Jason Sudeikis Brings ‘Ted Lasso’ Wisdom to SHRM25

In an engaging exchange filled with laughter and insight on teamwork, mental health, and empathy, Emmy-winning actor, comedian, writer, and producer Jason Sudeikis kicked off the opening general session at SHRM25 in San Diego on June 29. Betty Thompson, SHRM-SCP, former chief people officer at Booz Allen Hamilton and current chair of SHRM’s board of directors, led the chat.

Sudeikis began his career in improv comedy and spent nine seasons as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 2005 to 2013. He’s appeared in movies such as “Horrible Bosses” and “We’re the Millers,” but he’s probably best known for the Apple TV+ sports comedy series “Ted Lasso” (2020-2023), which he co-created and played the title role in, as it became a sensation. 

It’s common knowledge to fans of the show that “Ted Lasso” offers rich lessons for HR professionals. While it’s framed around coaching an English soccer team, many of the leadership and culture principles translate directly to the workplace. The general session touched on a few of those topics.

The Value of a Growth Mindset 

Ted doesn’t pretend to know everything about soccer, but he’s open to learning and improving.

HR can promote a culture where learning and development are encouraged, and a growth mindset, curiosity, and continuous improvement are rewarded. 

When he was creating the character, Sudeikis said he wanted to play someone who may be ignorant, but curious. When Ted Lasso hears a word he doesn’t know, he doesn’t pretend to understand it — he asks what the word means. His ego is not bruised by asking questions.

When experiencing a drawback at work, don’t get rattled — embrace it and work through it. “Stay positive and learn from your mistakes,” Sudeikis said. “What a great way to grow. What an opportunity to see what you can do better next time, instead of making excuses for it.”  

“What an opportunity to see what you can do better next time, instead of making excuses for it.”  — Jason Sudeikis

Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

Sudeikis recalled the imposter syndrome he felt in his career, especially during his stint at “Saturday Night Live.” “That place was designed for that,” he said.

He had never written comedy for other actors when he was hired by the show as a writer in 2003. “Oh, boy, I’m going to be sniffed out right away,” he said. He was intimidated by the other writers and felt like he was out of his element. But things got better, and receiving recognition from his managers, such as head writer Tina Fey, made a tremendous impact.

He said that acting like you belong works for some people, but he himself needs to really feel like he does. Having a manager like Tina Fey (or Ted Lasso), who takes the time to understand team members and practice empathy, creates psychologically safe environments.

Practicing Teamwork

Sudeikis spoke about the positive teamwork fundamentals he’s experienced in ensemble arts including improv and filmmaking. He said he gravitates toward people who are thinking “how they can serve the whole. It’s part of the reason I love working with theater people or athletes.” He added that on a team, there shouldn’t be defensive competition.  

“No one is usually trying to actively stop you from doing a good job,” he said. “It’s typically your own apathy, cynicism, or ego. If you can check that within yourself and encourage other people to sniff it out within themselves, then you can put together a good squad.”

Toolkit: Developing and Sustaining High-Performance Work Teams 

The show also advocated for the acceptance of inclusion and diversity. Sudeikis said it was intentional to have the owner of the team be a woman. “Ted Lasso” also emphasized paying attention to the people on your team and leaning in for more. 

“Learning about them to see what else they bring,” he said. When Sudeikis found out that an actor on the show plays violin, that skill was used as a major character moment on the show. “Have big ears, and hear what is out there,” he said. 

Talking About Mental Health

Addressing mental health was always an integral aspect of the show. “It’s tough to have imposter syndrome, and life is tough,” Sudeikis said. “I’ve had panic attacks. I remember the fear that came with them. I knew that Ted was going to have them.” 

He said the people who worked on the show felt that talking about mental health would help remove the stigma about it. “So many people are going through something, and it’s happening everywhere. We’re all more alike than we realize,” he said.

Promoting Civility

One episode of “Ted Lasso" depicted a star performer on the team being benched because he was ruining the workplace culture with jerky behavior. “It was using sports as a metaphor,” Sudeikis said. “I have deserved to be benched. I’ve been benched. It serves the opportunity to teach. And addressing an issue gives people the opportunity to surprise you.”

People can grow from constructive guidance, he said — “you just need to be called on it.” 

Modeling civility in the workplace requires fostering an environment of mutual respect and professionalism.

“In the workplace or around the kitchen table or on the cul de sac, shamelessness has become too strong of a currency,” Sudeikis said. “I encourage you all to continue fighting that fight.”