The TV series Ted Lasso is more than just a heartwarming comedy about an American football coach, the eponymous Ted Lasso played by Jason Sudekis, managing an English soccer team. It’s a deeply insightful portrayal of leadership that transcends sports and dives into the heart of what it means to lead people—emphasizing kindness, empathy, and inclusion.

If you haven’t seen Ted Lasso, it’s well worth a month’s subscription to Apple TV and a binge watch. I doubt that you’ll regret it. Here I highlight just a few of the things that the show explores and some of the core lessons on responsible and inclusive leadership, and how these can be applied in real-world management. All of the quotes are taken from the show.

Empathy in Leadership

“If you care about someone, and you got a little love in your heart, there ain’t nothing you can’t get through together.”

It is now well recognised that empathy trumps pretty much any other skill when it comes to leadership and one of the most consistent themes in Ted Lasso is the power of empathy. Ted makes it his mission to understand the individual struggles of each team member. He takes the time to learn what makes them tick—what they’re afraid of, and what they’re passionate about. As an example, Ted’s relationship with Jamie Tartt, the arrogant young star player, is based on understanding the insecurities that drive Jamie’s often brash behaviour.

From a leadership perspective, empathy isn’t a soft skill; it’s an essential tool. Leaders who understand their team members as individuals—with their own unique backgrounds, challenges, strengths, and needs — can build a culture where people feel seen and valued. Empathy fosters trust, a fundamental pillar of successful leadership.

A Culture of Psychological Safety

“I want you to be grateful that you’re going through this sad moment with all these other folks. Because I promise you, there is something worse out there than being sad, and that is being alone and being sad. Ain’t nobody in this room alone. Let’s be sad now”

Ted Lasso’s team, AFC Richmond, starts as a collection of disparate individuals often at odds with each other. Ted transforms this group into a cohesive, supportive unit by creating a culture where failure and vulnerability are accepted. He understands that in order to push boundaries, people need the freedom to make mistakes without fear of retaliation, blame, or judgment.

Ted exemplifies inclusive leadership by encouraging open communication and providing a platform for players to express themselves. For instance, when Sam Obisanya, a Nigerian team member, expresses discomfort with the team’s sponsorship due to ethical concerns, Ted and the coaching staff listen and support Sam, ultimately leading the entire team to rally behind him. This willingness to put value and purpose over profit and prestige resonates deeply with the concept of psychological safety—where everyone feels comfortable bringing their whole selves to work.

A Mindset of Growth and Resilience

“Human beings are never going to be perfect. The best we can do is keep asking for help and accepting it when you can. And if you keep on doing that, you’ll always be moving towards better.”

Ted Lasso’s optimism may seem naive at times, but it’s deeply rooted in a growth mindset. Ted consistently encourages his players to view challenges and setbacks as opportunities to learn. In moments of defeat, he reminds them that losing is simply part of the journey to improvement—an attitude that is crucial for resilience.

In business, a growth mindset helps teams adapt to rapidly changing environments. A leader who embodies this mindset not only motivates their team to overcome challenges but also helps create a culture that embraces learning from failure. Instead of punishing mistakes, Ted reframes them as necessary parts of development, helping his players (and his assistant coaches) grow from every experience.

Importance of Inclusive Leadership

“Be curious, not judgmental”

Ted’s leadership style is inherently inclusive. He doesn’t play favourites, and he values contributions from all corners of the team. Whether it’s Nathan, the kit man-turned-assistant-coach, or Keeley, the marketing guru who helps players brand themselves, Ted encourages every member of the organization to be part of the team’s success.

A key element of inclusive leadership is the ability to recognize and nurture talent regardless of hierarchy or background. Ted exemplifies this by empowering Nathan, who initially lacks confidence and isn’t used to being heard. Ted gives Nathan the opportunity to contribute strategy ideas, which helps Nathan grow not only in his role but also in his confidence. In doing so he unlocks an undiscovered talent who goes on to contribute to the team’s success. In a business context, effective leaders must be willing to develop the potential of all team members, even those who might not yet recognize their own capabilities.

Vulnerability as Strength

“Just listen to your gut okay. And on your way down to your gut, check in with your heart. Between those two things, they’ll let you know what is what”

The show beautifully portrays the power of vulnerability in leadership. Ted doesn’t shy away from admitting when he’s struggling, whether it’s his unfamiliarity with the sport or his mental health issues. His willingness to be open about his own challenges helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and allows others to feel comfortable sharing their own struggles.

Great leadership requires authenticity, and authenticity often means being vulnerable. Ted’s admission that he’s not perfect and his own willingness to seek help when dealing with panic attacks creates a culture where seeking support is not just okay, but encouraged. It’s a vital lesson for business leaders today, who are increasingly recognizing the importance of mental well-being and the need to dismantle the barriers to accessing support.

Challenging Traditional Norms

“Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.”

Ted Lasso’s approach to leadership challenges many of the traditional norms associated with authority and power. Instead of exercising control through intimidation or rigid rules, Ted emphasizes collaboration and respect. He rejects the stereotype of the distant, aloof boss in favour of being approachable and warm—qualities often mistakenly perceived as weaknesses in leadership.

For instance, his pre-game talks are often laced with humour, relatable anecdotes, and messages that humanize him to the players. He actively listens, treats everyone with dignity, and shows that compassion doesn’t diminish one’s authority but rather strengthens it. In the corporate world, leaders who practice humility and create strong, genuine relationships are proven to navigate conflicts more effectively and inspire greater loyalty among their teams.

Transformational Leadership: Inspiring Change

“Most of the time change is a good thing and I think that’s what it’s all about–embracing change, being brave, doing whatever you have to so everyone in your life can move forward with theirs”

Transformational leadership is about inspiring others to go beyond their own self-interest for the greater good, and Ted Lasso is a master at this. His dedication to AFC Richmond is less about winning games and more about making a positive impact on the lives of those around him—including the players, fans, and the team’s owner, Rebecca. In true Simon Sinek fashion, he focuses on the “why” behind what they do, fostering a sense of purpose that transcends soccer.

One notable example of this is his relationship with Roy Kent, a veteran player whose career is winding down. Ted helps Roy recognize that his value to the team isn’t just in his physical prowess but in his leadership qualities and experience. By helping Roy transition into a mentoring role, Ted ensures that Roy’s impact endures beyond his playing years. This kind of transformational leadership—helping people find and evolve their purpose—is an incredibly effective way to lead in today’s complex business environments.

Trivia: According to IMDb, Brett Goldstien, who play Roy Kent, was hired as a writer. However, he fell in love with the Kent character to such an extent that he auditioned for and won the role. Follow your dreams!

Leading with Humility and Gratitude

“I hope that either all of us or none of us are judged by the actions of our weakest moments, but rather the strength we show when and if we’re ever given a second chance”

Ted embodies the principle of servant leadership—the idea that a leader’s role is to serve those they lead. He leads from behind, empowering others to take charge and make decisions. Ted’s humility is most evident when he acknowledges others’ achievements rather than seeking credit for himself. Whether it’s praising Nate’s tactical genius or applauding Keeley’s marketing savvy, Ted is quick to recognize contributions.

Gratitude is another critical theme in Ted Lasso. Ted regularly thanks his players, coaches, and even his antagonists. This sense of appreciation fosters goodwill, reduces conflict, builds trust, and creates an environment where people feel acknowledged. A culture of gratitude makes workplaces more supportive and ultimately more productive.

Conclusion: Lessons for Today’s Leaders

Ted Lasso serves as a powerful example of what inclusive and responsible leadership looks like in practice. Ted’s empathy, humility, commitment to psychological safety, and emphasis on nurturing talent all contribute to an environment where individuals are able to thrive. He challenges the traditional, often rigid definitions of leadership, showing that kindness, humour, and vulnerability can coexist with strength, resilience, and success. In fact, shows that all of these traits have to be present to achieve success.

For modern managers and leaders, there’s a lot to be learned from Ted’s approach. As workplaces become more diverse and the lines between personal and professional lives continue to blur, the principles of inclusive leadership—valuing each team member’s individuality, encouraging open dialogue, and supporting mental well-being—are more important than ever.

In the end, Ted Lasso reminds us that leadership isn’t just about getting the best out of people; it’s about making their lives a little bit better while doing so. Whether you’re coaching a football team, running your own company or managing a corporate department, the goal remains the same: to lead with heart, to lift others up, and to ensure that everyone on the team feels like they are valued and that they belong.