Yes, you read that right. In 2025, just in time for this year’s local and national elections, we are pulling out some of the best leadership lines we took note of from the hit US series, Designated Survivor. As the series has been long defunct, and there’s pretty much nothing else we could say to describe the series that isn’t publicly available on the internet, so we’ll simply share with you the timeless lessons we gained from the show that could help us understand things better. Who knows? These lines may actually help you navigate through whatever situation you may be in.
“You can’t lead if you’re afraid to fail.”
Now, you don’t have to be the president of the country to embody the essence of this quote. Whether you are leading an entire nation or leading a team of five, part of the inherent vulnerability in leadership is knowing that failure is part of growth. It shows us angles and perspectives we don’t see, which in turn contribute to us becoming more adaptable to changes and demands of time.
“Sometimes, the hardest part is making the first choice. After that, the next one is easier.”
Comically, it could be as simple as choosing where or what to eat. However, this line further encapsulates that regardless of how big or small a decision needs to be made, making that first choice can feel overwhelming when weighed with responsibility.
“You always need to make time for the things that are important.”
It suggests that time doesn’t just “happen”—you have to be intentional about how you spend it. If you keep putting off what matters most, you risk losing sight of those priorities. By actively making time for what is important, you ensure that those things stay central in your life, even in the face of distractions or competing demands.
“In times of crisis, it’s not about what you think. It’s about what you do.”
Do you want to know the secrets behind the leaders who successfully weather the storm? It’s their urgency of action in times of distress or challenging situations. It’s knowing what needs to be done without hesitation or overthinking. Setting aside your personal opinion on things and upholding what’s right and what would bring the greater good is often always the right way to deal with crises.
“Our ideas don’t mean anything unless we’re willing to fight for them.”
This line encapsulates Kirkman’s deep belief in his country’s values—especially during a time of threat. In the general scheme of things, it reinforces that our principles or beliefs are not truly valuable or impactful unless we are ready to take action to defend or promote them, even when it’s difficult or requires sacrifice. Without that commitment, ideas can remain abstract and lack real-world impact.
“The truth is, there are no guarantees in life. You have to take the good with the bad.”
A reflection on life’s uncertainties, this quote underscores the resilience required to move forward despite the challenges and unpredictabilities we face.
“If you can’t trust your own people, you’re not leading, you’re just surviving.”
This quote cuts to the core of leadership: trust. It emphasizes how critical it is for leaders to have faith in their teams to function effectively.
“You don’t get to choose your battles. Sometimes, your battles choose you.”
This quote captures the helplessness of leadership, where situations beyond one’s control can force difficult decisions and challenges into your lap.
“Leadership is not about being right all the time. It’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.”
Leadership is more about moral courage than being infallible. People tend to gravitate towards leaders who they can count on will do the right thing when everybody else would go for the easiest choice.
“The best leaders are the ones who lead with empathy, even when the world demands toughness.”
This quote speaks to the delicate balance of leadership, where showing empathy is just as important as making tough decisions, and how those who lead with understanding are often the most effective.
“You can’t win by playing defense. You win by controlling the game.”
The quote speaks to the proactive nature of leadership, controlling the course of events by taking initiative. One is not going to make it in life or in any competitive situation by just reacting to challenges or fending off attacks. To really “win,” you have to proactively take control of the situation and be the one setting the terms, making the moves, and shaping the outcome.
Playing defense, in the wider sense, means waiting for things to happen and trying to counter them, which keeps you, more often than not, in a reactive stance. To “control the game” implies being assertive in making decisions, leading boldly, and hence being strategic in bringing about how things unfold. It is about taking charge and being strategic rather than being in a mode to just survive or fight off challenges.
