Let’s face it: the world is on fire—sometimes literally. The systems that built our prosperity are now threatening our future. As host Charlene Norman puts it, “You cannot build regenerative systems on extractive foundations. You cannot create sustainable solutions using the same logic that created the crisis.”
This episode isn’t about bashing the U.S. or any one leader. It’s about recognizing the global export of American-style capitalism and its consequences. If you’re leading a business, you’re not just a bystander—you’re a participant. The question is: are you perpetuating these patterns, or are you ready to help break them?
Diving deep into the work of Richard David Hames, using his essay “The Mirror Cracks: Donald Trump and the American Psyche” as a lens to examine the foundational patterns driving both climate crisis and the broader malaise of modern capitalism, the episodes looks at three of Richard’s six insights
-The Extractive Imperative
-The Spectacle State
-The Fortress Fantasy
You may also find this 2018 talk illuminating
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The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn’t just good ethics – it’s good business.
Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, find her at her website, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.
