TravelTucker’s Post

As #America, and soon #Europe, enters into full-blown Cold-War-style rivalry with #China, I hear many people quote Mark Twain who said: "Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet" I am a #multicultural person who belongs to both West and East. I spent the first 19 years of my life in #India. I spent my last 35 years living and working mostly in America and Europe. Over the last 20 years, I have tried to prove Mark Twain wrong by helping "West meet East" and vice-versa. My last 3 books brought Eastern #wisdom and #management paradigms - #jugaad, #frugal #innovation, #wise #leadership - to the West. But you see, Mark Twain didn't actually ADVOCATE that East and West shall not meet He just observed that East & West represent two different CULTURES with their idiosyncratic features that may APPEAR to enter into conflict. In his poem "The Ballad of East and West" (see graphic below), Mark Twain acknowledged these cultural differences (first two lines) But he *presciently* invited the West and East to TRANSCEND their differences and realize their underlying UNITY as human beings who live in the same Home called Earth. I interpret the "coming face to face" of East and West not as their "face-off" in the military field, but their collective "facing" of a "shared reality" - that is, the "problems without borders" like #climate #catastrophes, #water #shortage and #pandemics that afflict both East and West. The Ballad of East and West is actually an invitation for East and West to *leverage* their differences (individuality) to CO-CREATE "#solutions #without #borders" to global issues that will bedevil the entire human civilization in coming decades - starting with #climate #crisis. Read Mark Twain's full poem "The Ballad of East and West" here: https://lnkd.in/e4hQwXhC .

Cultural Odyssey: Exploring the Tapestry of Humanity A cultural odyssey is a journey that transcends geographical boundaries, inviting individuals to embark on a profound exploration of the diverse tapestry of humanity. It is a quest to understand, appreciate, and celebrate the rich mosaic of traditions, customs, and beliefs that define various societies around the globe. https://lnkd.in/eguauhuR

As we all witnessing throughout last 100 years, our leaders never learn from history; on the contrary each and everyone of them are doing their best to worsen our situation… We need a complete global change before it’s too late to loose our last chance for a better world… 🕊️🪬🌍🔥🌎🪬🕊️ “There are two forces throughout history that have shaped every single civilization without exception. And those two forces don't like each other. They're in conflict with one another. They clash. The first force is the INNOVATIVE force. The innovative force is the force that believes that the only way to greet the future is through change. It likes change. It seeks out change. It's a very dangerous force, especially when it's unleashed and there's no counterbalance to it. Because it will tear up culture and it will change traditions and it changes identities and it asks uncomfortable questions by contrast. The other force is the PRESERVING Force. The preserving force wants to not just lock things in place in this moment, it actually almost always has some amazing event from the past that it looks to as the model, not just for the present but for the future as well. In other words there's some moment in the past that the preserving force says this is what we should be doing.” https://lnkd.in/dceqNP2b

Generational Change is a delicate Balancing Act ⚖️ In the funeral sector, where tradition and innovation are often seen as competing forces, generational change can be significant. Younger generations bring fresh perspectives to the table, evolving practices to meet the needs and expectations of a clientele vastly different from those familiar to previous generations - says Loukas Grammenos, Loukas Grammenos, CEO Grammenos International Repatriation Services, Greece 🇬🇷 . 👉 Read the whole article in summer issue of THANOS magazine https://lnkd.in/djXNqDtY . #GenerationalChange #TraditionMeetsInnovation #FuneralServices #Leadership #THANOSmagazine #generations #fiatifta #funeralindustry #funeralcompanies #fiatiftafuneral #funeralorganization #experience #knowledge #innovations #opportunities #funeralbusiness #funeralinnovations #networking #education

Exploring History: The Rise of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire Dive into the fascinating journey of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire with our latest blog post! Discover how one man's vision and leadership reshaped Eurasian history, from the rugged steppes of Mongolia to the far reaches of China and Eastern Europe. Join us as we explore the conquests, innovations, and enduring legacy of one of history's most influential figures. Click the link below to embark on a journey through time and explore the dynamic world of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire:

This weekend I spent a good chunk of my time straightening the screws on my light switches and electrical outlets. (See before and after photo)I found myself reflecting on the history of the Byzantine Empire. Here are a few key insights I gained about this fascinating period: 1. **Resilience and Adaptability**: The Byzantine Empire lasted for over a thousand years, adapting to numerous challenges, from invasions to internal strife. This reminded me of the importance of resilience and adaptability in our own careers and personal lives. 2. **Strategic Leadership**: Leaders like Justinian I implemented significant reforms and ambitious projects, such as the construction of the Hagia Sophia. Effective leadership and vision can drive monumental achievements, a lesson applicable to any organizational or personal endeavor. 3. **Cultural Synthesis**: The Byzantine Empire was a melting pot of cultures, blending Greco-Roman traditions with Christian and Eastern influences. This rich cultural synthesis highlights the value of diversity and cross-cultural collaboration in fostering innovation and growth. 4. **Technological and Administrative Innovations**: The Byzantines were pioneers in various fields, from military technology to complex administrative systems. Continuous learning and embracing innovation are crucial for staying ahead in today's fast-paced world. 5. **Legacy and Influence**: Despite its fall in 1453, the Byzantine Empire's influence persisted through its art, architecture, and legal codes. Our work and contributions can leave a lasting impact, inspiring future generations. Just as every screw I adjusted contributed to a well-functioning home, every effort we make towards learning and growth builds a stronger, more resilient future. #LearningJourney #HistoryLessons #ByzantineEmpire #ContinuousImprovement #Leadership #Innovation #lightswitch #screws #verticalirientation #180or360or0degrees #90or180degrees

History is changed by strategy. Julius Caesar won the deciding battle at Alesia that led to Rome dominating Europe with superior strategy. He did this by using pick axes and shovels even through the Gaul's outnumbered the romans 3 to 1 (counting those being sieged and those coming to their rescue). History has many lessons for business; studying the great leaders from the past can give insights into creative ways to win the day in the ever changing land scape of technology and culture. Vercingetorix was a great leader in his own right, getting a vast number of tribes to rally around him (people skills) but in the end he made a crucial error in strategy that gave Julius Caesar the opportunity to lay siege. This took away Vercingetorix's burned earth strategy. This one decision changed the course of history. Do you value strategy in your company? Is it required for your leaders to study the great strategists of the past? https://lnkd.in/gj_RNepy

In the world of geopolitics, there's a common saying: "No permanent friends, no permanent enemies." This means that countries' alliances and rivalries can change over time. Think of it like friendships, people might get along for a while, but interests and situations can shift, leading to new friendships or conflicts. It's a reminder that in international relations, nations often act based on their current needs and circumstances rather than sticking to fixed alliances. Adaptability and flexibility are key in navigating the ever-changing landscape of global politics. In our own lives, it's important to be open-minded and ready for friendships, partnerships, or even disagreements to switch up. Being flexible is like having a secret weapon to handle all the ups and downs in life. Just as countries figure out who to team up with based on what's happening, we can also look at our own connections and adjust them. Embracing change and being adaptable help us grow and deal with all the twists and turns life throws our way. #global #globalconnections #geopolitics #business #growth #love #peace

"The way in which I characterize Xi Jinping, observing his behavior, particularly in foreign policy and security policy, is that he is a calculated risk taker." Dr. Kevin Rudd shares his thoughts on Chinese president #XiJinping during the global launch of his book "On Xi Jinping: How Xi’s Marxist Nationalism Is Shaping China and the World" at Asia Society New York. Watch the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/eiR3vWxw *This conversation does not reflect Dr. Kevin Rudd's ambassadorial role.