Film

Resilience in Leadership: Lessons from The Pursuit of Happyness

As the pace of work accelerates, the corporate conversation often centres around profits and efficiency, leaving little room for values like resilience, empathy, and personal perseverance. Films, however, provide a unique way to step back and reflect on these deeper values.

One film that vividly highlights the power of resilience in overcoming adversity is The Pursuit of Happyness (2006). This true story reminds us that perseverance in the face of hardship is not only essential for personal success but also forms the bedrock of wise leadership.

Film Review: The Power of Compassion and Wisdom in Boardroom Dynamics

As leaders and directors seek to stay relevant in an increasingly complex world, compassion, kindness, and wisdom often take a backseat to profits and aggressive decision-making. But do we know  these human values enhance business outcomes? This article explores the films 12 Angry Men and Erin Brockovich which highlight the power of compassionate leadership. We also discuss how research confirms that compassion is commercial—it drives employee engagement, innovation, and long-term success and how films help us stay connected to this purpose.

Film Review- Maiden – Female Sport and Leadership in the Context of the 2024 Olympics

As the Paris 2024 Olympics unfold, the themes of resilience, leadership, and overcoming adversity are vividly displayed. These qualities are powerfully encapsulated in the 2018 documentary “Maiden”, which tells the story of Tracy Edwards and the first all-female crew to compete in the grueling Whitbread Round the World Race.

Film Review: Leadership Lessons from “The King’s Speech”

“The King’s Speech,” directed by Tom Hooper, is a compelling drama that tells the story of King George VI, who ascended to the British throne during a time of great uncertainty. The film explores his personal struggles with a speech impediment and how he overcame this challenge through the guidance of an unorthodox speech therapist, Lionel Logue. This review examines the film’s portrayal of leadership, self-awareness, and the transformative power of meta-mindfulness.

Film Review: Reflective Practice in Leadership through the Lens of “In Restless Dreams”

Scholars and leaders alike have long suggested that leadership in the 21st century requires a diverse set of competencies to enable successful navigation of complex, digitalized, and crisis-prone environments. While there is no one list of these skills, and they are continually evolving, there is general agreement that  creativity, self-awareness, adaptability, and resilience are crucial for success in dynamic, uncertain environments. These deep leadership skills, which are developed and honed through reflective practice, support both personal growth and our ability to lead ourselves, teams, and organisations in creating a better society for the future. 

Film Review: “Oppenheimer” – A Study in Leadership and Ethical Dilemmas

Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” is a fascinating exploration of leadership, ethical dilemmas, and the psychological strain that accompanies monumental decisions. The film reveals the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer during the Manhattan Project, offering a compelling narrative that intertwines strategic leadership and the moral complexities inherent in scientific discovery.

Film Review: “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” and the Importance of Attention in Leadership

“Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World,” directed by Peter Weir, is both a thrilling sea adventure and an exploration of leadership in uncertainty. The film, set during the Napoleonic Wars, follows Captain Jack Aubrey as he navigates his ship, HMS Surprise, through treacherous waters, facing dangerous encounters and intense naval battles. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Aubrey’s success hinges on his ability to harness his ability to observe and reflect on his thinking (metacognition) and maintain disciplined attention amid chaos.

Film Review: “Freud’s Last Session” and the Impact of Freud’s Work on Leadership and Humanity

“Freud’s Last Session” is a thought-provoking exploration of Sigmund Freud’s life and legacy, directed by Matt Brown. The film investigates the hypothesised intellectual clash between Freud and C.S. Lewis, highlighting their contrasting views on life, death, and the human condition. Set in the late 1930s, the movie captures a fictionalised meeting between Freud and Lewis, offering a rich narrative that intertwines philosophical debate with deep insights into human nature. It sets the scene for us to reflect on what drives or leadership behaviours and even our political choices.

Cultivating Emotional Intelligence: Self-Coaching with “Inside Out”

Self-awareness is a cornerstone of effective leadership. The animated film “Inside Out” provides a unique lens through which leaders can explore the nuances of emotions and their impact on decision-making.

Self-Coaching for Systemic Awareness with “Rabbit-Proof Fence”

As leaders, the transformation from knowledge to actionable wisdom is crucial, particularly in complex decision-making. Discover how the film “Rabbit-Proof Fence” reflects our history and offers  insights into systemic awareness, providing a blueprint for self-coaching that navigates personal and systemic challenges in leadership.

The Art of Leadership Wisdom: Lessons from ‘Life of a King’

In the dynamic leadership landscape, the journey from knowledge to wisdom is as intricate and varied as the game of chess. The film ‘Life of a King’ presents a compelling narrative that serves as both a biographical recount and a metaphor for transformative leadership.

Navigating Leadership with ‘One Love’: Insights from Bob Marley 

In our unstable, evolving world, where leaders grapple with unprecedented challenges and complexities, the essence of Bob Marley’s song, “One Love”, resonates strongly. This timeless anthem transcends musical boundaries, offering insights into unity, empathy, and the human spirit—core tenets that are increasingly vital in today’s leadership landscape.

Reflecting on Progress: Films That Challenge Gender Norms

As we commemorate International Women’s Day, it’s an opportune moment for leaders and professionals across all sectors to reflect on the ongoing journey towards gender equality. The conversation around dismantling traditional gender roles is multifaceted, involving legislative, social, and personal dimensions. One avenue through which we can explore and challenge these norms is through cinema.

Mindful Leadership at the Movies – Sully

“Sully,” directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks as Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, is an excellent example of mindful leadership. The film is based on the real-life incident known as the “Miracle on the Hudson,” where Captain Sully successfully landed a disabled plane on the Hudson River, saving all 155 passengers and crew on board.

The movie showcases several aspects of mindful leadership.

Mindful Leadership at the Movies – Avatar

“Avatar,” directed by James Cameron, a visual spectacle and a profound narrative filled with lessons on mindful leadership. The film’s rich storytelling and complex characters offer a unique lens through which to explore mindful capabilities, including attention, awareness, acceptance, incongruity, impermanence, and identity. This blog looks at how “Avatar” exemplifies these aspects of mindful leadership through its plot, setting, and character development.

Mindful Leadership at the Movies – Kung Fu Panda

“Kung Fu Panda,” a popular animated film, serves as a rich allegory for mindful leadership, incorporating themes and lessons that resonate with both traditional and contemporary leadership theories. This blog explores how the film’s narrative and characters exemplify the qualities of mindfulness described in the paper on second-generation mindful leadership : attention, awareness, acceptance, incongruity, impermanence, and identity, which are integral to the concept of mindful leadership.