INTRODUCTION

The Why

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I retired in 2022 at the age of 59. Decades on a plane, endless international travel, and a relentless schedule as a CEO were not appealing anymore. I was excited by the prospect of gaining balance in my life. I teach at a local university, sit on some boards, devote time to a few charitable organizations, and dote on my family. And while I enjoy writing, I never had the time to author a book, until now.

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I naturally thought this book would focus on global investments, having spent over thirty years in that industry. But something happened during retirement. I had more time to read what was going on in the world. I listened to hundreds of people across the United States during many cross-country driving trips. I did the same during my frequent trips to Canada.

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What I heard from ordinary citizens of both countries were deep concerns about where we were heading. The issues on both sides of the border were common—struggling health care systems, public schools failing our children, record immigration putting undue pressure on housing, runaway federal deficits and debt, inflation, and a growing number of global conflicts. Their list of concerns was long and increasing.

 

What was most troubling was the reticence of speaking out against a new cultural agenda (as many called it). Those who questioned were quickly “canceled,” and their views classified as “misinformation.” I felt a calling. If this “silent majority” does not believe they have a voice, I could help be their voice, or at least facilitate and promote more open dialogue.

 

The political arena has become so polarized in such a brief period of time. We are truly living in an upside-down world. The warning signs were certainly there for those who wanted to see them. Common sense too often is absent from policy making at all levels of government. Debate is discouraged, and what debate does occur is often contentious and not constructive.

Which brings us to this book. I decided my time would be better spent tackling some of the major issues facing the world, and to help provide a better path forward for our leaders.

 

Are we addressing climate change correctly, and should the energy transition be slowed with more long-term planning and prioritization? Why haven’t we established sovereign wealth funds in the United States and Canada? What exactly is happening with our global population now and into the future, and what is the impact of a fast-aging society? How should we handle immigration in both countries and use it to our global competitive advantage? Can the U.S. Social Security System be fixed? Can the two great superpowers of China and the United States co-exist, and what role will India play? Shouldn’t the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) be determined through an ethical lens? What are the key long-term policies that need to be enacted in both the United States and Canada to “right the ship” for generations to come? 

 

And who will lead us out of our current and near-term crises, and what lessons in history and best practices going forward will guide our future leaders?

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The Mission

 

The purpose of the book is to lay out, in plain speak, these diverse topics and crises, and convince readers like you that we need to get back on track. But, it will not happen without our collective voices speaking out, and brave leaders who have the courage and tools to push the RESET button.

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This book will provide leaders with insights and a new model for tackling some of the biggest challenges ahead. Historical eras provide almost identical parallels to today’s challenges, helping us to overcome our current and future crises. Three megatrends are identified, enabling businesses and governments to build long-term strategies and public policies. These trends are factored into a new leadership framework, a model that builds on traditional leadership but incorporates greater adaptability and agility to address our more complex and interconnected policy needs. This new model—Traditional Leadership 3.0—produces a trickle-down effect into corporate boardrooms while also reinforcing and driving greater national success.

 

There are other books out there trying to do the same. I say, the more, the merrier. When I embarked on this book in late 2023, we were fast approaching crisis mode. At the time of publishing this book in mid-2025, we were in full-blown crisis mode on many, many fronts. And, it may get worse before it gets better. 

 

There will be an equal number of those who like this book as those who disagree with me. I am willing to take that risk. Creating a new, dynamic middle ground and a new future for all of us is too important. If I encourage more discourse and openness to hear the other side’s view, I have done some good.  

 

I am not a celebrity, a doctor, a scientist, or a world-renowned expert. I am simply a very concerned citizen. As a former CEO of global investment companies, I have traveled the world for over twenty-five years. But most importantly, I am a husband, a father of four, and a grandfather of nine, who has decided it is time to speak out and be a part of the solution. 

 

I am a proud citizen and resident of the United States, and a proud Canadian. These two great nations share the longest contiguous border in the world, and have always had a strong close relationship. American and Canadian soldiers fought side by side in two world wars and countless other battles. Canadians’ outpouring of grief and support for its southern neighbors during the events of 9/11 was heartwarming and genuine.

 

Naturally, differences do arise – case in point, our current trade war. I spend a lot of time educating Canadians on the cultural differences of Americans, and the same goes for my American friends about Canadians. Americans and Canadians are more alike than we think or admit. I have no doubt that each country will always be there for its border neighbor in times of need. 

My hope is that both my fellow Americans and fellow Canadians can learn something from this book. Our politics may differ, but our mutual interests are aligned.