Victor Mena’s Post

“If we manage to migrate our Christianity to the workplace, there will be a significant difference in our standards of living and in the out turn of our economy.” Mr. Emmanuel Baba Mahama pulled no punches when he addressed Christian professionals at the 9th Edition of the God as CEO Business Encounter. Use this link to learn more from this impactful presentation. https://lnkd.in/dg63Zm7F #GodAsCEO #business #businessencounter #ProfessionalGrowth #godasceobusinessencounter #christianvalues

Highly recommend reading this insightful Forbes article about my mentor and friend, Uncle Frederick "Skip" Burkle, Jr. , a true unsung hero. Learn about his remarkable contributions here: https://lnkd.in/dABG_s3k

In the annals of human history, few tactics have been as lauded and celebrated as "cutting and running." From ancient battlefields to modern boardrooms, this glorious strategy has been the go-to for those who cherish the sweet, sweet taste of immediate surrender. Just think of the times when history's greatest figures employed this noble tactic. Oh wait, you can’t, because they didn’t. Instead, they did the boring, old-fashioned thing of “staying the course.” Take Sun Tzu, for example. This revered #military #strategist who wrote "The Art of War" would have undoubtedly endorsed "cutting and running" if it weren't for his silly obsession with winning. His writings are filled with tedious maxims like, “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight,” which clearly discourages a well-timed dash to safety. As I often have said as a #businessman and sales manager, “You don’t quit after one bad month, quarter, or sales call.” Contrast this with the teachings of W. Edwards Deming, who droned on about "constancy of purpose" and the need for "continuous improvement." Imagine if Deming had just advocated for abandoning the #Japanese manufacturing industry when it hit rock bottom post-WWII. Instead, he encouraged them to stay the course, leading to Japan’s rise as a global economic power. In the world of literature and journalism, we turn to Hunter S. Thompson, a man who knew a thing or two about living on the edge. Even he, in his wild and gonzo wisdom, saw the merit in sticking it out. He once quipped, “When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.” Clearly, even in the face of overwhelming weirdness, Thompson advocated for doubling down rather than doubling back. Yet, despite these illustrious endorsements of perseverance, there remains a plucky subset of modern thinkers who champion the art of quitting. They romanticize the notion of “cut and run” as if it were the pinnacle of strategic brilliance. After all, why bother with the grind, the struggle, and the incremental progress when you can simply bail and declare it a learning experience? These modern-day #visionaries remind us that the true path to success is paved with the carcasses of abandoned projects and half-finished endeavors. Why stay the course when you can veer off-road at the slightest hint of a #pothole? It’s not like any significant achievements in history ever came from stubborn persistence or anything. So here’s to the quitters, the cut-and-runners, the brave souls who see a dark cloud and bolt before the rain even starts. Let us celebrate their foresight in abandoning ship, their unmatched talent for premature evacuation, and their remarkable ability to turn tail and flee with such grace. Remember, the next time you face #adversity, don’t look to the likes of #SunTzu, W. Edwards #Deming, or Hunter S. Thompson. Look instead to the wise sages of "cut and run." #NoMorePoliticsOnLinkedIn 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 https://lnkd.in/eJP6AjSz ☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️

I was asked last week what my biggest lesson has been so far. I demurred unless I could name two. The first lesson is that you and I are simultaneously not important and very important. When we look at our contributions statistically across time, combined with the contributions of others and other factors, our contribution is very small. But paradoxically, in one single moment, we can be utterly crucial and even determinant. One example is a man who appeared to be very unremarkable as a low-ranking soldier. Then suddenly, he leapt into action and saved the course of a battle, turning the tide through his leadership and winning a major decoration for valor. But when that man went home, he struggled with his memories and alcoholism, dying alone and unrecognized. Yet he had won the Victoria Cross, the highest medal for valor in the British and Commonwealth militaries. That lesson did more to teach me humility than anything else ever had to that point. I believe God used what I saw in analytics to save me from what had been a very inflated view of my own significance. The second lesson is that #Reality is, by definition, always true and relevant. I’ll illustrate this by comparing it to #illusion, which is not real. Many times it is a lie we perpetuate to ourselves and others. Given that, when we are #disillusioned about something or someone, it is like coming off a narcotic, a hallucinogen. That’s positive because being disillusioned means you’re expunging a lie from your life. But doing that is painful. Acknowledging the facts is painful. It may even be excruciating. It certainly is humbling, even humiliating. But after that, what’s left is real and solid and true. If these speak to you in the midst of what you’re dealing with, I’m grateful for that.

What would you do if you lost your wife and mother on the same day? Mr. Teddy Roosevelt is an inspiration to many. He is the perfect epitome of what a man should be. (He is my patron saint, actually!) Reading his biography has inspired me in many ways. When we read about success, a vital lesson is always overlooked. Roosevelt was sickly as a child, but with the encouragement of his father, he built his body and mind. He read a book a day! Exercised, rode horses, hunted, climbed mountains... too many things to explain here. The man was in the "fellowship of the doer.". But given his almost sheer manliness and knowledge, he should have won many things easily. But the reality was that he didn't. Roosevelt lost many elections, even though he strived like crazy. He gave eloquent speeches, but to no avail. Most of us reading his biography will understand that the man would be the top choice, but he wasn't. The insight from his life and that of many other great people is that those failures were not failures. Those doors were never opened because his way to destiny was through another door. If he had won those measly elections, who knows how many of us would have known him now. Of course, he lost his beloved first wife, and his mother all on the same day. But did he curl up and give up. No, not Roosevelt. He returned to his flamboyant style. He became assistant secretary of the Navy, then governor, and finally president of the United States of America. Lessons from his so called failures: -Always keep learning. -Always do, don't just talk. -Overcome depression with action. -If things don't work out, the door to greatness is still not open. PS: Go read The Rise of Roosevelt by Edmund Morris.

What a clarity of thoughts

Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" transcends the realm of military strategy, offering valuable lessons applicable to various aspects of life. Here are some key takeaways: 1. Know Yourself, Know Your Enemy: Thoroughly understand your strengths, weaknesses, and your opponent's capabilities to make informed decisions. 2. Choose Your Battles Wisely: Not all conflicts require engagement. Discern situations where diplomacy or avoidance might be more strategic than direct confrontation. 3. Deception and Adaptability are Key: Employing feints, misdirection, and strategic maneuvering can outwit your opponent. Remain flexible and adjust your plans as circumstances evolve. 4. Victory Without Conflict is Superior: The most successful outcome arises from achieving your objectives without bloodshed or unnecessary struggle. 5. Terrain and Timing are Crucial: Understanding the battlefield, its resources, and the opportune moment to strike are essential for victory. 6. Leadership and Discipline are Paramount: A strong, unified force led by a competent and disciplined leader increases your chances of success. 7. Logistics and Sustainability are Vital: Secure your supply lines, maintain morale, and ensure your operations are sustainable for the long term. 8. Know When to Stop: Recognize when victory is assured and avoid unnecessary losses by pursuing conflicts that no longer serve your goals. By understanding these core ideas and applying them creatively, you can gain valuable insights into navigating challenges and achieving success in various aspects of your life.

Leap of faith. For Nurkamila Akisheva, FCCA, CIA, a drive to embrace challenges led her to expand her professional horizons from the Eurasian Steppe to the Florida Everglades. Please read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gvYbnVU7