Lens of Leadership: A Ted Lasso Rewatch Podcast

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.

Have you ever walked into a room and felt the weight of a first impression pressing down on you? Join Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio as we unpack the power of first impressions through taking a deep dive of the pilot episode of Ted Lasso. From the antics of AFC Richmond to our own tales from business, we look at the nuances of new leadership roles and the undeniable influence of first encounters. We unravel the psychological intricacies of the primacy and halo effects, giving you a front-row seat to the leadership styles and personalities of characters like Rebecca and Ted, and how these initial impressions can impact the journey to success.
We dissect Ted Lasso's infamous press conference fiasco and how his unfaltering positivity serves as his compass. Can a bad first impression be redeemed? We bring in wisdom from a Harvard study and lay out strategies leaders can use to turn the tide. The importance of supporting characters like Coach Beard and Higgins isn't lost on us. For commentary on these beloved characters, LeadItLikeLasso.com remains your go-to spot. Tune in as we challenge our own initial judgments and reassess character scores on John Wooden's pyramid of success, affirming that impressions, much like our very own leadership tactics, are ever-evolving.

🎙 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

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.

In Season 1, Episode 5 of Ted Lasso, Tan Lines, it is not just the team that is broken. Change needs to happen. Ted says in his half-time speech, change isn’t easy but they need to embrace it. Marnie and Nick talk through elements of change from a leadership perspective on this episode of Lens of Leadership. Overcoming challenges requires a flexible mindset and some bravery, but the opportunities for growth, connection and learning come with it.

We reflect on how embracing change is not just about adapting, but about being a catalyst for innovation and inspiration as a leader. We relate it back to the 'Ted Lasso' universe, emphasizing the importance of positivity and endurance, even when the game plan changes. Ted might say - think of it as constructing your success story one 'Lego' at a time — a mindset that helps in piecing together resilience and positivity in both leadership and life. Tune in and join the conversation to understand how change, though daunting, can be the very thing that propels us forward.