The Art of War: Applying Ancient Wisdom to Modern Life with Jim Gimian

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Joining us on the show this lifelong student of The Art of War, Jim Gimian! In this conversation we explore how this ancient text which originated in feudal China contains lessons that can be applied to our modern lives in 2026. Jim has been studying and teaching The Art of War (the Sun Tzu Bing Fa) since 1980. He served as the general editor of the best-selling translation, The Art of War: The Denma Translation  (2001) which received critical acclaim from military officers, business leaders, and Asian Studies scholars. Gimian followed that with The Rules of Victory: How to Transform Chaos and Conflict - Strategies from the Art of War (2008), co-authored with Barry Boyce.

Gimian has been presenting lessons from the Art of War to business and non-profit leaders in North America, Australia, and Europe since 1985. His work takes the form of seminars, leadership training programs, consulting, and coaching. The core of this work is presenting the text’s profound strategic thought in clear, simple, and accessible training that enables today’s leaders to employ these tools in their work and lives amidst the challenges of an increasingly complex and uncertain world.

You can check out his course and coaching services over at Rules of Victory or  Order his book at The Art of War: Denma Translation

Show Topics - What is The Art of War - The Concept of 'Taking Whole' - Why Should We Care About Preserving Our Opponent? - History of the Art of War - Philosophical Underpinnings of the Text - Seeing Ourselves Clearly - Conflict as a Sign of Interconnection - Leadership and Trusting Those You Lead - Navigating Living Systems - Pushing Round Boulders Down Hill