November 18, 2024 • 13 mins
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
I ever notice how some CEOs just seem to, like, ah,
anticipate those market shifts and kind of outmaneuver the competition.
I've always wondered, you know, if they have like a
crystal ball or something, right, But what if they're actually
you know, taking cues from like a century's old military playbook.
Today's deep dive gets seriously strategic. Yeah, we're unpacking The
(00:23):
Art of War by Sun Sou. Oh trust me, this
isn't just for you know, history buffs.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Oh, what's so fascinating about sins Who's work is that
it's less about like brute force, right, and way more
about intelligent planning, psychological insight, you know, adapting to a
fluid landscape. And these are principles that I think resonate
even stronger in today's business world, where I mean, obviously
the battlefield is often metaphorical, but the stakes are just
(00:49):
as high.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
Totally. Yeah, So no need to like stock up on
armor then, No, We're talking more about like arming ourselves.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
With knowledge precisely, and the first weapon in our arsenal,
according to Sunzu, is strategic thinking. He famously said, every
battle is won before it is fought. Oh wow, emphasizing
the importance of preparation right and having a solid plan
in place before you even make a move.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
That makes sense. Yeah, I mean like you wouldn't you know,
launch a startup without you know, researching your target audience first,
or like dive headfirst into i know, like a product
redesign without understanding you know, your current user's pain points exactly.
Like it's about laying that ground with Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
You need ton attend the landscape since you would probably
argue that so many businesses they fail not because they
lack a good product or service, but because they simply
just react to challenges as they arise instead of proactively
shaping their future.
Speaker 1 (01:47):
So it's less about like putting out fires and more
about being like architects of your own destiny. Yes I
like that. Yes, Okay, so we've got the blueprint, like
this strategic plan.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
But then what this is where another one of sons
whose principles comes into play, and it's one that many
successful companies really live by. If you know the enemy
and know yourself, you need not fear the result of
one hundred battles.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Okay, let's unpack that a little bit. So we're talking
about like really understanding your competition, right, yes, but also
like having that deep understanding of your own strengths and
weaknesses as well.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
You've hit the nail on the head. Think of a company,
say like Netflix, Okay, part of their I mean their
massive success, right comes from this constant analysis of not
just their direct competitors other streaming services, but also like
emerging forms of entertainment.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
Oh wow.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
They understand what those competitors are doing well, where they're
falling short, and crucially how those factors then intersect with
their own strengths and weaknesses.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
So it's not just like copying what the competition is doing,
but it's like using that knowledge to make smarter decisions
for your.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
Own business exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
It's almost like playing a game of chess, like constantly
thinking a few moves ahead.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Absolutely, and to be successful in that game you need
to utilize like frameworks that provide a structured approach to
analyzing both your own business but also that competitive landscape.
Speaker 1 (03:11):
Are you talking about like tools like the classic swat
analysis or is there something even like more strategic I know,
what would Sun Zuo do if he had like today's
business tools?
Speaker 2 (03:21):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (03:22):
I don't know, I'm just riffing here.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
SWAT analysis is great. I mean identifying those strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats. Right, that's certainly valuable and aligns well
with suns who's thinking. Okay, but to take it a
step further, let's consider porters five forces. Okay, So this
framework it helps businesses analyze the competitive dynamics of their industry, Okay,
(03:44):
by looking at factors like the threat of new entrants,
the bargaining power of suppliers buyers, the threat of substitute
products or services, and of course the rivalry amongst those
existing competitors.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
So it's about understanding like the entire playing.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Field, not just the players on it right now, precisely,
and this kind of three hundred and sixty degree analysis
is just it's crucial for making those informed decisions.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
Yeah, it's about knowing like when to play offense, when
to play defense, yes, when to like when to zig
when everyone else SAgs? Right, exactly, But even with the
best laid plans right and like a deep understanding of
the landscape, things can change rapidly, especially in today's business world.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
Absolutely, and that's why alongside that strategic planning, that competitor
analysis students who also emphasize the critical importance of adaptability.
He wrote in the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity, which.
Speaker 1 (04:39):
Is such a powerful concept, right because it suggests that, like,
we shouldn't just fear change, but be ready to like
embrace it and even leverage it to our advantage.
Speaker 2 (04:49):
One hundred percent. And this is where businesses that can
adapt quickly, they often have such a distinct edge. They
don't get bogged down in like rigid processes, right, or
fear the unw They're able to pivot, innovate, find opportunity
even in the face of disruption.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
It's almost like that saying the only constant is change, right. Yeah,
but it sounds like what sun Zi was saying is like,
instead of resisting that change, we should be looking for
the opportunities it presents.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
Absolutely. Think about like Lego for example. Okay, a few
decades ago, they were primarily known for you know, those
physical building blocks, right, But as technology advanced and digital
play kind of became more and more popular, they adapted brilliantly.
They embraced video games, augmented reality, you know, they even
(05:36):
got into feature films. Wow, all while staying true to
that core creativity of their product, right, that's adaptability in action.
Speaker 1 (05:45):
Yeah, that's a really interesting example. I mean that's not
just about like surviving the change, right, but actually using
it as like fuel for growth.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
Now, speaking of seizing the right moment, there's another principle
from the art of war that I find intriguing but
maybe a bit hard to wrap my head around. Okay,
a peer weak when you are strong, and strong when
you were weak. Can you shed some light on that one.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
I mean it definitely sounds counterintuitive, doesn't it. Yeah, But
it's all about strategic positioning and really leveraging perception to
your advantage.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
So it's about like playing your cards closed to the
chest kind.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Of in a way. Yeah. Let's say you know you're
a startup, right, okay, and you're pitching to a group
of like seasoned venture capitalists. They've seen it all, they've
heard every pitch. If you go in overly confident, boasting
about how you're going to be, you know, the next unicorn,
they're going to be skeptical. But if you go in
(06:43):
and you acknowledge the challenges, you demonstrate a deep understanding
of the market and express, you know, a willingness to
learn to adapt.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
You might actually like peak their interest a little.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
Bit more precisely because you're showing them that you're not
just blundly optimistic, but you've actually thought critically about the
road ahead. You're demonstrating a key quality of a successful entrepreneur,
humility combined with strategic awareness.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
That's a powerful, powerful combination. It reminds me of how
some companies, especially in like the tech world, will release
what they call a minimum viable product, so something that's
like functional but not perfect, in order to get feedback
from early adopters and iterate based on real world usage.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
So they're appearing weak in a way right by not
pretending to have all the answers. Absolutely, but it's actually
like a very strategic move.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
You've hit on a perfect example. It ties back to
that adaptability we were discussing earlier. It's about acknowledging that
you don't have to be perfect to succeed, but you
do have to be willing to learn to adjust and
sometimes even embrace like a bit of calculated vulnerability.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
So much of this resonates with that idea like the
long game, yes, which I imagine is something Sunsu would
have been like very familiar with.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Oh. Absolutely, he understood that true victory it rarely comes
from like impulsive actions or that short term thinking. That
brings us to another one of his key principles, the
importance of timing. As he put it, tactics without strategy
is the noise before defeat.
Speaker 1 (08:23):
So it's not just about having a plan, but knowing
when to act right and you know, perhaps more importantly,
when to wait.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
You got think about a company like Apple. Okay, they're
notorious for not being first to market with new technology. Right,
they waited for the right moment to launch you know,
the iPod, the iPhone, even.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
The Apple Watch, right, and by doing so.
Speaker 2 (08:47):
They revolutionized entire industries.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
Exactly.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
You're so strategic in their timing, right, waiting for those
like perfect market conditions, the right level of technological maturity,
and just that right moment to really like capture the
world's attention.
Speaker 1 (09:02):
And that patience, that discipline to wait for the right
opportunity really paid off for them in.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
The end, It really did. And that same principle it
applies to so many areas of business.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
Right.
Speaker 2 (09:11):
Let's say you're a company considering like a merger or
an acquisition, right, rushing into a deal just because it,
you know, seems good on paper. It could have like
disastrous consequences right now. But if you take your time,
carefully analyze those financials, you assess the cultural fit, and
make sure it really aligns with your long term strategic.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
Goals, you're much more likely to make a decision that
sets you up for like lasting success, not just you know,
the quick win exactly.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
And that long term perspective is something that Sun Zoo,
I mean, he consistently emphasizes that throughout the art of war.
He understood that true success, you know, it requires more
than just winning a single battle, right, It's about creating
that sustainable position of strength over time.
Speaker 1 (09:57):
So we've talked about strategy, no your enemy, adaptability, timing, Right,
it seems like a lot of these principles are about,
you know, thinking like a general, right sure, but plotting
every move on this like giant risk reward chess board.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
They certainly are. But what truly distinguishes a great leader,
according to Sunsu, is not just their tactical brilliance, but
also their understanding that battles are one not just on
the battlefield, but in the hearts and minds of their people.
Speaker 1 (10:24):
So it's about more than just like giving orders and
expecting them to.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
Be followed precisely. Remember that line we mentioned earlier, the
skillful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
I do. It sounds lovely in theory, but how does
that actually you know, play out in like a business context.
It sounds like it's about you know, empowering your team
instead of just like ruling through you know, command and control.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
You got it.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Sunsu recognized that a leader who can inspire like genuine loyalty,
right and commitment from their team, that's a huge advantage.
He famously said, treat your men as you would your
own beloved sons, and they will follow you into the
deepest valleys.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
Wow. That's a powerful image. Yeah, and it speaks to
that idea that like people are just naturally more likely
to go the extra mile for a leader who you know,
genuinely cares about them as like a person, right, Yes,
not just like their output.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
It's about creating that culture of trust, respect and shared purpose, right.
I mean, think about companies that are just known for
their exceptional company culture. Okay, like Google or Zappos. Yeah,
they invest so heavily in their employees' well being, their
professional development, work life balance.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
All of that, and as a result, they attract top talent,
they cultivate like a very highly motivated and engaged workforce.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
Exactly. It's a win win situation. You know, employees they
feel valued, they feel supported, right, and the company then
reaps the benefits of you know, their increased creativity, productivity, loyalty.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
It all circles back to that idea of like strategic thinking.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
Right.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
It's not just about like outmaneuvering your competition. It's also
about building a strong foundation, you know, for that long
term success by investing in your people one hundred percent.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
And you know, I think that brings us back to
the heart of Sunsei's philosophy. Okay, the art of war.
It's not just a military treatise, right, it's really a
guide to navigating complex situations, understanding you know, fundamental human nature,
and achieving your goals through strategic thinking, decisive action.
Speaker 1 (12:30):
It's incredible to think that a text you know, written
centuries ago about like actual warfare, I know, right, hold
so many valuable lessons for like business leaders, entrepreneurs, frankly,
like anyone, right, Yeah, navigating the challenges of like the
twenty first century.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
It really is. I think it's a testament to the
enduring power of these principles. Yeah, they've stood the test
of time because they tap into fundamental truths about you know, strategy, leadership,
human nature.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
As we kind of wrap up this deep dive into
the art of war, is there like one key takeaway
that you hope our listeners walk away with today?
Speaker 2 (13:06):
You know, I think the most important thing to remember
is that Sunci's wisdom. It's not about you know, seeking
out conflict. It's not about trying to dominate others. It's
about understanding the dynamics of power, making those strategic decisions right,
and really positioning yourself for success in all areas of life.
Speaker 1 (13:21):
I love that it's about using these principles to kind
of navigate those challenges, achieve your goals, and ultimately create
like a more fulfilling and impactful life. Precisely, and listeners,
we want to hear from you, what's one unexpected insight
that you've gleaned from you know, suns Who's the art
of war? Let us know? Until next time, keep strategizing
I ever notice how some CEOs just seem to, like, ah,
anticipate those market shifts and kind of outmaneuver the competition.
I've always wondered, you know, if they have like a
crystal ball or something, right, But what if they're actually
you know, taking cues from like a century's old military playbook.
Today's deep dive gets seriously strategic. Yeah, we're unpacking The
(00:23):
Art of War by Sun Sou. Oh trust me, this
isn't just for you know, history buffs.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Oh, what's so fascinating about sins Who's work is that
it's less about like brute force, right, and way more
about intelligent planning, psychological insight, you know, adapting to a
fluid landscape. And these are principles that I think resonate
even stronger in today's business world, where I mean, obviously
the battlefield is often metaphorical, but the stakes are just
(00:49):
as high.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
Totally. Yeah, So no need to like stock up on
armor then, No, We're talking more about like arming ourselves.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
With knowledge precisely, and the first weapon in our arsenal,
according to Sunzu, is strategic thinking. He famously said, every
battle is won before it is fought. Oh wow, emphasizing
the importance of preparation right and having a solid plan
in place before you even make a move.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
That makes sense. Yeah, I mean like you wouldn't you know,
launch a startup without you know, researching your target audience first,
or like dive headfirst into i know, like a product
redesign without understanding you know, your current user's pain points exactly.
Like it's about laying that ground with Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
You need ton attend the landscape since you would probably
argue that so many businesses they fail not because they
lack a good product or service, but because they simply
just react to challenges as they arise instead of proactively
shaping their future.
Speaker 1 (01:47):
So it's less about like putting out fires and more
about being like architects of your own destiny. Yes I
like that. Yes, Okay, so we've got the blueprint, like
this strategic plan.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
But then what this is where another one of sons
whose principles comes into play, and it's one that many
successful companies really live by. If you know the enemy
and know yourself, you need not fear the result of
one hundred battles.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Okay, let's unpack that a little bit. So we're talking
about like really understanding your competition, right, yes, but also
like having that deep understanding of your own strengths and
weaknesses as well.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
You've hit the nail on the head. Think of a company,
say like Netflix, Okay, part of their I mean their
massive success, right comes from this constant analysis of not
just their direct competitors other streaming services, but also like
emerging forms of entertainment.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
Oh wow.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
They understand what those competitors are doing well, where they're
falling short, and crucially how those factors then intersect with
their own strengths and weaknesses.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
So it's not just like copying what the competition is doing,
but it's like using that knowledge to make smarter decisions
for your.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
Own business exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
It's almost like playing a game of chess, like constantly
thinking a few moves ahead.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Absolutely, and to be successful in that game you need
to utilize like frameworks that provide a structured approach to
analyzing both your own business but also that competitive landscape.
Speaker 1 (03:11):
Are you talking about like tools like the classic swat
analysis or is there something even like more strategic I know,
what would Sun Zuo do if he had like today's
business tools?
Speaker 2 (03:21):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (03:22):
I don't know, I'm just riffing here.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
SWAT analysis is great. I mean identifying those strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats. Right, that's certainly valuable and aligns well
with suns who's thinking. Okay, but to take it a
step further, let's consider porters five forces. Okay, So this
framework it helps businesses analyze the competitive dynamics of their industry, Okay,
(03:44):
by looking at factors like the threat of new entrants,
the bargaining power of suppliers buyers, the threat of substitute
products or services, and of course the rivalry amongst those
existing competitors.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
So it's about understanding like the entire playing.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Field, not just the players on it right now, precisely,
and this kind of three hundred and sixty degree analysis
is just it's crucial for making those informed decisions.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
Yeah, it's about knowing like when to play offense, when
to play defense, yes, when to like when to zig
when everyone else SAgs? Right, exactly, But even with the
best laid plans right and like a deep understanding of
the landscape, things can change rapidly, especially in today's business world.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
Absolutely, and that's why alongside that strategic planning, that competitor
analysis students who also emphasize the critical importance of adaptability.
He wrote in the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity, which.
Speaker 1 (04:39):
Is such a powerful concept, right because it suggests that, like,
we shouldn't just fear change, but be ready to like
embrace it and even leverage it to our advantage.
Speaker 2 (04:49):
One hundred percent. And this is where businesses that can
adapt quickly, they often have such a distinct edge. They
don't get bogged down in like rigid processes, right, or
fear the unw They're able to pivot, innovate, find opportunity
even in the face of disruption.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
It's almost like that saying the only constant is change, right. Yeah,
but it sounds like what sun Zi was saying is like,
instead of resisting that change, we should be looking for
the opportunities it presents.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
Absolutely. Think about like Lego for example. Okay, a few
decades ago, they were primarily known for you know, those
physical building blocks, right, But as technology advanced and digital
play kind of became more and more popular, they adapted brilliantly.
They embraced video games, augmented reality, you know, they even
(05:36):
got into feature films. Wow, all while staying true to
that core creativity of their product, right, that's adaptability in action.
Speaker 1 (05:45):
Yeah, that's a really interesting example. I mean that's not
just about like surviving the change, right, but actually using
it as like fuel for growth.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
Now, speaking of seizing the right moment, there's another principle
from the art of war that I find intriguing but
maybe a bit hard to wrap my head around. Okay,
a peer weak when you are strong, and strong when
you were weak. Can you shed some light on that one.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
I mean it definitely sounds counterintuitive, doesn't it. Yeah, But
it's all about strategic positioning and really leveraging perception to
your advantage.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
So it's about like playing your cards closed to the
chest kind.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Of in a way. Yeah. Let's say you know you're
a startup, right, okay, and you're pitching to a group
of like seasoned venture capitalists. They've seen it all, they've
heard every pitch. If you go in overly confident, boasting
about how you're going to be, you know, the next unicorn,
they're going to be skeptical. But if you go in
(06:43):
and you acknowledge the challenges, you demonstrate a deep understanding
of the market and express, you know, a willingness to
learn to adapt.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
You might actually like peak their interest a little.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
Bit more precisely because you're showing them that you're not
just blundly optimistic, but you've actually thought critically about the
road ahead. You're demonstrating a key quality of a successful entrepreneur,
humility combined with strategic awareness.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
That's a powerful, powerful combination. It reminds me of how
some companies, especially in like the tech world, will release
what they call a minimum viable product, so something that's
like functional but not perfect, in order to get feedback
from early adopters and iterate based on real world usage.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
So they're appearing weak in a way right by not
pretending to have all the answers. Absolutely, but it's actually
like a very strategic move.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
You've hit on a perfect example. It ties back to
that adaptability we were discussing earlier. It's about acknowledging that
you don't have to be perfect to succeed, but you
do have to be willing to learn to adjust and
sometimes even embrace like a bit of calculated vulnerability.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
So much of this resonates with that idea like the
long game, yes, which I imagine is something Sunsu would
have been like very familiar with.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Oh. Absolutely, he understood that true victory it rarely comes
from like impulsive actions or that short term thinking. That
brings us to another one of his key principles, the
importance of timing. As he put it, tactics without strategy
is the noise before defeat.
Speaker 1 (08:23):
So it's not just about having a plan, but knowing
when to act right and you know, perhaps more importantly,
when to wait.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
You got think about a company like Apple. Okay, they're
notorious for not being first to market with new technology. Right,
they waited for the right moment to launch you know,
the iPod, the iPhone, even.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
The Apple Watch, right, and by doing so.
Speaker 2 (08:47):
They revolutionized entire industries.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
Exactly.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
You're so strategic in their timing, right, waiting for those
like perfect market conditions, the right level of technological maturity,
and just that right moment to really like capture the
world's attention.
Speaker 1 (09:02):
And that patience, that discipline to wait for the right
opportunity really paid off for them in.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
The end, It really did. And that same principle it
applies to so many areas of business.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
Right.
Speaker 2 (09:11):
Let's say you're a company considering like a merger or
an acquisition, right, rushing into a deal just because it,
you know, seems good on paper. It could have like
disastrous consequences right now. But if you take your time,
carefully analyze those financials, you assess the cultural fit, and
make sure it really aligns with your long term strategic.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
Goals, you're much more likely to make a decision that
sets you up for like lasting success, not just you know,
the quick win exactly.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
And that long term perspective is something that Sun Zoo,
I mean, he consistently emphasizes that throughout the art of war.
He understood that true success, you know, it requires more
than just winning a single battle, right, It's about creating
that sustainable position of strength over time.
Speaker 1 (09:57):
So we've talked about strategy, no your enemy, adaptability, timing, Right,
it seems like a lot of these principles are about,
you know, thinking like a general, right sure, but plotting
every move on this like giant risk reward chess board.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
They certainly are. But what truly distinguishes a great leader,
according to Sunsu, is not just their tactical brilliance, but
also their understanding that battles are one not just on
the battlefield, but in the hearts and minds of their people.
Speaker 1 (10:24):
So it's about more than just like giving orders and
expecting them to.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
Be followed precisely. Remember that line we mentioned earlier, the
skillful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
I do. It sounds lovely in theory, but how does
that actually you know, play out in like a business context.
It sounds like it's about you know, empowering your team
instead of just like ruling through you know, command and control.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
You got it.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Sunsu recognized that a leader who can inspire like genuine loyalty,
right and commitment from their team, that's a huge advantage.
He famously said, treat your men as you would your
own beloved sons, and they will follow you into the
deepest valleys.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
Wow. That's a powerful image. Yeah, and it speaks to
that idea that like people are just naturally more likely
to go the extra mile for a leader who you know,
genuinely cares about them as like a person, right, Yes,
not just like their output.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
It's about creating that culture of trust, respect and shared purpose, right.
I mean, think about companies that are just known for
their exceptional company culture. Okay, like Google or Zappos. Yeah,
they invest so heavily in their employees' well being, their
professional development, work life balance.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
All of that, and as a result, they attract top talent,
they cultivate like a very highly motivated and engaged workforce.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
Exactly. It's a win win situation. You know, employees they
feel valued, they feel supported, right, and the company then
reaps the benefits of you know, their increased creativity, productivity, loyalty.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
It all circles back to that idea of like strategic thinking.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
Right.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
It's not just about like outmaneuvering your competition. It's also
about building a strong foundation, you know, for that long
term success by investing in your people one hundred percent.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
And you know, I think that brings us back to
the heart of Sunsei's philosophy. Okay, the art of war.
It's not just a military treatise, right, it's really a
guide to navigating complex situations, understanding you know, fundamental human nature,
and achieving your goals through strategic thinking, decisive action.
Speaker 1 (12:30):
It's incredible to think that a text you know, written
centuries ago about like actual warfare, I know, right, hold
so many valuable lessons for like business leaders, entrepreneurs, frankly,
like anyone, right, Yeah, navigating the challenges of like the
twenty first century.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
It really is. I think it's a testament to the
enduring power of these principles. Yeah, they've stood the test
of time because they tap into fundamental truths about you know, strategy, leadership,
human nature.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
As we kind of wrap up this deep dive into
the art of war, is there like one key takeaway
that you hope our listeners walk away with today?
Speaker 2 (13:06):
You know, I think the most important thing to remember
is that Sunci's wisdom. It's not about you know, seeking
out conflict. It's not about trying to dominate others. It's
about understanding the dynamics of power, making those strategic decisions right,
and really positioning yourself for success in all areas of life.
Speaker 1 (13:21):
I love that it's about using these principles to kind
of navigate those challenges, achieve your goals, and ultimately create
like a more fulfilling and impactful life. Precisely, and listeners,
we want to hear from you, what's one unexpected insight
that you've gleaned from you know, suns Who's the art
of war? Let us know? Until next time, keep strategizing
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