Lassoing Leadership

Garth Nichols and Jason Rogers
  • 4.8 (21)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

CALLING ALL LASSO and LEADERSHIP Fans! Join us on this journey to a better, kinder and more compelling way to lead! We are going to take a journey through the hit series Ted Lasso and explore what leadership lessons exist and there are tons!

  1. Mattering Matters: The Leadership Shift We Can’t Ignore - S3E39 - Wrapping Up Our Time with Jennifer Wallace

    2D AGO

    Mattering Matters: The Leadership Shift We Can’t Ignore - S3E39 - Wrapping Up Our Time with Jennifer Wallace

    Episode Summary This is more than a recap—it’s a reckoning. After a powerful conversation with Jennifer Wallace, Jason and Garth come back together to unpack what might be one of the most important leadership ideas of our time: mattering. In a world that relentlessly pushes achievement, performance, and external validation, this episode asks a deeper question:Do the people around us feel like they truly matter—no matter what? Through the lens of attunement, the SAID framework, and the idea of being a “corner person,” this conversation brings leadership back to its human core. It’s about shifting from managing performance… to affirming worth. This episode is the emotional and intellectual closer to a powerful triad—and it lands with clarity, urgency, and heart. Key Topics Why mattering is emerging as a defining issue in leadership and societyThe hidden cost of achievement culture on well-beingThe SAID Framework (See, Acknowledge, Include, Depend) as a daily leadership practiceAttunement as the leadership superpower we don’t talk about enoughThe “corner person” concept and why everyone needs oneHow gratitude and acknowledgment build cultures of belongingPractical ways to embed mattering into organizational lifeMattering is not a soft skill—it’s a survival skill.People thrive when they know their worth is unconditional, not tied to performance.Attunement is presence in action—it’s noticing, listening, and responding with care.Great leaders don’t just drive outcomes—they become corner people for others.Cultures don’t drift toward mattering—they are built through intentional daily acts.Quotes “People feel that their worth is not conditional.”“The joy train is a leadership life skill.”“Let someone know they matter to you today.”“Attunement is how we show people they’re seen—without needing them to perform.”Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Mattering and Leadership07:07 – Why Mattering Matters (Now More Than Ever)10:10 – The SAID Framework in Action12:51 – Attunement: The Missing Leadership Skill16:02 – The Power of Being a “Corner Person”19:04 – Gratitude, Acknowledgment, and Daily Practice22:03 – What This Means for Leaders Going ForwardKeywords leadership, mattering, attunement, well-being, coaching, gratitude, organizational culture, leadership development, emotional intelligence, belonging, SAID framework, Jennifer Wallace, Never Enough Closing Thoughts If the first conversation opened our eyes…and the second gave us language… This one gives us responsibility. Because once you understand mattering, you can’t unknow it. And from that point forward, leadership becomes a daily choice:Will people feel seen, valued, and needed because of you?

    28 min
  2. Jennifer Wallace on Mattering and the Lasso Way - S3E38 - NYT Best Selling Author of "Never Enough" and "Mattering"

    APR 21

    Jennifer Wallace on Mattering and the Lasso Way - S3E38 - NYT Best Selling Author of "Never Enough" and "Mattering"

    Episode Summary In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, Jason Rogers and co-host Garth Nichols sit down with bestselling author Jennifer Wallace to explore one of the most important—and often overlooked—ideas in leadership and education today: mattering. Together, they unpack what happens when achievement becomes the only currency in schools, and how leaders can intentionally build cultures where students, staff, and communities feel seen, valued, and deeply connected. This is a conversation about shifting from pressure to purpose—and from performance to people. Why mattering is a fundamental human need—and how it shapes motivation, well-being, and performanceThe hidden costs of toxic achievement culture on students and educatorsHow small, intentional micro-moments of significance can transform school cultureThe role of gratitude and attunement in building authentic connectionThe power of a “corner person” and the idea of ego extension in supporting othersMattering isn’t a bonus—it’s foundational to healthy, thriving communitiesCulture shifts don’t require massive overhauls—small moments, done well, matter mostRecognizing the person behind the performance builds trust and connectionMoving from a zero-sum mindset to one of shared success strengthens resilienceWhen schools prioritize mattering, the impact extends far beyond the classroom“Mattering is a fundamental human need.”“A corner person supports your ego extension.”“Attunement is feeling felt—truly understood.”Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Leadership and Mattering04:39 — Understanding Toxic Achievement Culture06:55 — Why Mattering Matters in Schools09:05 — Balancing Mattering and Achievement11:46 — Clean Fuel vs. Dirty Fuel12:59 — The Role of a Corner Person17:15 — The Power of Gratitude19:01 — Attunement: Feeling Felt22:05 — Advice for New School Leaders25:40 — Outro Links Jennifer Wallace — Website: https://jenniferbwallace.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbrahennywallaceM&M’s (as a simple symbol of appreciation): https://www.mms.comDan Siegel’s work on attunement: https://www.dansiegel.com

    28 min
  3. The Power of Mattering: Redefining Success in Schools and Leadership - S3E37 - Intro to Jennifer Wallace

    APR 14

    The Power of Mattering: Redefining Success in Schools and Leadership - S3E37 - Intro to Jennifer Wallace

    Summary In this episode, we explore the powerful work of Jennifer Wallace and her insights into the growing impact of toxic achievement culture on students and leaders alike. Drawing from Never Enough and her ongoing work on mattering, we unpack a central tension facing schools today: how do we pursue excellence without tying self-worth to performance? This conversation challenges leaders, educators, and parents to rethink success—not as a collection of outcomes, but as a culture where individuals feel seen, valued, and essential. As always, we bring it back to the Ted Lasso lens: high performance and high care are not opposing forces—they are deeply connected. Toxic achievement culture, Mattering, Education leadership, Student well-being, Purpose-driven success, Leadership strategies, School culture, Mental health, Identity and performance, Human-centered leadership The hidden costs of toxic achievement culture in high-performing environmentsWhy students (and adults) begin to equate self-worth with outcomesThe concept of mattering and why it may be the most important leadership lever we havePractical ways leaders can create environments where people feel seen, needed, and valuedThe shared responsibility of schools and families in shaping cultureHow “mattering” actually enhances performance rather than competing with itQuotes “When self-worth is tied to performance, success becomes fragile.”“Mattering isn’t soft—it’s the foundation of real performance.”“You can belong and still feel invisible. Mattering is different.”“High expectations and deep care can—and must—coexist.”Chapters 00:00 – Setting the Stage: Why This Conversation Matters07:15 – The Rise (and Risk) of Achievement Culture14:30 – Understanding Mattering as a Leadership Practice20:05 – The Role of Schools, Parents, and Culture23:00 – Leadership Takeaways: From Performance to Purpose24:45 – Closing Reflections & Beards Book Club Outro Resources Jennifer Wallace TED TalkNever EnoughMatteringReese Witherspoon’s Book Club (featured selection of Never Enough)

    27 min
  4. Wrapping Up Drew Dudley - S3E36 - Authenticity, Self Care and Storytelling in Leadership

    APR 7

    Wrapping Up Drew Dudley - S3E36 - Authenticity, Self Care and Storytelling in Leadership

    Episode Summary In this episode, Jason and Garth explore leadership through a powerful and practical lens—authenticity, storytelling, and reflection—guided by insights from Drew Dudley. Together, they unpack how these three pillars show up in real leadership moments and how they can elevate trust, deepen connection, and strengthen culture. From the stories we choose to tell, to the time we take to reflect, this conversation is a reminder that leadership isn’t just what we do—it’s how we show up, every day. Key Take Aways Authenticity as the foundation of leadershipStorytelling as a tool to build trust and cultureReflection as a driver of growth and better decision-makingCreating safe spaces for honest, open communicationUsing stories to reinforce values and shared purposeLeadership starts with authenticity—sharing stories that reflect what you truly valueReflection isn’t optional—it’s how leaders learn, process, and improveStories stick—what you say matters, but how you say it matters moreTrust is built when leaders are willing to be real and vulnerableConsistent storytelling strengthens culture over timeAuthenticity in LeadershipStorytelling as a Leadership ToolReflection and Self-AwarenessQuotations “Share stories that reflect your values.”“Storytelling makes lessons memorable.”“Building trust through personal stories.”Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Leadership Themes05:38 — Authenticity in Leadership08:33 — Reflection and Self-Care in Leadership11:45 — The Power of Storytelling17:40 — Teasing Future Conversations21:55 — Beards Book Club Outro Resources Made to Stick by Chip Heath & Dan HeathDrew’s Leadership Book (hypothetical reference)

    24 min
  5. Unlock Leadership Every Day with Drew Dudley's This is Day 1 - S3E35

    MAR 31

    Unlock Leadership Every Day with Drew Dudley's This is Day 1 - S3E35

    Episode Summary In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols sit down with Drew Dudley to explore a simple but powerful idea: leadership isn’t defined by titles or big moments — it’s shaped by the small behaviors we practice every single day. Drawing from his book This Is Day One, Drew shares the mental models, questions, and habits that help leaders move from intention to impact. The conversation centers on the idea that leadership is not something we wait to grow into. Instead, it’s something we practice daily through decisions, behaviors, and the values we choose to live out in the moment. Drew reflects on personal stories that shaped his thinking about leadership and offers practical ways leaders can rethink their influence. From the importance of recognizing small moments of impact to the discipline of grounding decisions in values, the conversation highlights how meaningful leadership often grows out of everyday choices. Jason, Garth, and Drew also explore the idea of “Day One” leadership — the mindset that every day presents a new opportunity to lead with purpose. The discussion moves into the role of reflective questions, overcoming leadership paralysis, and finding the courage to act even when the path forward feels uncertain. It’s a thoughtful conversation about habits, humility, and how leaders can create lasting impact by focusing on the behaviors that matter most — one day at a time. Topics Leadership, Daily Habits, Values-Based Leadership, Impact, Drew Dudley, This Is Day One, Leadership Development, Behavioral Change, Leadership Questions Take Aways Leadership as daily behavior grounded in values The concept of “Day One” leadership The impact of small actions and decisions Mental models for effective leadership Reflective questions that drive meaningful leadership behavior Leadership impact is created through consistent daily behaviors. Values should guide decisions, especially when leadership becomes complex. Reflective questions help leaders move from intention to action. Every day offers a fresh opportunity to lead with purpose. “Every day is a new opportunity to lead.” “Fight addiction one day at a time.” “Keep leading the Lasso way.” Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Everyday Leadership06:05 — The Concept of Day One09:22 — Personal Stories and Insights12:08 — Leadership and Legacy15:13 — Behavior and Values in Leadership17:59 — Overcoming Leadership Paralysis21:10 — Making Leadership Impactful24:45 — Navigating Fear and Empathy in Leadership27:02 — The Power of Reflective Questions29:02 — Experiments in Leadership and Impact30:55 — Decision-Making and Values32:45 — The Complexity of Leadership36:39 — Ted Lasso as a Leadership Case Study

    44 min
  6. Redefining Leadership: Drew Dudley’s Micro Moments of Impact - S3E34 - This is Day One - Intro

    MAR 24

    Redefining Leadership: Drew Dudley’s Micro Moments of Impact - S3E34 - This is Day One - Intro

    Episode Summary In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols explore the ideas and leadership philosophy of Drew Dudley, whose work has helped reshape how many people think about leadership. For years, leadership has often been framed as something tied to titles, positions, or big moments on big stages. Drew challenges that idea. Instead, he reminds us that leadership shows up in small, everyday interactions — the quiet moments when we help someone feel seen, capable, or supported. Jason and Garth unpack Drew’s idea of “micro moments of leadership” and why these seemingly small actions can have lasting impact. They also reflect on the concept of “Day One,” Drew’s powerful reminder that leadership is something we recommit to every day, not something we achieve once and hold forever. The conversation also touches on a feeling many leaders experience but rarely talk about openly: imposter syndrome. Drew’s work invites leaders to reconsider the quiet ways they influence others and to recognize that leadership often happens in ways we never fully see. It’s a thoughtful discussion about vulnerability, authenticity, and the everyday moments where leadership truly lives. Leadership, Drew Dudley, Micro Moments, Imposter Syndrome, Authentic Leadership, Day One, TED Talk, Education Leadership, Personal Growth Micro moments of leadership The concept of Day One and continuous renewal Vulnerability and authenticity in leadership Leadership is about everyday actions, not titles. Small moments of connection can have lasting impact. Recognizing unnoticed acts of leadership can help overcome imposter syndrome. Soundbites: “Leadership is about capacity, not titles.” “Every day is Day One.” “Small acts of leadership matter more than we often realize.” Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Leadership Themes06:30 — Drew Dudley’s Leadership Philosophy09:29 — Authenticity and Imposter Syndrome in Leadership12:36 — Micro Moments of Leadership15:23 — Embracing the Day One Mindset16:52 — Beard’s Book Club Outro KeywordsKey TopicsKey TakeawaysSound BitesChapters

    19 min
  7. Joy vs. Happiness: Why Joy Might Be the Secret to Great Leadership - S3E33 -

    MAR 17

    Joy vs. Happiness: Why Joy Might Be the Secret to Great Leadership - S3E33 -

    Episode Summary In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, Garth Nichols and I dig into a conversation that’s been sitting with both of us for a while — the difference between joy and happiness, and why that distinction matters so much for leaders. Happiness is often momentary. It’s the result of something good happening in the moment. Joy, on the other hand, runs deeper. It’s the thing that carries you through difficult days, tough seasons, and the hard work of building something meaningful with other people. We reflect on a recent conversation with the Chief Joy Officer from Menlo Park, and it sparked a bigger discussion about what it actually looks like to build organizations — and schools — where joy is intentionally part of the culture. That leads us into a practical conversation about hiring, leadership, and culture-building. What does it mean to hire for joy? How do you design an interview process that reveals who someone really is? And maybe the simplest question of all: Would I actually want to work with this person every day? Along the way we talk about the return on investment of joyful workplaces, the power of storytelling in shaping culture, and the importance of creating environments where people genuinely feel connected to the work and to each other. It’s a thoughtful conversation about leadership, culture, and why joy might be one of the most underrated forces in building great organizations. Joy, Happiness, Leadership, Organizational Culture, Education Leadership, Hiring Practices, Well-being, Employee Engagement, Culture Building, Schools Soundbites: “Joy gets you through the hard times.” “Happiness is momentary. Joy runs deeper.” “One of the best hiring questions might simply be: Would I want to work with this person every day?” Chapters 00:00 — Understanding Joy vs. Happiness06:39 — Hiring for Joy in Organizations09:39 — Interview Strategies for Candidates12:45 — Designing a Joyful Interview Process15:37 — The Return on Investment of Joy18:33 — The Role of Storytelling in Culture21:38 — Learning Through Organizational Visits24:29 — Upcoming Guests and Conversations26:59 — Beard’s Book Club Outro Born to Run — Christopher McDougall Rich Sheridan — Chief Joy Officer, Menlo Innovations Drew Dudley — Day One Kurt Gray — Beard’s Book Club Claude Silver — Chief Heart Officer, VaynerMedia Jennifer Wallace — Never Enough Ashish Advani — Leadership author and speaker KeywordsEpisode TitlesSound BitesChaptersResources Mentioned

    29 min
  8. The Chief Joy Officer – Why Joy Isn’t Soft… It’s Strategic - S3E32 - Rich Sheridan

    MAR 10

    The Chief Joy Officer – Why Joy Isn’t Soft… It’s Strategic - S3E32 - Rich Sheridan

    Keywords Leadership, Joy, Mattering, Workplace Culture, Hiring for Character, Storytelling, Optimism, Resilience, Service, Organizational Health, Chief Joy Officer What if joy isn’t the byproduct of great leadership… but the job itself? In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols sit down with Rich Sheridan, CEO of Menlo Innovations and author of The Chief Joy Officer, to explore a deceptively simple question: Why don’t more leaders take joy seriously? Rich makes the case that joy isn’t fluffy. It’s foundational. It drives engagement. It shapes culture. It improves outcomes. And perhaps most importantly—it reminds people that their work matters. We talk about what it really means to hire for joy (hint: it’s not about personality tests), how onboarding sets the emotional tone for an organization, and why optimism is often the braver choice. Rich shares stories from Menlo that demonstrate how intentional culture building can change not just performance—but people. This conversation weaves together storytelling, resilience, and service. It asks leaders to look in the mirror and consider: Take Aways Joy is not a perk — it is a leadership responsibility. Culture doesn’t happen by accident. It is designed, reinforced, and protected. Hiring for collaboration and character beats hiring for résumé shine. Onboarding is storytelling — it teaches people what really matters. Optimism is a discipline, not a personality trait. Service to others is the heartbeat of sustainable joy. Leaders must model presence — joy requires engagement, not distance. Resilient cultures are built on trust, safety, and shared purpose. Storytelling is how leaders transfer belief. Ted Lasso isn’t naïve — he’s intentional.Soundbites “We need joy now more than ever.”“Joy is in the service to others.” “Optimism is the harder path — but it’s the better one.” “Culture is built in the moments no one thinks matter.” “Keep lassoing on.”Chapters 00:00 – Why Joy Belongs in the Leadership Conversation 05:35 – The Business Case for Joy 09:25 – What Joy Actually Means (and What It Doesn’t) 11:09 – Hiring for Collaboration, Not Ego 14:26 – Onboarding as Cultural Storytelling 16:04 – Optimism: Naïve or Necessary? 20:26 – The Hard Work of Protecting Culture 23:57 – If the Leader Isn’t Feeling Joy… Then What? 26:05 – Why Storytelling Changes Everything 28:57 – Service, Purpose, and the Long Game of Leadership

    34 min
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4.8
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

CALLING ALL LASSO and LEADERSHIP Fans! Join us on this journey to a better, kinder and more compelling way to lead! We are going to take a journey through the hit series Ted Lasso and explore what leadership lessons exist and there are tons!

Information

  • Creator
    Garth Nichols and Jason Rogers
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    139
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Garth Nichols and Jason Rogers
  • Show Website
    Lassoing Leadership

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