Quotes And Leadership Lessons From Howl’s Moving Castle

A Reel Leadership Article

If you enjoy this article, you’ll love my book Reel Leadership. It’s available on Amazon.

Our local movie theater participates in the Studio Ghibli Fest every year. The festival is a time to focus on and recognize the fantastic works of the Japanese animation studio and their impact on the animation industry. 

Currently, there are 23 films from Studio Ghibli. These range from the emotionally heart-wrenching Grave Of The Fireflies to the light-hearted Porco Rosso or The Cat Returns. There’s something for everyone from Studio Ghibli.

This year, Pamela and I caught Howl’s Moving Castle by Hiyao Miyazaki. It’s a classic anime film celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. 

A young girl is being held by a man with bird-like features.

The story revolves around Sophie (Emily Mortimer/Jean Simmons). Sophie lacks confidence. She believes others are more beautiful and talented than her. After meeting Howl (Christian Bale), the Witch of the Waste (Lauren Bacall) curses her and turns her into a grandmother!

10 Qualities Leaders Should Expect From Their Team

When you’re leading individuals, you need to expect certain qualities from them. These are the qualities you looked for and hired because of. 

The qualities of an individual will also make or break them. Sometimes, their qualities will make or break your organization. 

Scary!

That’s why it’s so important to communicate and look for the qualities you desire in an employee. Below are 10 qualities I believe every leader should look for in their people.

10 Qualities Leaders Should Expect From Their Team

1. Positive Attitude:

A positive attitude goes a long way. Although they may not be able to do everything great, they can do everything better with a positive attitude.

Look for and expect a positive attitude more often than not from those you lead.

Who Can You Introduce?

Thinking back over the years I’ve spent with many great leaders, one thing stands out above the rest: great leaders introduce people to other people. They make connections.

You’ve probably experienced this as well. I remember my youth pastor connecting me to someone I refer to as Little Rick. His personality is huge and his heart for God is even bigger. I still run into Little Rick every so often and my heart is filled with joy every time we connect.

 

Or I think of Michael Hyatt and all the leaders he’s introduced me to. Some of those leaders are no longer around (RIP Dan Miller). Others are knocking it out of the part.

I still get such wisdom and insight from those he’s helped connect me with.

Quotes And Leadership Lessons From Joker: Folie à Deux

A Reel Leadership Article

If you enjoy this article, you’ll love my book Reel Leadership. It’s available on Amazon.

Joker: Folie à Deux is the second entry into the strange yet enduring DC Comics Joker film series. It stars Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck/Joker and his new love interest Lee Quinzel/Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga). Their relationship is toxic and brings out the worst in Arthur.

The film hits on some poignant themes, including love, mental illness, police corruption, and more. It’s similar in vein to the original 2019 Joker movie. However, it feels like it takes a drastic departure in characterizing Arthur and the other characters.

Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga as the Joker and Harley Quinn in Joker 2

Regardless, if you go to the theater to watch Joker: Folie à Deux, you can leave with new insights into leadership. That’s what we’re going to share in this article. Brace yourself for the leadership lessons in Joker: Folie à Deux.

Quotes And Leadership Lessons From Seven Beauties

If you enjoy this article, you’ll love my book Reel Leadership. It’s available on Amazon.

You can purchase your own copy of Seven Beauties on Amazon.

“Seven Beauties” is a complex and provocative film that offers several leadership lessons through its characters and the world inhabited by Pasqualino, Seven Beauties, during World War II. Pasqualino stops at nothing in his struggle to survive the often difficult circumstances he finds himself in. From gangster wannabe to insane asylum patient to soldier to POW, the great actor Giancarlo Giannini portrays our tragic, comic hero with humor and poignance. Here are a few key takeaways from the film that can help you develop your leadership perspective.

Man in a suit. Wearing a hat. Looking at another person.

Resilience and Adaptability:

The protagonist, Pasqualino, demonstrates an incredible ability to adapt to extreme circumstances, from surviving a concentration camp to navigating the criminal underworld. Similarly, leadership requires resilience and adaptability in the face of all sorts of adversity we confront in the business world.