Podcasts about observes

The Gemini South Observatory, using adaptive optics, has captured stunning new images of meandering stellar jets. The sidewinding appearance is likely caused by gravitational influences of nearby companion stars. Plus, exoplanet news and a review of a Canon lens.   We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs.  Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too!  Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations.  Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at info@365DaysOfAstronomy.org.

In this episode, host Dan Sixsmith interviews Marilee Bear the CRO at Gainsight. Marilee reflects on her first year at the helm, discussing the company's impressive growth trajectory, recent strategic acquisitions, and the challenges and opportunities presented by a major leadership transition. Marilee shares actionable strategies for improving net revenue retention, such as leveraging data-driven insights, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and investing in customer education. The conversation also explores the impact of AI on sales processes. Marilee offers candid leadership insights, discussing the importance of transparency, adaptability, and building a culture of continuous learning. She also recounts her career journey, from her early ambitions and formative experiences to the pivotal moments that led her to lead a major SaaS company, offering advice for aspiring leaders in the tech industry.Timestamps:Welcome and Introductions (00:00:01) Dan welcomes Marilee Bear who reflects on her first year at Gainsight, company growth, and recent leadership changes.Company Growth, Acquisitions, and Leadership Transition (00:00:30) Marilee discusses acquisitions, repositioning Gainsight for growth, and the CEO transition from Nick Mehta to Chuck Apathy.Team Structure and Business Unit Model (00:02:04) Explanation of new hires, business unit model, and leadership structure within product and customer success teams.Integrating Customer Success into Revenue Organization (00:03:21) Describes shifting customer success under the revenue team and the industry trend of CS as a revenue driver.Defining Roles and Realigning the Revenue Team (00:05:25) Outlines the jobs-to-be-done exercise, clarifying roles across sales, CS, and other go-to-market functions.Customer Success as a Pipeline Engine (00:06:24) Details how CS now contributes to pipeline generation and the metrics used to measure CSM impact.Net Revenue Retention (NRR) Challenges (00:07:29) Discussion of industry-wide NRR declines and the need for strategic retention and value delivery.Retention Strategies and Multi-threading (00:08:21) Emphasizes proactive retention, business value demonstration, and multi-threading within customer organizations.Competitive Landscape and Expansion Focus (00:12:29) Explains how competition now includes internal build vs. buy, and the importance of expansion within existing customers.Convergence of Sales and Customer Success Roles (00:13:53) Observes the merging responsibilities of CS and sales, with CS teams adopting more sales-like approaches.State of B2B Sales and Impact of AI (00:14:25) Explores ongoing challenges in B2B sales, the impact of generative AI, and the need for business acumen.Reaching C-level Executives and Sales Best Practices (00:17:00) Shares the difficulty of accessing executives, the importance of detective work, and value-driven outreach.Effective Sales Outreach to Executives (00:19:12) Marilee describes what makes sales outreach compelling: offering choices, concise meetings, and understanding executive preferences.Marilee's Career Journey (00:21:31) Covers her early ambitions, work history from restaurants to Oracle, Akamai, Zendesk, and her path to Gainsight.Retention and Customer Success Experience (00:25:54) Highlights her experience with retention at Akamai, building CS teams, and her initial exposure to Gainsight.Key Career Lessons and Leadership Growth (00:28:54) Shares lessons on authenticity, operational rigor, and the importance of direct feedback and self-improvement.Leadership Philosophy and Team Management (00:33:58) Discusses leading diverse teams, empathy, balancing encouragement with accountability, and fostering a feedback culture.Definition of Success (00:36:00) Marilee defines success as delivering the best outcomes for customers, company, and self, in that order.Closing Remarks (00:36:43) Dan thanks Marilee, wraps up the episode, and previews future collaborations.

CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S PLANS FOR THE DOD 10-1-25 FIRST HOUR 9-915 Colonel Jeff McCausland observes that Europe is preparing to deal with Russia's hybrid warfare (drones, cyber, incursions) independently, driven by the belief that the Trump administration is prioritizing homeland defense. European leaders are discussing a "drone wall" and achieving 5% GDP defense spending. McCausland also analyzes the 20-point Gaza peace plan, which involves an immediate hostage release, phased Israeli withdrawal, and a multinational peacekeeping force, noting Russia would likely gain from regional stabilization. 915-930  Colonel Jeff McCausland observes that Europe is preparing to deal with Russia's hybrid warfare (drones, cyber, incursions) independently, driven by the belief that the Trump administration is prioritizing homeland defense. European leaders are discussing a "drone wall" and achieving 5% GDP defense spending. McCausland also analyzes the 20-point Gaza peace plan, which involves an immediate hostage release, phased Israeli withdrawal, and a multinational peacekeeping force, noting Russia would likely gain from regional stabilization. 930-945  Andrew McCarthy and Thaddeus McCotter discuss James Comey potentially being a target of the Trumpadministration, focusing on charges of lying to Congress under the broader false statements statute (1001), rather than traditional perjury. Proof of "willfulness" is required, which signifies a heightened mental state and understanding of illegality. They also analyze the Supreme Court's delay in ruling on President Trump's effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, deferring oral arguments until January.Preview: Andrew McCarthy and Thaddeus McCotter discuss James Comey potentially being a target of the Trumpadministration, focusing on charges of lying to Congress under the broader false statements statute (1001), rather than traditional perjury. Proof of "willfulness" is required, which signifies a heightened mental state and understanding of illegality. They also analyze the Supreme Court's delay in ruling on President Trump's effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, deferring oral arguments until January. 945-1000  Andrew McCarthy and Thaddeus McCotter discuss James Comey potentially being a target of the Trumpadministration, focusing on charges of lying to Congress under the broader false statements statute (1001), rather than traditional perjury. Proof of "willfulness" is required, which signifies a heightened mental state and understanding of illegality. They also analyze the Supreme Court's delay in ruling on President Trump's effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, deferring oral arguments until January.Preview: Andrew McCarthy and Thaddeus McCotter discuss James Comey potentially being a target of the Trumpadministration, focusing on charges of lying to Congress under the broader false statements statute (1001), rather than traditional perjury. Proof of "willfulness" is required, which signifies a heightened mental state and understanding of illegality. They also analyze the Supreme Court's delay in ruling on President Trump's effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, deferring oral arguments until January. SECOND HOUR 10-1015  Colonel Grant Newsham assesses South Korea's leftist President Yoon Suk Yeol, describing him as pro-China and anti-US, despite his vow to increase defense spending. Newsham views this spending partly as a tactical ploy to avoid reliance on US troops. Separately, he highlights Chinese influence and rampant corruption in the US territory of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), which is brazenly seeking $100 million from the USdespite $1.6 billion having vanished. 1015-1030  Colonel Grant Newsham assesses South Korea's leftist President Yoon Suk Yeol, describing him as pro-China and anti-US, despite his vow to increase defense spending. Newsham views this spending partly as a tactical ploy to avoid reliance on US troops. Separately, he highlights Chinese influence and rampant corruption in the US territory of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), which is brazenly seeking $100 million from the USdespite $1.6 billion having vanished. 1030-1045 Brandon Weichert analyzes the growing threat of space warfare, referencing Russia's satellites shadowing German intelligence satellites and the Sino-Russian "no limits partnership." He explains that co-orbital satellites can render ground forces "deaf, dumb and blind." Weichert suggests developing small, cheap "bodyguard satellites" alongside France to protect sensitive US military constellations, acknowledging that space technology is inherently dual-use. 1045-1100 David Maxwell discusses South Korea's military spending increase, the largest in over 15 years, which supports the goal of developing independent warfighting capabilities and transitioning operational control (OPCON). He clarifies that the complexity of OPCON transfer is often misunderstood as a sovereignty issue. Maxwell notes that North Korea is thriving due to growing support from China and Russia, making Kim Jong-un less motivated to normalize relations with the United States. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Preview: Professor John Yoo examines US missile attacks on alleged Venezuelan drug boats, differentiating military force (war) from law enforcement (crime). He suggests that if the Maduro regime is using drug cartels like Tren de Aragua as instruments of attack against the US, it constitutes a state of war, justifying military action. Yoo argues that the president can use force defensively without seeking a declaration of war if the US is attacked first, even unconventionally. 1115-1130 Professor John Yoo examines US missile attacks on alleged Venezuelan drug boats, differentiating military force (war) from law enforcement (crime). He suggests that if the Maduro regime is using drug cartels like Tren de Aragua as instruments of attack against the US, it constitutes a state of war, justifying military action. Yoo argues that the president can use force defensively without seeking a declaration of war if the US is attacked first, even unconventionally. 1130-1145 Preview: Bob Zimmerman details SpaceX's target of October 13th for the next Starship Super Heavy orbital test flight, which will focus on testing various engine firing configurations during the Super Heavy booster's return. He reports significant setbacks for competitors, including an explosion during a Firefly Alpha static fire test and NASA canceling the cargo contract for Sierra Space's Dream Chaser due to over a year of unexplained silence and delays. 1145-1200 Bob Zimmerman details SpaceX's target of October 13th for the next Starship Super Heavy orbital test flight, which will focus on testing various engine firing configurations during the Super Heavy booster's return. He reports significant setbacks for competitors, including an explosion during a Firefly Alpha static fire test and NASA canceling the cargo contract for Sierra Space's Dream Chaser due to over a year of unexplained silence and delays. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Patrycja Bazylczyk defines the Golden Dome as a reorientation of US missile defense policy to counter next-generation threats from near-peer adversaries, Russia and China. The defense, which involves a space component (HBTSS), supports the nuclear triad by strengthening deterrence through both denial and punishment. She notes that critics argue the program is unaffordable (estimated $175 billion) and destabilizing, but stresses the need for sustained, bipartisan funding to build the necessary architecture. 1215-1230 Patrycja Bazylczyk defines the Golden Dome as a reorientation of US missile defense policy to counter next-generation threats from near-peer adversaries, Russia and China. The defense, which involves a space component (HBTSS), supports the nuclear triad by strengthening deterrence through both denial and punishment. She notes that critics argue the program is unaffordable (estimated $175 billion) and destabilizing, but stresses the need for sustained, bipartisan funding to build the necessary architecture. Preview: Patricia Scialabba defines the Golden Dome as a reorientation of US missile defense policy to counter next-generation threats from near-peer adversaries, Russia and China. The defense, which involves a space component (HBTSS), supports the nuclear triad by strengthening deterrence through both denial and punishment. She notes that critics argue the program is unaffordable (estimated $175 billion) and destabilizing, but stresses the need for sustained, bipartisan funding to build the necessary architecture. 1230-1245 Preview: General Blaine Holt discusses the Pentagon's push to double missile production for potential conflict, noting that US weapon stocks were depleted following aid to Ukraine. He emphasizes the critical need for procurement reform and securing domestic supply chains for materials like steel and aluminum. Holt also addresses the military's shift back to a "warrior ethos" away from "woke" culture, suggesting this change is already leading to honorable resignations and retirements among senior officers. 1245-100 AM Preview: Rick Fisher describes Victor Gao as a "Han envoy" used in China's "cognitive warfare" to spread propaganda, including the claim that China has the world's most powerful military. Gao falsely claimed China possesses a "super weapon," the DF-61, armed with 61 nuclear warheads, capable of reaching any global point in 20 minutes. Fisher also analyzes the propaganda surrounding the new Fujian aircraft carrier, noting that claims of its superiority over the USS Ford are easily refutable.

 Colonel Jeff McCausland observes that Europe is preparing to deal with Russia's hybrid warfare (drones, cyber, incursions) independently, driven by the belief that the Trump administration is prioritizing homeland defense. European leaders are discussing a "drone wall" and achieving 5% GDP defense spending. McCausland also analyzes the 20-point Gaza peace plan, which involves an immediate hostage release, phased Israeli withdrawal, and a multinational peacekeeping force, noting Russia would likely gain from regional stabilization. 1941 ATLANTIC CHARTER

 Colonel Jeff McCausland observes that Europe is preparing to deal with Russia's hybrid warfare (drones, cyber, incursions) independently, driven by the belief that the Trump administration is prioritizing homeland defense. European leaders are discussing a "drone wall" and achieving 5% GDP defense spending. McCausland also analyzes the 20-point Gaza peace plan, which involves an immediate hostage release, phased Israeli withdrawal, and a multinational peacekeeping force, noting Russia would likely gain from regional stabilization. 1863 CULPEPPER VIRGINIA

In this episode, we have the privilege of hearing Jim Neitzel's remarkable journey as he adapts to life and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after losing his eyesight. We explore how Jim's unique perspective transforms not just his martial arts practice, but also his approach to communication, listening, and teaching others. Through powerful stories and actionable insights, we discover the importance of contextual awareness, nonverbal communication, and finding the elegant solution in life's challenges. Timestamps: (00:00) - Introducing Jim Neitzel and his journey with vision loss.(05:06) - Jim explains adapting to progressive blindness.(09:16) - Emphasizing the mindset of "learning your way out" of challenges.(13:55) - Jim discusses adapting Jiu Jitsu training as his vision deteriorated.(15:59) - Enhancing listening skills and using other senses in Jiu Jitsu.(18:16) - Techniques for listening to instruction and inferring details.(22:41) - Listening to nonverbal cues like breathing during grappling.(26:35) - The importance of context in both martial arts and communication.(37:01) - Jim shares his approach to teaching Jiu Jitsu for diverse learning styles.(52:34) - Adopting a counterpuncher's mindset for communication and problem-solving.Links and Resources:www.JimNeitzel.com www.LakesideBJJ.comSponsor Links:InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

PREVIEW: GUEST NAME: Anatol Lieven SUMMARY: John Batchelor and Anatol Lieven discuss the UK political landscape, noting the decline of the Labourand Tory parties. Lieven observes that both established parties are unpopular, losing voters and MPs to more extreme factions. The rise of Nigel Farage's Reform Party on the right and Jeremy Corbyn's party on the left signifies a shift, with these parties now seen as more convincing representatives of their respective ideologies. 1828 DOWNING STREET

Jim McTague reports from Lancaster County, PA, challenging the narrative of an economic slowdown. He shares examples of busy local businesses like "Phil the painter" who has never been busier. McTague observes a trend of housing price cuts, but notes vibrant local tourism and events. He highlights the significant economic boost from two new data centers, creating 600-1000 construction jobs and 150 permanent positions, bringing the county into the 21st century. 1910 BRADDOCK

Jonathan Conricus observes Qatar's unprecedented move to engage beyond conventional tools, which Israel is closely monitoring. He suggests Israel's recent strike could signify a new deterrence doctrine, making Hamas leaders in Doha more vulnerable. This pressure might compel Hamas to accept Israel's terms for ending the conflict, which include releasing hostages and surrendering, thereby preventing further destruction and suffering in Gaza, despite the significant costs involved for Israel. 1904 DOHA

CONTINUED Jonathan Conricus observes Qatar's unprecedented move to engage beyond conventional tools, which Israel is closely monitoring. He suggests Israel's recent strike could signify a new deterrence doctrine, making Hamas leaders in Doha more vulnerable. This pressure might compel Hamas to accept Israel's terms for ending the conflict, which include releasing hostages and surrendering, thereby preventing further destruction and suffering in Gaza, despite the significant costs involved for Israel. 1585 GAZA

WBZ NewsRadio's Suzanne Sausville reports.

AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports on the latest from a streetcar crash in Lisbon.

WBZ NewsRadio's Mike Macklin reports.

Preview: Russia. Colleague Victoria Coates of the Heritage Foundation observes the Kremlin refusal to negotiate with Zelensky. More tonight. 1942

John & Gordy join from Madison to talk about some international affairs after Trump gave Putin a photo op. Dr. Kristin Lyerly joins the show from a hotel as she travels back from her conference in Peru. She shares details on her experiences there and some observations about democracy. Also: Civic Media's Jane Matenaer checks in. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Dr. Kristin Lyerly

He that observes the Wind – By Laurence Torr Another new month and time goes quickly, and God is at work directing and guiding and showing us His heart and how we can live and move and have our being in Him more perfectly as we practise our faith in our daily living.  I was reminded of a scripture in Ecclesiastes 11:4 and was inspired to share what God was inspiring in me, what a great encouragement to begin this new month of August, enjoy and as you Listen.   Give/ Honour God  https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/laurencetorr Visit Our Website http://www.graceloveandtruth.com/ Visit Our YouTube Channel Here http://www.youtube.com/laurencetorr

Welcome back to Snafu w/ Robin Zander.  In this episode, I'm joined by Brian Elliott, former Slack executive and co-founder of Future Forum. We discuss the common mistakes leaders make about AI and why trust and transparency are more crucial than ever. Brian shares lessons from building high-performing teams, what makes good leadership, and how to foster real collaboration. He also reflects on raising values-driven kids, the breakdown of institutional trust, and why purpose matters. We touch on the early research behind Future Forum and what he'd do differently today. Brian will also be joining us live at Responsive Conference 2025, and I'm excited to continue the conversation there. If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, get them here. What Do Most People Get Wrong About AI? (1:53) “Senior leaders sit on polar ends of the spectrum on this stuff. Very, very infrequently, sit in the middle, which is kind of where I find myself too often.”  Robin notes Brian will be co-leading an active session on AI at Responsive Conference with longtime collaborator Helen Kupp. He tees up the conversation by saying Brian holds “a lot of controversial opinions” on AI, not that it's insignificant, but that there's a lot of “idealization.” Brian says most senior leaders fall into one of two camps: Camp A: “Oh my God, this changes everything.” These are the fear-mongers shouting: “If you don't adopt now, your career is over.” Camp B: “This will blow over.” They treat AI as just another productivity fad, like others before it. Brian positions himself somewhere in the middle but is frustrated by both ends of the spectrum. He points out that the loudest voices (Mark Benioff, Andy Jassy, Zuckerberg, Sam Altman) are “arms merchants” – they're pushing AI tools because they've invested billions. These tools are massively expensive to build and run, and unless they displace labor, it's unclear how they generate ROI. believe in AI's potential and  aggressively push adoption inside their companies. So, naturally, these execs have to: But “nothing ever changes that fast,” and both the hype and the dismissal are off-base. Why Playing with AI Matters More Than Training (3:29) AI is materially different from past tech, but what's missing is attention to how adoption happens. “The organizational craft of driving adoption is not about handing out tools. It's all emotional.” Adoption depends on whether people respond with fear or aspiration, not whether they have the software. Frontline managers are key: it's their job to create the time and space for teams to experiment with AI. Brian credits Helen Kupp for being great at facilitating this kind of low-stakes experimentation. Suggests teams should “play with AI tools” in a way totally unrelated to their actual job. Example: take a look at your fridge, list the ingredients you have, and have AI suggest a recipe. “Well, that's a sucky recipe, but it could do that, right?” The point isn't utility,  it's comfort and conversation: What's OK to use AI for? Is it acceptable to draft your self-assessment for performance reviews with AI? Should you tell your boss or hide it? The Purpose of Doing the Thing (5:30) Robin brings up Ezra Klein's podcast in The New York Times, where Ezra asks: “What's the purpose of writing an essay in college?” AI can now do better research than a student, faster and maybe more accurately. But Robin argues that the act of writing is what matters, not just the output. Says: “I'm much better at writing that letter than ChatGPT can ever be, because only Robin Zander can write that letter.” Example: Robin and his partner are in contract on a house and wrote a letter to the seller – the usual “sob story” to win favor. All the writing he's done over the past two years prepared him to write that one letter better. “The utility of doing the thing is not the thing itself – it's what it trains.” Learning How to Learn (6:35) Robin's fascinated by “skills that train skills” – a lifelong theme in both work and athletics. He brings up Josh Waitzkin (from Searching for Bobby Fischer), who went from chess prodigy to big wave surfer to foil board rider. Josh trained his surfing skills by riding a OneWheel through NYC, practicing balance in a different context. Robin is drawn to that kind of transfer learning and “meta-learning” – especially since it's so hard to measure or study. He asks: What might AI be training in us that isn't the thing itself? We don't yet know the cognitive effects of using generative AI daily, but we should be asking. Cognitive Risk vs. Capability Boost (8:00) Brian brings up early research suggesting AI could make us “dumber.” Outsourcing thinking to AI reduces sharpness over time. But also: the “10,000 repetitions” idea still holds weight – doing the thing builds skill. There's a tension between “performance mode” (getting the thing done) and “growth mode” (learning). He relates it to writing: Says he's a decent writer, not a great one, but wants to keep getting better. Has a “quad project” with an editor who helps refine tone and clarity but doesn't do the writing. The setup: he provides 80% drafts, guidelines, tone notes, and past writing samples. The AI/editor cleans things up, but Brian still reviews: “I want that colloquialism back in.” “I want that specific example back in.” “That's clunky, I don't want to keep it.” Writing is iterative, and tools can help, but shouldn't replace his voice. On Em Dashes & Detecting Human Writing (9:30) Robin shares a trick: he used em dashes long before ChatGPT and does them with a space on either side. He says that ChatGPT's em dashes are double-length and don't have spaces. If you want to prove ChatGPT didn't write something, “just add the space.” Brian agrees and jokes that his editors often remove the spaces, but he puts them back in. Reiterates that professional human editors like the ones he works with at Charter and Sloan are still better than AI. Closing the Gap Takes More Than Practice (10:31) Robin references The Gap by Ira Glass, a 2014 video that explores the disconnect between a creator's vision and their current ability to execute on that vision. He highlights Glass's core advice: the only way to close that gap is through consistent repetition – what Glass calls “the reps.” Brian agrees, noting that putting in the reps is exactly what creators must do, even when their output doesn't yet meet their standards. Brian also brings up his recent conversation with Nick Petrie, whose work focuses not only on what causes burnout but also on what actually resolves it. He notes research showing that people stuck in repetitive performance mode – like doctors doing the same task for decades – eventually see a decline in performance. Brian recommends mixing in growth opportunities alongside mastery work. “exploit” mode (doing what you're already good at) and  “explore” mode (trying something new that pushes you) He says doing things that stretch your boundaries builds muscle that strengthens your core skills and breaks stagnation. He emphasizes the value of alternating between  He adds that this applies just as much to personal growth, especially when people begin to question their deeper purpose and ask hard questions like, “Is this all there is to my life or career? Brian observes that stepping back for self-reflection is often necessary, either by choice or because burnout forces a hard stop. He suggests that sustainable performance requires not just consistency but also intentional space for growth, purpose, and honest self-evaluation. Why Taste And Soft Skills Now Matter More Than Ever (12:30) On AI, Brian argues that most people get it wrong. “I do think it's augmentation.” The tools are evolving rapidly, and so are the ways we use them. They view it as a way to speed up work, especially for engineers, but that's missing the bigger picture. Brian stresses that EQ is becoming more important than IQ. Companies still need people with developer mindsets – hypothesis-driven, structured thinkers. But now, communication, empathy, and adaptability are no longer optional; they are critical. “Human communication skills just went from ‘they kind of suck at it but it's okay' to ‘that's not acceptable.'” As AI takes over more specialist tasks, the value of generalists is rising. People who can generate ideas, anticipate consequences, and rally others around a vision will be most valuable. “Tools can handle the specialized knowledge – but only humans can connect it to purpose.” Brian warns that traditional job descriptions and org charts are becoming obsolete. Instead of looking for ways to rush employees into doing more work, “rethink the roles. What can a small group do when aligned around a common purpose?” The future lies in small, aligned teams with shared goals. Vision Is Not a Strategy (15:56) Robin reflects on durable human traits through Steve Jobs' bio by Isaac Walterson. Jobs succeeded not just with tech, but with taste, persuasion, charisma, and vision. “He was less technologist, more storyteller.” They discuss Sam Altman, the subject of Empire of AI. Whether or not the book is fully accurate, Robin argues that Altman's defining trait is deal-making. Robin shares his experience using ChatGPT in real estate. It changed how he researched topics like redwood root systems on foundational structure and mosquito mitigation. Despite the tech, both agree that human connection is more important than ever. “We need humans now more than ever.” Brian references data from Kelly Monahan showing AI power users are highly productive but deeply burned out. 40% more productive than their peers. 88% are completely burnt out. Many don't believe their company's AI strategy, even while using the tools daily. There's a growing disconnect between executive AI hype and on-the-ground experience. But internal tests by top engineers showed only 10% improvement, mostly in simple tasks. “You've got to get into the tools yourself to be fluent on this.” One CTO believed AI would produce 30% efficiency gains. Brian urges leaders to personally engage with the tools before making sweeping decisions. He warns against blindly accepting optimistic vendor promises or trends. Leaders pushing AI without firsthand experience risk overburdening their teams. “You're bringing the Kool-Aid and then you're shoving it down your team's throat.” This results in burnout, not productivity. “You're cranking up the demands. You're cranking up the burnout, too.” “That's not going to lead to what you want either.” If You Want Control, Just Say That (20:47) Robin raises the topic of returning to the office, which has been a long-standing area of interest for him. “I interviewed Joel Gascoyne on stage in 2016… the largest fully distributed company in the world at the time.” He's tracked distributed work since Responsive 2016. Also mentions Shelby Wolpa (ex-Envision), who scaled thousands remotely. Robin notes the shift post-COVID: companies are mandating returns without adjusting for today's realities.” Example: “Intel just did a mandatory 4 days a week return to office… and now people live hours away.” He acknowledges the benefits of in-person collaboration, especially in creative or physical industries. “There is an undeniable utility.”, especially as they met in Robin's Cafe to talk about Responsive, despite a commute, because it was worth it. But he challenges blanket return-to-office mandates, especially when the rationale is unclear. According to Brian, any company uses RTO as a veiled soft layoff tactic. Cites Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy openly stating RTO is meant to encourage attrition. He says policies without clarity are ineffective. “If you quit, I don't have to pay you severance.” Robin notes that the Responsive Manifesto isn't about providing answers but outlining tensions to balance. Before enforcing an RTO policy, leaders should ask: “What problem are we trying to solve – and do we have evidence of it?” Before You Mandate, Check the Data (24:50) Performance data should guide decisions, not executive assumptions. For instance, junior salespeople may benefit from in-person mentorship, but… That may only apply to certain teams, and doesn't justify full mandates. “I've seen situations where productivity has fallen – well-defined productivity.” The decision-making process should be decentralized and nuanced. Different teams have different needs — orgs must avoid one-size-fits-all policies, especially in large, distributed orgs. “Should your CEO be making that decision? Or should your head of sales?” Brian offers a two-part test for leaders to assess their RTO logic: Are you trying to attract and retain the best talent? Are your teams co-located or distributed? If the answer to #1 is yes: People will be less engaged, not more. High performers will quietly leave or disengage while staying. Forcing long commutes will hurt retention and morale. If the answer to #2 is “distributed”: Brian then tells a story about a JPMorgan IT manager who asks Jamie Dimon for flexibility. “It's freaking stupid… it actually made it harder to do their core work.” Instead, teams need to define shared norms and operating agreements. “Teams have to have norms to be effective.” RTO makes even less sense. His team spanned time zones and offices, forcing them into daily hurt collaboration. He argues most RTO mandates are driven by fear and a desire for control. More important than office days are questions like: What hours are we available for meetings? What tools do we use and why? How do we make decisions? Who owns which roles and responsibilities? The Bottom Line: The policy must match the structure. If teams are remote by design, dragging them into an office is counterproductive. How to Be a Leader in Chaotic Times (28:34) “We're living in a more chaotic time than any in my lifetime.” Robin asks how leaders should guide their organizations through uncertainty. He reflects on his early work years during the 2008 crash and the unpredictability he's seen since. Observes current instability like the UCSF and NIH funding and hiring freezes disrupting universities, rising political violence, and murders of public officials from the McKnight Foundation, and more may persist for years without relief. “I was bussing tables for two weeks, quit, became a personal trainer… my old client jumped out a window because he lost his fortune as a banker.” Brian says what's needed now is: Resilience – a mindset of positive realism: acknowledging the issues, while focusing on agency and possibility, and supporting one another. Trust – not just psychological safety, but deep belief in leadership clarity and honesty. His definition of resilience includes: “What options do we have?” “What can we do as a team?” “What's the opportunity in this?” What Builds Trust (and What Breaks It) (31:00) Brian recalls laying off more people than he hired during the dot-com bust – and what helped his team endure: “Here's what we need to do. If you're all in, we'll get through this together.” He believes trust is built when: Leaders communicate clearly and early. They acknowledge difficulty, without sugarcoating. They create clarity about what matters most right now. They involve their team in solutions. He critiques companies that delay communication until they're in PR cleanup mode: Like Target's CEO, who responded to backlash months too late – and with vague platitudes. “Of course, he got backlash,” Brian says. “He wasn't present.” According to him, “Trust isn't just psychological safety. It's also honesty.” Trust Makes Work Faster, Better, and More Fun (34:10) “When trust is there, the work is more fun, and the results are better.” Robin offers a Zander Media story: Longtime collaborator Jonathan Kofahl lives in Austin. Despite being remote, they prep for shoots with 3-minute calls instead of hour-long meetings. The relationship is fast, fluid, and joyful, and the end product reflects that. He explains the ripple effects of trust: Faster workflows Higher-quality output More fun and less burnout Better client experience Fewer miscommunications or dropped balls He also likens it to acrobatics: “If trust isn't there, you land on your head.” Seldom Wrong, Never in Doubt (35:45) “Seldom wrong, never in doubt – that bit me in the butt.” Brian reflects on a toxic early-career mantra: As a young consultant, he was taught to project confidence at all times. It was said that “if you show doubt, you lose credibility,” especially with older clients. Why that backfired: It made him arrogant. It discouraged honest questions or collaborative problem-solving. It modeled bad leadership for others. Brian critiques the startup world's hero culture: Tech glorifies mavericks and contrarians, people who bet against the grain and win. But we rarely see the 95% who bet big and failed, and the survivors become models, often with toxic effects. The real danger: Leaders try to imitate success without understanding the context. Contrarianism becomes a virtue in itself – even when it's wrong. Now, he models something else: “I can point to the mountain, but I don't know the exact path.” Leaders should admit they don't have all the answers. Inviting the team to figure it out together builds alignment and ownership. That's how you lead through uncertainty, by trusting your team to co-create. Slack, Remote Work, and the Birth of Future Forum (37:40) Brian recalls the early days of Future Forum: Slack was deeply office-centric pre-pandemic. He worked 5 days a week in SF, and even interns were expected to show up regularly. Slack's leadership, especially CTO Cal Henderson, was hesitant to go remote, not because they were anti-remote, but because they didn't know how. But when COVID hit, Slack, like everyone else, had to figure out remote work in real time. Brian had long-standing relationships with Slack's internal research team: He pitched Stewart Butterfield (Slack's CEO) on the idea of a think tank, where he was then joined by Helen Kupp and Sheela Subramanian, who became his co-founders in the venture. Thus, Future Forum was born. Christina Janzer, Lucas Puente, and others. Their research was excellent, but mostly internal-facing, used for product and marketing. Brian, self-described as a “data geek,” saw an opportunity: Remote Work Increased Belonging, But Not for Everyone (40:56) In mid-2020, Future Forum launched its first major study. Expected finding: employee belonging would drop due to isolation. Reality: it did, but not equally across all demographics. For Black office workers, a sense of belonging actually increased. Future Forum brought in Dr. Brian Lowery, a Black professor at Stanford, to help interpret the results. Lowery explained: “I'm a Black professor at Stanford. Whatever you think of it as a liberal school, if I have to walk on that campus five days a week and be on and not be Black five days a week, 9 to 5 – it's taxing. It's exhausting. If I can dial in and out of that situation, it's a release.” A Philosophy Disguised as a Playbook (42:00) Brian, Helen, and Sheela co-authored a book that distilled lessons from: Slack's research Hundreds of executive conversations Real-world trials during the remote work shift One editor even commented on how the book is “more like a philosophy book disguised as a playbook.” The key principles are: “Start with what matters to us as an organization. Then ask: What's safe to try?” Policies don't work. Principles do. Norms > mandates. Team-level agreements matter more than companywide rules. Focus on outcomes, not activity.  Train your managers. Clarity, trust, and support start there. Safe-to-try experiments. Iterate fast and test what works for your team. Co-create team norms. Define how decisions get made, what tools get used, and when people are available. What's great with the book is that no matter where you are, this same set of rules still applies.  When Leadership Means Letting Go (43:54) “My job was to model the kind of presence I wanted my team to show.” Robin recalls a defining moment at Robin's Café: Employees were chatting behind the counter while a banana peel sat on the floor, surrounded by dirty dishes. It was a lawsuit waiting to happen. His first impulse was to berate them, a habit from his small business upbringing. But in that moment, he reframed his role. “I'm here to inspire, model, and demonstrate the behavior I want to see.” He realized: Hovering behind the counter = surveillance, not leadership. True leadership = empowering your team to care, even when you're not around. You train your manager to create a culture, not compliance. Brian and Robin agree: Rules only go so far. Teams thrive when they believe in the ‘why' behind the work. Robin draws a link between strong workplace culture and… The global rise of authoritarianism The erosion of trust in institutions If trust makes Zander Media better, and helps VC-backed companies scale — “Why do our political systems seem to be rewarding the exact opposite?” Populism, Charisma & Bullshit (45:20) According to Robin, “We're in a world where trust is in very short supply.” Brian reflects on why authoritarianism is thriving globally: The media is fragmented. Everyone's in different pocket universes. People now get news from YouTube or TikTok, not trusted institutions. Truth is no longer shared, and without shared truth, trust collapses. “Walter Cronkite doesn't exist anymore.” He references Andor, where the character, Mon Mothma, says: People no longer trust journalism, government, universities, science, or even business. Edelman's Trust Barometer dipped for business leaders for the first time in 25 years. CEOs who once declared strong values are now going silent, which damages trust even more. “The death of truth is really the problem that's at work here.” Robin points out: Trump and Elon, both charismatic, populist figures, continue to gain power despite low trust. Why? Because their clarity and simplicity still outperform thoughtful leadership. He also calls Trump a “marketing genius.” Brian's frustration: Case in point: Trump-era officials who spread conspiracy theories now can't walk them back. Populists manufacture distrust, then struggle to govern once in power. He shares a recent example: Result: Their base turned on them. Right-wing pundits (Pam Bondi, Dan Bongino) fanned Jeffrey Epstein conspiracies. But in power, they had to admit: “There's no client list publicly.” Brian then suggests that trust should be rebuilt locally. He points to leaders like Zohran Mamdani (NY): “I may not agree with all his positions, but he can articulate a populist vision that isn't exploitative.” Where Are the Leaders? (51:19) Brian expresses frustration at the silence from people in power: “I'm disappointed, highly disappointed, in the number of leaders in positions of power and authority who could lend their voice to something as basic as: science is real.” He calls for a return to shared facts: “Let's just start with: vaccines do not cause autism. Let's start there.” He draws a line between public health and trust: We've had over a century of scientific evidence backing vaccines But misinformation is eroding communal health Brian clarifies: this isn't about wedge issues like guns or Roe v. Wade The problem is that scientists lack public authority, but CEOs don't CEOs of major institutions could shift the narrative, especially those with massive employee bases. And yet, most say nothing: “They know it's going to bite them… and still, no one's saying it.” He warns: ignoring this will hurt businesses, frontline workers, and society at large. 89 Seconds from Midnight (52:45) Robin brings up the Doomsday Clock: Historically, it was 2–4 minutes to midnight “We are 89 seconds to midnight.” (as of January 2025) This was issued by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, a symbol of how close humanity is to destroying itself. Despite that, he remains hopeful: “I might be the most energetic person in any room – and yet, I'm a prepper.” Robin shared that: And in a real emergency? You might not make it. He grew up in the wilderness, where ambulances don't arrive, and CPR is a ritual of death. He frequently visits Vieques, an island off Puerto Rico with no hospital, where a car crash likely means you won't survive. As there is a saying there that goes, ‘No Hay Hospital', meaning ‘there is no hospital'. If something serious happens, you're likely a few hours' drive or even a flight away from medical care. That shapes his worldview: “We've forgotten how precious life is in privileged countries.” Despite his joy and optimism, Robin is also: Deeply aware of fragility – of systems, bodies, institutions. Committed to preparation, not paranoia. Focused on teaching resilience, care, and responsibility. How to Raise Men with Heart and Backbone (55:00) Robin asks: “How do you counsel your boys to show up as protectors and earners, especially in a capitalist world, while also taking care of people, especially when we're facing the potential end of humanity in our lifetimes?” Brian responds: His sons are now 25 and 23, and he's incredibly proud of who they're becoming. Credits both parenting and luck but he also acknowledges many friends who've had harder parenting experiences. His sons are: Sharp and thoughtful In healthy relationships Focused on values over achievements Educational path: “They think deeply about what are now called ‘social justice' issues in a very real way.” Example: In 4th grade, their class did a homelessness simulation – replicating the fragmented, frustrating process of accessing services. Preschool at the Jewish Community Center Elementary at a Quaker school in San Francisco He jokes that they needed a Buddhist high school to complete the loop Not religious, but values-based, non-dogmatic education had a real impact That hands-on empathy helped them see systemic problems early on, especially in San Francisco, where it's worse. What Is Actually Enough? (56:54) “We were terrified our kids would take their comfort for granted.” Brian's kids: Lived modestly, but comfortably in San Francisco. Took vacations, had more than he and his wife did growing up. Worried their sons would chase status over substance. But what he taught them instead: Family matters. Friendships matter. Being dependable matters. Not just being good, but being someone others can count on. He also cautioned against: “We too often push kids toward something unattainable, and we act surprised when they burn out in the pursuit of that.” The “gold ring” mentality is like chasing elite schools, careers, and accolades. In sports and academics, he and his wife aimed for balance, not obsession. Brian on Parenting, Purpose, and Perspective (59:15) Brian sees promise in his kids' generation: But also more: Purpose-driven Skeptical of false promises Less obsessed with traditional success markers Yes, they're more stressed and overamped on social media. Gen Z has been labeled just like every generation before: “I'm Gen X. They literally made a movie about us called Slackers.” He believes the best thing we can do is: Model what matters Spend time reflecting: What really does matter? Help the next generation define enough for themselves, earlier than we did. The Real Measure of Success (1:00:07) Brian references Clay Christensen, famed author of The Innovator's Dilemma and How Will You Measure Your Life? Clay's insight: “Success isn't what you thought it was.” Early reunions are full of bravado – titles, accomplishments, money. Later reunions reveal divorce, estrangement, and regret. The longer you go, the more you see: Brian's takeaway: Even for Elon, it might be about Mars. But for most of us, it's not about how many projects we shipped. It's about: Family Friends Presence Meaning “If you can realize that earlier, you give yourself the chance to adjust – and find your way back.” Where to Find Brian (01:02:05) LinkedIn WorkForward.com Newsletter: The Work Forward on Substack “Some weeks it's lame, some weeks it's great. But there's a lot of community and feedback.” And of course, join us at Responsive Conference this September 17-18, 2025. Books Mentioned How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton Christensen The Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton Christensen Responsive Manifesto Empire of AI by Karen Hao Podcasts Mentioned The Gap by Ira Glass The Ezra Klein Show Movies Mentioned Andor Slackers Organizations Mentioned: Bulletin of Atomic Scientists McKnight Foundation National Institutes of Health (NIH) Responsive.org University of California, San Francisco

PREVIEW: Colleague Liz Peek observes that Elon Musk demands a contraction of lower government spending and more handout tax breaks to EV owners. More. 1961

Preview: Author Hampton Sides, "The Wide, Wide Sea," observes the gradual breakdown of Cook among the Society Islanders -- foreshadow of the end. More. 1781

PREVIEW: Colleague David Daoud of FDD observes that the Iran regime seeks to survive the Israeli offensive, in order to fight another day. More. 1925 PERSIA/IRAN 

Preview: Colleague Joseph Sternberg observes the spectacular rise of the pleasant and savvy Nigel Farage of his own Reform Party. More later. 1900 LONDON

Preview: Colleague Jim McTague observes that Ozempic and Kind may account for a drop in food spending and an increase in health spending. More later. 1960

PREVIEW: COLLEAGUE ANATOL LIEVEN OBSERVES A DECLINE IN AMERICAN DIPLOMACY SINCE THE END OF THE COLD WAR. MORE LATER. 1932

A new MP3 sermon from VCY America is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The World Observes the Passing of a Pope Subtitle: Crosstalk America Speaker: Jim Schneider Broadcaster: VCY America Event: Current Events Date: 4/23/2025 Length: 53 min.

This past Monday, worldwide media brought us the news that Pope Francis had died at the age of 88. Network coverage was dominated by this news, with lengthy pieces, hour-long specials and even live streaming showing thousands filing past the body of the Pope. Yet to come is the funeral this Saturday, in St. Peter's Square, outside the basilica where leaders and heads of state from about 170 governments from all over the world will be in attendance. With more on this topic, Crosstalk welcomed Mike Gendron. Mike is the founder and director of Proclaiming the Gospel Ministry. Mike was a devout Roman Catholic for over 3 decades and was taught to rely upon the authority of the church above all else. Mike searched the Scriptures and was amazed to find that what he read contradicted the teaching and tradition of the church he had been a part of for so long. He trusted Jesus as his Savior and now the Bible has become his sole authority in all matters of faith. Mike is the author of the books, Preparing for Eternity and Contending for the Gospel and has produced numerous videos with warnings concerning false teachings vs. the truth of the Scriptures.Pope Francis had a history of false teachings. For example, in May of 2013 he said that atheists would go to heaven if they lead good and honorable lives. In July of that same year, in the context of whether homosexuals could serve in the priesthood, he said that if someone is gay and searches for the Lord and has goodwill, who was he to judge? In November of 2015 he proclaimed that Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters. In June of 2016 he said that all religions are different paths to the same god.

This past Monday, worldwide media brought us the news that Pope Francis had died at the age of 88. Network coverage was dominated by this news, with lengthy pieces, hour-long specials and even live streaming showing thousands filing past the body of the Pope. Yet to come is the funeral this Saturday, in St. Peter's Square, outside the basilica where leaders and heads of state from about 170 governments from all over the world will be in attendance. With more on this topic, Crosstalk welcomed Mike Gendron. Mike is the founder and director of Proclaiming the Gospel Ministry. Mike was a devout Roman Catholic for over 3 decades and was taught to rely upon the authority of the church above all else. Mike searched the Scriptures and was amazed to find that what he read contradicted the teaching and tradition of the church he had been a part of for so long. He trusted Jesus as his Savior and now the Bible has become his sole authority in all matters of faith. Mike is the author of the books, Preparing for Eternity and Contending for the Gospel and has produced numerous videos with warnings concerning false teachings vs. the truth of the Scriptures.Pope Francis had a history of false teachings. For example, in May of 2013 he said that atheists would go to heaven if they lead good and honorable lives. In July of that same year, in the context of whether homosexuals could serve in the priesthood, he said that if someone is gay and searches for the Lord and has goodwill, who was he to judge? In November of 2015 he proclaimed that Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters. In June of 2016 he said that all religions are different paths to the same god.

"Preview: Colleague Brett Arends of MarketWatch observes that putting the market back together is a Humpty-Dumpty challenge. More later." 1969 NYSE

Preview: Colleague Judy Dempsey in Berlin observes that Germany needs a new plan on trade and competitiveness. More later. 1890 SAXONY

The United Nations has observed the International Day of Remembrance for victims of slavery. This annual Day aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice today, and remembers those who suffered and died at the hands of the slavery system. But experts say slavery is not something that's in the past - and it remains an issue in Australia today.

Preview: Colleague Charles Burton observes that the PRC treats Canada as an inferior farming tool. More later. Ottawa

PREVIEW: Colleague Judy Dempsey of Carnegie in Berlin observes that the Trump administration's assumed intention to pass the baton of European defense may have "galvanized" the EU states to take responsibility. More later. 1350 MEDIEVAL CAVALRY 

Comprehensive coverage of the day's news with a focus on war and peace; social, environmental and economic justice. United Nations observes International Women's Day, celebrating advances but warning of push-back and “mainstreaming of misogyny” Trump hosts White House summit on bitcoin, vows to make USA the “crypto capital of the world” Trump says he's “strongly considering” new sanctions on Russia, as massive drone strike hits Ukraine energy infrastructure Measles outbreak in West Texas still growing, as CDC plans study of vaccine-autism link despite research showing no connection The post United Nations observes International Women's Day, warning of “mainstreaming of misogyny”; Trump holds White House summit on cryptocurrency he once said “seems like a scam” – March 7, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

I am thrilled to announce that our new book, the Kindness Daily Reader: Season One, is now available on Amazon. (See Link Below)  Secondly, we are embarking on a new chapter with Season Three of the One Kind Moment podcast. In Season One, we primarily focused on broad topics of kindness and compassion, while in Season Two, we explored areas such as self-compassion, self-help, and self-care. Now, in Season Three, we're shifting our focus to a specific area of self-care that we call Practical Spirituality for Everyone. We'll be delving into topics like spirituality in nature, spiritual intelligence, everyday mindfulness, the science of consciousness, the mystery of life, the science of awe, and managing uncertainty. We're excited to take this new direction and are grateful for your continued support and interest in the One Kind Moment podcast. EXPLORE OUR NEW BOOK! Kindness Daily Reader: Season One https://a.co/d/04RvXldy #onekindmoment #spirituality Yesterday by John Hobart - Music Design by Jason Inc. https://brucewaynemclellan.com/  

Preview: Colleague Rebecca Grant of the Lexington Institute observes that USN carriers are the answer to PLA-Navy outside the first island chain. More later 1943 YORKTOWN

PREVIEW: Colleague Anatol Lieven observes that EU voters care about migrants and jobs, not about Ukraine and defense; and this explains the rise of populism labeled as far-right. More later. 1870 Schweinfort

PREVIEW: Colleague Joseph Sternberg of WSJ observes that the EU is unhappy with the US because now it must pay for its own defense. More later. 1920 Poland

"PREVIEW: Colleague Anatol Lieven observes that the U.S. is unlikely to leave NATO and Europe given the strategic advantage of its European bases. More tonight." 1953

"PREVIEW: GAZA: Colleague Sadanand Dhume of WSJ observes that Arab nations are not accepting Gazan refugees during reconstruction or offering permanent resettlement. More tonight." 1867 GAZA https://www.wsj.com/opinion/if-indians-and-pakistanis-can-relocate-why-cant-gazans-refugees-displacement-palestinians-39d7678c

"PREVIEW: UKRAINE-RUSSIA: Colleague Anatol Lieven observes that Russian territorial advances and significant Ukrainian losses will influence upcoming negotiations. More tonight." 1919 Ukraine

PREVIEW: AI: Colleague Elizabeth Peek observes that the US economy is in the "pole position" in the AI competition with China and the EU. More tonight. 1951: GALAXY

"PREVIEW: RUSSIA: HYBRID WAR: Colleague Jeff McCausland observes that the recent suspected sabotage of undersea cables in Europe and Asia is unlikely to cease even if there is a ceasefire in Ukraine. More tonight." 1934 Stalin

PREVIEW - EU: RUSSIA & PRC Colleague Judy Dempsey of Carnegie observes that EU states perceive Russia and China as hostile powers, yet are not ready to respond and show far less resolve than the Trump Administration.  More tonight. 1910 Brussels

PREVIEW - LESS REGULATION, MORE PROSPERITY Colleague Elizabeth Peek observes that the current bullishness on Wall Street and Main Street stems from expectations that the Trump administration will maintain a light regulatory approach. More tonight 1945 Roswell, New Mexico.

PREVIEW: PRC: AMERICAS: Colleague Ernesto Araujo, former FM Brazil, observes that the PRC moving to control South and Central American waterways, such as ports and the Panama Canal. More later. 1910 Canal de Panama

Preview: Syria: Colleague Anatol Lieven observes that Russia may seek accommodation with HTS in order to remain in Syria. More later. 1893 Russian warship

"PREVIEW: PRC: Author Mr. Ward observes that the battlespace between the predatory PRC and the US is not military but financial and industrial. More later." 1890 Peking

PREVIEW: MEXICO - Colleague Evan Ellis of the US Army War College observes the POTUS-elect's challenge to Mexico: either secure the US border from migrants and fentanyl or face withering tariffs on Mexican products. More tonight. 1911 Mexico City

PREVIEW: ESA/COMMERCIAL SPACE: Colleague Bob Zimmerman observes that European countries are choosing between two futures: commercial space and profit, or state space and unending spending. More tonight. 1951

PREVIEW: UKRAINE/NORTH KOREA: Colleague John Hardie of FDD observes what is known of the reported North Korean elements joining the Russian Army in Ukraine - and where. Details tonight. 1951 USMC in Korean War

PREVIEW: UK; STARMER: Colleague Joseph Sternberg of the WSJ observes that the new PM Sir Keir Starmer can sell his tax hikes to the public if he delivers something worthwhile in return. More tonight. 1900 Tottenham Court