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In times of geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological transformation, great ideas often emerge from bold attempts to distill complexity into actionable insight. The “18 Theses,” a collection of provocative assertions about the future of strategy, innovation, and global competition, serves as such a touchstone. Penned to spark debate and inspire creative responses to the challenges …
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As we step into the Christmas season—a time often associated with reflection, renewal, amazing grace, and hope—it provides a unique opportunity to consider the life and teachings of one of the most influential figures in history: Jesus of Nazareth. Regardless of personal beliefs or spiritual inclinations, Jesus’ philosophy transcends religious boundaries, influencing ethics, leadership, and …
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Discipline often stands misunderstood as mere adherence to rules or rigorous routine. True discipline, however, reveals itself in the quiet moments when we choose action over avoidance, especially in tasks we dislike or fear. It is in these moments that discipline becomes not just a tool for productivity but a defining trait of leadership. At …
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OR--Understanding the Four Noble Truths: A Reality Check for Leaders The Four Noble Truths are the foundation of Buddhist philosophy, but they also serve as a mirror reflecting the true nature of leadership. Let’s explore each one: The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Leadership is not for the faint of heart. It’s a journey filled with setbacks, …
MCG Podcast via LM Notebook Recently I came across a quote—"Bureaucracies are chronically mismanaged, bloated, and slow to act"— the source may have been Chip War by Chris Miller, a great book with a deep dive into the semiconductor industry’s geopolitical intricacies, similar themes are found in The Return of Great Powers by Jim Sciutto, …
What am I trying NOT TO DO… this question dives into Socratic thought, focusing on what it means to find one’s “daimon” (or guiding spirit) and to confront the often-unasked questions that reveal our deepest fears or tendencies to avoid certain truths or actions. LM Notebook Podcast, Click Above Imagine you’re navigating a maze, like …
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Introduction In leadership and management, whether in business, government, or military, having a well-structured long-term plan is essential for success. One popular model for this is the five-year plan, which provides a clear roadmap for achieving strategic goals over a set period. The concept originated with the Communist Soviet Union and is perhaps most famously …
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The war in Ukraine has provided critical insights into military strategy, technology, logistics, and geopolitics, with leading institutions like RAND Corporation, the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Harvard Kennedy School, ETH Zurich’s Center for Security Studies, and the National Defense University (NDU) actively analyzing these lessons. This conflict is reshaping global defense thinking, and while …
Being a rogue is often viewed with a mixture of admiration and suspicion. In the traditional sense, a rogue may be seen as someone who operates outside the norm, who challenges the status quo, or who refuses to conform to societal expectations. Yet, within the context of leadership, being a rogue can represent something more …
LM Notebook Podcast on Veteran of a Thousand Psychic War Come on... any Gen Xer remembers the movie Heavy Metal! Released in 1981, this cult classic animated film blended sci-fi, fantasy, and rock music, quickly earning a spot in pop culture. With its vivid imagery, adult themes, and interwoven tales of dystopia and heroism, Heavy …
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