The War Against Warriors

There’s an ongoing battle against the very essence of what it means to be a warrior—a conflict not fought on traditional battlefields but waged within our culture, institutions, and public perception. This battle strikes at the heart of what makes societies thrive: resilience, excellence, and the unyielding commitment to serve a greater purpose. To understand the stakes, we must first redefine the term "warrior" and why this archetype is critical to the success of nations, businesses, and communities.

When I speak of warriors, I’m not referring to the caricatures often painted by mainstream narratives or the trendy dilution of the term in modern discourse. Warriors are not mere "social justice warriors" or individuals practicing surface-level empowerment. A warrior has mastered their craft through discipline, sacrifice, and the willingness to stand in the breach when others falter.

The true warrior spirit is universal and timeless. It encompasses the soldier defending their country, the entrepreneur building a visionary company against all odds, and the leader protecting their people and values in the face of adversity. It’s about exceptionalism—the relentless pursuit of excellence, not for the sake of ego but for the benefit of the tribe, the organization, or the society they serve.

In my military career and later as a lawyer, I saw the warrior ethos in action—individuals who made tough decisions, carried great responsibility, and accepted the weight of their roles. Yet, in modern North America, this ethos is under siege. Standards are lowered in the name of inclusivity; mediocrity is celebrated as fairness. In the Canadian Armed Forces, the once-unquestioned focus on lethality and preparedness has been replaced by diluted priorities, leaving us vulnerable in a world that respects strength, not rhetoric.

Contrast this with the private sector, where the warrior spirit is still celebrated—though often misunderstood. Entrepreneurs like Elon Musk embody this ethos, striving to achieve the impossible: colonizing Mars, revolutionizing transportation, and rethinking energy consumption. These are the modern-day warriors, relentlessly pushing humanity forward. Yet they, too, face cultural backlash, often dismissed as eccentric or attacked for their perceived privilege.

But this isn’t just about billionaires or soldiers. Businesses of all sizes need warriors. They need leaders willing to confront hard truths, make bold decisions, and chart a path through adversity. A warrior in business is the founder who puts everything on the line for their vision. The manager stands up for their team in the face of unfair policies. It’s the innovator who pushes boundaries to create something truly exceptional.

Drawing from my military and legal experiences, I’ve seen how the warrior ethos can transform businesses. The military strategy emphasizes preparation, discipline, and decisive action—all essential traits for navigating the unpredictable terrain of modern markets. Legal practice demands precision, resilience, and the ability to anticipate challenges—all crucial for building sustainable businesses.

As we move into 2025, it’s time to reclaim and redefine the word "warrior." Not just in the context of defense, but in every sphere where leadership and excellence are needed. The warrior spirit is about setting high standards and inspiring others to meet them. It’s about rejecting the pull of mediocrity and celebrating those who sacrifice for the greater good, whether they wear a uniform, run a startup, or lead a team.

Our businesses, our communities, and our society at large need warriors. Not for their physical strength but their courage, discipline, and vision. Let’s honor and support those who embody this ethos—not because they are perfect, but because their dedication makes us all stronger.

This is not just about survival; it’s about thriving in a complex and uncertain world. By embracing the warrior spirit in our leaders, businesses, and ourselves, we can drive meaningful change, protect what matters, and build a future worth fighting for.