“If you’re planning for a year – sow grain.

If you’re planning for ten years – plant trees.

If you’re planning for a hundred years – educate children.”

— Chinese proverb from Guanzi

Strategic management of the development of cities and states means thinking in decades. It is about planning, but not about trying to precisely design everything for the next dozens of years. The future will be different from what we imagine today, changing, full of challenges, and ready to throw those plans into the bin. Strategic success will depend on how well we can handle that future. That’s why those who truly manage strategically are the ones who shape generations: motivated, creative, curious about the world, grounded in identity, and antifragile. A good future doesn’t need detailed plans — it needs wise people.

My thanks to Mayor Grzegorz Janeczek for inviting me to deliver talks across all kindergartens and primary schools in the city of Miasto Głowno. Many thanks as well to the heads and staff of these institutions and the City Hall, especially to Mr. Marcin Niekraś, Department Head and Ms. Dorota Woźniak, Department Officer. A wonderful, truly strategic experience!