Elevating Understanding and Inspiring Disciplined Action

Hi friends!

For those who prefer listening over reading, I’ll offer audio/video versions of each article. Here’s today’s:

Elevating Understanding and Inspiring Disciplined Action

I thought about giving up on writing. The noise of division and negativity felt overwhelming, and I questioned whether my voice could make a difference. Could I share my concerns in a way that inspires connection rather than conflict?

Then, something unexpected happened: friends and colleagues told me they missed my weekly newsletter. Their words stayed with me, reminding me of something vital—silence doesn’t foster understanding. It deepens the divide.

True progress doesn’t come from avoiding complexity; it comes from leaning into it with purpose and thoughtful action. That realization has brought me back to writing, with a renewed focus: to bridge divides—between people, ideas, and perspectives. My goal is simple: to transform frustration into action and elevate that action into meaningful progress.

Unmasking the Roots of Our Challenges: Moving Beyond Surface Solutions

We are navigating a deeply complex world where the strains on our health, institutions, and social fabric feel overwhelming. It’s no surprise that so many people have lost faith in the direction of our country. The challenges we face are monumental.

• Healthcare costs have reached unsustainable levels. Chronic diseases—many of which are preventable—are driving up expenses, putting pressure on individuals, businesses, and government budgets alike.

• The economic burden of debt is surpassing critical expenditures. The cost of servicing our national debt is now exceeding what we spend on fundamental government functions, creating difficult trade-offs for the future.

• The majority of Americans feel disconnected from the institutions meant to serve them. Trust in government and public institutions has declined to historic lows, fueling division and uncertainty about the future.

• Geopolitical instability continues to reshape the world order. Conflicts around the globe are escalating, carrying both human and economic costs that disrupt stability and progress.

Yet what troubles me most is not the challenges themselves, but our growing inability to engage with them constructively. Civil discourse is fading at the very moment we need it most, leaving us trapped in echo chambers that amplify polarization. Foreign adversaries have exploited this division, using our freedoms and technologies to redirect our attention inward—away from the real issues. It’s a clever distraction, and it’s working.

We argue about superficial issues while ignoring the deeper, interconnected structures beneath them—like studying a tree’s branches but not its roots. Health, institutions, and social cohesion are linked, yet we continue to address them in isolation.

To navigate this complexity, we must embrace broader perspectives and dig deeper to uncover fundamental truths. This lesson became personal for me while watching my sister battle a terminal illness. Her journey taught me the value of perspective. When I feel overwhelmed, I think of her courage and the clarity it gave me to focus on what truly matters. It reminded me that solutions require more than surface-level fixes—they demand understanding the systems that create and sustain these challenges. But they also require the courage to face reality and the facts, whether we like them or not.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that anger at an adversary—whether external or internal—achieves little. It blinds us to opportunities for progress. Moving forward requires a different mindset: one that replaces frustration with curiosity, conflict with compassion, and despair with disciplined action.

Redefining Our Era: Navigating the Collapse of the Old and the Birth of the New

Stepping back to survey our current moment, we find ourselves in what historians call an interregnum—a period when the old systems unravel and the new ones have yet to fully emerge. This transition is not merely economic; it marks a profound shift in identities, institutions, and the very frameworks that have shaped how we understand the world.

We’re witnessing the gradual decline of long-standing structures—like the dominance of the Atlantic military and economic pact, Christianity as the prevailing global religion, and traditional masculine hierarchies, just to mention a few. As these pillars of the past fade, they leave behind uncertainty, forcing us to confront questions of identity and belonging in a reshaped world. Like so many others today, I find that my identity no longer fits neatly into traditional categories. I am Jewish, Swedish, American—a food lover, golf enthusiast and a classic rock fan—and these layers reflect the interconnected and dynamic reality of our time.

I’m reminded of a conversation I once had with Shimon Peres, the late Israeli statesman. When discussing Russia, he asked, “How can such intelligent people produce such a stupid system?” Then he added, “And how could such a stupid system keep producing such intelligent people?” It’s a paradox that feels strikingly relevant today. We have immense human potential, but too often, the systems we’ve built fall short of addressing the challenges we face. For society to function better, the whole must be greater than the sum of its parts. Today, it doesn’t seem to be.

To navigate this transition, we need more than solutions—we need a new vision. One that doesn’t just fill the void left by declining systems but reimagines what we want the future to look like. It requires a shared sense of belonging, a willingness to rethink our assumptions, and a commitment to designing systems that empower individuals and communities alike. Progress will come not from clinging to old orders but from embracing the opportunity to create something better—together.

The End of the Hunting Era: Redefining Success Through Creativity and Connection

Narratives shape how we see ourselves, our world, and what’s possible. It’s time to tell a new story—one that reflects the profound shift we are living through. For millennia, success was defined by the hunter-gatherer model: power, wealth, and progress tied to physical resources. Nations rose and fell based on their ability to control land, food, and other tangible assets—things that could be hunted, gathered, or possessed.

But that story no longer reflects our reality. We are witnessing the “end of the hunting era” in human history. The rules of the game have changed. Decades ago, the most valuable companies were defined by their physical assets—factories, machinery, and real estate. Today, the engine of value has shifted to intangibles: intellectual property, digital innovation, and the power of ideas. The companies leading the world now derive their strength not from what they own, but from what they create.

This shift isn’t just economic; it’s redefining what success means. The old narrative of wealth as something you could hold in your hands has been replaced by the power of human ingenuity, creativity, and connection.

I saw the power of this shift firsthand during my early days leading McDonald’s in Sweden. In the 1990s, I had the privilege of collaborating with Dr. Karl-Henrik Robèrt, a cancer scientist and environmental advocate. Together, we crafted a 10-year environmental strategy that transformed how McDonald’s approached sustainability. From waste reduction to sustainable sourcing to community engagement, we reimagined what the responsibility of leadership could look like. What began as an environmental initiative became something much greater.

Our purpose shifted from selling French fries to creating an organization that made a meaningful, lasting impact on the world. The value we created wasn’t in the assets we owned but in the trust we built, the relationships we nurtured, and the innovation we inspired. It showed me that purpose is not a luxury; it’s a necessity—and perhaps the most important ingredient for creating long-term value.

This is the world we are stepping into: a world where systems built for the era of physical resources must adapt to one driven by intangibles. Our economic models, political structures, and social institutions were designed for a time when physical control equaled power. But today, success depends on creativity over control, collaboration over competition, and connection over territory.

This isn’t a zero-sum game. Human energy, creativity, and ingenuity are infinite. The future belongs to those who can harness these forces and foster collaboration across borders and disciplines. It’s not an easy transition, but it’s a necessary one. The question is not whether the world is changing, but whether we are ready to change with it.

From Optimism to Action: Empowering Change in a Transformative Era

As we navigate this transformative era, it’s clear that understanding alone isn’t enough—we must combine optimism with deliberate action. It’s not about ignoring challenges but about believing that solutions are within reach. History shows that human ingenuity and collaboration can shape a better future, even in the face of adversity. Over the past few decades, the world has seen remarkable advancements in health, education, and economic opportunity. More people have access to knowledge, medical care, and pathways to a better life than at any point in history. Life expectancy has risen, literacy has expanded, and extreme poverty has declined at an unprecedented rate. These gains are a testament to what collective human effort can achieve. Despite the challenges we face, this is one of the most remarkable periods in human history to be alive—even if it doesn’t always feel that way.

The old African proverb, “When you pray, move your feet,” captures the essence of this moment. Optimism provides the fuel, but action turns that hope into reality. Theodore Roosevelt reminds us that credit belongs not to the critic, but to those “in the arena,” who dare greatly, even at the risk of failure. This philosophy underpins my decision to return to writing: to make sense of a complex world and encourage individual action rather than waiting for institutions to solve our problems.

Jonathan Sacks, in his reflections on a “Politics of Hope,” captures this sentiment beautifully:

“Our hopes are invested in governments, from which we demand more and in our more somber moments anticipate less. At the core of our culture is an echoing discrepancy between what we believe and what we know. We believe that we are faced with unprecedented choices. We know that too much of what happens to us is beyond our control, the result of economic choices or political decisions taken far away by people we will never meet nor be able to identify. Beyond the narrowing circle of the self lies a world in which we are not the makers but the made. This is the genesis of despair.”

The antidote to this despair lies in focusing on what’s within our power—our thoughts, emotions, decisions, and actions. Each day, we have the opportunity to wake up, take a deep breath, express gratitude, and approach the tasks ahead with resolve while letting go of distractions. I won’t pretend that this is easy; our culture—politically and ideologically—has often failed to nurture these insights. Yet, the most successful individuals I know embody this approach. They don’t wait; they act.

Viktor Frankl, whose words have inspired generations, observed:

“For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side-effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one’s surrender to a person other than oneself.”

I deeply care about the world and recognize the confusion, anxiety, and worry that so many feel. This often manifests as anger, fueling division and conflict. My goal is to contribute in two specific ways: first, by making complex issues easier to understand, thereby elevating understanding, and second, by empowering people to recognize their agency in shaping their own futures. As Margaret Mead wisely noted:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

This is not about waiting for others—it’s about realizing that the power to create change lies within us.

The Five Questions That Spark Transformation: A Guide to Personal Growth

Throughout my leadership journey, I’ve come to realize that the most important conversations aren’t the ones we have with others—they’re the ones we have with ourselves. The mirror, in many ways, is the best place to look for opportunity. Yet, while organizations invest enormous energy in financial capital, they often overlook the development of human capital—including the quiet work of our own personal growth.

Most of us recognize the need for change, but we resist it. Our ability to learn and adapt is strongest in our early years, but as we grow older, change often feels more difficult. While lifelong learning is possible, it requires greater intention and effort over time. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Meaningful change often starts with asking ourselves the right questions. The challenge, however, isn’t just in asking—it’s in sitting with the answers. It’s about slowing down, truly engaging with the process, and approaching these questions with honesty and intention.

Over the years, through countless conversations—both with others and myself—I’ve distilled this process into five essential questions. They are deceptively simple but demand absolute clarity and commitment.

1. What do I want? What is my soul crying out to do?
   It’s essential to have a vision for what we want our lives to mean. I often think of the exercise of imagining your own funeral. Who do you want to be there? What do you want them to say about you? This practice can be clarifying and, sometimes, profoundly moving. I think of it as living life in reverse.

2. What is working well?
   Celebrating what’s good in our lives is just as important as addressing what isn’t. Don’t fix what isn’t broken. Instead, double down on the things you truly enjoy and excel at. Clarity about what’s working can be a powerful motivator.

3. What isn’t working well?
   This is where we need to confront the gaps. What are the energy thieves in your life? What drains you, frustrates you, or holds you back? Write them down, see them clearly, and make a plan to address them. This isn’t about blame; it’s about awareness.

4. What am I committed to doing differently?
   This might be the hardest question. It asks us to step out of our comfort zones. It’s easy to want the gains without the effort required to achieve them. But meaningful change requires commitment—and action. As the saying goes, doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting different results is the very definition of insanity.

5. What help do I need? How can I help—myself or others?
   Change doesn’t happen in isolation. This question is about asking for help and offering it. It’s about investing time and resources into yourself and others, building a support system, and contributing to those around you.

These questions aren’t quick fixes; they’re guideposts. They require patience, reflection, and courage. But I’ve found that when we commit to answering them honestly, they have the power to transform not just our lives, but the lives of those we touch.

What You’ll Find Here: Insights, Tools, and Stories for a Changing World

Through this blog, I aim to share insights that bridge the gap between today’s challenges and tomorrow’s possibilities. My goal is to offer perspectives that clarify our complex world, frameworks that empower meaningful action, and stories that resonate on a universal level. Here’s what you can expect:

• Deep explorations of the underlying forces shaping our world.

• Practical tools for navigating change, both personally and professionally.

• Personal stories that reveal shared truths and invite reflection.

• Actionable insights to inspire impact in your own life and beyond.

This commitment stems from a core belief: each of us has the power to shape the future. Some of that work happens in solitude, during quiet moments of reflection and personal growth. But much of it happens together—through shared effort, collaboration, and a willingness to engage deeply with the ideas that truly matter.

The path forward is unique to each of us, but by aligning our individual actions with a collective vision, we can create the transformation our world so urgently needs.

Moving Forward Together: Turning Understanding into Action

The challenges we face can feel overwhelming—I know this feeling well. Yet, I’ve come to understand that the antidote to overwhelm isn’t retreat or oversimplification; it’s understanding paired with deliberate action. As we navigate this extraordinary moment of transformation, let’s remember that progress emerges from curiosity, creativity, and compassion—not division.

We’re often told to pick sides—left or right, blue or red. Both sides hold truths and contradictions, but real change lies in embracing complexity. It begins with asking thoughtful questions and committing to meaningful action. Reflecting on what truly matters is the first step toward creating a future defined not by fear, but by possibility.

This blog is an invitation to explore and act. Start by asking yourself:

• What do I truly want?

• What’s working well in my life?

• What isn’t working?

• What am I committed to doing differently?

• What help do I need?

Take a moment today to sit with one of these questions. Reflection is the seed of progress; together, we can cultivate it into action. If this resonates, subscribe or share these ideas with someone who might benefit. Let’s turn understanding into impact—one step at a time.