<p>If the word “believe” resonates with you, chances are you’re a fan of the hit series Ted Lasso—the Emmy Award–winning show that proved optimism, values, and leadership still matter. What many audiences don’t realize is that <em>Ted Lasso </em>was inspired by a real coach—and a real leadership philosophy—long before it ever reached television screens.</p><p>Coach Donnie Campbell is a veteran Kansas educator, high school basketball coach, and leadership keynote speaker whose real-life coaching style helped shape the iconic character portrayed by Jason Sudeikis. Sudeikis publicly credited Campbell during an interview with Stephen Colbert, sharing how the wisdom, belief, and values he absorbed as a student-athlete in the late 1990s became foundational to the character he would later bring to life. At the time, Sudeikis played basketball at Shawnee Mission West High School, where Campbell was his coach—instilling lessons that would ultimately resonate with millions.</p><p>Today, Campbell brings that same belief-driven leadership to organizations seeking stronger culture, higher engagement, and sustained performance. Drawing on more than three decades in the classroom and on the court, he shows leaders how creating better people builds winning teams—translating trust, accountability, optimism, and values-based leadership into cultures where people and performance thrive.</p>
The real-life inspiration behind <i>Ted Lasso</i> shows audiences how creating better people builds winning teams, strong culture, and values-based leadership
<ul><li><strong>What’s Your MVP? Leadership Lessons from the Coach Who Inspired Ted Lasso</strong></li><li>Coach Donnie Campbell is not just an inspirational coach, but also in part, the impetus for the wise and ever so cheerful lead character of the Emmy Award Winning show, Ted Lasso. His colorful keynote provides valuable leadership lessons that can be seen on the court, but more importantly applied in the workplace.</li><li>At a time when embracing your uniqueness is a rare quality, he shows how to define your core values while forming your mission, values, and plan.</li><li>This one-of-a-kind keynote blends heartfelt storytelling with practical leadership lessons proven on the basketball court and powerfully applicable in today’s workplace. Campbell weaves in subtle Ted Lasso moments—offering a behind-the-scenes look at the real leadership that inspired the show—while delivering tactical takeaways that resonate in today’s challenging environment. Donnie’s presentation brings to life the following leadership principles and more:</li><li>Believe: In a world that seems to be defeating each person in some way, that there is a reason that people are attracted to kindness and good.</li><li>MVP: You are your own most "valuable" player - but it's important to know your MVP - (mission/values/plan) as it builds the foundation for everything else.</li><li>Motivation and Mentoring: if you are open to it, mentors can provide some of the most meaningful lessons, ones that you will carry with you for years (Donnie shares the invaluable advice he learned from others, how he still carries the knowledge with him today and uses it to motivate his players)</li><li>Leadership: You continue to learn when you have a leader and then you learn even more when you become one</li><li>Confidence: A simple premise in theory, but it really has many layers - Donnie shares how to build it in yourself and others</li><li>Know Your Why: When you are a great leader and you are clear on your “why” - the rest will take care of itself, and you will get results beyond what you ever imagined</li><li>Success: Many ways to define success - but it all boils down to how you define it and what matters to you.</li><li>Audience Takeaways Include:<ul><li>Clarify personal and organizational MVP to drive focus and decisions</li><li>Build trust, accountability, and team culture</li><li>Develop people first to achieve sustainable results</li><li>Lead with humility, purpose, and belief</li></ul></li></ul>