October 24, 2013 Running an international research group and leadership institute keeps me constantly curious about the world and trying to understanding it. It’s one of the few things in life that keep me constantly engaged and leaning forward. (Want to know the few other things or people who can keep me leaning forward and … Continue reading Random Global Information
Trend Watching
Lately I’ve been doing some work preparing for Global Next’s January conference in Athens, Greece. The theme of the conference is “Connecting the Dots” where we will spend a lot of time talking about worldviews and trends ranging from generational shifts, social trends, entertainment progressions, and trends in ”spirituality.” I can’t think of a better … Continue reading Trend Watching
Getting What You Want
Recently I was speaking with some former interns of my organization about what they really wanted out of life. The answers ranged from strengthening their faith, figuring out a meaningful future, reaching professional goals and creating valuable relationships. Here’s the problem: Everyone wants something, but we don’t always know how to get it. So, what’s the … Continue reading Getting What You Want
Al-Qaeda Terrorist Captured Instead of “Droned.” Why the Shift in US Strategy?
On October 5th the US conducted two raids to capture high-value targets in Africa, one in Libya and the other in Somalia. The raid in Somalia netted nothing, but the incursion in Libya turned up Nazih Abdul-Hamed al-Ruqai, aka Abu Anas al-Libi - who was arrested and is apparently on the USS San Antonio being … Continue reading Al-Qaeda Terrorist Captured Instead of “Droned.” Why the Shift in US Strategy?
Global Update by the Numbers
Every now and again, it’s interesting to take a raw look at the numbers of the world - and what those numbers might mean. So here’s my first-ever “Global Update by the Numbers.” 7.18 Billion: Current global population - world population reached 7 billion on October 31, 2011. Meaning: There are lots of people around! … Continue reading Global Update by the Numbers
“Jumping Shadows and Training Leaders” The Global Next Oxford Conference
I just finished a week in England with 42 student leaders and educators at our “Jump Your Shadow” Conference, held at St. Antony’s College, Oxford University. As always, it was an amazing time of seeing the world, stretching the way people think about leadership and interacting with the world that exists outside one’s comfort zone. … Continue reading “Jumping Shadows and Training Leaders” The Global Next Oxford Conference
Syrian President Assad: Brilliant Politician
(Photo by Spencer Irvine) How do you wage a civil war, get accused of using chemical weapons on your citizens, avoid a US military strike, admit that you actually have chemical weapons, sit for two US televised interviews and pretty much guarantee that you’ll stay in power? Ask Mr. Bashar al-Assad - because that’s exactly … Continue reading Syrian President Assad: Brilliant Politician
Guns, Violence and Distractions
A gunman opened fire at the Washington Navy Yard on Monday, September 16th. Thirteen people are dead - including the gunman. At least eight others were injured. Aaron Alexis, from Fort Worth, Texas was identified as the gunman. It’s been reported that he was a Navy reservist, but had been discharged for a pattern of … Continue reading Guns, Violence and Distractions
Benghazi: One Year Out
It’s the 12th anniversary of 9/11 - a dozen years have passed. 9/11 has definitively changed the world and the way people look at safety, security, terrorism, radicalism and how nations interact with one another and against one another. But today is also the one year anniversary of another event: The murder of US Ambassador … Continue reading Benghazi: One Year Out
Leadership in Lexington
I’ve just returned from Lexington, Kentucky where I spent a week speaking for and working with the students and teachers of Lexington Christian Academy, a large private school in Blue Grass country. The week was filled with lectures and classes that ran the gamut from personality profiling and leadership philosophy to cultural shifts and geopolitical … Continue reading Leadership in Lexington
The Global Nexter 