Leadership Lessons from Season 2 Finale: Inverting the Pyramid of Success | S2 Ep12

Lens of Leadership: A Ted Lasso Rewatch Podcast

🎙 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

Chapters

1. Episode Recap and Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Meet Jessica McLeod-Waddell (00:01:03)

3. The Symbolism of Lost Keys (00:04:42)

4. Values-Based Decision Making (00:07:53)

5. Controlling Your Message (00:11:03)

6. Mentorship and Growth (00:15:23)

7. Making Career Changes (00:20:03)

8. The Diamond Dogs Experience (00:26:43)

9. Building Professional Community (00:31:15)