A Curator of Strategy, Leadership, Spirituality, and Rock and Roll…. "Changing the world…one "contact" at a time…."
"And you may ask yourself, ‘Well… how did I get here?’" – Talking Heads History doesn’t march forward in a straight line—it moves in cycles. From ancient Greece to modern America, civilizations rise, flourish, decline, and collapse, often repeating the same mistakes along the way. Anyone reading this blog knows it is something that has …
Continue reading "“Same as It Ever Was: History’s Cycle – DeMarco Banter”"
Introduction The search for purpose is arguably one of humanity’s oldest and most profound endeavors. Philosophers, theologians, and psychologists alike have sought to understand how individuals find meaning in their lives. From the dialogues of Socrates to contemporary studies in psychology, the question of purpose remains central to human existence. I just wanted to take …
Continue reading "Finding One’s Purpose: Ancient Wisdom and Modern Inquiry – DeMarco Banter"
When discussing leadership, innovation, strategy, or even everyday events, people often find it easier to critique than to create. Consider the world of sports—after every major football game, there is an influx of “Monday morning quarterbacks” who analyze every play with the benefit of hindsight, pointing out flaws without considering the immense difficulty of executing …
Continue reading "“Beyond the Wrecking Ball: Leadership, Strategy, and Innovation – DeMarco Banter”"
Okay, so this song was never really a favorite of mine, but I can distinctly recall the first couple of times I heard it. The haunting tune and ominous lyrics were captivating and odd at the same time. Back in 1984, I was living in the Bay Area, and London and the UK felt like …
Continue reading "West End Girls: A Cultural and Historical Reflection: DeMarco Banter"
History often provides valuable lessons for shaping the future, particularly in periods of rapid technological and strategic transformation. The interwar years (1919–1939) offer a compelling example of how the U.S. Navy innovated and adapted to prepare for an uncertain future. Faced with emerging technologies like aircraft carriers, submarines, and naval aviation, as well as strategic …
The demands of military service have always been shaped by the nature of war, the available technology, and the geopolitical context. In recent years, there has been significant discussion comparing what the United States accomplished during World War II and what it must do to prepare for future GPC (Great Power Competition) challenges. However, these …
Continue reading "The Evolution of Military Service: WWII to Today–DeMarco Banter"
The U.S. Air Force (USAF) is undergoing a transformative journey to address the complexities of modern warfare and maintain its strategic advantage in an era of Great Power Competition (GPC). The One Force Design framework serves as the cornerstone of this effort, unifying the Air Force’s approach to modernization, capability development, and operational readiness. With …
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the ability to innovate is not just a competitive advantage—it is a strategic imperative, particularly within the Department of Defense (DoD). Innovation in the DoD requires navigating complex, interconnected challenges that span technological, operational, geopolitical, and organizational domains. In this environment, the concept of the polymath—a person with extensive knowledge …
In The Origins of Victory, Andrew F. Krepinevich explores the pivotal role of innovation in securing and maintaining national security. Through compelling historical case studies, he demonstrates that nations that anticipate and adapt to change often secure decisive advantages. Among these case studies, one that resonates strongly today is the Fisher Revolution in late 19th and early 20th …
Maybe we just blame Starbucks? The other day, my son and I found ourselves deep in a conversation about the "death of the third place." As a good dad, I naturally slipped into professor mode, explaining how Howard Schultz and Starbucks sought to reimagine the third place—a welcoming space outside of home and work where …
Continue reading "The Death of the Third Place and the Decline of Empire: DeMarco Banter"
Mastermind Century Group 