The 10 web series every leader should watch
Leadership isn’t just about managing people or executing strategies—it’s also about learning, reflecting, and growing constantly. What better way to do this than by exploring compelling narratives that combine ambition, ethics, and creativity? Here’s a list of 10 web series that are bound to inspire leaders and leave them with valuable lessons about navigating success, failure, and resilience.
1. Better Call Saul
A prequel to the critically acclaimed Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul is a riveting tale of Jimmy McGill’s transformation into the slippery lawyer Saul Goodman. While Jimmy often bends the rules, his journey is filled with moments of grit, risk-taking, and sharp strategy.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
This drama delivers lessons in perseverance and adaptability, showing how even the unlikeliest individuals can rise in their fields.
Leadership Takeaway:
While Jimmy’s unethical methods are cautionary, his resourcefulness and ability to pivot in tough situations can inspire leaders to think creatively and strategically.
2. Workin’ Moms
Navigating the complex world of working mothers, this series humorously portrays the lives of women juggling careers, parenting, and personal relationships. It’s an honest take on the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance in competitive environments.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
This show resonates with leaders who understand the value of empathy and the struggles faced by working parents.
Leadership Takeaway:
Leaders can gain insights into fostering workplace flexibility and creating environments that accommodate diverse life challenges while still achieving professional excellence.
3. Super Pumped
This gripping drama chronicles the meteoric rise of Uber under its co-founder Travis Kalanick and the eventual fallout of his leadership style. The series dives deep into Silicon Valley’s cutthroat world and questions the ethics of hyper-aggressive business models.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
It’s a powerful exploration of what happens when ambition overrides accountability and ethics.
Leadership Takeaway:
The series serves as a case study of toxic leadership and underscores the importance of cultivating a sustainable and ethical corporate culture.
4. The Playbook
In this inspiring docuseries, legendary sports coaches such as Doc Rivers and Jill Ellis share their philosophies on leadership, motivation, and what it takes to succeed. Through anecdotes of triumphs and setbacks, the series explores the psychology of winning.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
It’s packed with actionable advice from people who’ve led teams to the pinnacle of success in the competitive world of sports.
Leadership Takeaway:
The insights on teamwork, discipline, and self-confidence are applicable to any leader striving to motivate and elevate their team.
5. Dirty Money
This investigative documentary series exposes corruption, corporate greed, and unethical practices in various industries. From banking scandals to environmental fraud, Dirty Money takes a hard look at the darker side of capitalism.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
It’s a sobering reminder of how unchecked ambition can lead to unethical behavior and public fallout.
Leadership Takeaway:
The series reinforces the importance of transparency and ethics in leadership, showing how the wrong choices can erode trust and reputation.
6. The Mind, Explained
This fascinating docuseries unpacks the mysteries of the human brain, covering topics such as anxiety, memory, and mindfulness. With clear visuals and engaging narratives, it simplifies complex neurological concepts.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
Understanding how people think and react is invaluable for leaders aiming to connect with and inspire their teams.
Leadership Takeaway:
By delving into how the mind works, leaders can better navigate team dynamics, manage stress, and enhance productivity.
7. Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates
This intimate three-part series explores the life and mind of Bill Gates, from his rise at Microsoft to his philanthropic endeavors. Through interviews with those closest to him, the series reveals what drives one of the world’s most influential thinkers.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
It provides rare insights into Gates’ problem-solving abilities, work ethic, and commitment to making a difference.
Leadership Takeaway:
Leaders can learn the value of curiosity, innovation, and long-term vision from Gates’ remarkable journey.
8. Girlboss
Based on Sophia Amoruso’s autobiography, this series follows her journey from selling vintage clothes on eBay to building the multimillion-dollar fashion brand Nasty Gal. Despite its short run, the series captures the essence of entrepreneurial spirit.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
It’s a relatable tale of starting small, embracing failure, and persevering through setbacks.
Leadership Takeaway:
The series highlights the importance of passion, resilience, and creativity in turning a vision into reality.
9. Suits
In the fast-paced world of corporate law, Suits portrays the journey of Mike Ross, a college dropout, and Harvey Specter, a sharp and confident lawyer. Their unconventional partnership leads to compelling lessons about leadership, negotiation, and ethics.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
The show blends drama with sharp workplace humor, providing relatable insights into overcoming professional challenges.
Leadership Takeaway:
From negotiation tactics to ethical dilemmas, leaders can learn about effective communication, building trust, and maintaining integrity in high-pressure situations.
10. Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul
Through investigative episodes, Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul unveils the corruption and dysfunction in industries such as e-cigarettes, plastics, and counterfeit products. It examines the consequences of irresponsible business practices on consumers and the environment.
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
It’s a stark reminder of the importance of responsible manufacturing and marketing practices.
Leadership Takeaway:
The series underscores the significance of prioritizing sustainability and ethics over profit, urging leaders to act with accountability and purpose.