We had not watched it, but having enjoyed the serial immensely in the past, I was looking forward to getting immersed in the world of the Logan family and Waystar RoyCo Media. But I was in for a surprise or rather a shock to the system, when I finally tuned in.
Seasons change. The distinctive opening soundtrack by Nicholas Britell rings a bell (the alarm variety) as I settle in to watch season 4. The storyline and script are as tight and engaging as they used to be. The production quality is superb. The show is packed with intrigue and unexpected plot twists, but I was not engrossed. I had the sudden inexplicable urge to turn my attention away and tune out from the show. I stamped out the feeling and kept watching.
I must watch myself. Days later, as I examine this more, I arrive at some possible conclusions. Maybe I felt like I wanted to distance myself from the world of lies, manipulation, greed, selfishness, and corruption that it seemed to be drawing me back into. How can one family member backstab another so badly? How can a person shift loyalties so quickly? How can such a toxic work culture be allowed to flourish? Does power corrupt? Is the media business part of the problem and part of the solution as well? Much that is wrong with the world seemed to jump out of the screen this time. Like the monsoon that brings with it gusts of wind and brooding, angry grey thunderclouds before the downpour gives relief to the blistering heat of summer, I sense something has changed within me. I was taken aback at my reaction to the new season of Succession.
In the past, I marvelled at the way boardroom manoeuvres and power plays helped navigate ruthless leaders through choppy waters. How narratives can be shifted by smart thinking. How quick and courageous decision-making and boldness of action are what leadership and winning are all about. I found the show shone a light on the many pulls and pushes that drive the media world and how powerful people use the power of communication to drive their agendas. Understanding the inner workings of this world and learning lessons about how to navigate it, was possibly part of the allure. Feeling that I had a ringside view in my small way, to this big bad world, made me feel plugged in.
“We see the world not as it is, but as we are…” is a quote that I am reminded of. The meaning I drew from the show in the past and the lessons learnt have somehow shifted. What does that say about me? What has shifted in me that has brought about this new and unexpected reaction to the show? It felt like I wanted to move away from this conflict-ridden world of ‘succession’ and not learn from it or about it anymore. Putting distance between myself and all the drama this TV drama represents seems important to me. “What makes it so?” I ask myself and the answer I get is that I need to stay alert and resist the temptation to get sucked in. One bite and before I know it, I will be hooked again. It will infect my thinking and draws me into the mindless pursuit of moments that seem like victory, but in the end, are hollow and ill-gotten.
A new season beckons. Holding on to the lessons learnt about the “real world” that ‘Succession’ effectively portrays is important. I can’t wish it away or run away from it. However, I can choose to focus my energy and attention on parts of that world that are hidden below the surface. Not necessarily the ones that grab the headlines but rather the ones that tug at heartstrings in quite honest moments of reflection. I must hold onto what my body told me when it said don’t get drawn back into that meaningless world. You have found a better place now, go and explore that world of goodness and kindness and strength of character some more.
Passive viewing Vs Learning that lasts: Getting comfortable passively viewing content that reconfirms my worldview is easy. That’s why there is so much content out there that I, and many others, love to doom scroll through. Active engagement and re-learning or exploring my world with curiosity and openness to accept different and sometimes uncomfortable points of view by participating in learning activities is much harder work. Research proves that this process of active learning leads to a shift in behaviour and mindset. In the book Think Again by Adam Grant, he writes “The researchers estimate that if the students who failed in lecture courses had participated in active learning, more than $3.5 million in tuition could have been saved”. This path of active learning, rather than passive media consumption is calling me. In an ear of fake news that is going to get a dose of steroids courtesy of generative AI, seems like a good time as any to pause, participate and ask questions.
The path to success, away from succession or towards it? Does that mean I won’t be watching season 4 of Succession? Not necessarily, I possibly will endure the season to learn about myself and understand more about what is triggering me. Spending time reflecting on what would have otherwise passed as a fleeting moment of discomfort and digging deeper to see what is going on is also part of active learning. The journey onwards and inwards continues, as the drama in the world of media that I know too well, unfolds. I must get familiar with what is not working in my world, and from this awareness and acceptance draw on all my resources to make it better.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
A trusted coaching and communications professional, Nikhil Dey is a certified life and leadership coach (International Coach Federation - ICF). Nurturing talent and helping clients achieve their goals is what makes him happy. He loves learning from students of communication, teaching courses and guest lecturing at various educational institutions. When he is not working you will find him on the tennis court or out for long walks with his family and four legged friends.
Previously he has held senior leadership positions at Weber Shandwick and Genesis BCW.
He can be reached on twitter @deydreaming
Be the first to comment on "Succession 4.0 and what’s not working in my world"