Piper on the Beach Painting: Art Can Develop Leadership

Piper on a Beach
11'X14"
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or Purchase on eBay

Art is often seen as a hobby, but it also has practical value. It can deepen our understanding of nature and support better decision-making, particularly in leadership. Engaging with art—through symbolism and observation—activates deeper cognitive processes and can contribute to neural development and broader thinking.

This was a quick piece as I continue practicing and improving my beach scenes. If you’re interested, feel free to reach out with an offer.

Piper on Beach Painting

Acrylic

11X14" Canvas Board

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You may be interested in what art can do for leadership development....

Outcomes of art-based leadership development: A qualitative metasummary.

• Art-based leadership development, based on experiential learning, enhances reflective thinking, emotional intelligence, higher-order cognitive skills, and interpersonal competencies, supporting more holistic and transformative leadership growth.
• While findings show promising benefits compared to traditional approaches, there is still a need for more rigorous and long-term empirical research to confirm its effectiveness.

Sandberg, B. (2024). Outcomes of art-based leadership development: A qualitative metasummary. Behavioral Sciences, 14(8), 714. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14080714

The Words of Hate: The Story of the Clan

(Illustrative Only)

Looking over what
keeps democracy thriving
for future generations.

The difference between
nationalism and patriotism
is highlighted in
 the 'Story of the Clan'.
One over outward identity
 and one over inner principle
 as roots. Whom
should the institution serve?

 Hate is not the same as simple dislike. It is far more destructive and can pose real danger to its targets.

The hypothetical, philosophical, learning thought experiment 'Story of the Clan' illustrates how systems can drift toward injustice when accountability breaks down. In this thought experiment, individuals who reported wrongdoing faced swift retaliation, prolonged harassment, and a culture that rewarded harmful behavior—so long as it was directed at perceived out-groups. The system itself struggled to correct these failures because it initially lacked the self-reflection and checks and balances needed to adapt and serve fairly.

Over time, however, change did occur. Progress was driven by the vast majority of principled officials who honored their oaths, by responsible citizens, and by victims who stood up to protect others. People gained a sense of moral direction. Their actions helped push the system toward improvement and greater service to society. While there are those who still show great irrational rage toward victims, have done so for years, hating and suppressing them for doing their patriotic duty and upholding democratic principles but still the right path has been forged.

Yet, the scenario raises important questions: why harmful behavior is and continues to be sometimes incentivized (i.e. rewarding manipulation, lying, greed etc. because they are part of the "in group"), how systems can fail to protect vulnerable individuals (i.e. actions known for years), and what safeguards are necessary to prevent abuse (i.e. good people had to come forward and stand for their beliefs.). It also highlights how victims are often dehumanized, dismissed, or treated as expendable (i.e. sometimes compared to "dogs")—regardless of their service, contributions, or personal history.

Ultimately, progress depends on a stronger moral conscience. The ideals of freedom and justice were established to guard against such harm. While history is imperfect, it should continually move toward those foundational values of fairness, dignity, and human equality. Always think over the horizon, about the next generation, and drawing people together.

This article below discusses a few issues with unchecked hate,.

When Words Become Weapons: How Hate Speech Threatens Democracy

• Hate speech is identified as a major and growing threat to democratic societies, especially in an era where democratic values are already under strain
• It undermines core democratic principles by eroding pluralism, weakening social cohesion, and creating divisions between communities
• The spread of hate speech, particularly online, silences vulnerable groups and discourages public participation in democratic processes
• When left unchecked, hate speech can incite violence, legitimize authoritarian tendencies, and damage democratic norms and institutions
• A key challenge is balancing efforts to counter hate speech while still protecting freedom of expression, which remains essential to democracy
• The article emphasizes that addressing hate speech is not about censoring dissent, but about protecting human dignity and ensuring inclusive participation for all voices
• Effective responses include amplifying diverse voices, safeguarding targeted communities, and reinforcing democratic values of equality and inclusion

International IDEA. (2025). When words become weapons: How hate speech threatens democracy. https://www.idea.int/news/when-words-become-weapons-how-hate-speech-threatens-democracy

*The Story of the Clan is a hypothetical, philosophical thought experiment to explore concepts. It is ok to come to your own conclusion so long as you thought about it. Take with a grain of salt.

The Importance of Evidence and Sources in Decision Making

(Illustrative Only)

People hold many opinions, but not all are grounded in evidence or scientific reasoning. Media and everyday conversations often highlight viewpoints shaped more by personality or perceived authority than by reliable data. Because of this, when presenting an argument—whether in the workplace or in an academic setting—it is important to support claims with credible sources and well-constructed logic.

Citing sources can strengthen credibility, but it is not enough on its own. What truly matters is engaging with the broader body of knowledge—examining different perspectives, understanding others’ findings, and incorporating sound evidence into your reasoning. Simply selecting information that confirms existing beliefs while ignoring conflicting evidence can lead to flawed conclusions, even if sources are cited.

A strong, persuasive argument requires open-mindedness, critical evaluation of information, and a willingness to consider opposing viewpoints. By thoughtfully exploring and sharing evidence, discussions become more meaningful and conclusions more reliable. 

Evidence-based scientific thinking and decision-making in everyday life

• Everyday decision-making depends on a mix of cognitive skills, attitudes, and motivations, not just factual knowledge
• Curiosity and positive attitudes toward science increase engagement with information and improve evaluation of evidence quality
• Social authority strongly influences what people consider credible, sometimes outweighing actual evidence quality
• Individual differences (e.g., personality, beliefs, thinking styles) shape how people interpret and use scientific information
• Open-mindedness and intellectual humility help reduce bias and improve the ability to assess conflicting information

Dawson, C., Julku, H., Pihlajamäki, M., Kaakinen, J. K., Schooler, J. W., & Simola, J. (2024). Evidence-based scientific thinking and decision-making in everyday life. Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, 9, 50. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41235-024-00578-2

Fiscal Crossroads-US Treasury Y2025: Debt, Difficult Choices, and the Path to Long-Term Stability

(Illustrative Only)

Samuel sits thinking 
about how to get out
of this mess others 
have made. More
than 20 Years of 
Trends. 

He mulls the concepts
of Economic
Platforms, Perpetual
Sustainable Development,
Economic Synergy,
Attracting Firms,
Shipping
and Human Motivation,
and R&D
wrapped into a 
single flexible system. 
Can't quite
put his finger on it. 
Bounded Rationality

The financial outlook is challenging. Revenues are declining while liabilities remain high, and raising the debt ceiling has become necessary just to meet current obligations. With no clear end in sight, difficult decisions are inevitable—both economically and in how we think about future priorities.

These decisions should be balanced and focused on reducing waste, especially spending driven by short-term or partisan interests. Encouraging independent thinking, open dialogue, and less partisanship can lead to stronger outcomes.

Approaches like broad-based capitalism may help strengthen small and medium-sized businesses while leveraging data and innovation to drive growth. At the same time, decision-makers at the highest levels must act in the broader public interest. Improving contract bidding processes and prioritizing merit over connections can also contribute to better fiscal management.

Much of the current situation has developed over decades, but recent trends suggest it is worsening. Moving forward, the focus should be on long-term financial stability and creating a healthier economic future for the next generation. That means generating new value, strengthening economic fundamentals, encouraging innovation, supporting community development, and investing in human capital—alongside more disciplined fiscal decision-making at the top.

It may be time to rethink some of our core assumptions.

U.S. Treasury FY 2025 Financial Condition and Insolvency Risks Summary:

• The federal government continues operating on structurally high borrowing, issuing $30 trillion in securities in FY 2025 and raising $2 trillion in new cash, highlighting a persistent gap between revenues and obligations that reflects long-term fiscal imbalance
• Avoidance of default required raising the debt limit by $5 trillion, indicating that without legislative intervention the government would face liquidity constraints consistent with technical insolvency risk
• Ongoing reliance on debt markets and refinancing maturing obligations underscores exposure to interest rate risk and rollover risk, both of which can accelerate insolvency pressures if borrowing costs rise or demand weakens
• Efforts to improve payment integrity and reduce fraud signal recognition that waste, improper payments, and inefficiencies exacerbate fiscal strain and indirectly contribute to long-term solvency concerns
• The report emphasizes the need to return to a “fiscally sustainable trajectory,” acknowledging that current financial practices are not sustainable over time without structural changes to spending, revenue, or both
• While no immediate insolvency is declared, the combination of rising debt, continued deficits, and dependence on borrowing indicates elevated long-term insolvency risk if corrective fiscal policies are not implemented

U.S. Department of the Treasury. (2026). Agency financial report fiscal year 2025. home.treasury.gov/system/files/266/Treasury-FY-2025-AFR.pdf

Workers Feel Stuck Amid Economic Uncertainty

(Illustrative Only)

A Gallup poll shows that workers are more pessimistic than in the past. Overall well-being has declined, and fewer people believe it is a good time to find a job. While over half of workers are looking for new opportunities, many are struggling to get interviews.

With a moderately high unemployment rate, financial concerns and job insecurity are adding to the pressure. As a result, many workers feel stuck in their current positions.

There is no simple solution, since much of the job market is outside individual control. However, people can take small steps to improve their situation, such as building skills, continuing education, starting a small business, and managing their finances more carefully. Definately not a cure all. 

In the long term, encouraging small and medium-sized businesses through broad-based capitalism may help create more job opportunities and keep money in the hands of communities and individuals. For now, many workers are hoping for improved conditions in the job market.

U.S. Worker Thriving Declines as Job Market Pessimism Grows

• Worker wellbeing has declined, with 46% of employees “thriving” and 49% “struggling,” marking a reversal from prior trends
• Confidence in the job market has dropped sharply, with only 28% saying it is a good time to find a quality job
• Over half of workers (51%) are looking for or open to new job opportunities, yet many face difficulty securing interviews
• A large portion of workers feel stuck in their current roles due to financial concerns, job security, and perceived risks of switching
• The labor market is described as “restless but stuck,” where dissatisfaction is rising but mobility is limited, potentially impacting productivity and retention

Gallup. (2026). U.S. worker thriving declines as job market pessimism grows. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/703280/worker-thriving-declines-job-market-pessimism-grows.aspx

Annual Outlook 2026: Not so Sure on Growth, Risks and Resilience

(Illustrative Only)

Ayam lives out in 
Rapid River and looked
into his economic
crystal ball. 
He can't see anything
clearly so 
he projects
the flowers will come
out once the snow melts
and it gets warmer. 

The global economy is expected to remain relatively steady, with growth around 2.7%. This reflects moderate performance—neither particularly strong nor weak. Key factors influencing growth include artificial intelligence investment, government policy, and overall market confidence.

In the United States, growth is projected at about 2.1%. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions could still affect economic outcomes. The labor market is expected to stay stable, with unemployment holding at manageable levels.

Many CEOs are less confident about revenue growth this year, highlighting continued uncertainty. While AI remains a major focus for businesses, not all companies have seen the financial returns they anticipated.

Additional concerns include tariffs and broader global risks. Overall, the outlook suggests a familiar environment of cautious growth and ongoing uncertainty, requiring businesses and policymakers to adapt as conditions evolve.

Read the report and make your own thoughts. Seems like we are just not sure what is going to happen.

Annual outlook 2026: Global growth, risks, and resilience

• Global economic growth is expected to remain steady but modest, with GDP projected around 2.7% in 2026, reflecting resilience despite uneven momentum across regions
• Economic stability increasingly depends on a narrower set of drivers, especially artificial intelligence (AI) investment, government policy support, and financial market confidence
• In the United States, growth is forecast at about 2.1%, supported by strong consumer spending and continued investment in AI, data centers, and digital infrastructure
• The labor market is expected to remain stable, with unemployment around 4.4%, though inflation trends are uneven across sectors
• Energy dynamics are shifting, with lower oil prices helping control inflation while rising electricity demand—especially from AI-related infrastructure—pushes some costs higher
• Business leaders face growing uncertainty, with only about 30% of CEOs confident in revenue growth, marking a significant decline from previous years
• AI is a major dividing line in business performance; while heavily invested, many firms have not yet realized meaningful financial returns
• Only a small portion of companies report both cost savings and revenue gains from AI, while more than half report no significant benefits so far
• Key risks shaping the outlook include geopolitical tensions, tariffs, cyber threats, and the challenge of keeping pace with rapid technological change
• Overall, the 2026 outlook highlights a resilient but fragile global economy, where growth depends heavily on successful technological adoption and strategic adaptation

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). (2026). Annual outlook 2026: Global growth, risks, and resilience. https://www.pwc.com/us/en/about-us/newsroom/press-releases/annual-outlook-2026.html

Take the Escanaba Recreation Survey: Health and Happiness

(Illustrative Only)

I'm not a dinghy, 
I know how to
to maximize my
downtime.

Innovation comes
from simple
blank spaces.
Escanaba is
a place executive
minds can wander
into new discoveries
Blank Spaces
and Innovation

Jack thinks of
ways to
maximize recreation
value while
catching perch.

Adventure Tourism SME
and
Esky Smart City

Recreation is more than simply spending time outdoors or socializing with friends. While it certainly includes those activities, it also plays a meaningful role in strengthening community engagement, supporting tourism, and enhancing overall community well-being. There is even such a thing as a “happiness rating” for cities, and higher ratings are often associated with increased social activity and a better quality of life. These factors can, in turn, attract tourism and contribute to broader economic and social growth. Best Places to Live in Delta County-Niche

Take 5 minute Escanaba Recreation Survey

According to the study referenced below, recreation can significantly improve both the overall health and happiness of residents.

Perceived health outcomes of recreation and happiness: exploring the mediating role of resilience

• Study examined how participation in recreational (leisure) activities relates to perceived health, happiness, and psychological resilience
• Sample included 451 adults from multiple regions of Turkey, using survey-based measures of health outcomes, resilience, and happiness
• Recreational activities were found to positively influence perceived health outcomes
• Perceived health outcomes had a direct positive effect on happiness
• Perceived health outcomes also had a positive effect on resilience
• Resilience significantly increased happiness levels, showing a strong psychological role
• Resilience partially mediated the relationship between recreation and happiness, meaning recreation improves happiness both directly and indirectly through resilience
• Findings suggest that engaging in leisure activities enhances both physical and psychological well-being
• Study highlights resilience as an important mechanism linking recreation to overall life satisfaction and happiness
• Supports the promotion of recreational and physical activities as a way to improve mental health and well-being

Sarol, H., Çimen Polat, S., & Ekinci, E. (2024). Perceived health outcomes of recreation and happiness: Exploring the mediating role of resilience. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, 1383367. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11422232/