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Leadership and Growth - A Conversation with the Lead It Like Lasso Authors

WG Team

 

In our recent livestream we discussed the essence of leadership with a sprinkle of fun and wisdom from the world of "Ted Lasso." Recently, on the "Ready, Set, Action" podcast, hosts Kristina Witmer and Debra Horowitz welcomed Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, co-authors of "Lead It Like Lasso," for a lively discussion on leadership and personal development. In this blog post, I’ll share some key takeaways from the podcast episode and how they can apply to your personal and professional journey.

In the podcast, we introduced Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, both seasoned leaders with unique journeys. Marnie transitioned from teaching high school math to co-founding a software company and eventually co-authoring the book "Lead It Like Lasso" with Nick. Nick, on the contrary, calls himself an "accidental leader," having started as a computer programmer and progressing to executive leadership roles over 25 years. Their diverse experiences provided rich insights into the nature of leadership.

Unpacking "Lead It Like Lasso"

The book's catchy title, "Lead It Like Lasso," draws inspiration from everyone’s favorite fictional coach, Ted Lasso. Marnie and Nick shared that the book aims not just to make you smile but to encourage everyone to find their unique leadership style, whether it's like Ted, Rebecca, Roy, or Keeley from the show. The essence of the book is that leadership is not one-size-fits-all; it’s about understanding and being authentic to oneself.

Universal Leadership Themes

During the podcast, several universal leadership themes emerged:

  1. Personal Growth: Both Marnie and Nick stress that the best project you’ll ever work on is yourself. Self-reflection and understanding your core values are crucial before you can effectively lead others.

  2. Leadership for Everyone: The book is aptly subtitled "A leadership book for your life," reinforcing the belief that everyone can be a leader, regardless of their position.

  3. Building Stronger Connections: Good leadership ties into understanding others deeply, something vital in sales and customer interactions. "Be curious, not judgmental," a Ted Lasso mantra, emphasizes the power of empathy and listening.

Practical Steps for Aspiring Leaders

One of the most appreciated aspects of "Lead It Like Lasso," as shared by a reader, is its actionable advice. Whether you’re setting smart goals or identifying your core values, the book offers practical exercises to help you discover and refine your leadership style.

Embracing Character in the Age of AI

As AI reshapes the workplace, traditional technical skills become more standardized. Marnie and Nick argue that what will truly set leaders apart are soft skills like empathy and emotional intelligence—the qualities powerfully demonstrated by Ted Lasso’s leadership style.

Conclusion

Leadership is about more than authority; it's about character and connection. "Lead It Like Lasso" provides the tools and inspiration to become the leader you aspire to be in every facet of life.

For those interested in diving deeper into these insights, check out our latest podcast episode with Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio. You can listen to the full episode on our podcast platforms, or grab a copy of their book on Amazon for more detailed guidance.

Keep leading with authenticity and positivity, and as always, stay tuned for more engaging discussions from the "Ready, Set, Action" team!