World Economic Forum 2025 Outlook

According to the WEF it appears markets have stabalized and they encourage people to be more involved in the workforce. I think that can be done by using technology and continuing education to support constant learning and updating. It is helpful to read these reports to understand the performance of the markets and what things to focus on going on forward. These are projections so read widely different reports. They borrow from each other but emphasis different market aspects. 

World Economic Forum 2025 Outlook

Delta County MI Board of Commissioners Meeting (5/6/2025): Veteran Committee, Administration and Amtrak

Three major topics include taking care of veterans with the development of the Committee of County Veterans, possible Amtrak coming through town/UP, and new administrative positions. 

First, I think our veterans are an excellent group of people and I have come to know many over my life. Empowering them and maximizing their contributions to society is important not only to them but also society itself. I think of this from a village standpoint centuries ago. If warriors came back from helping and protecting our village, we would do our best to give them opportunities for a happy life.Sometimes we are removed from the curtain of how things could have been if we lost some of our wars. Thank you vets! 

Second, Amtrak could potentially bring a whole new tourist route and much of the track to Green Bay may already exist. With tourism ships and other investments, we are continuing the journey of transformation that could potentially create a shiny investment and vacation gem on the Great Lakes.

Third, if a position is designed well, it can generate more positive benefits than it costs. Streamlining some of the work might help in focusing on what provides the most value for people. No job is immune from bloat on trivial activities that generate little return (Yes, I have worked for many years and trust me time wasting activities just creeps in all the time.)

Leadership in Complex Environments

Leadership in complex environments moves beyond simple knowledge and more into understanding the dynamic aspects of internal and external systems. Those executives that understand their environment and have developed strategies for dealing with contingencies are more likely to successfully adapt their organizations to changes versus those that do not/cannot. When one has a keen eye on internal and external markets, they are much more likely to find solutions.

One of the very first steps is to gain knowledge about the environment and the trends. It is important to continue to read, understand, learn, assess, and reflect so as to be aware. Strong executives know their business inside and out and can gauge internal resources to deal with such issues. They know what they are strong and weak, available resources, and who can do what.

There are specific methods such as the study below that help us understand change and risk to organization. For example, if you rely on specific widgets but only one supplier you are going to have an issue if that delivery is going to stop. Further, if there is a shortage of a specific skill in the market then the organization must either change its process or develop the skill (internal, external, higher ed, etc.).

The first piece discusses complex systems and understanding how to avoid risks from an organizational perspective. Companies exist in an international world and there could be things ranging from supply chain to internal labor shortages that might constitute risk. Leaders will seek to understand the risks and can do so through review and risk analysis. Once they know the risks they can strengthen and patch weak areas of an organization (It is possible to play devil's advocate to strengthen systems).

Advancing the complex adaptive systems approach to enterprise risk management with quantified risk networks (QRNs)

Social networks are also part of a complex system and can have an influence on economics. For some time, I have been discussing the sociological aspects of society as tied to economic/societal health (i.e. economics as social choice). Things like corruption, hate, social in-groups, and bribing damage the system on a deep root level. Leaders understand the long-term necessity of ethics in their businesses and encourage an environment that is most conducive to upholding social contracts, free exchange of ideas, and social trusts to foster pro-growth economic environments.

Rethinking leadership in complex adaptive systems

When Judges Engage in Criminal Behavior? Eroding the Foundations of Justice and Society (Philosophical discussion on hate and corruption)

Systems are only as good as the people who administrate them. When a judge engages in misbehavior there are few to no laws that will be enforced or that will make much sense. This is often the case in places where groups of people engage in corruption that span years with no backstops. Worse, when the judge and a group of corrupted officers engage in coordinated activities in order to help to enrich their social networks and cleanse certain races and religions out of an area. 

This is part of a long-running experiment that some of it might be used in a book of one section will likely talk of the allure of corruption and how leaders seek to ensure institutions function with their essential purpose in mind. If it teaches us something about hate and corruption that is a good thing. Take with a grain of salt but learn because the very foundations of our republic rely on people doing the right thing and acting with integrity in alignment with our Constitution, oaths, and artifacts.

In our thought experiment example, the behaviors were so common and grotesque that they could happen only if a judge was aware of the misbehaviors but chose to look in the other direction. In some cases, be willing to participate in hate crimes and collusion. This occurs when there are other factors outside of the intent of the law. The risk being that criminalization and dehumanization are normalized because there are no backstops (i.e. a closed system). Causes include hate, financial gain, and social benefit.   

Let us pretend that a group of corrupted officers coached their friends on how to set people up and target them (something they were good at and appeared to have knowledge on how to do). The judge was aware that they told the victims they were targeting them because of their religion while they had a group of officers ready to swoop in (most of the officers clueless of why they were truly there). When they failed with the set up some officers then terrorized the targets in order to help enrich their friends and further their extreme ideologies (In our example it may have reached that level). 

The vast majority of good officials were silenced due to the misuse of position and power (there are lots of great officers but they can be confused by a hate narrative and many were unaware). They knew it was wrong but when the judge is in agreement and some of their bosses seemed to be part of the problem, there isn't much they can do (open retaliation common). Reporting the crimes only led to retaliation and further targeting.

Here are some rules to consider when guaging judicial corruption and bias. When Judges Should Recuse?. As I explore this book on integrity and leadership we need to understand a full chain of logic on criminal activity. Here are a few examples of things that can be included,

-Blocked investigations into perpetrators due to social affiliations but opened cases into whistleblowers. (seems like it would fit)

-Extreme racial, religious, and political bias against others. The judge knew they told the targets they were going after for religious purposes (seems like it would fit)

-Open discussions of bias within the courts. Other areas and attorneys say they don't want to go to the "kangaroo court". There is also a type of stonewalling by some attorneys that deal with the courts regularly so as to not get on the bad side of the judge and impact their practice (Unsubstantiated but seems fairly accurate)

-Awareness of the public that an underage girl was raped and group targeted by a few corrupted officers until she killed herself. Similar patterns of targeting repeated against whistleblowers. Other victimes came forward and a few may have been blocked from coming forward (Appears to be more of rumor and similar patterns emerged from different perspectives)

-Victim started coming forward and it appeared the judge tried to block knowledge of the wider group (might be accurate but time will tell)

-The judge had serious political leanings and wanted to teach about "law and order" while commiting some of the biggest crimes. A type of hypocracy. (Possible and seems like an underlining intent)

-Preference for local people in outcomes which was seen as a code word for homogeneous clan affiliations. Some of the victims were white but practiced different religions (Muslim, Christian, Jewish, etc. ), some minorities, and even some Native Americans. Many people lived in the area and predated the people known as "local". (Seems fairly accurate)

-When there are secret collusion among corrupted officers, the judge and the perpetrators to help enrich those within the network. (There appeared to be coordination in crimes that could reach a certain bar of serious federal crimes)

-When human rights, civil rights, freedom of speech and freedom of religion are openly violated and mocked. (Appears based on what was said and done to fit this example well)

-Financial incentives to reward members of the clan were present. (We have seen in the deep south and other places where courts of the past were used as methods of exploiting wealth.)

-Knowledge of harmful activities toward kids and putting them at risk. The judge dehumanized them through their actions of supporting the manipulation and misuse of authority. (Seems fairly accurate)

-Secretive backroom off the record discussion and target lists. Failure to follow reasonable procedures (Seems fairly accurate)

-Ostracization by those who caused the problem (The judge seems connected to this group)

You get the point of so on and so forth. Justice is more important than clan affiliations because it is the foundation of social exchange. Those who are conservative by nature might find such misbehaviors in appropriate for building a strong republic where people earn on merit and not social, racial, or religious affiliations (I'm a little conservative by nature and I have the perspective that all people are created equal in value by God and that people are given talents and abilities they have a responsibility to maximize. Corruption and hate undermine human capital management). 

Philosophical Discussion: 

Let us say that people did engage in these behaviors and a judge was well aware that these misbehavior occurred. Instead of protecting the victims the judge allowed such behavior and never opened an investigation into the perpetrators. A good indication they were involved. Worse, they contributed to the targeting of others and the undermining of our institutions. Laws are meant to protect the public and not enrich one's friends and perspective of who is deserving of rights and those that are not. Once these things start to happen regularly it undermines the larger system and that is something we should always avoid. So it is wise to support the highest functioning systems we can and sometimes we may need to remove a judge from the bench to do that. Why should they get away with it? Who will protect future victims? Who protects ALL of the community? What is the purpoe of Law & Order?

(I'm a big time supporter of wise law and order. Good officers should be retained, poor officers removed, and everything within an institution should be aligned to its essential purpose and mission. Law and order supports the foundation of social and economic exchange while corruption does the opposite.)

*This is a philosophical thought experiment for learning purposes. Feel free to leave a comment about your thoughts. 

Harvard Study Shows that Smoke Inhalation May Have a Mental Health Impact

This is an interesting study. I'm working on another little project to collect firefighter research and put them on a site (will share at some point). The study below will be put on the site but not saved as one of the studies because I'm saving the research page for firefighting methods. However, if I come across a good study firefighters might be interested, I will share. Keep in mind that forest and grass fires are common. We get a lot of grass fires so this may apply in the area. Watch your fires so we don't have to come out please. :)

Harvard Study Shows that Smoke Inhalation May Have a Mental Health Impact

Wildfires are a growing concern for government officials and firefighters alike. The vast majority of firefighters are volunteers and in turn put themselves at risk for others. Full and volunteer firefighters can be harmed by the smoke that leads to mental health impacts beyond the initial inhalation harm. Many firefighters get a big "whiff" of smoke and brush it off. Few would recognize the long-term mental impact that could result.

One lesson I might take from this is that whenever there is smoke that could reach firefighters, they should put on their air packs. Even if they are not using them at that moment they may need to mask up if the wind /situation changes. It is heavy equipment and one would be tempted to forego if they do not feel they will be in immediate harm but one might consider using air packs more often.

Exposure to wildfire smoke linked with worsening mental health conditions

10 microgram-per-cubic-meter increase in wildfire particle pollution was associated with8% increase in ER visits for mental health

• 15% increase in depression
• 29% increase in mood disorders
• 6% increase in anxiety

Brownstein, M. (April 4th, 2025). Exposure to wildfire smoke linked with worsening mental health conditions. Harvard. https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/exposure-to-wildfire-smoke-linked-with-worsening-mental-health-conditions

The Value of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership and Academics

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is seen as or more important than generalized intelligence (IQ) in the overall success of life. One of the reasons is that it is associated with grit and the ability to manage the challenges as they come. People who can understand where their emotions come from and how to process them can create grit to focus on their goals every day of their life. 

It is not easy to plug away at goals every day and certainly one's background and personal make-up influence the outcomes. With self-reflection and awareness one can develop a knowledge of themselves and in turn the world. They find better ways to navigate setbacks.

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

Emotional Intelligence as a Predictor of Academic and/or Professional Success

You can take a free Emotional Intelligence Quiz HERE

This is how I came out which may have been lower when compared to 15 years ago because I did not have the right perspective on place and self. Meaning that I was much younger and while I had substantial knowledge I did not understand that people don't always live by ideals. Unlike IQ which is relatively stable, EQ can be improved.

"Congratulations! You have high emotional intelligence. This is good news! EQ counts for twice as much as IQ and technical skills combined in determining who will be a star performer. Your level of EQ likely has been and will be a driver of your high performance under pressure for years to come"

Motives for Corruption Among Public Officials and Business Employees (Hypothetical Thought Experiment on Hate and Corruption)

There are two philosophical quandaries I have been playing around with my head. Over the years looking at economics and values I find they are integrally tied together. Economic health and social health are based in shared commitment to a sense of purpose as a people and as a nation (i.e. artifacts, oaths, spirit of law, etc.). I provide two examples of which one is a long running thought experiment for learning purposes. One positive and the other not so much. One shows a system strength and one shows its weakness in the conception and functioning of the whole.

Example 1: Business corruption in Detroit was relatively high until the city went bankrupt and those who believed in justice investigated and began to clear that corruption. The city's economic prospects improved. Some businesses were exploited but some were willing participants. Each made a choice. The business community helped overcome through coordinated effort. Politics, business, organized crime and corruption were related. Eventual justice was restored through the hands of many. It stands today as a testimony that the justice system will step up and ensure the needs of the people are met for a greater good. This was a positive example.

Example 2 (Hypothetical Example): A group of "clan" members that included a 'good old boy' network coordinated to harm whistleblowers, violate basic rights, openly knew of aggression/violence, spread hate based rumors to encourage harm, blocked employment through reputation damaging. The judge in this example was aware of misbehaviors and in turn rewarded the people in their social network who caused the problem. Protecting knowledge of other misbehaviors seemed easies by dumping problems on the victims. Conflicts of interest and nepotism were rampant. Hate and corruption were comingled. New victims came forward. There are no backstops, nothing else in the system to stand for what is higher, and this became an example of total default. 

The economics of both areas improved through the challenge of open corruption.

According to this study business and public corruption are a result of...

1. Lower moral values
2. Approval of social network to engage in corruption
3. The difficulties in complying with corruption rules.

Motives for Corruption Among Public Officials and Business Employees

In both examples people knew such corruption existed and retaliated against those who stood for our national beliefs. In Example 1 a level of justice was restored while in Example 2 justice was undermined and victims had no recourse without being subject to further mistreatment. They were warned to keep their mouth shut and then targeted. Good officials muted because poor officials made decisions they were not entitled to make. A lop sided system emerged where poor behaviors were more important than liberty or life.

What one may find interesting about both examples was that moral values of participants in corruption seemed low, social networks encouraged poor behaviors, and there would be financial or social disadvantages to following the laws in such circles. One had a back-stop due to the amount of people impacted (...respect for the purpose of law and shared societal values) while the other had little follow-up based on factors that are indicative that corruption may be ongoing problem (A lack of respect for the institution and the purpose of the laws.).

I must apologize for my writing heavily on the topic but I'm getting close to finishing a draft for a scholarly journal article on some economic research and on the last chapter of a book related to economic clusters and thinking beyond. After that, I may start writing another book on leadership that will include a component on resistance to the allure of corruption. In some ways a responsbility to challenge corruption and continue to fight for the long term health of society. Some aspects of that will delve into recognizing the greater roles business leaders have to their nation and supporting the underpinnings of economic growth through minimizing corruption and encouraging entrepreneurship and respect for transactional trust. The next book will be much faster but less detail focused as examples are for learning purposes.

*Keep in mind this is a theoretical discussion for philosophical purposes and learning so take with a grain of salt.

Gorsira, M., Denkers, A. & Huisman, W. Both Sides of the Coin: Motives for Corruption Among Public Officials and Business Employees. J Bus Ethics 151, 179–194 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-016-3219-2