Donnie Campbell

If the word “believe” resonates with you, chances are you’re a fan of the hit series Ted Lasso—the Emmy Award–winning show that proved optimism, values, and leadership still matter. What many audiences don’t realize is that Ted Lasso was inspired by a real coach—and a real leadership philosophy—long before it ever reached television screens.

Coach Donnie Campbell is a veteran Kansas educator, high school basketball coach, and leadership keynote speaker whose real-life coaching style helped shape the iconic character portrayed by Jason Sudeikis. Sudeikis publicly credited Campbell during an interview with Stephen Colbert, sharing how the wisdom, belief, and values he absorbed as a student-athlete in the late 1990s became foundational to the character he would later bring to life. At the time, Sudeikis played basketball at Shawnee Mission West High School, where Campbell was his coach—instilling lessons that would ultimately resonate with millions.

Today, Campbell brings that same belief-driven leadership to organizations seeking stronger culture, higher engagement, and sustained performance. Drawing on more than three decades in the classroom and on the court, he shows leaders how creating better people builds winning teams—translating trust, accountability, optimism, and values-based leadership into cultures where people and performance thrive.