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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 …
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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, …
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 …
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 …
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I often write these pieces to help wrap my head around complex concepts, and Gray War is one that has been on my mind lately. It seems to be a challenge the U.S. faces on multiple fronts, yet I’m not entirely sure what we are doing about it. Gray War, also known as Gray Zone …
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https://youtu.be/wgpytjlW5wU?si=kgvLE72IEKfp3-4q PODCAST on "Only Sith deal in absolutes" below The conflict between the Sith and the Jedi is the central narrative in the "Star Wars" saga, representing a profound philosophical and moral battle between two opposing forces. The Jedi, champions of balance, peace, and wisdom, stand against the Sith, who are driven by power, passion, …
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