A Curator of Strategy, Leadership, Spirituality, and Rock and Roll…. "Changing the world…one "contact" at a time…."
Articles by me or at least mostly by me…
| May the 4th Celebration, 2025 A Galaxy Far, Far Awayโand Closer Than We Think Maybe I read too much into Star Wars--but every year on May the 4th, fans around the world come together to celebrate one of the most powerful myths of the modern era: Star Wars. It is more than just a film …
A New Wave Dystopia In the early 1980s, The Police crafted a sound that blended punk, reggae, and new wave into anthems that were more than just catchy melodies. Beneath the radio-friendly hits lay deeper, darker themesโalienation, war, political decay, and the struggle for meaning in an increasingly mechanized world. Three songs in particularโโฮฉmegaman,โ โSpirits …
The paradox is as old as artistry itself: groups that are forged in the fires of struggle often dissolve in the warmth of success. This truth spans domainsโfrom military units to start-ups, from revolutionary movements to legendary rock bands. The tighter the early fight, the stronger the bond. But when the fight is over, cohesion …
Introduction I was reading a book the other day and the topic of proto-anarchy was mentioned. Of course, I was likeโwhat? So I had to look it upโponder what does this mean for leadership, innovation, and strategy. The concept of anarchy has long been associated with chaos and disorder, yet its philosophical roots suggest a …
When I first took the job standing a new leadership department at the Air Command and Staff College, I knew I wanted to do more than just structure a syllabus or write a set of learning objectives. I wanted to build something with soul. Something that would help mid-career officers not just check boxes on …
Introduction: The Philosophical Depth of a Song The Grateful Deadโs Touch of Grey, beyond being a cultural touchstone and their only Top 10 hit, offers profound reflections on the human condition. With its famous refrain, "I will get by, I will survive," the song encapsulates a dual philosophical stanceโcombining the endurance of Stoicism with the …
Inspired by โHello Hurricaneโ by Switchfoot and Informed by Chaos Theory Oh, I've been watching the skies They've been turning blood red Not a doubt in my mind anymore There's a storm up ahead Hello hurricane Chaos Feels AwfulโUntil It Doesnโt Chaos is uncomfortable. Itโs disorienting. It can be terrifying. When life throws uncertainty our …
Continue reading "Opportunities in the Chaos: Finding Strength in the Storm"
Introduction The search for purpose is arguably one of humanityโs 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 Oneโs Purpose: Ancient Wisdom and Modern Inquiry โ 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 sportsโafter every major football game, there is an influx of โMonday morning quarterbacksโ who analyze every play with the benefit of hindsight, pointing out flaws without considering the immense difficulty of executing …
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"
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