Photo credit: Vitaly Gariev for Pexels.com
Great leadership lessons don’t always come from books. From unforgettable films and binge-worthy series to thought-provoking podcasts, this collection highlights the media that resonated most with our faculty over the past year, sparking new ideas, fresh perspectives, and meaningful reflection.
INTRIGUING MOVIES
’12 Angry Men’ – Recommended by MG (Ret.) Keith Thurgood, Ph.D.
A classic courtroom drama from 1957 that follows twelve jurors deliberating the fate of a teenager accused of murder. When one juror questions the seemingly airtight case, the group is forced to confront their biases, assumptions, and the meaning of reasonable doubt as they work toward a unanimous verdict.
- Leadership Topics: Courage, Critical Thinking, Integrity, Leading Through Influence, Managing Bias, Psychological Safety
- Thoughts by MG Thurgood: “As the sole juror to question the verdict, Juror 8 faces ridicule, anger, and social pressure. Yet he maintains respectful composure while defending his position. Integrity sometimes means standing alone.”
‘Air’- Recommended by MG (Ret.) Robert Mixon, Jr.
A 2023 American biographical sports comedy-drama that tells the true story of Nike’s pivotal decision to sign rookie Michael Jordan to a groundbreaking endorsement deal in 1984. It chronicles the high-stakes negotiations and visionary partnership that led to the creation of the Air Jordan brand, transforming both Nike and the business of sports marketing.
- Leadership Topics: Competitive Differentiation, High-Stakes Negotiation, Innovation, Strategic Risk-Taking, Visionary Leadership
- Leader Questions: How do you gain buy-in for an idea that others initially reject? How do you identify potential in people before others see it? What assumptions in your industry might be limiting innovation?
‘Gettysburg’- Recommended by MG (Ret.) Robert Mixon, Jr.
An epic historical drama that chronicles the three-day Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal turning point in the American Civil War, through the perspectives of key Union and Confederate leaders and soldiers. It explores the leadership decisions, personal sacrifices, and strategic choices that shaped one of the most consequential battles in U.S. history.
- Leadership Topics: Decision Making Under Pressure, Influence & Motivation, Moral Courage, Strategic Leadership, Teamwork
- Leader Questions: What makes people follow a leader beyond formal authority? How do leaders maintain confidence and composure during high-pressure situations? How does a shared mission help teams persevere through challenges?
‘Remember the Titans’- Recommended by COL (Ret.) Remi Hajjar, Ph.D.
Set in 1971 Virginia, this drama explores how the forced integration of an all-Black and all-White high school challenges a community’s deep-rooted football traditions and ignites emotional and cultural tensions.
- Leadership Topics: Conflict Resolution, Resilience, Team Building, Transformational Leadership
- Leader Questions: How did the leaders/coaches build cohesion on the new team? How did the leaders/coaches overcome initial community resistance towards the integration of a football team?
‘Saving Private Ryan’- Recommended by COL (Ret.) Remi Hajjar, Ph.D.
During World War II, a squad of U.S. soldiers set out on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines to bring home Private James Ryan after his three brothers are killed. Along the way, they are tested by sacrifice, duty, and leadership in the face of the brutal realities of war.
- Leadership Topics: Building Trust, High-Pressure Leadership, Moral Courage, Resilience & Perseverance, Team Cohesion
- Thoughts by COL Hajjar: “The movie explores adaptability, moral dilemmas, and the challenge of fighting as the underdog—especially in the powerful last scene of the movie. It also offers valuable leadership lessons on knowing your people.”
THOUGHT-PROVOKING TELEVISION SHOWS
‘Andor’ – Recommended by BG (Ret.) Rich Gross, Ph.D.
A Star Wars drama that follows Cassian Andor’s transformation from a small-time thief into a committed rebel fighting the Galactic Empire. Set in the years before Rogue One, the series explores the rise of the Rebel Alliance through political intrigue, espionage, sacrifice, and resistance against authoritarian rule.
- Leadership Topics: Ethical Decision-Making, Leading Without Authority, Perseverance, Risk-Taking, Vision & Purpose
- Thoughts by BG Gross: “The title character, Cassian Andor, shows personal courage and adaptability while maintaining a Mission-First Focus, and modeling the U.S. Army’s Warrior Ethos.”
‘Below Deck’- Recommended by COL (Ret.) Diane Ryan, Ph.D.
A reality TV series that follows the crew of a luxury superyacht as they live and work together during charter season, balancing demanding guests, high-pressure jobs, and interpersonal drama.
- Leadership Topics: Building Culture, Coaching & Team Development, Conflict Resolution, Leading Under Pressure,
- Thoughts by COL Ryan: “Yes, it’s a show about consumption but there are myriad teachable moments within this series. Each episode requires a team to work together on a shared mission to execute at the very highest level of service. VUCA is alive and well in the form of extreme weather events, resource challenges, communication issues, and on occasion, life and death scenarios. This show has provided my family with countless leadership lessons and bonding time with a side of sheer fun.”
‘History Channel Documentaries’- Recommended by MG (Ret.) Robert Mixon, Jr.
Netflix has partnered with the History Channel to stream a significant collection of historical documentaries in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. The series is organized chronologically, making it easier to follow U.S. history from colonial times to contemporary events. It provides a rich selection for history enthusiasts, covering presidents, cultural milestones, and pivotal historical figures.
- Sample Documentaries: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Ulysses S. Grant, and other notable leaders.
- Leader Questions: What would you have done differently if you were in the leader’s position? What values consistently guided the leader’s actions? Which leadership behaviors remain relevant today?
‘The Pitt’ – Recommended by MG (Ret.) Robert Mixon, Jr.
A fast-paced medical drama that follows emergency room staff through high-pressure hospital shifts, balancing critical patient care with personal and professional challenges.
- Leadership Topics: Communication, Leading Under Pressure, Self-Care, Team Cohesion
- Leader Questions: How do senior leaders support and develop less experienced team members? Which communication approaches are most effective under pressure? How can leaders support team well-being while delivering results?
‘Seinfeld’ – Recommended by COL (Ret.) David Moore
A sitcom that follows comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his eccentric group of friends as they navigate everyday life in New York City. The show finds humor in ordinary situations, social quirks, and minor inconveniences.
- Leadership Topics: Communication, Conflict Resolution, Decision-Making, Interpersonal Dynamics
- Leader Questions: What behaviors can strengthen or weaken relationships? Which character would be easiest—or most difficult—to manage on a team? If a similar situation occurred at work, how would you handle it as a leader?
‘Ted Lasso’ – Recommended by BG (Ret.) Rich Gross, Ph.D.
A sports comedy-drama about an optimistic American football coach who is hired to manage a struggling English soccer team despite having no experience with the sport. Through positivity, empathy, and unconventional leadership, he gradually transforms the team’s culture and earns the trust of players, staff, and fans.
- Leadership Topics: Culture Building, Empowerment, Leader Vulnerability, Servant Leadership
- Thoughts by BG Gross: “The title character remains true to his values while remaining authentic, kind, optimistic, and patient.”
ENGAGING PODCASTS
‘Corporate Competitor’ hosted by Don Yaeger – Recommended by Alison Levine
Explores leadership lessons learned from sports, featuring insights from top athletes and executives. The podcast studies the biggest themes that drive winning organizations.
- Sample Episodes: Former Duke Basketball Coach K, Emmy-Winning Food Network Star Giada De Laurentiis, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby
‘Intentional Leader’ hosted by Cal Walters – Recommended by COL (Ret.) Tania Martin, J.D.
Helps leaders take the guesswork out of self-leadership, fight a reactionary lifestyle, and achieve their potential at home, at work, and in their communities. Many of the episodes are interviews with West Point graduates and U.S. Army leaders.
- Sample Episodes: The Benefits of Disrupting Yourself and Smart Growth, Find Joy in Life’s Struggles, Make Great Conversations Easy
- Thoughts by COL Martin: “Specifically listen to Episode131 with Dr. Liz Werly, a U.W. Army Psychologist for Special Operations. She discusses high performance and emotional intelligence and the importance of being a grounded, self-aware, and sustainable leader.”
‘Time to Shine Today’ hosted by L. Scott Ferguson – Recommended by MG (Ret.) Robert Mixon, Jr.
This is a self-improvement podcast led by a mindset coach, lifestyle organization, and U.S. Navy veteran. Guests include entrepreneurs, coaches, and thought leaders sharing strategies for success through actionable advice, interviews, and “Knowledge Nuggets” — short, high-impact coaching tips.
- Sample Episodes: You’re Not Alone…You’re Just in the Wrong Room, Start Strong… Stop Fading, The Fastest Way to Shutdown Mental Noise, Do Hard Things on Purpose
‘Re: Thinking’ hosted by Adam Grant – Recommended by Alison Levine
A TED Audio Collective podcast where organizational psychologist Adam Grant interviews influential thinkers, creators, leaders, and experts to challenge conventional wisdom and explore new ways of thinking. The episodes help you to question assumptions, rethink beliefs, and gain practical insights for work, leadership, creativity, and life.
- Sample Episodes: Award-winning novelist Ann Pattchett, Neuroscientist Darby Saxbe, Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste, Soccer star David Beckham
- Thoughts by Alison Levine: “The episodes are lively discussions and debates with some of the world’s most interesting thinkers, creators, achievers, and leaders—from Nobel laureates to Olympic champions to heads of state and Oscar and Grammy winners.”