“Conclave” as a Job Training Film? Business Lessons from the Big Screen

In the days and hours leading up to the white smoke rising from the Vatican, a Politico story about some cardinals reportedly watching Conclave to brush up on their papal election knowledge had people buzzing in all walks of life. Could the Oscar-nominated thriller following a group of cardinals locked in the Vatican and picking the next pope amid secrets, power plays and a few surprises, really be a workplace training film? Yes…and you might be surprised that your workplace is included.

While Conclave is set in a world of red robes and sacred vows, there are plenty of lessons that hit home for anyone in today’s professional world. Whether you’re a job seeker hunting for the perfect gig, a manager steering your team through chaos, or an employee aiming to shine, Conclave offers five universal takeaways to help you thrive in any professional scene.

Stay True to Your Values No Matter the Circumstance

Ralph Fiennes’s Cardinal Thomas Lawrence faces a heavy ethical dilemma when a confession drops a bombshell that could tilt the papal vote. His struggle to balance duty and truth is a reminder that integrity is non-negotiable. Job seekers, scope out companies with solid ethical vibes—do your homework, and connect with experienced recruiters for guidance as well. Managers, lead by example, making decisions that scream integrity, even when the pressure’s on. Employees, keep your moral compass steady, whether you’re handling sensitive data or spotting shady shortcuts. In any workplace, integrity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s your ticket to trust and respect.

Master the Art of Office Politics (Without Selling Your Soul)

The cardinals in Conclave are pros at office politics, striking deals and whispering campaigns to sway the vote. Whether you like it or not, workplaces are full of power plays, and being able to recognize and navigate them smartly is key. Job seekers, dig into a company’s culture—LinkedIn chats with current employees can reveal the vibe. Managers, squash behavior and champion teamwork and fair interactions among team members—according to Gallup, fairness boosts productivity by 20%. Employees, build connections across teams, but keep it real—gossip and sharing confidential information are career killers.

Lead with Calm Conviction When the Heat’s On

Lawrence’s job as conclave organizer is no cakewalk—he’s got to keep things steady while delivering a game-changing homily. His cool-headed leadership under pressure is a lesson for us all. Job seekers, flex your problem-solving chops in interviews—according to a Forbes article, more than 60% of employers are looking for evidence of problem-solving skills. Managers, guide your teams with clarity during crunch times—calm leadership can help team members in problem-solving and making decisions. Employees, seize chances to lead, whether it’s a project or a team huddle. In the professional world, conviction makes you a workplace MVP.

Bounce Back and Roll with Change

Conclave throws plenty of curveballs as scandal and outside chaos shake the election. The cardinals’ ability to adapt on the fly mirrors many of today’s workplaces, where change is the only constant. Job seekers, highlight your flexibility—employers crave people who pivot without panic. Managers, build a team that embraces setbacks as learning moments and see how resilient workplace cultures thrive and lead to transformation. Employees, stay nimble, whether it’s mastering new tech or shifting priorities. Resilience is a superpower, turning “uh-oh” moments into opportunities.

Keep It Open and Own Your Actions

We don’t want to spoil things here, but when a certain voting scheme blows up in Conclave, it’s a stark reminder that secrecy can destroy trust. Transparency and accountability are workplace gold. Job seekers, hunt for companies that share decisions openly. Managers, communicate clearly and welcome feedback. Employees, take ownership for both your wins and your slip-ups—owning it builds credibility. In any organization, being upfront and accountable creates teams that click, not clash.

Conclave may unfold in the Vatican, but its lessons offers universal workplace wisdom. From sticking to your values to bouncing back from chaos, these takeaways can power up your career and elevate your workplace, whether you’re landing a job, leading a team or striving to make your mark as the right person in a world where the Right People are the Answer.