As the Boston Celtics gear up for another deep playoff run and the opportunity to defend their NBA title, Head Coach Joe Mazzulla continues to prove that great leaders don’t just manage talent—they maximize it. Constant adaptation, deep trust, and an unwavering belief that every player on his roster has a role to play in building a legacy has helped Mazzulla to once again make the Celtics a title contender.
Mazzulla has been meticulously refining his lineup, ensuring that every member of the team is ready to step up when the moment calls. His leadership was on full display in a matchup on Saturday against longtime rival, the Los Angeles Lakers. In a game that could have easily been just another chapter in the storied Celtics-Lakers rivalry, Mazzulla turned it into a proving ground for his stars, keeping Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the floor far longer than usual. But even beyond that, he went deep into his bench to work players who don’t always see the floor in high-profile games.
“There’s moments that you give those guys chances to be able to be a part of that,” Mazzulla said after the Celtics secured a victory. “Everybody on this roster is playing for a legacy. And you do it together, and I felt like tonight was a great moment for them to be able to compete at a high level for as long as they wanted to.”
That statement reveals a leader who isn’t just thinking about the next game—
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 13: (L-R) Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Jaylen Brown #7 of the ... [+] Boston Celtics celebrate after Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on May 13, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)Getty Images
he’s thinking about the bigger picture. Business leaders, take note: Mazzulla’s approach is a masterclass in fostering both short-term performance and long-term growth. He understands that to build a culture of excellence, you have to give your top players the room to lead and develop in real-time and you must be in development of your bench. He isn’t just coaching; he’s cultivating leadership from within.
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Leadership is often tested in adversity, and Mazzulla has had his share. Injuries have forced him to shuffle his lineup, yet the Celtics haven’t missed a beat. Against the Philadelphia 76ers last week, Boston dominated despite missing key players. The reason? Mazzulla has built a team where everyone is expected to be ready, where every player believes they can—and must—contribute when called upon.
For business leaders, this is a reminder that the strongest organizations are the ones that prepare for disruption. The best leaders don’t just rely on their superstars; they create an environment where even those in supporting roles feel empowered to step up when needed.
Neemias Queta, the Celtics’ center, may not be a household name yet, but his perspective on Mazzulla’s leadership reveals why the coach has earned deep trust from his players.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 03: Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics dunks the ball against Jeff ... [+] Green #32 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on January 03, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)Getty Images
“I just embrace it,” Queta recently told Sports Illustrated. “Joe is just a different type of coach. He comes in there and he will, so to speak, flip the script on how you're supposed to think, and it makes you go, ‘Okay, that makes a lot of sense. Okay, man, let’s go.’”
What Queta describes is a leader who challenges assumptions and redefines what’s possible. Business executives looking to inspire innovation should take a page from Mazzulla’s book—great leaders don’t just give directions; they challenge their teams to think differently, to see beyond their current limitations.
Even with his unorthodox techniques, Mazzulla has forged an unbreakable bond with his team thanks to the trust they share. Lynda Silsbee, an organizational effectiveness expert who founded the Alliance for Leadership Acceleration and the Leadership Acceleration Program and a fellow Forbes contributor, explains why this is key.
“The science of team building is clear: high-performance teams don’t happen by accident—they are intentionally designed and nurtured. By focusing on psychological safety, shared purpose, complementary skills, mutual accountability, and trust, you can create a team that is not just productive but truly extraordinary,” Silsbee wrote. “Leaders who understand the dynamics of team building unlock the potential in their people and drive performance to new heights.”
Mazzulla’s Celtics embody this philosophy. He has created an environment where players trust the process, embrace their roles, and hold each other to championship standards. His leadership isn’t about rigid strategies—it’s about creating a system that adapts, evolves, and thrives under pressure.
Ultimately, Mazzulla is doing more than just leading a team—he’s shaping a culture that he hopes will outlast his tenure. His players recognize it, and they appreciate the high standards he sets.
“He's just really trying to teach me how to play, play the right way, and I appreciate him for that,” Queta said. “I appreciate the level that he holds me up to.”
That’s the mark of a true leader—one who elevates those around them. Whether in sports or business, the best leaders don’t just chase wins. They build teams, foster accountability, and inspire individuals to play at a higher level than they ever thought possible.
Joe Mazzulla isn’t just coaching basketball—he’s teaching all of us about leadership, and business leaders would be wise to take notes.