This blog has actually been revived after 2 years in stasis.
I began it when living and working in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) during 2010. At that time, I was making a host of new friends from across the world who all seemed to have their own blogs - travel stories, photography, political discussion, humor, cooking, women's rights, beer sampling... I was struck by the creativity that these new friends of mine had in composing their thoughts, their word-smithing, making something compelling. They all seemed to have their own 'niche' which they pursued. It was somewhat inspiring. A vague urge to do something like that arose in me.
So I attempted a blog titled 'DIY World Domination'; Do-It-Yourself, for those who despise abbreviations. It came out of my interest in how certain individuals manage to find their way into positions of considerable power; not so much a historical sweep of the steps they took, but rather an attempt to discern the circumstances that permitted them to become whoever they are today. What's their personality type? Humble background or elitist-origins? Did they get there through chance or their own design? Is it better to be loved or respected? Were they born for it, or did they beat the odds? Etc etc...
Self-motivation propelled this subject choice, as I aspire to be a public leader one day. "How can I be more like that guy?" and "what's that guy got that I don't?" frequently enters my head when I read or listen to compelling leaders of today. So really, it was a futile exercise in fueling my own ego and plotting a way to 'the top'. Whatever that means.
Alas, despite all my intentions, I got as far as deciding on a colour scheme and designing a nifty-looking header. Then I met a girl, summer arrived and all interest quickly dissipated...
Jump forward 2 years; I'm currently living in Singapore and undertaking a Master of Public Administration degree at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (within the National University of Singapore). We're nearing the end of our studies, and have just started a short course titled 'The Art of Leadership' - or AOL. It's an interesting (and I expect, useful) exercise in analyzing one's strengths, capacity for working in team environments and inherent weaknesses that might be mended. Part of our course requirements requires us to put together a blog as, apparently, "creating an online presence is increasingly important for leaders". Blind Freddy could tell you that. But, while I don't believe in fate, it was certainly a good excuse to bring this blog back to life and have another shot at world domination.
I'm aiming to really take a shoot-the-breeze approach to this (the blog, that is, not world domination). I'll write when I feel like it, which may not be all that often. Probably when a topic jumps jumps out at me, I suppose. I'll jump between geopolitical gossip, politics here and there, history and maybe insights from my own life too (there goes that ego again). I'll always try to make it meaningful, and perhaps share a revelation about something now and again. It'll be random and sometimes rambling, often broad. If that doesn't appeal, maybe I'll change tact down the track.
Comments, feedback and new ideas are all welcome in the meantime.
Carl
I began it when living and working in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) during 2010. At that time, I was making a host of new friends from across the world who all seemed to have their own blogs - travel stories, photography, political discussion, humor, cooking, women's rights, beer sampling... I was struck by the creativity that these new friends of mine had in composing their thoughts, their word-smithing, making something compelling. They all seemed to have their own 'niche' which they pursued. It was somewhat inspiring. A vague urge to do something like that arose in me.
So I attempted a blog titled 'DIY World Domination'; Do-It-Yourself, for those who despise abbreviations. It came out of my interest in how certain individuals manage to find their way into positions of considerable power; not so much a historical sweep of the steps they took, but rather an attempt to discern the circumstances that permitted them to become whoever they are today. What's their personality type? Humble background or elitist-origins? Did they get there through chance or their own design? Is it better to be loved or respected? Were they born for it, or did they beat the odds? Etc etc...
Self-motivation propelled this subject choice, as I aspire to be a public leader one day. "How can I be more like that guy?" and "what's that guy got that I don't?" frequently enters my head when I read or listen to compelling leaders of today. So really, it was a futile exercise in fueling my own ego and plotting a way to 'the top'. Whatever that means.
Alas, despite all my intentions, I got as far as deciding on a colour scheme and designing a nifty-looking header. Then I met a girl, summer arrived and all interest quickly dissipated...
Jump forward 2 years; I'm currently living in Singapore and undertaking a Master of Public Administration degree at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (within the National University of Singapore). We're nearing the end of our studies, and have just started a short course titled 'The Art of Leadership' - or AOL. It's an interesting (and I expect, useful) exercise in analyzing one's strengths, capacity for working in team environments and inherent weaknesses that might be mended. Part of our course requirements requires us to put together a blog as, apparently, "creating an online presence is increasingly important for leaders". Blind Freddy could tell you that. But, while I don't believe in fate, it was certainly a good excuse to bring this blog back to life and have another shot at world domination.
I'm aiming to really take a shoot-the-breeze approach to this (the blog, that is, not world domination). I'll write when I feel like it, which may not be all that often. Probably when a topic jumps jumps out at me, I suppose. I'll jump between geopolitical gossip, politics here and there, history and maybe insights from my own life too (there goes that ego again). I'll always try to make it meaningful, and perhaps share a revelation about something now and again. It'll be random and sometimes rambling, often broad. If that doesn't appeal, maybe I'll change tact down the track.
 |
| Just to kick things off... |
Comments, feedback and new ideas are all welcome in the meantime.
Carl
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