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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 …
Continue reading "But… Do You Have a Five Year Plan? The CCP Does–DeMarco Banter"
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 …
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, …
Continue reading "“Only Sith deal in absolutes” A Philosophical Approach—DeMarco Banter"
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