The upcoming Labor Day weekend is the signal that another summer is gone. I am looking forward to the fall, where I teach leadership programs and seek inspiration for my students. While there are countless movies that play on leadership themes, let me submit three that I find to pack powerful lessons. An unlikely combination, each of these is on my list of favorites. And, if you have a few hours during the holiday weekend, try to check them out, even if you have seen them before. Put on the lens of “leadership lessons.”
- One of my all-time favorites is “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” the film that catapulted Jimmy Stewart to Hollywood stardom. Released in 1939 (what a year—some of the best movies of all time were made that year), and directed by the legendary Frank Capra, the political comedy-drama depicts a naive junior senator and his fight to overcome corruption for the good of his state. He becomes framed by the political machine and almost risks his life to fight for his cause. With some help from a few friends, he shows incredible tenacity, conviction and determination to prevail. The scenes shot at the Lincoln Memorial are so poignant they always bring a tear to my eye when I watch it.
- Next on my list is the original 1994 animated musical drama film, “The Lion King.” To me, it is the perfect example of the hero’s journey. When young Simba the lion is born, he is already on his way to being king of the jungle. But with detractors, the death of his father and countless obstacles, he must finally decide to step up and be the leader he was meant to be. He could not be anointed; he had to earn it. When Disney Studios created the film, it was originally conceived as more of a nature documentary-style film. But the final cut was based on many leadership stories in the Bible and Shakespeare’s Hamlet. However, Simba would never have succeeded without the help of his friends and supporters who believed in him.
- Last is “Erin Brockovich,” based on a true story of a woman who would not give up under almost insurmountable circumstances to help people who she believed had been compromised medically by the Hinkley groundwater contamination incident. The 2000 film won Julia Roberts an Academy Award, but the revelation of environmental issues is the real star of the film. Although Erin is still somewhat of a controversial figure, I admire her absolute stick-to-it-iveness and refusal to give up, even when risking her life and family to deliver results. True leaders face obstacles and run through them. That is what it takes to see the race to the finish.
As I say goodbye to another summer, one of my fondest memories is the trip I took to Washington, D.C. Several of our Texas Trailblazers students had jobs and internships in the city. It was a great reunion with them as we shared leadership aspirations and concepts, as well as some tourist-style sightseeing. The photo in the header of this newsletter was taken shortly after I had ascended the long set of steps to stand in the shadow of this amazing president. And you can bet when I walked into the Lincoln Memorial, I thought of “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.”
Grateful for leaders everywhere,
Gay Gaddis
Founder. Author. Artist. Trailblazer.
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