Lee Elias Recommends: 10 Powerful Movies, Books, and Talks That Build Team Culture

Culture eats strategy for breakfast—but where do you learn culture? Great leaders aren’t just made in the locker room. They’re shaped by the stories, mindsets, and moments they absorb from the world around them.

There are so many great team-building and team culture examples out there. These are just some of my favorites—each one had an impact on me in some way. These resources taught me, challenged me, and shaped how I lead and connect with others.

Here are 10 pieces of media every coach, parent, or player can lean on to build stronger teams, lead with purpose, and keep the fire burning all season long—ranked in order of impact.

Miracle (2004 – Movie)

Herb Brooks. 1980. Do you believe in miracles? You already know the speech—but watching how this team was built, challenged, and transformed under pressure still gives every coach chills.

Let Them Lead (2021 – Book by John U. Bacon)

This book is a gift to coaches. Based on a real high school hockey team that went from worst to first, Bacon teaches that trust, toughness, and student leadership go farther than any system.

Buy on Amazon

Relentless (2013) & Winning (2021) by Tim Grover

Michael Jordan’s personal trainer doesn’t hold back. Grover’s no-excuses mindset is intense—but it’s also incredibly clarifying for anyone looking to lead or play at the highest level.

Visit TimGrover.com

Ted Lasso (2020–2023 – TV Series)

It’s not just funny—it’s brilliant. Ted Lasso shows how vulnerability, optimism, and servant leadership can reshape even the most cynical locker room. Every episode is a coaching clinic.
Inspiration: Based on characters from NBC Sports Premier League promos (they are hilarious).

Invictus (2009 – Movie)

Based on the true story of Nelson Mandela using rugby to unite post-apartheid South Africa. A masterclass in team culture, forgiveness, and rising above division.
Source Book: Playing the Enemy by John Carlin

Apollo 13 (1995 – Movie)

“Failure is not an option.” A story of leadership, resilience, and creativity under crushing pressure. Every coach or captain should ask: what’s our plan when nothing goes according to plan?

Band of Brothers (2001 – TV Miniseries)

An unfiltered look at leadership under pressure. From Normandy to the end of WWII, this true story of Easy Company shows how brotherhood, trust, and sacrifice define elite teams.
Source Book: Band of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose

TED Talk: Grit by Angela Lee Duckworth (2013)

Short and unforgettable. Duckworth defines what truly separates top performers—and her insights on passion, perseverance, and long-term success are gold for young athletes and coaches alike.

Watch on TED.com

The Natural (1984 – Movie)

A quiet, poetic reminder of greatness, resilience, and staying true to who you are. Roy Hobbs’ story isn’t just baseball—it’s about the long road back to purpose.

Source Book: The Natural by Bernard Malamud (Beware, this book has a different ending!)

Ghostbusters (1984 – Movie)

Yes, seriously. Ghostbusters may be a comedy, but it’s also a crash course in team chemistry, embracing oddballs, and showing that the best teams don’t always look the way you expect—but they get the job done.

Bonus recommendation: How to Win (2020) by Lee MJ Elias
This step-by-step guide to building championship culture is used by youth, college, and pro teams around the world. Written by me, it's a playbook for any leader building trust, connection, and results—on or off the ice.

Lee MJ Elias is a Youth.Inc ambassador and the award-winning host of Our Kids Play Hockey. With decades of experience coaching at the youth, collegiate, and professional levels, Lee has become one of the most trusted voices in team development.