Lead Like Baba Voss: Leadership Lessons from the Blind Warrior

I decided to give 'See' another watch this weekend, and I was blown away by how much I learned about leadership from Baba and his crew. Imagine leading a tribe in a world where no one can see, survival is a daily battle, and your enemies are relentless. No, this isn’t your Monday morning team meeting—this is See, the hit post-apocalyptic series where Baba Voss shows us what true leadership looks like.

While you (hopefully) won’t need to wield a sword in the workplace, you will face challenges that test your leadership. Here’s how to lead like the blind warrior himself- the deeply loving dad.

1. Lead with Empathy-Not Just a Battle Cry

Baba Voss isn’t just a fierce warrior; he’s a leader who listens. When his tribe feared sighted individuals, he didn’t just bark orders—he built understanding. He knew that forcing change without empathy leads to rebellion (or worse, awkward Zoom calls where everyone’s silent).

💡 Workplace Application:

✔️ Listen like a leader: Don’t just wait for your turn to talk. Really hear what your team is saying.

✔️ Empathize, even when you don’t agree: People want to be understood, not just managed.

✔️ Create a "no fear" zone: Great ideas (and bad jokes) should be welcome at the table.

2. Diversity is a Superpower-Use It!

Baba Voss didn’t fear differences—he harnessed them. Sighted individuals were once seen as a threat, but he turned them into an asset. In today’s workplace, your team's unique skills and backgrounds aren’t weaknesses—they’re your greatest strength.

💡 Workplace Application:

✔️ Mix it up: The best teams aren’t clones of each other. (Imagine an army of you—scary, right?)

✔️ Find hidden talents: Your quietest employee might have the best ideas.

✔️ Make inclusivity the norm, not a buzzword: Everyone deserves a seat at the table, even if they prefer standing desks.

3. Loyalty is Earned, Not Demanded

Baba Voss didn’t ask his people to follow him—he made them want to. He led by example, protected his tribe at all costs, and proved he was in the fight with them, not above them. And no, you don’t have to fight off Witchfinders to build trust at work (but if you do, update your LinkedIn immediately).

💡 Workplace Application:

✔️ Lead from the trenches: If your team is grinding, don’t just cheer from the sidelines—help them push forward.

✔️ Trust is a two-way street: Be honest, be fair, and don’t micromanage (seriously, don’t).

✔️ Celebrate wins, big or small: Even if it’s just surviving another Monday.

4. Resilience: The Secret Weapon of Great Leaders

Baba Voss faced betrayals, losses, and enemies at every turn—but did he throw a pity party? Nope. He adapted, persevered, and kept his people moving forward. In leadership, resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship—it’s about inspiring others to rise above it.

💡 Workplace Application:

✔️ Turn setbacks into comebacks: No challenge is permanent (except maybe office printer jams).

✔️ Stay steady in chaos: Your team looks to you for confidence, not panic.

✔️ Make learning a habit: The best leaders are always evolving—just like that one project that never seems to end.

5. Lead with Courage—Even When the Path is Unclear

Baba Voss didn’t wait for perfect conditions to act. He made tough calls, took risks, and stood by his values, even when the odds were against him. If you wait for certainty, you’ll never move forward—whether in battle or in business.

💡 Workplace Application:

✔️ Make decisions with confidence: Waffling is great for breakfast, not leadership.

✔️ Take smart risks: Innovation doesn’t happen in the comfort zone.

✔️ Stand by your principles: Even when it’s easier to go with the flow.

Final Thought: Leadership is More Than Strength

Baba Voss proves that true leadership isn’t about power—it’s about people. Lead with empathy, embrace diversity, stay resilient, and inspire through action. And remember: While your battlefield may be the boardroom instead of the wilderness, the best leaders fight for their people, not just for victory.

💬 What’s the best leadership lesson you’ve learned from an unexpected place?