March 25, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) Lehman Brothers, one of the oldest and largest investment banks in the United States, was led by CEO Richard Fuld who built the firm into a Wall Street powerhouse through aggressive expansion and risky investment strategies. Behind the scenes, Lehman Brothers was plagued by a toxic … Read more

March 18, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) In 2006, while traveling in Argentina, Blake Mycoskie witnessed firsthand the hardships faced by children who lacked access to adequate footwear. Inspired to make a difference, he founded TOMS Shoes with a simple impactful mission: for every pair of shoes sold, TOMS would donate a pair … Read more

March 11, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) Geopolitical change refers to shifts in the global political landscape, including changes in the distribution of power, alliances, rivalries and territorial disputes among nations. These changes can stem from various factors such as economic developments, technological advancements, environmental issues, social movements and shifts in leadership or … Read more

March 4, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) It was March 2009. I was Captain of the USS Nimitz. We were sailing the eastern pacific ocean conducting workups after our long maintenance period to confirm we were ready for action. The Officer of the Deck is the senior person in charge on the bridge … Read more

February 29, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) In the bustling streets of Hangzhou, China, amidst the neon glow of a burgeoning digital era, a small group of dreamers gathered in a humble apartment. With little more than determination and a vision for the future, Jack Ma and his co-founders ignited a spark that … Read more

February 26, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) In the early light of dawn, Nelson Mandela stood amidst a diverse crowd, united by their shared defiance against apartheid’s oppressive laws. Their voices rose in a steady crescendo, echoing through the dusty streets of Sharpeville like a symphony of resistance. Mandela’s gaze swept over the … Read more

February 19, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) Do you happen to find yourself in the situation where you are now the leader of a business or the manager of a department and you have no financial or accounting background? Do you get nervous when terms like ROI, EPS, Cash vs. Accrual; Cash Flow … Read more

February 18, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) Modern technological change is exploding. It is estimated that we will experience 20,000 years of change in the 21st century assuming we continue at today’s rate. How does a leader maintain a competitive edge in that environment? There are two parts to this question. First, how … Read more

February 5, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) In 2007, Oprah Winfrey founded the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in Henley-on-Klip, South Africa. The school’s mission was to provide quality education and opportunities for underprivileged girls in the country, empowering them to become leaders and make a difference in their communities. One of … Read more

January 24, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) Leading brand valuation and consulting firms, including Interbrand, Forbes, and Brand Finance, consistently rank Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft as the top three global brands. These brands have achieved prominence by consistently delivering high-quality products and services, embracing innovation, prioritizing customer satisfaction, and effectively marketing their offerings. … Read more