<![CDATA[BCedX | Read. Think. Lead to Serve.]]>https://www.bcedx.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!FYCA!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbec61579-209a-4a6e-9d71-a81aedd89a0f_257x257.pngBCedX | Read. Think. Lead to Serve.https://www.bcedx.comSubstackSun, 09 Aug 2026 10:21:09 GMT<![CDATA[Terra Incognita. Map Your Known Unknowns.]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/terra-incognita-map-your-known-unknownshttps://www.bcedx.com/p/terra-incognita-map-your-known-unknownsFri, 31 Jul 2026 08:43:58 GMT

There was a time when most of our world was unknown.

Cartographers labeled these uncharted spaces “Terra Incognita.” By mapping their blind spots, explorers turned the unknown into targets for investment and discovery.

Today, AI gives us deeper, wider access to data than ever before.

This capability is both powerful and risky when deployed with little regard for unknown variables. That is why it is important to recognize the limits of current data, beliefs, logic, and analytics.

What do you (and AI) believe that may not be true?

Beware of confirmation bias.

Map and explore your known unknowns! 🧭

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Lloyd Blankfein and the Importance of Authenticity | Admired Leadership

From public housing to Goldman Sachs CEO, Lloyd Blankfein proves authenticity and self-awareness are powerful drivers for business performance and professional success.🪞

Types Of People You Need To Hang On To | Molly Burford via Thought Catalog

“Enthusiastic listeners. Direct communicators. Kindred spirits. Loud laughers. Pals who make the grocery store fun. Sing-in-the-car friends. People who text you to look at the moon. People who text you just to say Hi ... Anyone who came to mind as you read this. Hold them close. Love them hard.”😎

Calm - Ease Guided Meditation | Thich Nhat Hanh - Plum Village

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh leads a core Plum Village practice on mindful breathing and present awareness. “Breathing in, I know I am breathing in. Breathing out, I know I am breathing out. Present moment. Wonderful moment.”😮‍💨

Scrabble Tips From the UK’s Woman Champion | Nice News

The U.K.’s top woman Scrabble champion reveals her winning tips. Begin by learning simple two-letter words, tile swaps, and stems!🧩

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]]><![CDATA[Good Books I am Reading | August 2026]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/good-books-on-my-kindlehttps://www.bcedx.com/p/good-books-on-my-kindleSat, 25 Jul 2026 11:07:00 GMT

10 good books now on my Kindle.

I receive a small commission for links to these books. Thank you for supporting my coaching!

Streetwise: Getting to and Through Goldman Sachs | Lloyd Blankfein

From early days in Brooklyn public housing to the head of Goldman Sachs, Lloyd Blankfein’s life and career trajectory is inspiration for education, social mobility, and strategic leadership at times of uncertainty and disruption.

How to Rule the World: An Education in Power at Stanford Univeristy | Theo Baker

From Theo Baker, winner of the George Polk Award for his investigation that brought down Stanford’s president, comes a revelatory and gripping account of Silicon Valley hubris. An instant NYT Bestseller and consensus Best Book of the Year (so far).

The Lost Voices of Pompeii: Life and Death on Pompeii’s Final Day | Dr. Jess Venner

A page-turning chronicle of Pompeii in the hours before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius that honors the lives of ordinary citizens, from tavern owners and politicians to newly freed slaves, in a diverse, vibrant, doomed ancient Roman city.

The Last Kings of Hollywood: Coppola, Lucas, Spielberg—and the Battle for the Soul of American Cinema | Paul Fischer

The untold story of three friends and visionaries—Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, and Steven Spielberg—who revolutionized American cinema and transformed Hollywood with their bold, high-stakes bets on The Godfather, Star Wars, and Jaws.

Support my work and join readers who enjoy full access to all BCedX posts! | $5/month

Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable | Tim S. Grover

Direct, blunt, and brutally honest, a legendary trainer reveals the relentless mindset of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and other champions he coaches. Whether you agree or disagree, this is an essential read to understand the price, cost, and commitment required to win more than one championship.

Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: 50th Anniversary Edition | Sunryu Suzuki

Informal talks on meditation and practice from the Japanese monk who popularized understanding of Zen Buddhism in the West. A timeless classic that teaches how quieting intellect and expertise enables deeper awareness, presence, and new possibilities.

Be Free Where You Are | Thich Nhat Hanh

Based on a talk given at a state prison, this short guide teaches us how to meditate and find inner freedom especially when we are restricted or restrained.

BCedX is a short read for leaders. Curated by Brian Cooke. Published biweekly on Fridays.

Frog and Other Essays | Anne Fadiman

A new collection of essays from one of America’s best nonfiction writers. Exploring diverse subjects from a childhood pet frog to polar expeditions, Anne Fadiman’s seven witty essays chronicle the world as it changes each day in ways small and large.

Vigil: A Novel | George Saunders

After his spectacular Lincoln in the Bardo, Saunders returns with a new novel some consider more riveting than the last. This #1 NYT best seller explores the twilight hours of an oil tycoon as he is ferried by ghosts from this world to the next.

Son of Nobody: A Novel | Yann Martel

From the author of the international bestseller Life of Pi, a brilliant retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of two commoners: an ancient soldier and a modern scholar.

Great leaders are readers! | $5/month for complete access to the BCedX Library.

More good books:

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]]><![CDATA[The Power of Generosity: Small Choices Make a Big Difference ]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/the-power-of-generosity-small-choiceshttps://www.bcedx.com/p/the-power-of-generosity-small-choicesFri, 17 Jul 2026 07:13:08 GMT

Although we live at a time of extraordinary abundance, we too often work with a scarcity mindset.

By nature, we are wired to focus on self-interest.

Yet we accomplish far more when we coordinate, cooperate, and collaborate.

While greed serves a few, generosity sustains us all. It is both precious and urgent.

Be generous with your time, your appreciation, and your intentions.

Each small act of generosity creates a significant leadership impact.☸️

Join many leaders who support my work and enjoy full access to all BCedX posts | $5/month 😎

The Odyssey - Behind The Scenes | Hollywood+ via YouTube

The Odyssey is a story that has been entertaining people worldwide for centuries. Christopher Nolan’s epic IMAX film drops today. And, it’s likely this production is by far the most ambitious movie we will see in our lifetime! 🎞️

Building a Company You Plan to Sell? Here are 5 Things to Do Now | Gordie Spater at Katahdin Group

Drawing on the sale of Kurgo and years of conversations with CEOs navigating exits, here are five things every CEO should consider long before selling a business.📈

The Physics of Luck | Psychology Today

“How lucky are you?” is one of my favorite coaching questions. Here’s how psychology and science suggest attention, mindfulness, and observation shape opportunities that appear in our lives.🍀

Contemplative Drama: How Gaudí Shaped Light and Color at Sagrada Família | Arch Daily

Celebrate completion of a 144 year construction project. Experience the light, color, and amazing vision of Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Família.🎨

George Washington’s Dream | Nate Bargatze and SNL (2023) via YouTube

Because sometimes it’s important to laugh, set aside worry about politics, and recall a Founder’s inspirational vision.😉

Subscribe to BCedX. Curated by Brian Cooke. Published biweekly on Fridays. Free.

Here are books, media, and music influencing my coaching:

Thank you for reading BCedX.

Share and discuss this post with a friend or colleague.

Share

Forwarded from a friend? Subscribe here 😎

Read. Think. Lead to Serve.

Let’s GO! 🚀

]]><![CDATA[A Different Kind of Fireworks: Celebrate the Summer of Soccer]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/a-different-kind-of-fireworks-celebratehttps://www.bcedx.com/p/a-different-kind-of-fireworks-celebrateFri, 03 Jul 2026 07:13:02 GMT

Like it or not, this truly is The Summer of Soccer.

As we pause in the United States to celebrate our nation’s birthday, we have a unique opportunity to join a bigger celebration, one that transcends …

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]]><![CDATA[Scan the Horizon: Look Forward and See the Big Picture]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/scan-the-horizon-look-up-from-yourhttps://www.bcedx.com/p/scan-the-horizon-look-up-from-yourFri, 19 Jun 2026 06:12:58 GMT

As a Captain, I know a GPS screen tells us where we are right now. It tracks our current position, coordinates, and speed.

But our current position is a lagging indicator. It is the result of piloting…

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]]><![CDATA[Aim for a Worthy Goal: Align Your Words and Actions]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/aim-for-a-worthy-goal-align-yourhttps://www.bcedx.com/p/aim-for-a-worthy-goal-align-yourFri, 05 Jun 2026 07:12:56 GMT

Intentions are powerful.

Ask for what you truly want.

Aim for a worthy prize.

Be sure your words align with your daily practice.

True wealth is treasure money cannot buy. 🌱

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Stack and Streak. Engineer New Skills or Habits to Launch a Breakthrough.]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/stack-and-streak-engineer-new-skillshttps://www.bcedx.com/p/stack-and-streak-engineer-new-skillsFri, 22 May 2026 07:12:50 GMT

The surest way I know to begin something new is to stack it next to a healthy practice I already count on.

By habit stacking, we engineer our daily routine. We anchor one new intention to an establish…

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]]><![CDATA[Peace of Mind Compounds: Wealth Is What You Carry (And What You Don't)]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/peace-of-mind-compounds-wealth-ishttps://www.bcedx.com/p/peace-of-mind-compounds-wealth-isFri, 08 May 2026 07:10:54 GMT

Peace of mind compounds.

What do we keep? What do we let go?

How much do we really need? How much are we obligated to carry?

We live in an era of unprecedented earning potential. Even at a modest wage, …

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]]><![CDATA[High Signal, Low Noise: Look for the Light in a Shifting Market]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/high-signal-low-noise-look-for-thehttps://www.bcedx.com/p/high-signal-low-noise-look-for-theFri, 24 Apr 2026 07:12:12 GMT

Beauty rarely shouts.

It doesn’t have a marketing budget or viral algorithm. It waits and welcomes those who are ready to find it.

Beyond the noise and discord, this is a remarkable time to be alive.

Be…

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]]><![CDATA[Master the Cut. Make space for new growth.]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/master-the-cut-make-space-for-newhttps://www.bcedx.com/p/master-the-cut-make-space-for-newFri, 10 Apr 2026 07:12:24 GMT

Master gardeners don’t just plant. They cut.

By deadheading spent blooms and trimming old growth, skillful gardeners create space, guide, and enable a plant to grow new flowers.

Spring is arriving in t…

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]]><![CDATA[Beyond the grind. Find a joyful spark for teamwork and peak performance.]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/beyond-the-grind-find-a-joyful-sparkhttps://www.bcedx.com/p/beyond-the-grind-find-a-joyful-sparkFri, 27 Mar 2026 07:12:14 GMT

Working hard no doubt is essential to do good work.

But hard work does not guarantee success in a competitive field of hard workers.

At the highest level, leaders and teams know enjoyment while working…

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]]><![CDATA[Start today. Do something your future self will thank you for.]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/start-today-do-something-your-futurehttps://www.bcedx.com/p/start-today-do-something-your-futureFri, 13 Mar 2026 07:12:38 GMT

The rewards for action today are high. The cost of delay is higher.

What is one big thing you want to do that you have been putting off?

The most expensive thing you may own is a plan you never execute.

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Work smarter. Working harder may not be a competitive advantage.💡]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/work-smarterhttps://www.bcedx.com/p/work-smarterFri, 27 Feb 2026 09:43:15 GMT

Working hard is not a competitive advantage if you are working on the wrong thing.

As the world changes, it is wise to assess and adjust our work to assure alignment with projects, purpose, and relati…

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]]><![CDATA[Your rocket is ready. Get on board and GO!]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/your-rocket-is-ready-get-on-boardhttps://www.bcedx.com/p/your-rocket-is-ready-get-on-boardFri, 13 Feb 2026 08:43:14 GMT

All moments matter and some matter more than others.

Today, our world, work, and lives are changing at remarkable scale and speed.

Amidst this change and disruption, there are big opportunities for lea…

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]]><![CDATA[No shortcuts. Day by day, consistency drives health and wealth.]]> Short Term | Gen Z = Wealth + Wellbeing | Mark Cuban - Get out, have fun! | How to be calm like a Zen Master | Leap like Air Jordan! 🏀]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/no-shortcuts-day-by-day-consistencyhttps://www.bcedx.com/p/no-shortcuts-day-by-day-consistencyFri, 30 Jan 2026 08:02:18 GMT

It’s easy to make short term choices that deliver quick results.

It’s harder to commit to longer term ventures that produce steady outcomes with manageable risk and suitable ongoing rewards.

There are …

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]]><![CDATA[Big Screen Rome: Celebrating Two Decades On Screen and in the Arena]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/big-screen-rome-celebrating-two-decadeshttps://www.bcedx.com/p/big-screen-rome-celebrating-two-decadesSat, 17 Jan 2026 10:09:21 GMT

Celebrating the teaching and influence of Monica Cyrino’s readings of “Big Screen Rome”, this conference explores ongoing representation of the ancient world in cinema. Organized by A. Bakogianni and…

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]]><![CDATA[Meeting In Person. It's an OG Superpower.]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/meeting-in-person-its-a-businesshttps://www.bcedx.com/p/meeting-in-person-its-a-businessFri, 16 Jan 2026 07:13:49 GMT

In a world where our lives and work are driven by technology, we scroll, we like, and we Zoom. And yet, too often we become less connected.

It’s time to prioritize meeting and connecting in real life.

…

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]]><![CDATA[2026. Let's Go!]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/2026-lets-gohttps://www.bcedx.com/p/2026-lets-goFri, 02 Jan 2026 09:43:20 GMT

As we step into the new year, here are three top BCedX posts and three new notes to help you be your best in 2026.

While we tend to set New Year’s goals for our own lives, I encourage you to consider …

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]]><![CDATA[The best of 2025 - posts, people, and books we enjoyed most]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/the-best-of-2025-posts-articles-peoplehttps://www.bcedx.com/p/the-best-of-2025-posts-articles-peopleFri, 19 Dec 2025 09:23:32 GMT

Happy Holidays!

Here are three new notes and the posts you enjoyed most this year. Thank you for following, encouraging, and supporting my work.

Peace! 🎅☮️

Read more

]]><![CDATA[2025 | In Memoriam - Leaders Who Influenced Me]]>https://www.bcedx.com/p/2025-in-memoriam-leaders-who-influencedhttps://www.bcedx.com/p/2025-in-memoriam-leaders-who-influencedThu, 11 Dec 2025 06:32:32 GMT

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