Are you a Missionary or a Mercenary?
Explore that question through our new serialized ebook, one chapter each week.
Welcome to the Missionary + Mercenary digital community. We're the brothers Arik and Derek Johnson, the intelligence provocateurs behind the forthcoming book, "The Missionary and The Mercenary."
Through this unique collection of tradecraft, case studies, and memoirs, we explore the dynamic interplay between these two essential mindsets: the Missionary, driven by a higher calling and infinite possibilities, and the Mercenary, focused on pragmatic, tangible results based on your deliberate actions.
Utilizing a systematic approach that transcends the extremes of selfless martyrdom and cold Machiavellian tactics, we offer a realistic path for those seeking to harmonize their ideals with practical necessities.
Balancing these perspectives is no small feat. Our mission and aim is to provide you with the tools and insights needed to strike this balance effectively based on the needs of each individual situation.
Through Our Digital Newsletter and Serialized Ebook, You’ll Discover:
Perspectives on Decision Making: You’ll learn to balance idealism and pragmatism for better decision-making, avoiding the pitfalls of relying solely on natural inclinations.
Analytical Framework: Utilizing our 10-step analytical framework, you will be able to determine which perspective—Missionary/Idealist or Mercenary/Pragmatist—will most likely generate optimal results in any given situation. This framework is designed to guide you through a comprehensive analysis, helping you to choose the best possible approach for your unique circumstances.
Feedback Interpretation: Tools for understanding macro-environmental signals and feedback, enabling confident action aligned with your goals.
As a subscriber, you’ll gain:
Intuition: Insights that intuitively "click."
Poise: Readiness to apply these principles in real life.
Secret Knowledge: An understanding of human nature that gives you an edge.
Meet the Authors
Arik Johnson founded Aurora WDC in 1995, driven by a passion for solving complex intelligence problems through innovative approaches. In leading a pioneering intelligence firm, Arik’s journey is a testament to his belief in clarity of purpose.
Derek Johnson joined Aurora WDC in 2003, blending academic excellence with practical experience. Fiercely protective of the company’s values, Derek's leadership is fueled by a deep commitment to the professional and personal communities we serve.
Aurora WDC: The Mission
Aurora WDC’s mission is to help organizations, teams, and individuals make better decisions by balancing idealism with pragmatism. We’ve spent 30 years refining our intelligence tradecraft, observing what works and what doesn’t with the world’s largest companies.
Why This Book and Its Message Matters Now
The COVID-19 pandemic thrust us into an era of unprecedented uncertainty, demanding a reevaluation of traditional approaches to life and business. "The Missionary and the Mercenary" offers a timely solution, advocating for a balanced approach that integrates both idealistic and pragmatic perspectives.
Join Us on This Journey
By embracing both the Missionary and Mercenary within you and your business, you can navigate the complexities of modern life with greater confidence and effectiveness.
By subscribing to our digital newsletter and serialized book, you’ll join a community of people who are passionately invested in mastering this balance.
In the words of noted author and thought-leader Simon Sinek:
"Pure pragmatism can’t imagine a bold future. Pure idealism can’t get anything done. It is the delicate blend of both that drives innovation."
Let’s embark on this journey together, asking better questions, blending our dreams with actionable insights to create a better future.
Welcome to Missionary + Mercenary
Arik and Derek
P.S. For those of you who might ask, yes, we do intend to publish the full book at the end of this process. Part of the reason we’re serializing it is to gather feedback along the way—to discover what parts resonate, what parts could be improved, and what should be trimmed. As a subscriber, we’re inviting you to share your thoughts along this journey. Join us!