The Discipline Imperative: Lessons in Leadership from Philosophy and History

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 …

“Veteran of a Thousand Psychic Wars” BOC and What Does it Mean Today: DeMarco Banter

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 …

Trying to Understand Hunter’s Empathy: DeMarco Banter

LM Notebook Podcast on Hunter's Empathy Introduction I recently attended an incredible seminar with the USAF's Pathfinder and Everest Programs at the Navy Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, and was blown away by the talent and deep thinking within the group. One of the standout concepts discussed was Hunter's Empathy. From what I gathered, the …

Coffee, Aristotle, and Leadership: Gardening at Night, Planting Seeds to Cultivating Greatness: DeMarco Banter

Sitting on my back porch, a warm cup of coffee in hand, I found myself immersed in a summary of Aristotle’s De Anima(On the Soul). As I sipped and read, the philosopher's discussion of the hierarchies of life sparked a thought: could these ancient concepts be applied to leadership? Over the years, having been not …

Strategic Insights for U.S. Engagement with China: Understanding and Leveraging National Cognitive Styles–Neo-DeMarcoian Thought

In the complex and dynamic arena of international relations, the concept of national cognitive style plays a crucial role in shaping how countries perceive and respond to global challenges. Cognitive style refers to the characteristic ways in which societies, influenced by their cultural, historical, and political contexts, process information, make decisions, and approach problems. Understanding …

Reading The Leadership, Innovation, and Strategic Tea Leaves in Recent Articles and Reports: DeMarco Banter

As I read through the following articles from RAND, two former Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs, and others, it is essential to ponder the themes, ideas, concepts, and strategies that emerge: RAND Commission on the National Defense Strategy Axios: "U.S. not ready for global war, commission warns" Foreign Affairs: "America Isn’t Ready for the Wars …

Exploring Strategic Parallels: Shì, The Force, Coup d’Å“il, and Modern Geopolitics: DeMarco Banter.

While reading Michael Pillsbury's book, "The Hundred-Year Marathon," I began to ponder—if the CCP utilizes the concept of shì, what does the West or the US rely on? This reflection led me to consider Carl von Clausewitz's "On War" and the concept of coup d'Å“il (and The Force—for just a second). Michael Pillsbury is a …

Embracing Innovation: The Essential Role of Destiny: DeMarco Banter

I am fortunate to have several individuals whom I can call to bounce off ideas and concepts, and of course, listen to their insights. Among these valued connections is Jeff DeGraff, an innovator with years of experience. During one of our recent conversations, as we wrapped up our call, Jeff imparted a profound statement: "There …