General Stanley McChrystal's New Book On Character Sparks National Dialogue Ahead of America's 250th AnniversaryWASHINGTON, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to growing concerns among the American people about the erosion of core values, More Perfect—an alliance of 37 Presidential Centers and over 100 civic partners —today announced the launch of Conversations on Character, a series of public events across the country designed to foster reflection on personal and national character.This initiative coincides with the release on May 13 of General (Ret.) Stanley McChrystal's new book, On Character , which draws from his extensive military career to explore lessons learned from success and failure and the discipline required to live up to one's beliefs. The book serves as a catalyst for the series, inviting Americans to reflect on how individual decisions reflect their own values and collectively how they shape the country's character.A recent Ipsos survey conducted for the Medal of Honor Foundation reflects the potential willingness for Americans to embrace this conversation: 87 percent of Americans believe the country would benefit from stronger values, and 82 percent feel that American society is now less values-based compared to previous generations. Furthermore, 9 out of 10 Americans consider integrity, commitment, citizenship, and courage essential values.In a recent New York Times op-ed, General McChrystal emphasized the importance of confronting our fears and embracing courage to strengthen our national character. He wrote, "The strength of our character is not defined by the absence of fear but by our ability to face it, to rise above it and to live, and lead, with integrity. It is in these moments that we show the true measure of our resolve." He continued, "Fear is not a force to be defeated by force alone, but by the steady adherence to rules that govern both our actions and our hearts. In this, we will find not just a defense against fear, but also the foundation of our strength."The first event of Conversations on Character with General McChrystal at a Presidential Center will be held at George Washington's Mount Vernon on May 29, 2025

The tech world has experienced its fair share of economic woes, but it’s fair to say that the industry is going through a couple of years from hell. Several of the biggest tech titans have engaged in sweeping layoffs. Nerdwallet reports that there were more tech layoffs in 2022 than in the previous two years combined.Even for companies that haven’t scaled back their staff, the economy is scaring many previously optimistic tech startups into preserving cash and extending runways.These short-term adjustments may be necessary at the moment, but savvy leaders have to resist living in a “damage control” mindset. You can’t sacrifice the long game in favor of short-term survival. You need to balance safety with calculated risk by looking for the silver lining here — because it’s significant.Here are a few ways to take advantage of tech layoffs and turn short-term fears into long-term strengths for your brand.Clean up organizational managementIt’s easy (and tempting) to blame the economy for layoffs. If entrepreneurs truly want to use tech layoffs as a learning experience, though, they should take a good, long look inward.Consider where your organization is lacking