MxD’s Post

🚢 During the American Civil War, the might of the Confederacy's ironclad ships represented a beacon of hope for New Orleans' defense. Conversely, these formidable vessels were a source of apprehension for the Union as they eyed the city's capture. As it turned out, the ironclads proved ineffectual, and the Confederacy’s overall defense, hampered by disorganization and what one historian called the “cowardice of untrained officers,” fell apart, allowing the Union Navy to effortlessly secure New Orleans. 🏆 Theodorus Bailey, a key figure in the Union's strategy, captured the essence of their victory with poignant clarity: "It was a contest of iron hearts in wooden ships, against iron-clads with iron beaks—and the iron hearts won." This statement not only celebrated their triumph but also underscored a timeless truth about the human spirit's resilience over sheer technological might. 🌍 Fast forward to WWI, and we find German officer Ernst Jünger reflecting on these very words. Jünger argued against the sole reliance on trenches, emphasizing that the real strength lies in the courage and vitality of the soldiers, not just their fortifications. "Battles are won by iron hearts in wooden ships," he echoed, reminding us that the spirit of the fighters often trumps technological advantages. 💡 This historical insight brings a powerful lesson to the modern world, especially in the realms of business and personal growth. While technology and resources are invaluable tools, they are not panacea. The real drivers of success are willpower, leadership, and persistence. Whether in overcoming challenges or achieving our goals, the essence of victory lies not in the tools we wield but in our determination and spirit. 🚀 In the ear of AI and Apps, the most critical asset we possess is our 'iron heart.' It's our resilience, commitment, and leadership that steer us toward success, far beyond what any technology or resource alone can achieve. Inspired by Art Of Manliness's latest email. #Leadership #Persistence #Innovation #Resilience #SuccessMindset #HistoricalLessons #BusinessStrategy #PersonalGrowth #TechnologyVsWill #VictoryInAdversity #storytelling #history

Good leaders know The Important vs. The Urgent.   I wrote - in this month’s 3PL Perspectives Magazine - how using the Eisenhower Matrix helps me better define and solve issues.   Give it a read:     https://lnkd.in/g7P7XxTe

In an age of great power competition, Jed Esty’s The Future of Decline: Anglo-American Culture at its Limits is urgent precisely because it is countercultural to the DoD strategic-level documents that emphasize great power competition. American decline is happening, slowly but inevitably. It is a structural and material process. The very notion of greatness is central to today’s strategic national security, defense, and military documents. I think I need to add this book to my reading list!

#ICYMI: In a panel discussion at the Regan National Defense Forum this past weekend, USD(A&S) LaPlante emphasized the importance of a whole-of-government approach to foster a resilient, robust defense industrial base and workforce. Key highlights from the discussion include: ⚙️ Global Collaboration: Recognizing the need for our nation and global allies and partners to produce critical systems and equipment at speed and scale. 💡 Talent Pipeline: Emphasizing the need for public-private collaboration at all levels to build a robust talent pipeline, from high schools and up to the federal level. 🌐 Lowering Barriers: Exploring creative solutions to lower barriers to entry for some professions that require specific skillsets but not necessarily a college degree. Read more below and watch the full session at: https://lnkd.in/dK9CRG9v   #ExpandTheBase #RNDF2023

What does it mean to have an arsenal of democracy today? How do we incentivize industry to invest in capabilities that contribute to national defense? How do we incentivize the acquisition workforce and military leaders to manage (not avoid) risks while innovating at speed and scale? This framework guided the conversation of our panel of Service Acquisition Flag Officers, chaired by Michael Williamson, President of Lockheed Martin. Panelists were Alice T., Frank Lozano, Chris Manning, David Walsh, and Cherissa T. Lots of consensus that we need to get the incentives right, and people need to understand the "why" behind requests to go faster or operate differently. From this year's 21st Annual Acquisition Research Symposium, co-hosted with Naval Warfare Studies Institute at Naval Postgraduate School and Department of Defense Management at Naval Postgraduate School. Listen to the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/gMdpU8r2 #AcqnSymposium #govcon #defenseinnovation

On March 10, DIU Director Doug Beck joins ODNI Director of Science & Technology John Beieler to discuss the transformative role of technology in defense and intelligence and explore the evolving landscape in the age of rapid technological advancement. Learn more about DIU's upcoming Capital Factory and #SXSW24 events here: https://lnkd.in/eJGf9u3C #defenseinnovation #defensetechnology

Ever been a part of something much larger than you, your organization, or even your industry? Yesterday marked day 1 of the inaugural networking days hosted by the Industrial Capabilities And Modernization (ICAM) office within the United States Department of Defense States Department of Defense Office of Industrial Base Policy. Over 150 attendees from across the DoD, industry, and academia joined to build relationships, share lessons learned, and discuss key workforce and technology initiatives in support of U.S. national security and economic strength. I had the distinct honor to join Adele Ratcliff Erica Holloway Logan Ryan Carpenter Joannie Harmon Timothy Fox Telly Tucker, CEcD and Joe Barto in a panel discussion focused on workforce development where we talked about current successes and future program opportunities. It was a great conversation and I’m pumped up just thinking about the generational impacts we are making through programs like Resilient Manufacturing Ecosystem and those represented by my fellow panelists. My biggest takeaway from today: It’s about people. It always has been, and always will be. #advancedmanufacturing #defensemanufacturing #letsgo

As we enter the West's election year, #Europe is poised to redefine its defence and security role amid global uncertainties and critical leadership decisions. 2024 is set to be the key juncture for the EU's strategic ambitions, calling for a collective effort from EU Member States, industry leaders, and institutions to come together and shape a secure future. Check out my new article for insights on where we stand, where we might end up, and what we could do to make sure that Europe is ready for what comes next. 👇 logos European Defence and Security Conference

Introduction Recently there has been an increase in naval threats around the world. The Navy’s readiness and reach is being tested all around the world. These matters have been documented in detail in the press, by the Heritage Foundation in its comprehensive annual reports, and by the Congressional Research Service. The nation and its Navy are being challenged, even attacked on the high seas by enemies who no longer fear us. These are matters of grave concern. Yet, the Navy’s senior leaders continue to promote the notion that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is an essential prerequisite for Navy success and that climate change is one of the Navy’s top threats. The focus on DEI, climate change, and other social justice interests of the political left are a distraction and a significant diversion of precious resources and time from higher priorities. These are resources that the Navy can ill afford to squander. The following are questions about political distractions that are actively promoted in the Navy of 2023 and their import and consequences: https://lnkd.in/gDC7AH7J

As we honor those who served on this #VeteransDay, hear from a panel of advocates who share advice on how employers can address the needs of veterans and their families. #WeAreBCBST