This one is a conversation about personal risk-taking, “skin in the game”, democracy, values, geopolitics and much more. It is a conversation that resonates based on what is happening across much of the world – particularly the rise of populism and authoritarians like Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro, and the entrenchment of old hands like Vladimir Putin and Turkey’s Recep Erdogan, to name a few. However, it is also a conversation about personal and collective values and taking risks based on these. It, therefore, offers many lessons across a variety of contexts.
My guest is Philippine Congressman and opposition member Gary Alejano. Before becoming a Congressman, Gary was a soldier in the Philippine Marine Corps and risked his life in various combat operations. He was awarded the Medal of Valour for his service to his country.
In 2003, he was one of a group of young officers who led a mutiny to protest corruption in his country’s armed forces. Yes – I said this one is about risk-taking. This was known as the “Oakwood Mutiny” (named after the luxury Manila hotel Alejano and his colleagues occupied). It was an incident that received worldwide attention.
We talk about that. We also talk about his becoming a Congressman and getting into politics – including the negative perception people in the Philippines have about their politicians (which of course, is a phenomenon many people have about their politicians across most countries in the world, particularly now!). We also discuss:
- Opposing his President’s bloody and ineffective “war on drugs”, which by some estimates has led to the deaths of over 20,000 people;
- What is happening inside the Philippines;
- Fake news, democracy and authoritarianism;
- China and geopolitics in the region;
- Running for a Senate seat next year;
- Taking acute personal risks in public life;
- Much more!
I came away from this thinking that Congressman Gary Alejano is one of the world’s good guys. I hope you enjoy this fascinating conversation.
Show notes:
The Philippines “War on Drugs”
Philippine v China South China Sea Arbitration case
Failure of the UN’s 10 year War on Drugs
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It’s great to be back with another episode! This one is about quite a few things, but if I had to define it with one word, it would be fear, and what happens when we take on our fears in the face of uncertainty. My guest is Deepak Shukla. Deepak is many things – CEO of Pearl Lemon SEO, an award-winning Search Engine Optimisation company, an ultra endurance athlete, a rapper, and many other things.
If there is anything that underpins what Deepak is about, it is a willingness to face his fears and to do difficult things – and the power in doing that. Deepak grew up in London, is the son of immigrant parents and as you will hear, followed a non-linear and unconventional path. It is one that has led him to some interesting places in his career and life. This has included the TEDx stage, kick-boxing in Brazil, ultramarathons, Ironman triathlons, a stint as a tax consultant, his rap career, and loads more.
We get into all of that and along the way cover some valuable ground about facing uncertainty, managing your career, having an experimental mindset, dealing with mental health challenges (which we as men need to speak more openly about), entrepreneurism, and more,
Show notes:
DJ Luck and MC Neat - A Little Bit of Luck;
Books mentioned:
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari;
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Join our Decision-making course and get a discount using the code “ALLTHINGSRISK”
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Get your free audio book and 30 day free trial at Audible:
US listeners: get your free trial and audio book at Audible
UK listeners: get your free trial and audio book at Audible
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _
Like what you heard?
Subscribe and/or leave a rating and review on iTunes: http://apple.co/1PjLmK
Subscribe on Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/all-things-risk/the-all-things-risk-podcast
Subscribe on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ben-cattaneo
Follow the podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RiskThings
Drop us a note: allthingsrisk@gmail.com