadership, and deep emotional intelligence to the conversation.

Episode Highlights:

⚓ Leadership at Depth: From submarine command to coaching future leaders, Phil shares how embracing vulnerability and emotional intelligence in technical environments fosters team harmony and innovation.

⚓ Pep Talks & Perspective: Phil introduces his signature "Get Good at Being Wrong" talk—an empowering leadership lesson in creating momentum and psychological safety for teams.

Special Guest Insights:

Phil brings a rare blend of engineering, philosophy, military leadership, and scoutmaster wisdom to dissect the leadership themes woven into the episode.

✅ Navigating the Balance Between Confidence and Humility

✅ Cultivating Harmony in High-Tech Spaces

✅ Leading Tough Conversations with Clarity and Compassion

✅ Recognizing Team Contributions Without a Spotlight

💡 This episode explores how strong leadership is about creating safe spaces, embracing imperfection, and helping others find their own path forward—even if it means standing in the background while others shine.

📚 Read it like Lasso: Dive deeper into character-driven leadership with our book, Lead It Like Lasso—inspired by the heart and humor of Ted Lasso.

📣 Connect with Phil Freidhoff

Follow Phil on LinkedIn for thoughtful takes on leadership, human-centered design, and navigating the complexities of growing great teams.

#LeadershipPodcast #TedLasso #HumanCenteredLeadership #LeadItLikeLasso #ServantLeadership #TANG #EmotionalIntelligence #LensOfLeadership

In this special edition of Lens of Leadership, Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio sit down with ChiP Hamilton, coordinating producer of Ted Lasso, and an industry veteran whose credits include Avengers: Endgame, Ghostbusters, and Little Women. Chip shares behind-the-scenes stories, leadership insights, and his personal journey from Boston to Hollywood.

 🔥 Episode Highlights:

⚽ Behind the Scenes of Ted Lasso – What it takes to bring a leadership-driven show to life, from production challenges to team culture.

⚽ The Power of Belief – How the cast and crew embraced the Ted Lasso message before the world even knew what it would become.

⚽ Leadership in Action – Chip's role in ensuring everyone on set—from cast to crew—could be their best, and how that translates to leadership in any field.

⚽ Dare to Dream – Chip shares his journey, his love for soccer, and how he turned childhood passions into a career working with legends like Jason Sudeikis, Matt Damon, and Casey Affleck.

⚽ Lessons from Richmond – What makes Richmond (yes, the real one) so special, and why Ted Lasso will always have a home there.

💡 Key Takeaway:

Great leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about creating an environment where others can thrive. Whether on a Hollywood set, in a locker room, or in the workplace, the best leaders believe, encourage, and lift others up.

👉 Subscribe for more Ted Lasso-inspired leadership insights and follow us for updates!

📚 Read it like Lasso: Get our book Lead It Like Lasso to explore practical leadership lessons from the show.

#LeadershipPodcast #TedLasso #Believe #BehindTheScenes #HollywoodLeadership #LeadItLikeLasso

Join us for another insightful episode of Lens of Leadership, a Ted Lasso rewatch podcast. In this episode, we delve into Season 2, Episode 10, "No Weddings and a Funeral," with a special guest from the UK, Shane Evans. Shane, an HR and leadership coach, shares his deep passion for leadership and Ted Lasso, perfectly blending his expertise with the show's themes.

Episode Highlights:

⚽ Leadership in Life's Complex Moments: Exploring how leadership principles manifest even in personal crises, reflecting the adage "leadership is life."

⚽ Character Deep Dives: Shane offers his perspective on Ted's vulnerability and the development of other characters in a poignant episode that mixes personal loss with leadership lessons.

Special Guest Insights:

Shane brings his extensive background in HR and leadership coaching to analyze the intricate dynamics of character development and leadership in the series.

✅ Key Discussions: The role of vulnerability in leadership, handling tough conversations, and the impact of personal history on leadership style.

✅ Leadership Lessons from Ted Lasso: Shane connects pivotal moments from the episode to broader leadership strategies, emphasizing the importance of support, vulnerability, and authenticity.

💡 Key Takeaway: This episode highlights how true leadership involves navigating personal and professional challenges with grace and understanding, proving that how you handle small moments reflects your approach to life and leadership.

📚 Read it like Lasso: Enhance your understanding of leadership with our book, Lead It Like Lasso, inspired by the show’s profound lessons.

📣 Connect with Shane Evans: Follow Shane on LinkedIn for daily insights on leadership, and don’t miss his popular Ted Tuesday posts that align with themes from Ted Lasso.

In this episode, Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, dive into Ted Lasso Season 2, Episode 8—"Man City"—with special guest David Blansfield, Executive Vice President at Northstar Travel Group. David shares insights from his vast leadership experience, blending his professional journey with lessons from the episode.

Highlights Include:

⚽ Roy Kent’s Reluctant Arc: David reflects on why Roy Kent resonates with him and the leadership lessons in owning personal growth—even when reluctant.

⚽ Higgins in the Closet: A discussion of humility in leadership and why the size of your office doesn’t determine your value to the team.

⚽ Ted and Dr. Sharon’s Breakthrough: A powerful exploration of core values, vulnerability, and how serendipity (and a few missteps) can spark authentic connections.

Special Guest Insight:

David Blansfield shares stories of mentorship, humility, and leading from the trenches, including his experience working alongside his team—whether it’s stuffing swag bags or running the registration desk. He highlights:

✅ Why vulnerability and humor are secret weapons in leadership.

✅ The value of showing employees you’re willing to roll up your sleeves.

✅ Lessons from Ted Lasso on building trust and fostering connection.

💡 Key Takeaway: Leadership is about showing up authentically, building relationships, and leading by example. When leaders are humble, vulnerable, and approachable, they inspire loyalty and foster trust within their teams.

👉 Subscribe for more Ted Lasso-inspired leadership insights and follow us for updates!

📚 Read it like Lasso: Get our book Lead It Like Lasso to learn practical leadership principles inspired by Ted Lasso.

📣 Connect with David Blansfield:

🔗 LinkedIn: David Blansfield

#LeadershipPodcast #TedLasso #ManCity #HumbleLeadership #LeadershipLessons #LeadItLikeLasso

In this episode of Lens of Leadership, Marnie and Nick explore Ted Lasso Season 2, Episode 7—"Headspace"—with special guests Dr. David Coffey and John Golden, mathematics professors and co-hosts of the Teaching Like Ted Lasso podcast.

We unpack key moments from Ted Lasso, including:

⚽ Nate’s struggle with insecurity and ambition—how unresolved emotions impact leadership.

⚽ Roy Kent’s journey from blind spot to self-awareness—embracing feedback and making amends.

⚽ The powerful dichotomy between Nate and Roy’s responses to feedback—contrasting growth through humility and resistance.

Special Guest Insight:

David and John offer fresh perspectives on leadership, creativity, and problem-solving. They share:

✅ The power of feedback and how to approach it for real growth.

✅ Lessons from the Innovators Compass—a tool for breaking through challenges and fostering creativity.

✅ Insights into how design thinking applies to education, leadership, and personal life.

💡 Key Takeaway: From confronting insecurities to embracing vulnerability, this episode challenges you to rethink how you approach leadership and creativity—always with a focus on heart, humor, and humanity, just like Ted.

👉 Subscribe for more Ted Lasso-inspired leadership insights and follow us for updates!

📚 Read it like Lasso: Get our book Lead It Like Lasso to explore leadership principles that transform your life and career.

📣 Connect with David Coffey and John Golden:

Website: InnovatorsCompass.org

#LeadershipPodcast #TedLasso #Headspace #InnovatorsCompass #LeadershipLessons #LeadItLikeLasso

🎙️ 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.