Upon reenlistment in the Army after a 17-year break in service and a successful private sector career, I had no idea what Special Forces Selection Continue Reading
On the SpecOps Battlefield and in Business, Don’t “Believe,” Know
Only two types of confidence exist: the artificial and the real. The first is the far more common of the two, arising from either a need to feel Continue Reading
Special Forces, Entrepreneurship: Groupthink Kills
Equally, on the battlefields of war, startups, and politics, groupthink kills. There is no more destructive force than everyone at the table thinking Continue Reading
Special Forces, Entrepreneurship: The P.A.C.E. Business Plan
To quote one of my more colorful and influential Special Forces instructors during the train up for SF selection, who we will call ‘Mike’, “Have a Continue Reading
An Investor Goes to War: 7 “Key Truths” from a Green Beret
When I set out to join the U.S. Army Special Forces, better known as the 'Green Berets', I never imagined the skills and mental development as a Continue Reading
Special Forces, Entrepreneurship: Never Quit!
Growing up, despite my best attempts not to listen, the elders taught me nothing worth anything ever comes without a great price being paid. That is, Continue Reading
Special Forces: Intersection of the “Mind of the System” and “Mind of the Disruptor”
I did not surrender idealism when our only child was born, but rather I came to see the world and its strengths, flaws, and dangers specifically in Continue Reading
Modern Insurgency as a Lingering Effect of the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution, from the late 1700s through the early 1800s, was incidental, if not intentioned, the result of the Treaties of Münster and Continue Reading
Calm in Crisis: 5 lessons from Gunfights | Special Forces and Entrepreneurship
“Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.” This line has stuck with me for decades from one of my all-time favorite comedians Continue Reading
Get Over Yourself, You’re Not the Main Effort
SpecOps “Cool Guys” and first-time entrepreneurs “Cool Kids” suffer alike from the very same malady. Both believe they are the center of the universe, Continue Reading
Survive Crisis: 5 lessons from Gunfights | Special Forces and Entrepreneurship
“I called a detox center - just to see how much it would cost: $13,000 for three weeks! My friends, if you can come up with thirteen grand, you don't Continue Reading
Influence-based Leadership: Critical Importance of the Alpha
Mostly in the West and Far East, post-WWII, but increasing dramatically during the Vietnam War and after, the understanding, acceptance and role of Continue Reading